Gluten Free Community Nominations 2022
The Gluten Free Community Kindness Thank You’s are designed to recognise the outstanding work of those unsung heroes of all ages in our communities who make living a gluten free life a little easier for those amongst them.
Darina Cullen
Going above and beyond the call of duty as a Dietitian to aid coeliacs. She organised blood test during the pandemic when the GPs were overwhelmed.
Mary McCullagh
My neighbour – wife, mother and parttime working nutritionist. Every week bakes a gluten free loaf for me. When I fell and broke my shoulder during first covid lockdown my family could not visit. I was hospitalised as I required a replacement shoulder – she took me to the hospital and also took me to all follow up visits.\r\nNow a widow I did not have my dear husband around to look after me – she was always there if asked to help as was her husband. For many weeks during my recovery she did my shopping all I had to do was give her a shopping list. Despite her busy life she had time to help me when I needed her as my family could not visit. I hope she will be considered as she deserves a big Thank You. Elizabeth Davies
Murat Yilmaz
Murat is the owner and chef at Pasta Castellos in Donabate. He has a large variety of GF foods and understands the importance of not letting foods cross-contaminate. His range of GF food spans all the way from starters to GF alcoholic options. He is not just a GF champion but fully understands coeliac needs and how to make good food for coeliacs.
Billy McCann
His unstinting kindness to coeliacs over many many years. He was always available to answer questions, offer suggestions, give sensible and relevant advice and regularly provided gluten free goodies. He organised a support group for coeliacs to meet and discuss issues every month, without fail, for more than 20 years. He always put others before himself. There were times when he was going through medical issues of his own and no one would ever know. He fundraised for the society for years and helped organised the annual Christmas party, sourcing ‘goodie’ bags and spot prizes from so many companies. All this work took time and effort. Yet Billy never once complained or moaned and did everything with his usual glint in his eye and smile on his face. His positivity and good humour were infectious and he rallied many a newly diagnosed coeliac with sound and helpful advice. \r\nThir time is opportune to put Billy forward as one of our very special unsung heroes and as an ideal candidate for the Gluten Free Community Kindness Thank you, as he is about to step down as co-ordinator of our support group in June, after over 20 years of quiet, unassuming yet powerful action on behalf of coeliacs all over Ireland, but especially in Dublin. I could go on and on about the many ways that Billy has been there for so many coeliacs but I hope you have got a flavour of my ‘unsung hero’ from the above.
Annonymous
My mum is nearly 79. She was diagnosed a coeliac at 41. During the pandemic she has baked swiss rolls and apples tarts for the local GP practice and the local pharmacy to thank them for their work in keeping us safe.
Jude O' Reilly
Jude has recently taken over a lovely vegan\/vegetarian café in Blackrock Market. He is now taking extra care to offer a selection of gluten-free dishes. He wants the dishes to be healthy, but also a bit different from the usual offerings. He lives locally and has asked me if I could taste the dishes he makes (his pesto, cookies, granola, cakes…) to give him feedback. Everything was delicious. He is very interested in bringing in something new, and for me it was refreshing to finally have cookies and granola that are not too sweet, or to have cakes which are not the usual fare, found in most other cafès. He is very interested in getting feedback and in expanding his GF selection. It’s lovely to see his enthusiasm, especially as he is not a coeliac himself.
Ciaran Flynn
I’m coeliac and he wasn’t aware of what it is before he met me. How ever he was done loads of research, got new pots\/pans and will eat gluten free himself when we eat out. So I don’t get ill and so that I can taste everything. Without fail he has been amazing, almost too amazing because he stops me when I want to eat non gluten free.
Annonymous
Being the most supportive husband in navigating the new world of gluten free dietary requirements, a listening ear when it all got a bit much and an all round superstar
Martina McCann
Introducing new gluten free products into the shop, always listening and learning. Recently she made an entire corner of the shop into a ‘gluten free ‘area, it’s only a small local shop in the country!
Edel Marrin
Her out standing contribution to the community of Clane while including and being mindful of local Gluten free neighbours and friends. \r\nEdel is a great participant of all local groups and events and works tirelessly in fund raising. Her biggest skill is baking and especially Gf baking. \r\nEdel will always turn up with the most amazing GF offerings for one and all. A thoughtful and caring young lady.
Pauline O' Connor
Pauline is a waitress at the Bay Tree Restaurant in Portlaoise, County Laois. When I first was diagnosed four years ago she was so helpful explaining the menu to me and at each visit during those years she would tell me some useful general gluten free tips. As I was dairy free aswel she always made sure that I was catered for. At every visit she made sure that I was given gluten free food. She would always keep me updated on new foods and new gluten free choices available. Always made sure there was fresh home made gluten free bread every week for me when store bought gluten free bread was making me ill. (Before promise bread was available) She always went above and beyond and made the transition to gluten free and eating out less daunting. I will never forget her kindness and compassion when it was such a difficult time for me. She should definitely be nominated a hero.
Ann Creaner
Mrs Creaner is principal of St Columba’s National School in North Strand in Dublin. It is a small school with just over 100 students. When my daughter attended there and was newly diagnosed, Mrs Creaner always provided for her at every school event. She made adapting to the condition very doable.
