The school-book All About Home Economics by Deirdre Madden has seen a surge in demand since the COVID-19 emergency. First published in 1983, it was the seminal text for intermediate certificate home economics for over 15 years. The author, Deirdre Madden, was a home economics teacher in Loreto Abbey Dalkey. Deirdre sadly passed away in 1999 at the age of just 56.

In 2011 Deirdre’s daughters Kate and Aisli self-published a reprint after a caller to the Ryan Tubridy Show on RTÉ Radio One asked where they could purchase a copy.

We’re really glad that mum’s book is getting back out there

Since the COVID-19 emergency began and the schools closed, almost 90 copies were sold in four days.

“To put that in context, there were just 30 copies sold last year,” Aisli told Irish Country Living. “We’re really glad that mum’s book is getting back out there. It’s good to go back to basics this time and make our own treats in the kitchen.”

Such was the demand that Aisli ran out of packaging for the books and had to order in new supplies. She said she is delighted that people are spending this time at home with their children productively.

“Children form very strong memories. If their parents are having fun cooking with them in the kitchen, then that is what they will remember from this emergency. You don’t want them to be panicked,” Aisli said. “I remember the excitement as a child planting broad beans. I’m not sure that we even ate them, but I remember the excitement of it.”

I’d say she’d be gobsmacked

When Irish Country Living asked what would Deirdre’s thoughts be on the newfound popularity of going back to basics?

“I’d say she’d be gobsmacked, she was such a creative woman. I think she would be very humbled by this,” Aisli said.

Ten per cent of the profits of this book are donated to the Irish Cancer Society, whose Daffodil Nurse, Carmel, helped support Deirdre and her daughters in her final days.

All About Home Economics costs €16.99 plus postage and you can purchase it by visiting www.deirdremadden.ie.