Kenmare news march 2018

kenmare news

FREE

If it’s happening in Kenmare, it’s in the Kenmarenews

Vol 15, Issue 3

March 2018

INSIDE AT A GLANCE ‘Food for the Soul’ at Sheen Falls ... see page 4

International acclaim for Kenmare Documentary ... see page 6

www.kenmarenews.biz Trick or Treat in Spring?

Report by Heike O’Sullivan ... see page 30

2

Kenmare News

The students of Pobailscoil Inbhear Sceine, Kenmare, who are through to the National Final of the ‘Build A Bank Challenge’ which is taking place on Wednesday March 21st in the RDS. Build A Bank is a competition run throughout Ireland where schools create their own bank project and compete in regionals all over the country with 48 schools reaching the final.

This is the first year that Kenmare has reached the Nationals so it is very exciting. Their project and bank is called The UD (Ugly Duckling) Bank and, whilst creating a bank, the students have also highlighted the importance of self-awareness and self-appreciation.

Their goal is to spread the message throughout their school that they should be just like the Ugly Duckling, and to embrace their flaws, not to try and be like anyone else, but to be proud of the person that they have become.

Rachel O’Sullivan Kenmare recently celebrated her confirmation with her parents Johnny and Justine O’Sullivan and her extended family. They are pictured with Bishop Ray Browne. pic Mary O’Neill Thanks to Frank Sheehan for this picture of the demolition of the old reservoir at Kenmare which was built in 1932. Kenmare is now supplied by two new reservoirs working off the same site as the old one.

Kenmare Patchwork Group is holding a group meeting on March 22nd from 3.30pm to 5pm and would love to welcome new members, in addition to seasoned quilters.

There will be a beginners course in patchwork quilting starting in the Family Centre on April 7th taking place on Saturday afternoons from 2pm to 5pm that will cover all aspects of quilt-making. This is ideal for beginners with a little knowledge of handling a sewing machine and will be a small class so early booking is advisable.

There will also be workshops on more advanced aspects of patchwork and quilting, such as foundation paper piecing, and anyone interested in any of the above can contact Anne on 086 8343155/ 064 6689184.

Sinead Buckley

Counsellor/Psychotherapist, BA hons CIT Railway road, Kenmare, Co. Kerry. t: 087 9652532 e: sineadbuckley7@hotmail.com Saturday appointments now available.

Sinead is pleased to announce her return to private practice in Kenmare for the duration of 2018.

kenmarenews

FREE

If it’s happening in Kenmare, it’s in the Kenmarenews www.kenmarenews.biz

4 Davitts Place, Kenmare t: 087 2513126 / 087 2330398

e: kenmarenews@eircom.net

www.kenmarenews.biz

The April edition of The Kenmare News will be published on Thursday April 15th and closing date for submissions is Thursday April 8th.

PROUD TO BE PRINTED IN KERRY

The statements and opinions contained in The Kenmare News are solely those of the individual authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the editors or the publisher. The appearance of advertisements in The Kenmare News is not a warranty, endorsement or

Kenmare News

3

4

Kenmare News

Davitt’s Drive for Five Report by Heike O’Sullivan

Following up from last year’s success, Davitt’s of Henry Street were again awarded CIÉ Tours International’s Award of Excellence in the national ‘Best Lunch’ category. This year’s award ceremony was held on 5th February and only three of the prestigious 16 Gold Awards went to Kerry, with the other two going to Killarney based businesses.

CIÉ Tours are Ireland’s oldest coach tour operator which more than 85 years

experience in business. They specialise in selling Irish and UK coach holidays primarily to US, Canadian and Australian travellers, and it is CIÉ’s customers that determine the winners of the annual CIÉ Tours International Awards of Excellence

‘Food for the Soul’

was the title of Sheen Falls Lodge February supper club, and it was that and more. It was a beautiful evening with magnificent food, paired with thoughtfully chosen wines, enjoyed with friends old and new.

It was also only the first of many scheduled for this year, as Supper Club takes place every month and is a wonderful experience for food and wine lovers. Following a welcome drink and canapé reception on arrival, guests will feast on a specially curated 4 course dinner complete with wine. Spaces for The Supper Club are limited to 40 people only, promising an intimate and insightful dining experience.

Dates for 2018 include: Friday, 13th April - La Dolce Vita Friday, 11th May - Northern Hemisphere Food & Southern Hemisphere Wines Friday, 1st June - From the Grill Friday, 13th July - A Taste of France Friday, 10th August - The Far East Friday, 14th September - Mediterranean Delights Friday, 5th October - Autumn Flavours Saturday, 10th November - Kerry’s Finest Saturday, 1st December - Festive Cheer

Tickets for The Supper Club evenings at Sheen Falls Lodge are priced at €55 per person which includes a welcome drink and canapés on arrival, a 4 course set dinner menu and accompanying wine. Booking is essential for these limited events - visit www. sheenfallslodge.ie or phone 064 6641600 to book.

via their customer satisfaction survey. Mary and Donal Cremin’s Davitt’s Restaurant & Bar have won the coveted Gold Award on three previous occasions, making this year their fourth recognition by CIÉ customers. Will Mary, Donal and their fabulous staff now embark on a Drive for Five? This completely biased writer thinks that Davitt’s continued success is “just” a by-product of what the team strives for every day: to give their patrons, local or not, a thoroughly lovely dining experience.

A Gold Award is a proud achievement, but knowing Mary and Donal, I’m certain that they value their regular guests even more!

Kenmare News

5

6

Kenmare News

Kenmare documentary goes International!

‘Men Of Straw,’ a local documentary about the ancient Irish custom of ‘strawing’ weddings, has received multiple award nominations in Ireland and abroad. It tells the story of the O’Sullivan family’s efforts to keep this ancient custom alive as they hand down this simple custom from one generation to another. As they do so, they wonder if their personal commitment is enough to make this custom last in modern times.

Matt Sullivan, the film’s creator, will show his work at the Carnegie Arts Centre in Kenmare on Saturday, 7th April 2018, as part of the European Year of Cultural Heritage.

“The film has already been shown in Cork, Killarney and New York and this year I’m looking forward to its presentation at film festivals in Dingle and Chicago. But there’s nothing quite like the feeling of bringing it all back home. The home audience will particularly enjoy ‘Men Of Straw’ as they will recognise several places and faces on the big screen,” said Matt.

‘Men Of Straw’ will share double billing with another local documentary The 15th of August Fair 1983. Created by Patsy O’Sullivan almost 35 years ago, this treasure trove of old memories will have the audience on the edge of their seats as they are transported back to the Fair Day in Kenmare in 1983. This annual tradition was an important event for the rural community as it was the day when farmers traded livestock, craftsmen plied their wares and locals enjoyed traditional music, song and dance. It was filmed in an era when the internet and mobile technology were unheard of and it captures a bygone way of local life played out by many who are long since gone.

“My uncle’s work captures precious footage that our neighbours and friends are sure to enjoy when they see it on the big screen.

