Celebrity chef, Donal Skehan paid a courtesy visit to Roche's SPAR in Mitchelstown last Monday as part of his Kitchen Hero tour. Later that evening, the popular young television star hosted a cookery evening in Cork's Opera House.

Thanks to boyish good looks and natural charm, Donal is a big hit with young people and Monday's in-store crowd was boosted by the presence of excited young females. Donal had a word for everyone, posed for countless photographs, facilitated the aforementioned girls with 'selfies' (them and himself), engaged in good humoured banter and surprised us all with the revelation that as a former band member, he was managed by Mitchelstown musical promoter, James Hyland.

He didn't put a foot wrong and after this smooth bit of PR, he slipped away. Donal's presence certainly gave a boost to this famous shop, which for decades was run by husband and wife team, Tom and Ann Roche. Their legacy lives on as daughters, Esther (Kenneally) and Noreen Roche, are now overseeing matters. The revamp of the store has been very impressive and the cafe area in the corner is proving a popular meeting place. Patrons are also glowing in their praise of the shop's coffee (the best around we were told). On investigation we learned the beautiful blend was 'Tim Horton'.

Complementary food was served by staff during Donal's visit and Cuisine de France representatives were also on hand with some very tasty confectionery - a successful excercise for Roche's SPAR, some good publicity for Donal Skehan and plenty of happy customers, you couldn't go wrong!

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