ATU Students Raise €720 for Mary’s Meals

February 18, 2026

Students at Atlantic Technological University’s (ATU) Killybegs Campus raised €720 for Mary's Meals by delivering a fundraising lunch.

ATU first, second, and third-year BA Culinary Arts students, second-year Hotel Management and Hospitality Operations students, and fundraiser attendees pictured with Father Eamonn Kelly and Patricia Friel, Executive Director of Mary’s Meals Ireland.

Mary’s Meals delivers school feeding programmes in some of the world’s most disadvantaged communities. The funds raised will provide daily school meals for 33 children for a full academic year, supporting both nutrition and access to education.

The fundraiser formed part of the Restaurant Management module and was delivered as a live learning experience. First, second and third year BA Culinary Arts students prepared and presented a four-course lunch under the guidance of Chef Lecturers Eddie McMenamin and Karl McNulty, while second year Hotel Management and Hospitality Operations students managed front-of-house service.

Patrick Brennan, Teaching & Learning Coordinator and Lecturer at ATU, said:

ATU is proud of its students for supporting another child’s education and future in some of the world’s poorest communities. The fundraiser brought together our BA Culinary Arts and Hotel Management and Hospitality Operations students, who delivered a meal as part of their learning.

Patricia Friel, Executive Director, Mary’s Meals Ireland, said:

“The students and lecturers at ATU prepared and delivered a wonderful meal, and the service provided by the wait staff was excellent. The money raised will be enough to feed 33 children for a full school year, and we are very grateful for the longstanding partnership with ATU.”

ATU has supported Mary’s Meals through similar fundraising initiatives in recent years, reflecting the University’s commitment to community engagement and applied learning.

Photo caption: ATU first, second, and third-year BA Culinary Arts students, second-year Hotel Management and Hospitality Operations students, and fundraiser attendees pictured with Father Eamonn Kelly and Patricia Friel, Executive Director of Mary’s Meals Ireland.

Catherine Howley

Digital Communications Officer

catherine.howley@atu.ie

+353 89 219 05 01