He had the foresight back in the 80s to document life around him and now, when so much time has passed, we truly appreciate the importance and beauty of what he has achieved,” said Matt.

‘Men Of Straw’ and “The 15th of August Fair 1983” will screen in Carnegie Arts Centre, Kenmare, on Saturday, 7th April 2018.

There will be two showings; 6pm & 8pm To book tickets, contact Carnegie Arts Centre 064 66 48701 or email: info@carnegieartskenmare.com

Kenmare News

Kenmare Locality Animal Welfare Society

After a tough Winter for people as well as animals, KLAWS hopes that the better weather will bring better news. There have been several deaths in Ireland, of animals being left outside in extremely low temperatures. There was a Nationwide campaign to get people to bring in their dogs and cats, and yet still animals died because they had no shelter. Even if you have outdoor dogs and cats, they still need to be able to get into sheds, barns or outbuildings to stay warm. If the cold spell continues please remember to make allowances for these creatures and leave an open door or window for them to be able to get inside, and may be provide rugs or bedding to keep them protected.

KLAWS is looking to get a ‘forever’ home for an elderly dog called Zeb. He is 14, has spent most of his life outdoors, and his family can no longer keep him because of their growing family, and work commitments. He can be a little snappy as he has never been socialised or integrated into a loving, family environment. He is currently in a lovely foster home, but ideally he needs a permanent home where he would be an only dog, with no cats or small children to prod and poke him. If you think you could give Zeb a loving home, please call us on 087 970 4480. Home check and adoption fee will apply.

The KLAWS shop is doing very well in its new location outside SuperValu. However, donations are still being left outside the door which is not allowed under the new Lease, as the shop is next to the Disabled parking spaces, which must be kept clear at all times.

The shop is open Tuesday to Saturday from 11am until 5pm which should give people plenty of time to drop off goods, so they will not be left outside to get wet. Sadly, the volunteers in the shop are concerned that people are using the opportunity to leave items that are not suitable for sale and to this end KLAWS is using valuable funds to have to take the unsuitable items to the Dump. If the ladies have to spend €30 on having to remove the unwanted items, that ‘equates’ to one micro-chipping of a dog, and in KLAWS terms that ‘equates’ to a waste of valuable money.

Please note that the shop can only accept clean, good quality items of clothing and bric-a-brac, good quality books, and original CD’s and DVD’s but not pirate copies. Regrettably, the shop can no longer accept old printers, video tapes, video recorders and old TV’s.

However, for items of furniture like beds and sofa’s etc, KLAWS has the number of the contact for St. Vincent De Paul and they are more than grateful to take the larger items.

If you have any animal welfare issues, or could volunteer for fostering, driving or working in the KLAWS shop please call the 087 970 4480.

7

Johnny O’Connell Kenmare is a poorer place for the loss of popular local man Johnny O’Connell on February 23rd 2018.

The family would like to thank everyone, both from Kenmare and Killarney, who attended and paid their respects. The family are humbled by the sheer volume of people who travelled far and wide.

Johnny was a very special man and everyone who had the pleasure of meeting him had nothing but good words to say about him.

The last few years of Johnny’s life weren’t easy with the death of his wife Nell, his two sons Tony and Noel and his daughter Marie.

His brother Sonny, who was also his best friend, was there with him through thick and thin, brothers until the end.

Johnny’s stepson Robbie and his wife Mary went over and above in looking after Johnny when needed, and he loved them both dearly.

Johnnys’s good friends Ted, Mary O’Shea and John Noonan must be mentioned. What laughs and jokes they shared over the years.

Johnny lived for his family and his work with Tony, Noe, JJ and Pierce. There are too many people to mention by name but to all of those who cared for and loved Johnny, his family thank you.

Johnny is survived by his children Rose, JJ, Bicky, Sinead and Pierce, his stepsons Robbie and Brandon and Nora who he cared deeply for. He also leaves his brother Sonny and sister Josephine, his grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews (too many to mention) and his many, many friends.

To all his customers, a heartfelt thank you.

Johnny, a true gentlemen and a gentle soul who was one of a kind, now rests in peace.

8

Kenmare News

‘I will light the stove as well to heat the place up and then I can drink my woman punch in comfort,’ were his thoughts. The fire was set in the stove for weeks with no need for it (until now the weather was wonderful and warm) but conditions change. A crack of a match and the fire lit and was soon warming the room. Legs akimbo in his armchair in front of the stove, a hot whiskey punch in his hand, no one in Ireland could’ve been happier on that cold, wet evening.

A North Cork man told me about neighbours of his, great characters, two brothers, bachelors, who lived together in reasonable harmony (perfect in my view is not attainable). They were expert anglers, a skill passed down through the family for generations, and they really loved the sport. As a matter of fact one of them showed me how to tie up a small tube fly, which I am glad to say came up trumps on a trip to Waterford where I caught a fine salmon using this method of fishing. My story is not about fishing however.

The younger of the two was a great tradesmen and was paid in cash an odd time for some of his work. In those days this was as normal as eating your dinner, as most people saved up to do a job and only spend what they could afford. He kept a few pounds back, and spent it on himself on the other weekend away (fishing or shooting) or maybe new tackle or whatever. The money was a worry to him as he was afraid of the house being robbed while it was empty with the two of them away so he kept trying to figure out new ways to hide his little bundle of notes from burglars.

Under the mattress, in the toes of his boots, under the floorboards, up over the cupboards, they were all discarded one by one as not safe hiding places. He thought that he had found the perfect hiding place in a sealed plastic bag in the water cistern of the bathroom toilet until he read in the national papers that the Ex Dublin city manager Mr G Redmond’s stash had been found hidden in one. What to do? He had no intention of putting the cash into the bank even though in those days they were very helpful and caring towards the customers, it is a different story now days. At last he found a place that no robber would think of looking, and he was so so sure of it’s safety that he only took half of the notes with him on the trip of a country fishing.

The older brother was at home doing his own thing as normal and one of the days he was up the river trying for salmon in really vile weather conditions when he slipped and fell in, getting a good soaking. Alhough it was the middle of the summer he was frozen with the cold and when he got home he had a good hot shower, and put the kettle on to boil for a whiskey punch.

A couple of days later the younger brother returns from his fishing trip, broke but delighted with his days on Lough Mask with some great catches of trout weighting from two pounds up to and including an eight pounder. After putting away his gear and clothing he needed to do some shopping so going to his new hidey hole, the stove, he opened the door to be faced not by a set fire with his little roll of banknotes hidden in the middle, but a grate full of cold grey ashes.

Stunned he fell back on his heels calling out to his brother, although knowing the answer before asking. ‘Who lit the fire in the stove, and why oh why? Didn’t I tell you not to as I had hidden my money in there, now my cash has gone up in smoke. Please tell me you spotted it and took it out before you lit the fire.’ But no such luck the cash was ash. A terrible coldness descended on their otherwise excellent relationship as he blamed his brother for his loss. Sad to say this rift was never repaired, it was so silly and who could say was to blame?

