1996/99
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No "Pot Luck" for Marjorie- it's all down to hard work
18 February 1998
By Tom Shiel
YOU CAN'T escape Marjorie these days. Every Thursday, she cooks beautiful dishes (as well as some mischief) with Paul Claffey on his MWR radio show and she's even on the Worldwide Web network.
But lately, in a series of television appearances, Marjorie has expanded her experiences and horizons. Recently, she became the first person from the Republic to take part in "Ready, Steady, Cook" on UTV; she's also been on BBC One as well as "Pot Luck" on RTE.
On March 30th the cameras will whirr again when Marjorie presents a cookery item on PM Live with Ciana Campbell on RTE One. The TV appearances are steadily mounting and Marjorie, full name Marjorie Morrow-Nolan, has every reason to be pleased with her progress.
STYLE AND CONFIDENCE
Marjorie has been cooking for as long as she can remember. As a teenager, she gave demonstrations for the ICA. It helped mould her style and polish her self-confidence.
"Craic" is a word which frequently crops up when you're talking to Marjorie. She is a very funny, extrovert person. Without these traits she would not have such a successful radio rapport with Paul Claffey who provided her first break in the media.
In fact, "craic" is a vital ingredient to this young mother's success, every bit as important as the ingredients she mixes for her mouth-watering dishes.
Says Marjorie herself: "People are always telling me:'We love the craic between yourself and Claffey. People often talk more about the banter between myself and Paul rather than the recipes I am dealing with'".
SPOILT FOR CHOICE
Home for Marjorie and her daughter, Rachel, is their Bord Failte approved B&B "Brigown" overlooking the Moy at Quay Road, Ballina. Standards are impeccable at "Brigown" with colour televisions in every room and a choice of 17 main course breakfasts.
Life is busy at the B&B, especially in summer. Neverthless, Marjorie is often on the road giving demonstrations. Recently, she teamed up with a very good friend, Elsie McTigue of Breaffy, Castlebar for "Cooking in Harmony" performances.
The format is simple: Marjorie cooks and does the talking. While the stuffed trout and almonds are simmering, Elsie sings a number from her wide repertoire.
Marjorie doesn't have to think very long when asked what is the secret of her successs so far. "I love people", she explains, " and I think that gets across very quickly".
HARD WORK
She is adamant also that without hard work she would have got nowehere. "Anything I have achieved I have done so by myself. I have never got a handout. I just have to go out and promote myself".
It is not unusual for males to turn up at Marjorie's demonstrations. "I think they do it for therapy", she says.
Nor is it unknown for male admirers of Marjorie's talents to put their pen to paper as, for instance, this listener to her slot on Mid & North West Radio.
Part of the poem goes:
"How can I not think about, Your curries, stews and roasts. not to mention your hot apple pies, and trifles I love most So next time you go cooking, please, please think of me don't leave me here just dreaming, just ask me home for tea."
Marjorie is just bubbling with ideas for new ventures but badly needs a sponsor. If you are interested you can contact her at "Brigown", Quay Road, Ballina or on E-Mail: marjorie@mayo-ireland.ie
