The Restaurant Irish Heart and Irish Kidney Foundation Fundraiser

John with Lucinda O' Sullivan.

I had a really wonderful evening in the company of some of Ireland's top food critics at The Wineport Lodge in Glasson. The Wineport Lodge and ‘The Restaurant’ team  hosted a very special evening consisting of Champagne and cocktails with canapés on arrival followed by an exceptionally scrumptious three course meal with accompanying red and white wines. The format of the evening was similar to that of the television show - which I was lucky to attend last November - with the diners and critics in dark as to who was cooking in the kitchen. Only at the end of the evening did the chef emerge from the kitchen with John introducing him as Ireland's original celebrity chef. To my delight it was Conrad Gallagher. He is a perfectionist and this shone through in all of his dishes we had tasted, each bursting with a variety of flavours which all seemed to marry so well together. Scores on the meal were given by the combined votes of the critics and diners and Conrad earned a deserving 5 stars. It was a fabulous evening consisting of delectable food for a very worthy cause.

Paulo and Tom in deep conversation prior to the meal.

Louise and Stephen on a night off cooking.

With my good friend Noreen.

The Sweet Treat Company were there to treat us to all the sweets we desired with our cocktails. A lovely idea - my boys were delighted with what I brought home!

The Menu!

The Scallops and Black Pudding.

The Pea Soup.

With Conrad at the end of the evening.

The purpose of the evening was to create awareness and  raise funds for both the Irish Heart and Irish Kidney Foundations plus contribute to a special fund set-up to assist seriously ill John Healy, The Restaurant Show's Maitre D', though his medical journey. John was the host for the evening and if unaware one would never believe that he is awaiting a heart transplant. He was wonderfully upbeat and positive with his clear intention for the evening to raise awareness of the importance of holding a donor card. He stressed not only their significance but also how important it is to share with your loved ones your wishes to donate organs after you pass. I have worked as a nurse in Coronary Care and Intensive Care and have met patients that are everyday dealing with the constant anguish of whether or not they will receive the organ that they so desperately need. It's heartbreaking and the one thing you can do to help is apply for an organ donation card, fill it in and make sure to discuss your intentions with your nearest and dearest. In the awful event of sudden death organ donation may not occur to families that are completely grief stricken. So if you don't already have a donor 
card do please make the effort and sign up for one, it could quite possibly save somebody's life.