Until the day they died (both of them within months of each other) they hardly spoke and the man that was telling me about what happened said that he tried his best over the years to get them to make up. It was all very sad and all for a few pounds. Which was the bigger loss, money or friendship?

A Waterville Ghillie called to say hello and told me that the salmon fishing, which is open down there, started quite well with six fine Spring salmon being boated. This is good news. We never have a run of Spring fish like that around this area as our main run of salmon is in June and I would say that, excepting last year, the previous ones have been very slack. So here it is to hoping that this season will be better.

The ban on killing seabass has raised a few hackles. When will anglers realise that if they continue fishing them out, the time will shortly come when the bass would just be a distant memory. I know that we are again suffering for the sins of poachers and netsmen but if we act now to safeguard what stocks are left we can help repair some of the damage done by them. As a matter of interest this catch and release law is covering the whole of Europe and I hope it is not too late to save that beautiful fish, the wild seabass. Also, as a matter of interest, the bass you see for sale in restaurants, fish shops and supermarkets are farmed mostly in France and Greece.

The fishing season opens shortly, thank God.

Kenmare News

9

10

Kenmare News

Senator

Daly reports ...

Public park for the peninsula lands at the pier

Mickey Ned O’Sullivan the chair of the Peninsula Action Group, myself and the other members of the subcommittee of KMEG Kenmare Marketing and Events Group are working hard to ensure that this important piece of ground will be in public ownership before the summer. Following my ongoing engagement with Kerry County Council and the receiver there is progress being made in the campaign to secure the lands near the pier as a public park for the community. This important project has support from the wider community and the over 2,000 people have signed the petition in the Kenmare Arts Centre and on the social media.

Kenmare Hospital remaining beds need to open

As reported last month the long campaign has resulted in 8 beds opening on the 1st Floor of the Hospital.The new agreed staffing levels will provide a very high standard of care at the unit and SIPTU have already accepted the proposed rosters for Health Care Assistants. I have been on to the Minister and the HSE to have the remaining beds open. To date the HSE has not been able to confirm the exact timeline for the opening of these vacant beds The unoccupied rooms are fully furnished and ready to be occupied, and all beds at the unit have been inspected by and registered with HIQA.

Street trading in Kenmare

The Council have agreed to hold meetings that would hopefully see the adoption of the street trading laws, I am pushing that there would be no further delay and that the areas for the trading would be marked out and the licences issued before the summer. Given the legal steps that need to be followed to do this, the turn around time is a limited window but the parking and traffic chaos that we have endured for the last number of years has to stop

Senator Mark Daly

Seanadóir Marcus O’Dalaigh

Senate Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs, the Irish Overseas and Diaspora Member of the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade Leinster House, Kildare Street, Dublin 2.

Tel: +353 (0)1 618 3830 Fax: +353 (0)1 618 4669 Mob: +353 (0)86 803 2612 www.senatormarkdaly.org

Teach Laighean, Sráid Cill Dara, Baile Átha Cliath 2.

Fón: +353 (0)1 618 3830 Facs: +353 (0)1 618 4669 Fón Póca: +353 (0)86 803 2612

Assistance for those in mortgage difficulty

I have a team of accountants and legal advisers who are willing to help with any mortgage or debt difficulties so please do not hesitate to contact my office on 01 618 3830 or email me at Mark.

Daly@oireachtas.ie.

A tour of Leinster House

Leinster House is a wonderful place to visit any time of the year. The building is rich in history and visitors get to experience the vibrant The O’Sullivans joined me in Leinster atmosphere on busy sitting House after winning my prize of dinner days. If you are ever in and a tour of Dail Eireann and Senate.

Dublin and would like to take a tour of Leinster House, please feel free to contact Mark’s office on 01 618 3830 or email at Mark.Daly@oireachtas.ie and we would be delighted to help plan your visit.

Clinics

My Clinic is every Saturday morning I also currently holding clinics alongside local T.D. John BrassiI every second Friday of the month. If you have any issues you would like assistance with these clinics are being held in Sean Daly’s office 34 Henry Street, please call my mobile or T.D. John Brassil’s office to arrange a time that suits. If you have any queries call my mobile on 086 803 2612 or email me at Mark.Daly@oireachtas.ie and I will do my best to help.

T.D. John Brassil’s office number is 0667133112

Need assistance with your passport?

Due to a surge in demand the average issuance time for passports has been extended to at least 17 days for even an express passport application. If you plan on travelling in the near future please submit your application with all documentation well in advance of travelling.

If you are travelling unexpectedly (e.g. bereavement) and do not have a valid passport we recommend making a Rapid Renewal Passport Appointment in the Dublin Passport Office. This appointment can be booked online on the Passport Office website.

New appointments for this emergency booking open up at 12.30pm each working day however always book out extremely quickly so we advise to be ready to book at exactly when they open.

If you have any questions regarding your passport application please feel free to contact my office on 01 618 3830 or email me at Mark.Daly@oireachtas.ie.

Reverend Cavanagh and Senator Mark Daly, co-founders of the Thomas F Meagher Foundation which promotes pride in the Irish flag, at the opening of the exhibition on the Irish flag which the foundation organised in the GPO.

Community and voluntary organisations

Church Gate Collection

There are many community and voluntary organisations that do great work for the local area and anyone who would like to organise a raffle prize of a dinner or lunch voucher in the Leinster House Members Restaurant, please contact my office on 01 618 3830 or email me at Mark.Daly@oireachtas.ie.

Kenmare Branch of Kerry Mental Health Association are holding Church Gate Collections in Bonane, Dawros, Tuosist, Lauragh, Tahilla and Sneem on Saturday April 7th and Sunday April 8th 2018. Money raised will support service users at Fiachna Day Centre and in the greater Kenmare area. Please support!!

Kenmare News

11

12

Kenmare News

Kenmare Marketing and Event Group (KMEG) are delighted to have brought Quest Adventure Series to Kenmare. Sports Tourism is now being seen as the answer to increasing visitor numbers.

Sports Tourism refers to people who travel to spectate at an event and those who travel to participate in a sporting event.

The World Tourism Organisation predicted 14% growth per annum for sport tourism compared to 5% growth for more traditional tourism categories. Niall Gibbons of the Irish Hotel Federation has stated that Ireland must hone in on outdoor activities to entice visitors from Great Britain, which is the country’s biggest tourism market.

Tourism numbers from Britain are falling and while the North American market has cushioned that fall this year it is unlikely to continue to do so. Research carried out by Tourism Ireland reveals that “what people are looking for is to be active in nature in order to spend time with friends and loved ones, and they’re looking to get away from it all.” Fáilte Ireland’s CEO, Paul Kelly, has said that outdoor activities will play an important part in extending the travel season, especially because they’re not usually weather dependent.

