D'Ref@CPC meeting with student approval

An initiative to provide good quality food to students in CPC within the College is working out very well this term, writes Brian Byrne.

The revamped Refectory — now dubbed D'Ref@CPC — in the College is being operated by Sinead Ryan, helped by her sister Lydia and her mother Lil Byrne, offering fresh food for breakfast time, mid-morning break, and lunch time, at very competitive prices.

"Everything is prepared here on the premises, and all the food is sourced fresh and locally," says Sinead, who is gradually adding more options to the 'Tuck Shop' menu at very accessible prices. A main course dinner, for example, costs just €4, while snacks such as sausage rolls and rashers in baps range €1-€1.50. Fresh fruit is always available, and Sinead is planning further extensions to the available meals. "I'm not trying to introduce too much too soon, but we're gradually adding more as we see what the students want."

As winter chills in, soup made daily from fresh ingredients is growing in popularity. And Sinead is expecting the breakfast side of things — a new element — to grow. "I think we need to offer more traditional rashers and sausages, especially for the lads."

The school itself is very pleased to see the growing popularity of D'Ref, and hope that parents will encourage their children to use it. "I'm very aware that there are many outlets nearby where the quality of food is very high," says assistant principal Noel Clare. "So it's great to see that D'Ref is competing successfully."

Sinead and her team are also catering for internal events in the College, such as the AGM of the Parents Association.

The option of using the Refectory was made possible during a revamp of that part of the old CPC building in recent times. That provided an opportunity to upgrade the kitchen area as well as the main room.