St Clare’s Hospitality Kitchen celebrates a decade of service

ST CLARE’S Hospitality Kitchen marked a significant milestone recently, celebrating ten years of community service with a special gathering at its Graiguecullen base. Since opening in 2015, the kitchen has become a cornerstone of support in the Carlow area, providing hot meals and companionship to individuals and families facing food insecurity.

The anniversary celebration, held under sunny skies, brought together volunteers, supporters, and beneficiaries of the service. During the event, 11 volunteers who had dedicated a full decade to the kitchen received special recognition with long-service appreciation certificates.

“I received a certificate for ten years of volunteering in the kitchen. It was lovely to receive it. I love it in there with all the staff and other volunteers; a great service and I’m so glad to be part of it,” Jane Lacey, one of the honoured volunteers, posted online.

Other long-serving volunteers recognised included Angela Dowling, Ina McCarthy, Siobhain Kinsella, Chris Mittan, Michelle Maddock, Rosaleen Keating, Linda Lawlor, Kathleen O’Neill, Patricia Gilchrist, and Brid Brett.

Fr John Dunphy, director of St Clare’s, expressed his gratitude: “For ten years, St Clare’s has been more than just a place to get a hot meal – it has been a place of support, dignity and community.” 

Among those in attendance were local photographer Seamus White, who donated several framed photographs on the day, cllr Paul Doogue, cllr Adrienne Wallace and representatives from Carlow Volunteer Centre.

Isobel Brooker, a founding member, reflected on the last ten years: “We started with a simple mission – to make sure that no-one in our community goes hungry. A decade later, we are still here, still serving.” Sustained by community fundraising and the generosity of local schools and businesses, St Clare’s remains committed to its mission even as the cost-of-living crisis continues to affect many in the community.