Quest organisers, Elite Event Management, have been blown away by the welcome, Abbey Court AIB AllLock & Safe An Bruachán An Crannóg Ashfield Atlantic Bar B and J Rochford Bank of Ireland Bath & Crafts Bernie O’Sullivan Dance School Bia Bia & Kenmare Ice Cream Birchwood Blackwater Stables Boka Café Brass Lantern Bonane Heritage Park Brook Lane Hotel Brosnan’sPharmacy Café Mocha Carriganine Claire Randles Cleo Irl Ltd Coachman’s Coastal Holiday Homes Computer Shop Crowley’s Bar Connor-Scarteen Auctioneers Darina O’Shea - Yoga and Mindfulness Davitt’s Dennison Design Doire Farm Dr Con O’Leary Dream Ireland Dromquinna Manor Dromquinna Stables Eclipse Ireland Emerald Outdoors Fat Face

good will and support they have received by the local community. The event had sold out by the beginning of January, with 1,500 people registered to take part and once again people all over social media discussing the event and Kenmare.

It is important to remember that it is through the hard work of the KMEG committee that this event along with the Ring of Beara Cycle, Halloween Howl etc.

Finnegans Corner Shop Finnegans Hostel Finnegan’s Jewellers Foleys Bar Foleys Craft Shop Food Safety Company, The Fuschia Cottage George McMahon - Drama Camp Gleninchaquin Park Hallissey’s Cash & Carry Hallissey’s Hardware Hallissey’s Supermarket (Maureens) Hawthorn House Holiday Magic - Mo Glover Horseshoe Inter Kenmare FC Jam Deli/Bakery/Café Ltd Jewel Beauty John R McCarthy Joules Kenmare Athletic Club Kenmare Bay Hotel Kenmare Bay Swim Club Kenmare Bookshop Kenmare Business Support Kenmare Coach & Cab Kenmare Family Resouce Center Kenmare Craft Centre Kenmare Crash Repair Kenmare Flowers Kenmare Golf Club Kenmare Heritage Trail Kenmare House B&B Kenmare Lace & Design Kenmare Limousine & Taxi Service Kenmare Luxury Holiday Homes Kenmare News Kenmare Opticians

are brought to Kenmare, and while funds raised through membership pay a part time event and marketing co-ordinator the committee is made up of volunteers. So, this month we would like to thank all our members for their contributions, please support the businesses that are financing these events through their memberships, without them these events would not be possible.

Kenmare Post Office Kenmare Rowing & Boating Club Kenmare Shamrocks GAA Club Kenmare Stone Cottages - Louise Randles Kerry Coast House Killarney Credit Union Lansdowne Hotel The Limestone Lodge B & B Limetree Restaurant Lorge Chocolate Lovett & Harrington Magic Touch Maison Gourmet Majella O’Sullivan Auctioneer Mango Furniture Centre McSwineys Electrical Molly Gallivans Mick & Jimmy’s Mill Cove Gallery Mulcahy’s Restaurant Neidin Bowling Club Neidin House No.35 Restaurant O’Donnabhain’s Bar Packies Food & Wine Ltd Pantry The Park Hotel Kenmare Paul Brown Taxi PF McCarthy Meitheal Design Centre Architects Poffs Puccini’s Purcell Gallery Purple Heather The Pyro Pound Shop Precious Moments Quills Retail Ltd. River Meadows B&B

River Valley Stables Rockcrest House B&B Rockcrest Self catering Rose Garden Café & B&B Roddy O’Donoghues RVR Ltd School Of English Seafari Sean & Lydia O’Shea (O’Shea’s Laundry - Fuji) Sean Daly & Co Sheahans Pharmacy Sheen Falls Country Club Sheen Falls Lodge Shelburne Lodge Simplicity Boutique Small Roads Festival Soundz of Muzic Star Outdoors Sue D Knits Summervile House Supervalu Teach Milsean Templenoe GAA Club The Beauty Rooms The Mews Theatre Games Ireland Tom Crean Fish & Wine Restaurant Travel Chapter Ltd Trident Holiday Homes Turkish Barber Two Mile Lodge Vanilla Grape Wander Inn Waters Edge B & B Weaver’s Lodge White Room Whytes Centra Kenmare Willowfield Garden Centre

Kenmare News A big welcome back to Gerard Denneny who returns to Kenmare as the new General Manager of The Park Hotel.

Mr. Denneny comes from an enviable 5 Star career, which he commenced as Deputy Manager of the Park Hotel Kenmare in the mid 1980’s. Since then he has held senior positions in hotels such as K Club, Four Seasons New York, Jumeirah Carlton Tower London, Viceroy New York and Anse Chastanet St Lucia, to name but a few. This wealth of international luxury experience ensures the Park Hotel Kenmare continues as a standard bearer in luxury hotel excellence and personal service.

elements that ensure that people, including me, are drawn back to this town, I have great memories of good times had and life long friends made.

I am especially grateful to those people that have welcomed me back and I look forward to renewing old friendships and making new ones as the months go by. I also look forward to being able to take advantage of the magnificence of the Kerry environment on my time off by doing things like hiking and photography, and of course the odd pint in the wonderful local hostelries!”

And Gerard’s talents don’t stop in the hotel as his photographs from the snow earlier this month show on page 24.

Speaking at the announcement John Brennan said, “Gerard joins the hotel at a very exciting time. The hotel sector in Ireland has seen many new entries and levels of service and facilities. With Gerard at the helm the Park Hotel Kenmare it will continue to meet and exceed expectations. His vast experience combined with the world class facilities of the Park Hotel Kenmare and its well-established reputation gives us much confidence for the future. It is a pleasure to welcome him back to Kenmare and we relish what is ahead.”

Talking to The Kenmare News Gerard told us, “A day out of Kerry is a day wasted I recently read so in returning to Kenmare some 25 years later to rejoin the Park Hotel I am doing some catching up.

I started my career here and returning has been like stepping into a time capsule as I identify with so many of the things that I remember and I am also renewing old friendships.

In that interim period out of Kerry the career that I have enjoyed has supplied me with wonderful opportunities and experiences that I could only have imagined. The foundation of this career was built upon the knowledge, lessons and standards that I, like many others, have gained during my time at the Park Hotel.

I remember that when I left Kenmare that time, it was reluctantly, but for career reasons it was the right decision. To get to return is a wonderful opportunity and all the things that I enjoyed about the town and its people then are all the more in focus now having lived in large cities like London and New York for a number of years.

Kenmare is a town full of character and characters and it is great to see that the ‘craic’ and hospitality is as good as ever . These are the

Connor-Scarteen Auctioneers, Insurance & Financial Brokers

5 Main Street, Kenmare, Co. Kerry. 064 6641263. e-mail: connorscarteen@eircom.net • www.connorscarteen.com Cahir School pupils being confirmed last month in Holy Cross Church, Kenmare, by Bishop Ray Browne. Included is their teacher Mrs. Hanley. pic Mary O Leary

13

We wish to inform to our customers that the EBS agency in Kenmare we will no longer be operating from 29th March. We will however continue as Insurance & Financial Brokers. We have other agencies for General Insurance, Life Assurance & Pensions, and Investments.