Annonymous
Always having gluten- free goodies ready for me when I come home and picking up new things you think I’d like!
Angeline Treacy
Mrs Creaner is principal of St Columba’s National School in North Strand in Dublin. It is a small school with just over 100 students. When my daughter attended there and was newly diagnosed, Mrs Creaner always provided for her at every school event. She made adapting to the condition very doable.
Clare Donnelly
Gluten Free hero! No pregnancy cravings, no travels absolutely nothing phases her\r\nShe doesn’t complain, she looks for alternatives & always look happy. She’s so kind and caring & doesn’t let it affect her, she’s my hero ❤
Lorretta Cheevers
Lorreta and her husband John opened Clasbys restaurant in October 2021 in the village of Craughwell, Co Galway. On our first visit we were amazed to see that almost all the items on the menu were prepared coeliac friendly…especially the beer battered fish and chips which I hadn’t eaten since I was diagnosed over 10 years ago!! Loretta explained to me that her dad had recently been diagnosed with Coeliac disease and based on some difficult experiences dining out for him, she was adamant that their restaurant would be as coeliac friendly as possible. They have done an outstanding job and we love eating there as 3 of our family are coeliac. Thanks to Loretta, John, his mother Mary, chef Julian and all the staff for creating a fantastic dining experience in a small village in the West of Ireland…..the food is superb and gluten free!! I would strongly recommend people with Coeliac disease who are looking for a great dining experience to visit. John Reidy
Barntown NS, Wexford
Since Eoins diagnosis of Coeliac Disease his classmates have always been so considerate. They are always careful not to cross contaminate while eating lunch. When they have a party in the classroom they bring in sweets that Eoin can eat. They always take care of him if he is at their house on a play date. They have always been eager to understand Eoins coeliac disease and other food allergies. They make Eoins everyday school life much easier.
Paula Benson
Paula works at the lotts cafe bar on Liffey street, she is very aware of ceoliac needs from food to cross contamination. She even went to the trouble of purchasing a toaster and a deep fat fryer only to be used for GF food in the restaurant, she goes above and beyond anytime we visit the Lotts to ensure I am kept safe and enjoy a lovely meal. She always has GF bread available or will go to the shop on her way to work if she knows I’m coming in for a meal, that’s dedication. This is one of the reasons I revisit again and again.
Neill McKinley
| Brilliant shop all kinds of delicious Wholefoods and grains. Green and recycling, very friendly and helpful. Loads of flours. |
Fernhill House Hotel
Delicious gluten free menu, nothing is a problem, always as much gluten free choice as non gf, wonderful place.
Tom Reeves
Consistently making me feel welcome and no bother to accommodate with a gluten free diet. Great to have such an adaptable restaurant menu and such kind staff. It is the most comfortable that I feel eating out as the food and staff are excellent.
Mary Mc Cullagh
My neighbour – wife, mother and parttime working nutritionist. Every week bakes a gluten free loaf for me. When I fell and broke my shoulder during first covid lockdown my family could not visit. I was hospitalised as I required a replacement shoulder – she took me to the hospital and also took me to all follow up visits.\r\nNow a widow I did not have my dear husband around to look after me – she was always there if asked to help as was her husband. For many weeks during my recovery she did my shopping all I had to do was give her a shopping list. Despite her busy life she had time to help me when I needed her as my family could not visit. \r\n\r\nI hope she will be considered as she deserves a big Thank You.\r\nElizabeth Davies
Jude O'Reilly
Jude has recently taken over a lovely vegan\/vegetarian café in Blackrock Market. He is now taking extra care to offer a selection of gluten-free dishes. He wants the dishes to be healthy, but also a bit different from the usual offerings. He lives locally and has asked me if I could taste the dishes he makes (his pesto, cookies, granola, cakes…) to give him feedback. Everything was delicious. He is very interested in bringing in something new, and for me it was refreshing to finally have cookies and granola that are not too sweet, or to have cakes which are not the usual fare, found in most other cafès. He is very interested in getting feedback and in expanding his GF selection. It’s lovely to see his enthusiasm, especially as he is not a coeliac himself.
Amanda Donahue
When Eoin was first diagnosed with Coeliac Disease he was upset that he could no longer eat his favourite sweets. Amanda in Aunty Nellies, Wexford, not even knowing Eoin, created a gluten free, dairy free section of sweets in the shop for him on discovering there was nothing he could buy on a visit there. Amanda makes sure all her staff know to change their gloves when getting sweets for Eoin and to put the sweets directly into a bag and not onto the weighing scales. Amanda’s cheery disposition cheers Eoin up any time he goes into the shop. She has been a hero to Eoin when he needed one.
Una Leonard
Taking the time to make safe gluten free treats that are available both in store and online. It is a huge amount of additional work to make these treats on a throughly cleaned kitchen, with dedicated tools, before the kitchen is opened for the usual days business. I really appreciate the effort to accommodate those with coeliac disease and a need for gluten free options. The fact that the salted carmel brownies are AMAZING is just a bonus!
