CELEBRITY chef, Neven Maguire, has contributed a recipe to a fundraising cook book that has been published by St. Patrick’s Primary School in Derrygonnelly.

The ‘Little Book of Deliciousness’, which was launched at the school during a special event earlier this month, also features recipes contributed by principal Paul Fitzpatrick, local parish priest Fr. Jimmy McPhillips and many others.

All the classes at the school also came up with a recipe each, with children in P6 and P7 creating a recipe individually.

Meanwhile, the back of the cook book is made up of advertisements from local businesses.

The money raised by the book is going towards paying for the school’s brand new library, which was also unveiled to the local community at the special celebration event.

The evening began with a ‘Big Bedtime Read’ for all the children. They wore their pyjamas and dressing gowns, and brought a teddy with them.

The younger ones had the pleasure of their teachers and very special visitor, Santa, read to them.

Fermanagh senior GAA player, James Duffy, read to the P4 to P7 pupils.

Other special guests on the night included Olaf, from Disney’s ‘Frozen’, and two Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Raphael and Donatello.

Parents and members of the local community who attended on the night were impressed by the transformation of the library.

It is made up of over 2,600 books, comprising, fiction, non-fiction, picture books and easy reads.

The school anticipates the introduction of audio books and story sacks in the near future.

Miss Aideén McGarrigle, teacher, literacy co-ordinator and organiser, said: “Vibrant, bright, colourful, engaging and inviting were some of the words used to describe the new environment.”

The travelling book fair was present and available to everyone who attended.

Adults and children later gathered in the school’s assembly hall and were shown an iPad video about the construction of the new library, which was put together by the Primary 6 afterschool ICT club.

The children also sang a self-composed tune written by P6 and P7 pupils to the tune of ‘Wagon Wheel’.

There was also balloon modelling for the children, a raffle with many generously donated prizes and refreshments available, including tea, coffee and tray bakes.

The children then launched the fundraising recipe book, ‘St. Patrick’s PS Little Book of Deliciousness’.

Miss McGarrigle added: “We were so impressed and thankful for the support from parents and guardians, businesses and the entire community.

“We really believe that by home and school working together we can achieve so much more for our children. #TEAM work makes the DREAM work.”

School principal, Mr Fitzpatrick, said staff and pupils were “delighted” with their new library.

“We are so lucky to have such an invaluable learning space which will engage and motivate our children to read for pleasure, fostering a love of reading and ultimately impacting on our standards in literacy,” he added.