Our Auctioneering and Valuers business will also be operating as usual. This year we are adding lettings to our property service business.

Michael, Eleanor, Patrick, Rosemarie and Susan thank customers for their support throughout the years and hope they will continue to do their business with us in the future.

Regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.

Regulated by the Property Services Regulatory Authority.

14

Kenmare News

International Women’s Day at

AIB, Kenmare

As the only all female branch in Kerry and the South West Region for AIB, our local Kenmare branch used this unique feature to highlight and raise money for Marymount Hospice on International Women’s Day by hosting a coffee morning which raised €220.

Sinead Kirby, branch Manager, told the Kenmare News, “We think it is extremely important to be involved in the community in Kenmare. Our team spirit is so strong and we feel very lucky to be here and a part of this team.”

St. John’s National School pupils were confirmed in Holy Cross Church, Kenmare on Tuesday February 27th by Bishop Ray Browne. They were proudly accompanied by their principal Denis Courtney and teachers James Devane and Ronan Hussey. pics Mary O’Leary

Sinead is pictured with colleagues Lily MacMonagle, Martina O’Shea, Irene Tangney, Phil Harrington, Noreen Leader, Maura Burke and Aideen Rochford.

Get Spring ready with rejuvenated skin!

Chemical peels using all natural and organically derived ingredients. Gluten free.

Proven to

• Reduce fine lines and wrinkles • Lighten age spots • Tighten sagging skin • Reduce and remove acne and scars • Even out skin tone • Dissolves dry/flaky psoriasis & eczema • Treat rosacea • Eliminate shaving rash

Dermal fillers

Soften lines and wrinkles, emphasize features • Lips • Chin • Cheeks

Registered Nurse specialising in

dermal fillers and chemical peels CC Cosmetics Ltd. Contact Caroline

087 7613047

Kilgarvan, Co. Kerry.

Kenmare Parents Community Group

The first meeting of Kenmare Parents Community Group took place on March 6th at 8 pm in the Kenmare Family Resource Centre. The aim of the group is to create a forum of parents where all issues, concerns and questions in relation to our children can be discussed in a relaxed atmosphere. We want to learn from each other to support each other and our children better.

At the first meeting Shelagh Keating presented positive and creative ways of communication with your child after school.

Rather than saying “How was school today?”, we could ask questions like, “What was the best/the worst thing that happened at school today”, “Tell me something that made you laugh today!”

“How did you help somebody today?”, “Tell me one thing that you learned today!”, “When were you the happiest today”, “What was your favourite part of lunch?”, “If I called your teacher tonight, what would she tell me about you?”, “If you could switch seats with anyone in the class, who would you trade with? Why”.

Thanks very much also to Susan O’Shea, the co-ordinator of Kenmare Family Resource Centre who came as a guest to speak about what the Family Centre has to offer in order to support local families.The wide range of support includes a parenting class (Parents plus age 6 to 12) which takes place on Thursday evenings and gives lots of practical ideas that are easy to put into action straight away. Also there is low cost counselling available (in coordination with Southwest counselling), places for play therapy and many more.

For further information please ring Kenmare Family Resource Centre on 064-6642790 or look at www.kenmarefrc.ie. The next meeting of Kenmare Parents Community Group will take place on Tuesday April 10th at 8pm in the Kenmare Family Resource Centre and all parents are welcome to attend. Any questions please ring Christine Bender-Pototzki 085 7130800 or Shelagh Keating 085 7219453.

Kenmare News

Kenmare & District Gardening Club

15

Unfortunately, due to the weather, the meeting on Thursday, 1st March had to be cancelled but the good news is that our speaker, Adam Whitbourn with ‘The Story of Blarney Castle Gardens and its Future Plans’ has agreed to come and talk to the Club on Thursday, 7th June, 2018.

Our next meeting will be on Thursday, 5th April and we can look forward to a talk about ‘Wildlife in your Garden’ by Lorna O’Mahoney who is a director of Cork Nature Network, a new organisation passionate about wildlife in the area. It will take place at 7.30pm at the Gateway. There will also be a plant exchange so if you want to participate, please bring just one plant per person. See you there!

John Daly of Sean Daly & Co. presenting a cheque for €820 to Breda of the Kerry Cork Health Link Bus. The cheque was proceeds from the office Christmas raffle.

CoderDojo computer coding

for young people aged 7-17 CoderDojo is a free, volunteer led coding club for young people between 7 and 17, aimed at providing young coders with the opportunity to learn how to code, develop websites, apps, programs, games and more. Some dates for your diaries, we are planning CoderDojo sessions on the following dates.

Sat 24th March Sat 21st April All sessions are in room 1A, Pobalscoil Inbhear Scéine from 10am to 12 noon.Come along and avail of the FREE high-speed broadband ... we will be on hand to help and guide you if needed.

Bring a fully-charged laptop, power-supply and mouse, or email kenmaredojo@gmail. com to reserve a laptop for use on the day.

Primary age coders must be accompanied by a parent or guardian - there will be newspapers, conversation, coffee and biscuits to keep you entertained, or you are free to join in to pick up some programming skills for yourself.

For more information see the next issue of the Kenmare News, or find us on Facebook (“coder dojo Kenmare”).

Mentors Needed! If you have some programming experience programming and could spare a couple of hours to help we’d love to hear from you - leave a message on our facebook page, or just come along to a session or event to find out more.

Biodynamic

Wine Dinner 24th March Welcome Reception Tasting Menu with pairing wines €80 per person

Easter Afternoon Tea 1st April 2pm - 5pm Music by our resident pianist €55 for 2 people

Upcoming Events - La Dolce Vita Supper Club - 13th April, Communion Lunch - 5th May, North & South Supper Club - 11th May Telephone - 064 6641600

Email – info@sheenfallslodge.ie

Website – www.sheenfallslodge.ie

16

Kenmare News

Kenmare - Regulation of street trading

The 9 elected members of the South & West Municipal District of Kerry County Council are to meet on Tuesday 27th March for a special meeting to ratify the bye laws to regulate casual trading.

The District court order stands as appeals to the Circuit Court were withdrawn. I have strongly requested Kerry County Council in conjunction with TII (Transport Infrastructure Ireland) to put in place the trading area and the associated casual trading regulations around the square in time for the summer season.

Funding to the following organisations/clubs was allocated in the area in 2018.

Inter Kenmare €500 Kenmare Athletics Club: €500 Kenmare tidy towns: €500 KMEG (3 applications): €3,000 Kilgarvan St Patricks day €500 Kilgarvan tidy towns: €500 Roughty Valley Vintage Club: €500 Lauragh Community Council: €1,000 Blackwater Women’s Group: €1,000 Sneem Community centre: €1,250 Sneem Men’s Shed: €500 Caherdaniel - O’Connell school €500

Roads - Local Improvements schemes

I have again requested Kerry County Council Executive to do all that they can to secure lands near the pier Kenmare which could be used by the public. There is huge public support for it and it would be very positive for Kenmare. The Peninsula Action group and others are also doing great work to advance it.

