State visits and diplomatic dining

Elaine Mahon, a DIT Cathal Brugha St student who recently completed her BA in Culinary Arts, has had two articles on John F Kennedy's visit to Ireland in 1963 published in the Irish Independent. She was also interviewed on the subject of diplomatic dining by Neil Delamere on Mooney on RTÉ Radio1.

Elaine's final year thesis, Eating for Ireland: An investigation into Ireland's diplomatic dining since the inception of the state, concentrated on three major diplomatic events in Irish history; the Eucharistic Congress in 1932, President Kennedy's visit in 1963, and Queen Elizabeth II's visit in 2011. You can now read A French chef, fine china... and beef!, Elaine's piece on the state dinner and reception given in honour of JFK, and About the little known dining club..., her article on the now defunct Civil Service Dining Club, by clicking on the links above or by searching for them on the Irish Independent website.

For more on the fascinating subject of state visits and diplomatic dining you can listen to Elaine's interview on Mooney by accessing the podcast here.