COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
 |
| Demeter |
Remember Demeter? Oh, sure you do. She was the Greek goddess of the earth, agriculture, the harvest and fertility. Her daughter, Persephone got all the good press, but it was Demeter who was responsible for bountiful crops of grain, for keeping people fed and happy. Mostly known as a ‘mothering’ goddess, she was nurturing and care-giving. In short, she’s a rather overlooked heroine.
Fast forward a few millennia and half a continent west to Headford
and you’ll find a modern-day Demeter. Mary Mahon keeps people fed and happy in
a number of different ways.
On a muggy Thursday in July, she’s been spending the day in
a hot kitchen making four cheesecakes and two pies for a 25th
wedding anniversary. She has a bit of a catering business, cooking for parties,
anniversaries and pretty much any social event throughout the year.
 |
| Mary Mahon |
‘It’s therapeutic,’ Mary says. She illustrates her point by offering
a slice of delicious apple tart and telling me about her Christmas parties
which are ‘famous.’ Her kitchen is about the size of a third world country, and
it would need to be. Last year, she made food for sixty neighbours and friends
who attended the annual Christmas gala at her house.
Mary’s nurturing nature gets even more of a workout each
Wednesday and Friday. As a participant in the Rural Social Scheme, she delivers
meals on wheels all around the Headford area countryside.
Cooking and food have always been a part of Mary’s nature. Growing
up in Rossaveal, she was one of seven children. Her mom taught her to cook and
she says she’s been catering since a young age. ‘It made me feel like a little
mother, I guess.’ After attending catering college, she worked in hotel
kitchens, honing her skills. Then, in 1986, she met her husband, Gerry, in Salt
Hill. It should probably come as no surprise that their three children love to
cook, too.
 |
| Mary, Bonnie and the Minx |
But it isn’t all
about food at the Mahon house. Mary and Gerry are both rabid vintage rally
participants and members of the Shrule and District Vintage Club. Proud of
their vintage green 1966 Hillman Minx, they’ve driven it to rallies all over
Ireland, and even England. When she’s not cooking or driving old cars, Mary says
she walks Knock Ma in the evenings ‘to switch off,’ and she positively adores country/western
dancing.
When Mary talks about her life-long dream, it draws another
connection to Demeter. In addition to being responsible for bountiful harvests,
this particular Greek goddess was perceived
to truly empathize with the human experience . . .
‘I’d love to have a little pub,’ Mary says. ‘It’s always
been my dream. I like to listen to people’s stories.’
If she ever does get that pub, no doubt it will be a great success!