The Council recently received an allocation of €727,000 from Minister Michael Ring TD and the Department of Rural and Community Development for the Local Improvement Scheme. The Council currently has 72 applications under the 2007 scheme to complete, at an estimated cost of €1.15m. The grant allocation will allow for approximately 40 schemes to be progressed. There may be additional funding later in the year which would hopefully address the outstanding schemes on the existing priority list. As a result of this the Council will hopefully be opening a new scheme within the next few weeks, which will be advertised in the local media.

Applications will be available for download from the Council’s website www.kerrycoco.ie , through the local area offices or by contacting the Roads office. Also feel free to contact me.

Thanks to Kerry County Council & Emergency services

Political Team.

Kenmare Peninsula Lands

Well done to Council staff, emergency services and the media for keeping people safe during March 1st and 2nd when we experienced I work with Political representatives of all sides for the good of the significant snow falls. Thanks also to people for checking in on area and I am part of a team of 9 on Kerry County Council, my other Fine Gael Colleagues whom I work closely with can be contacted as elderly neighbours. follows:

Monthly motions

That Kerry County Council call upon the Department of Agriculture, Minister Brendan Griffin TD 066 9795666 Food and the Marine to ban pair trawling so as to protect small MEP Sean Kelly 061 468788 fishermen and the Environment.

That Kerry County Council please find out what progress is being Senator Paul Coughlan 087 2217400 made to tackle the issue of Deer especially on our roads.

Community Support Fund 2018 recipients

Clinics.

Local Property Tax has enabled Kerry County Council to operate the community support fund, there are 5 different categories for Available at all times on 087 2904325 or at 5 Main Street, Kenmare.

Also I can meet people after work in Kenmare, Kilgarvan, Tuosist, applications.

Lauragh, Sneem, Tahilla, Blackwater, Templenoe, Bonane.

I also am also in South and Mid-Kerry a couple of times a month.

Electoral area Boundary review Local electoral areas throughout the country are being reviewed.

Cllr. Patrick O’Connor-Scarteen The terms of reference include putting more than one electoral area within a municipal district, which is a likely scenario in our 9 seat Deputy Mayor of Kerry area especially as it’s the biggest electoral area in Ireland stretching 087 2904325 from Lauragh to Dunquin on the Dingle Peninsula. The Committee pconnorscarteen@gmail.com are to report back with their findings in early June.

Kenmare News

Cahir National School

17

is open for admissions for Junior Infants for September 2018.

Application forms available from the school, or by calling 064 664 2244 after 3pm.

Children from Cahir National School are pictured here taking part in some of the school’s many activities including the Community Games handwriting and art competitions, and Spar girls 5-a-side soccer.

31 Card Game + Raffle

in Blackwater Tavern @ 9pm Thursday 22nd March 2018 in aid of CPR Training & Up-Keep of 5 Defibrillators in Blackwater/Templenoe Area

Tables of 8 at €10 each.

Call 064-6682003 to book Raffle prizes and donations welcome and can be dropped into O’Neill’s Shop Blackwater.

27 people recently trained in CPR and use of the AED in Blackwater, with the afternoon group pictured here.

Back row left to right; Mary D O’Neill, Coby Kallewaard, Shelia Burns, Phil Harrington, Mary & Teddy O’Neill, Mary Doyle, Ivan Pawle, Rob Van Hoppe and Ann Boland (CPR Trainer).

Front row left to right; Josephine O’Neill, Shane O’Shea, Christine Hallissey, Marian O’Shea, Joan Egan, Catherine Dodd & Elly Van Hoppe. Those trained in the morning class included Teddy O’Neill, Nora Kelleher, Mary Falvey, Ann O’Connor, Michael O’Connor, Mary O’Sullivan, Brendan & Melanie O’Sullivan, John Ward, Kitty Doyle and Sheila O’Sullivan.

menu New brunch

Main Street Kenmare 064 664 1559

Open evenings from 5.30pm

Saturdays & Sunday from 12.30pm

www.no35kenmare.com

18

Kenmare News

Are you nearer pension age in the next few years

Backlog in Passport office at present

Due to its importance, I raised the issue in the Dáil to the Taoiseach and asked him to implement the plan proposed by Kerry County Hospital. Unfortunately, the Government refused to make any specific commitments to the plan. This is unacceptable, as this plan must be implemented as soon as possible in order to satisfy the desperate healthcare needs of the people of Kerry.

KILGARVAN TREATMENT SYSTEM

Kilgarvan waste water treatment plant is included for assessment in the national certificate authorisation programme to identify any upgrade works that are required. A set of investment priorities will be applied across all of the sites assessed and priority will be given to discharges with the greatest potential environmental impact. I will continue to pursue in securing funding as it is required for this plant.

This is why I am formally calling upon the Government and the South/ South West Hospital Group to review Kerry County Hospital’s plan and implement it immediately. 40 beds will not solve the issues of trolleys and wait times and much work needs to be done to improve healthcare for everyone in Ireland. However, this plan will help immensely and provides a specific proposal unlike the Government’s broad promises of improvements.

Storm Emma

Public liability Insurance

Its that time of year again where people are booking holidays so I urge you all to look at your passport date as there is a huge backlog at present in the passport office with applications currently taking 22 working days (4 weeks). If you find your passport out of date and you are travelling within the next few weeks please contact me before you submit your application

I want to thank publicly the work done by many people during our recent snow storm.

Our local council staff, community hospital staff, our ambulance staff, our local doctors and Gardai. It really brings people together when something goes wrong and that is what happened in the recent storm. Kerry County Council in my opinion proved that they are one of the finest councils in the country for organisation and commitment to service.

We need more beds in Kerry University Hospital” - Michael Healy-Rae on the proposal to add 40 beds to Kerry University Hospital.

There is a massive problem in County Kerry and all of Ireland with regards to waiting lists and trolleys in our hospitals. These waiting times are unacceptable and specific action must be taken to decrease waiting times in places such as Kerry University Hospital. One such action that can decrease waiting times and the amount of people on trolleys is an increase in the amount of beds.

As of 06/03/2018, there were 620 people on trolleys in the whole of Ireland. This included 19 from Kerry University Hospital alone. No person should be forced to endure the trauma and turmoil of a hospital visit on a trolley in the hallway. This is why more beds and adequate care must be implemented in detailed plans. Due to these issues, the General Manager of Kerry County Hospital, Fergal Grimes, has submitted a request and plan to the HSE and South/ South West Hospital Group for 40 more beds in Kerry County Hospital.

This plan is a fantastic proposal that must be implemented to improve the healthcare of the people of Kerry.

I was very glad to attend a meeting in Killarney recently organised by concerned business people regarding the increasing costs of public liability Insurance. This is as a direct result of the massive increase in claims resulting in premiums not just doubling but in some cases going up 300%.

People operating bars, fast food outlets, shops etc are finding it very hard to pay their insurance. Insurance companies will have to start contesting claims that are questionable; it is quiet simple that it will put businesses out of business if the current trend continues.

