Acknowledgments

The Mince Pie Project is only made possible by the help, support and encouragement from everyone involved. 

They say it takes a village, and, my word, it does. It actually takes all of east Cork (& more) to pull this project together. I would like to express my sincerest gratitude to everyone who has helped along the way, including:

  • The donations of ingredients from the wonderful suppliers this year:
    • Frank Murphy from Murphy's Butchers Midleton
    • Olive & Arun in Green Saffron Spices
    • Cait in Kells Wholemeal
    • Jacinta from The Village Greengrocer Castlemartyr
    • Rory Allen in Ballymaloe and Mary Cooney for their wonderful apples
    • Colum from LaRousse Foods.
  • Bree at Ballymaloe Grainstore for the opportunity to have a stall at the brilliant Craft Fair, and also for the generous use of the kitchen space on site.
  • Ted and his kitchen played a big part in the mixing of the mincemeat, along with help from Billy & Sinead. Also fair play to Ted for creating the most wonderful stall from a couple of trestle tables and a gazebo, unreal.
  • Tim, Darina and Jane at Ballymaloe Cookery School were invaluable in making this project happen, and the mighty sheeter that rolled all that pastry. 
  • These mince pies were lovingly assembled by Marina and Thien at Ballymaloe Cookery School, and my dear colleague Anne Healy. I couldn't have done it without your fantastic help.
  • A huge thank you to my dear friend JR who has been there for me from the beginning, with plenty of moral support, guidance and hot whiskies to help with the process.
  • Michelle deserves a special mention for all her brilliant help with on the ground support and getting the stall together for the Craft Fair, as does Iona and her trusty secateurs that added some verdant festive cheer to the stall. Thank you also to Daphne for her support and encouragement on the day.
  • Thank you to Jade for bearing with me, the regular mental health check-ins, her graphic design know-how and sign-writing prowess. 
  • To Daniel for capturing magical mince pie moments on camera.
  • My parents need a special mention for their trojan efforts across the baking & packing of the mince pies and the building of the stall. Where would I be without you both. 
  • To my family and friends who have supported the project from the very beginning, your encouragement means so much.
  • To my housemates, who have been so patient in having our living room transformed into mince pie headquarters for the duration of this project.
  • And to you wonderful customers, thank you thank you thank you for being a part of The Mince Pie Project, without you it wouldn't be possible.

Your support and encouragement have been invaluable, and I am so grateful.

Thank you all so much.