Gráinne O Neill, integration support co-ordinator with Carlow County Council, has highlighted the importance of food in bringing people together. Local authorities and community organisations around the country regularly host events to promote integration and she pointed to the success of Tullow’s Multi-Cultural Supper Club – held recently for new arrivals into the county.

She reports: “Healthy Carlow said the second event of Tullow Multi-cultural Supper Club, held at the Cairdeas Centre, was a big success. The mission is to celebrate the rich diversity within the community through the universal languages of food and music.”

The Tullow Multicultural Supper Club brings together people from different cultures to share their culinary traditions and music.
“The event brings people together in a warm, inclusive atmosphere, fostering understanding and connection,” said Gráinne.

• Food brings people together, as Tullow demonstrates – source – Tullow Men’s Shed Facebook page. Photo by Michael O’Rourke Photography.

Martina Walsh from Healthy Carlow said, “This Supper Club is an important platform for celebrating the diverse cultures (in) Tullow. We are incredibly proud to host these events.”

Frank Morris of Tullow Men’s Shed said the Supper Club was fantastic for connecting people.

“It’s heartening to see the community come together in such a joyful and inclusive setting,” he said.

The Supper Club “is becoming a beloved tradition in Tullow”, said Gráinne. “It offers a platform for cultural exchange and celebrating what makes the community unique.”

• Tullow’s Multi-Cultural Supper Club provides a great welcome. Photo by Michael O’Rourke Photography.

The initiative is funded by Healthy Carlow with support from local organisations including Carlow County Council’s Integration Team, Carlow County Development Partnership, the Cairdeas Centre, Develop Tullow Association and Tullow Men’s Shed.

This article appeared in our Spring 2025 edition, alongside an article from Sean Hillen about Fáilte Isteach Falcarragh, Co. Donegal and other stories on integration and refugees (click below).

You can read the full Spring 2025 edtition HERE (free to read/download).

Falcarragh volunteers are helping war-weary refugees from Ukraine