I was glad to meet a group who travelled to Dail Eireann recently to discuss this very important issue.

Many people miss out on a higher pension because they are unware that before they reach pension age, they can pay voluntary contributions which would see them gain enough PRSI contributions for a higher pension. If you are coming up pension age in the coming years and feel you may not have enough contributions contact your local office to get your more information on paying voluntary contributions

Minister Helen McEntee who attended our recent European affairs committee to discuss brexit.

The above picture shows myself with Deputies Mattie McGrath and Michael Collins calling to Dublin banks who have engaged in what I would call very unsavory tactics involving people who have ran into difficulties with their loans/ Mortgages. I believe the last resort when it comes to a person with a distressed mortgage that they should have to leave their home unless they want to. There is always solutions, there has been write downs for bankers so why not for home owners who are struggling. The idea of vulture funds buying loan books at a knockdown price and then extracting every euro they can back from the family involved without giving them a discount is totally wrong and have asked the Minister that it should not be allowed to happen.

Kenmare News

19

Office To Let 3,200 sq. feet (297 sq. metres)

No.2, Gortamullen Business Park, Kenmare

» » » » » »

Grade A Office Space with High Speed Fibre Optic Broadband Connection.

3,200 sq. ft over two floors, Ground floor; large open plan room with WC, tea station and store room.

First Floor; Central open plan office space with 4no. large offices, canteen and WC. Parking for 20 plus cars.

Situated in a vibrant bustling business park of 15 no. other businesses.

Facilities include; Parking, Cat 5 Cabling, Phone Lines, Alarm, Toilets, Reception, Meeting Rooms, Kitchen Area and Cat 6 Data Cabling Further details or to arrange a viewing on

(064) 6641921

From Pilates to Legal services, No. 2 Main Street has got it covered. Located in the heart of Kenmare the building is now at full capacity and home to a varied group of business women.

Maeve O’Driscoll of P. J. O’Driscolls Solicitors is a 3rd generation Solicitor servicing South Kerry and West Cork with a wealth of experience that is unparalleled. As the principal of the firm her vision is the provision of legal services for the 21st century without losing sight of the core values of the original firm founded by her Grandfather in 1899 of fairness, efficiency and trusted advice to client and service to community.

Majella O’Sullivan Auctioneer & Letting agent has been located at the front of No. 2 Main Street for over 2 years and has over 10 years experience dealing with property sales and lettings from residential to commercial and covering areas from Ardgroom to Kilgarvan and down to Castlecove.

Karen O’Connor is a psychotherapist/counsellor with over thirty years experience in private practice. A regular visitor to Kenmare for over 25 years, Karen and her partner finally moved down to live permanently on Beara in 2017. Karen and her partner have taken on a two roomed office on the 2nd Floor and are delighted that the building has become a hub of women entrepreneurs. Karen’s training means she is well equipped to deal with a wide range of people’s mental health issues - Anxiety; Depression; Bereavement; Trauma and Abuse; Relationship problems both individually and with couples.

Ramone Holly Hughes qualified in Sports rehabilitation and athletic therapy with an honours degree from IT Carlow specialising in sports and occupational injuries. Holly uses an individualised treatment approach that combines patient education, specific exercise prescription, manual therapy and setting reachable goals with the client. She has a special interest in exercise rehabilitation and teaches clinical Pilates onsite. Holly is a firm believer in practising what you preach and loves to be active including working out, Pilates running and leading a balanced lifestyle.

Dr Anne Good is a sociologist and writer originally from Dublin.

On her retirement in 2015, Anne began a long planned move to South Kerry where she continues her research, most especially by advising the Disability Federation of Ireland on its expanding research programme. She is currently writing two books, one of which is based on the life of her grandfather, a leading figure in the movement for Irish Independence in the early twentieth century and she has been pleased to find some Kerry connections to that historical research.

Kate Brookes was the latest entrepreneur to take an office space when, in February this year, she launched her new venture Hello Kate. Offering a wide range of graphic design, marketing and branding services you will find Kate on the ground floor and always ready to put the kettle on! Kate’s knowledge, experience and expertise adds real value to the services she provides. Kate said, “It is a delight to be sharing the building with such a diverse group of entrepreneurs, the fact that it is all women gives me a great sense of pride to be part of something so positive.”

Pictured above are Maeve O’Driscoll, Ramone Holly Hughes, Majella O’Sullivan, Dr Anne Good, Karen O’Connor and Kate Brookes.

20

Kenmare News

Kenmare Nursing Home invites you all as they celebrate

Kenmare Nursing Home, formally Tír na nÓg, is having an Open Day to celebrate the completion of their new building and renovations on the April 22nd 2018 from 2pm – 4pm.

They have built an additional 10 single ensuite bedrooms, extended their sitting room and dining room, and renovated some of existing bedrooms making them larger.

Additionally they have created new offices, a private visitor’s room and a clinical room.

Kenmare Nursing Home is a 27 bedded family run Nursing Home located approximately 5 minutes’ drive (on the Castletownbere Road R571) from Kenmare, overlooking the Kenmare Bay and the MacGillycuddy Reeks.

Talking to The Kenmare News, Barbara said, “We pride ourselves on our staff, as many of them have been with us for a good numbers of years. This consistency helps create a caring environment where friendships are formed between staff and our residents.”

She continued, “We would like to extend a huge thank you to so many people for making this possible and being patient with us throughout this time. Firstly our staff and the residents of Kenmare Nursing Home & their family members. Michael Healy Rae TD, AIB Kenmare and All Round Building Works. Our Suppliers Star Seafoods, Ted Kelleher First Aid & Hygiene Supplies, Flesk Meats, Pallas Foods, Haven Brosnan’s Pharmacy, Homecare Medical Supplies, Bunzl, BWG Foods, Cork Bar & Catering,

Fire Safety & Environmental, The Computer Shop, Everest Tech, Roughty Plant Hire , Michael Cronin Quarry, Sound & Vision Communications, Lauragh Construction, Kevin Heffernan Electrical, Flor O’ Sullivan Plumbing & Heating, Danny & John Paul Harrington Groundworks, Declan O’ Connor Blockwork, CGM Tarmac & Paving, Topline McCarthys Kenmare, Diarmuid Twomey Planning & Architectural Services, DL Group Consulting Engineers, Munster Joinery, Fast Fix Doors, Kingdom Insulation.”

For enquiries please contact Barbara or Ciara on 064 – 6641315, by email to nursinghome@eircom.net, and you find out more online at www.kenmarenursinghome. com or our facebook page.

Kenmare News

21

the completion of their new building and refurbishment In our nursing home we will provide consistently high standards of professional care in order that those we care for can live as normally as possible where their individuality, independence, health, well being and dignity are respected and upheld and as far as possible provide a replica of their own living environment and life style.

