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22 Jan 2026

Chef Neven Maguire to hook up with Portnoo Market Garden for cookery fundraiser

This one-off event promises to be an unforgettable evening of food, community and generosity, with all proceeds going directly to the Downstrands Family Resource Centre, supporting vital services for families and individuals in need across the local area

Chef Neven Maguire to hook up with Portnoo Market Garden for cookery fundraiser

The Clanree Hotel has generously donated the use of its ballroom

Portnoo Market Garden has announced a very special fundraising cookery demonstration hosted by Ireland’s favourite chef, Neven Maguire, taking place at the Clanree Hotel on Monday, March 9.

This one-off event promises to be an unforgettable evening of food, community and generosity, with all proceeds going directly to the Downstrands Family Resource Centre, supporting vital services for families and individuals in need across the local area.

The event follows the success of Portnoo Market Garden’s Christmas Appeal, which raised over €55,000 for local families experiencing hardship. Inspired by the impact of that appeal and the difference it made on the ground, Kenny Maguire and Neven Maguire reached out to discuss how they could further support the work of the Downstrands Family Resource Centre. From those conversations, the idea of a large-scale fundraising cookery demonstration was born.

At the heart of the evening will be Neven Maguire’s live cookery demonstration, where attendees can expect practical cooking tips, seasonal inspiration and plenty of storytelling from one of Ireland’s most respected and loved chefs. Barrie Quinn from Portnoo Market Garden will be the MC on the night.

Barrie is the owner of Portnoo Market Garden and an online influencer with over 1.1m followers across three platforms. Barrie uses his online reach to inspire followers to grow their own food and make better lifestyle choices

Portnoo Market Garden is a small farm business, focused on growing chemical-free food, making natural products, and supporting the community around them. 

Beyond the cookery demonstration, the night will feature a fundraising auction and raffle, giving attendees the chance to bid on and win a range of exciting prizes, with every euro raised going directly to the cause. Guests will also be able to browse food producer stands, showcasing local and artisan producers and adding to the atmosphere, making the evening a celebration of local food, craft and community.

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Community support has been central to making this event possible. The Clanree Hotel has generously donated the use of its ballroom, Neven Maguire is giving his time free of charge, and Kenny Maguire is providing the staging and full audio-visual production at no cost. These contributions ensure that as much money as possible goes directly to supporting the Downstrands Family Resource Centre.

Barrie Quinn from Portnoo Market Garden has set an ambitious target of raising €20,000 to help build on the vital work already underway in supporting neighbours, friends and families when they need it most. With great food, engaging conversation, local producers and a strong sense of community, the event promises to be an all-round great night for everyone involved.

Tickets are already selling fast and can be purchased at www.portnoomarketgarden.ie. Guests are encouraged to book early to avoid disappointment.

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