Cookbook Celebrates Legacy of Murdered Irish Chef Shaun Brady

A new cookbook honoring the life and legacy of Irish chef Shaun Brady is set to be launched in the United States, one year after he was tragically shot and killed. The book, titled The Shaun and Séamus Brady Cookbook: Irish Comfort Food, will be released just in time for the Kansas City Irish Fest, which celebrates Irish culture and community.

Shaun Brady, 44, from Tipperary, was fatally shot outside his restaurant, Brady & Fox, in Kansas City on August 28, 2024. The incident occurred shortly before the festival, with a 15-year-old boy charged in connection with the crime. The juvenile is currently facing a second-degree murder charge and was ordered to remain in custody following a court ruling in May.

The cookbook’s creation was spearheaded by writer Pat O’Neill, who expressed that the project is a tribute to Shaun’s memory, featuring his favorite recipes along with heartfelt stories and remembrances from friends and family, including his son, Séamus. O’Neill emphasized the collective effort of the community in producing the book, stating, “It was really an incredible community effort, how many people contributed.”

In the wake of the tragedy, friends and family gathered to reflect on Shaun’s impact, aiming to showcase the man behind the chef. O’Neill remarked, “We wanted people to know who Shaun was. He was so much more than a working chef whose life was taken by a 15-year-old who was trying to steal his car.”

The cookbook will retail for US$30, with proceeds benefiting Shaun’s widow and their two children. As part of the festival, Geraldine Byrne Nason, Ireland’s ambassador to the United States, is expected to attend, further highlighting the significance of Shaun’s contributions to the Irish community in Kansas City.

This tribute not only preserves Shaun’s culinary legacy but also serves as a poignant reminder of the community’s resilience in the face of violence. The efforts surrounding the cookbook reflect a shared commitment to remember Shaun Brady as a beloved member of their community, whose spirit will live on through his recipes and the love of those who knew him.