Kenmare Nursing Home overlooks the stunning Kenmare Bay with clear, unobstructed views of the water and the the Macgillycuddy Reeks. Sunsets are truly something to behold as the setting sun brings a vibrant orange and red sky behind the mountains.

www. kenmarenursinghome .com

22

Kenmare News

art exhibition in The Carnegie Arts Your Credit Union has you covered

Kenmare artist Matthew Sexton is having an art exhibition in The Carnegie Arts Centre in Kenmare. Matthew is 30 years old, has autism and attends Castlehyde Day Service, which is run by the Brothers of Charity in Fermoy. This is Matthew’s third solo exhibition and he has also exhibited in group exhibitions in UCC, CIT, and Fermoy Library.

The exhibition will be officially launched on Thursday April 5th at 7pm and runs until the end of April and Matthew is looking forward to seeing everyone at his exhibition.

Congratulations to

the magnificent seven who part in Quest to honour their friend Helen and ‘all you strong ladies out there fighting cancer’, and raise funds for Kerry Hospice Foundation (Pallative Care Kerry) at the weekend.

As Sarah told us, “So a few of us at Christmas over food and a glass of wine are discussing how we would like to do something for palliative care, get a bit fit and take on a challenge for 2018. Kerry Hospice Foundation (Pallative Care Kerry) came into the discussion as our dear friend Helen Gallogly had recently lost her battle for cancer and had spent some time there where she gave an inspirational speech on living and accepting terminal cancer. Most of our group are women in our 40’s and it’s tough when you see friends, relatives and neighbours fighting this disease and more so when they lose their battle. So along came the idea we would do something to celebrate Helen and to give ourselves a challenge and maybe raise some funds along the way!

Most of us have never done anything like this before ‘Quest Kenmare’‘ was the challenge and so we began, 4 weeks to get fit, 29k, some hadn’t been on bikes since our 20’s some of us have a fear of water, most of us have banjaxed knees or

for Spring home improvement plans

Spring is in the air, and that means that home improvements are on the minds of many. DIY and renovations have always been popular in Ireland. In fact a recent survey by the Irish League of Credit Unions found that a significant two thirds of adults had carried out home improvements in the three years previous to the study.* One quarter estimated that they spend between €1,000 and €3,000 when upgrading their home.

42% said they would choose to transform their home with new carpets and flooring. 38% said they would opt for new heating or insulation and 23% said they would fit new windows or doors.

While these upgrades work wonders for your home, they can be costly endeavours. The good news is that those surveyed had the right idea when it came to funding their home improvements. Of those who said they would need to borrow, six in ten said they would use their local credit union.

Commenting on this, Helen Courtney Power, Business Development Officer, Killarney Credit Union said, “This is no surprise to us as we are seeing a large number of queries from people in the South Kerry area asking about our home improvement loan. It’s easy to see why there is such interest in the product. We offer the loan at a great value APR rate of 8.3%**. Not only that, but our loans are typically approved in 2-3 days. We are also happy to offer our loans to brand new members, those members we see every days and of course those members who may have inactive accounts or whom we haven’t seen in a while.”

Helen continued, “There are a lot of other benefits with our home improvement loan. There are no administration fees or hidden charges and we can structure repayments in a way that suits every individual’s circumstances. Borrowers are also free to repay the loan early without any penalties. So we would encourage anyone planning on doing some springtime DIY to contact us and enquire about a ‘Credit ReUnion’ with Killarney Credit Union. We’ll be happy to help make your home improvement dreams a reality.” backs so running definitely tested us! But despite these challenges we did it, 7 women representing 5 local businesses; Packies, The White Room, Simplicity, Mango Craft and Norman McCloskey Gallery.

It was an amazing event, so well organised

by Elite, with great help by fabulous volunteers. I was so nervous and had no idea what to expect and with so little

training done I was a bag of emotions but on my bike at the starting line I looked around me and realized I had the best team of ladies to enjoy this adventure race with!

It was an amazing buzz to run over that finish line, and we have already raised over €1000 for palliative care in Kerry and Cork To all you strong ladies out there fighting cancer, this is for you!”

Sarah x

Kenmare News

23

Friday March 16th @ 8pm St Patricks Day Traditional Concert Music, dancing & storytelling performed by student from Bernie O’Sullivan School of Irish Dancing, featuring dances from the Disneyland Paris Show. Tickets €10-Family Concessions Visual Arts: March Exhibition “The Canvas Club”- An exhibition by members of the Canvas Club displaying the work of over thirty burgeoning artists of varying ages, from seven to adult, who gather weekly for local classes under the direction of sisters Tara McCarthy, Mary Fairbairn, and Lucy Kelly.

Thursday March 22nd @ 8pm - Goodbye Christopher Robin (2017) PG - A behind-the-scenes look at the life of author A.A. Milne and the creation of the Winnie the Pooh stories by his son C.R. Milne Thursday March 29th @ 8pm - The Death of Stalin (2017) The Soviet dictator’s last days and depicts the chaos of the regime after his death. Tickets €7/€5 students

Being Mindful of Meditation

By Ellen Woods

Globalisation is a term which perfectly captures the process by which modern meditation and mindfulness has spread, from east to west and back again. Meditation is an ancient practice of prehistoric origin, which is still extremely popular even in the 21st century. Some of the first written records of meditation, come from Vedantism within the Hindi tradition around 1500 BCE. Throughout the 5th and 6th centuries BCE, other types of meditation began to form in regions such as Buddhist India and Taoist China. Most modern Western practitioners learned about meditation from the Buddhist and Hindu traditions and found that it could lessen the negative effects of the materialism.

We are constantly retaining information through the senses and tend to live very fast paced lives. Technology alongside social media applications like Facebook and Twitter are constantly notifying us.

Stopping this continual stream of noise through meditation lets us take a deep breath. Everything changes in this peaceful moment as we stop ourselves from depending on the information provided in the material world. Tension is released as our breathing begins to slow and blood pressure begins to normalise. When this happens, any negative emotions we may be feeling can be dealt with.

Meditation and mindfulness has been scientifically proven to boost participants’ emotional health by reducing stress and risk of several diseases, rewiring the brain and improving well-being. Medical Journal Publisher, JAMA Internal Medicine published a full review of meditation and its health benefits in January 2014. The research showed that not only did Meditation help to reduce symptoms of anxiety, but it was also proved that the practice helped to manage depression and reduce pain. During meditative practice, the nervous system is engaged and regulated more effectively for vital functions such as a steadier heart rate, lower blood pressure and oxygen intake through deep breathing. Research has proved the numerous health benefits of mediation and mindfulness, therefore no surprise that the practice has become so popular in Ireland, a country where mental health problems have increased in recent years.

Today, there is a meditation or mindfulness centre in almost every town in our country, with our town being home to Kenmare Mindfulness & Yoga, run by Darina O’Shea who has spent over 15 years practicing yoga and meditation. Darina is a certified MBSR (Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction) teacher and offers weekly mindfulness, yoga and eight week MBSR courses.

For more information visit www.kenmaremindfulnessandyoga.com or phone Darina on 085 1673800.

Friday April 6th - Tim Edey Live at The Carnegie BBC Radio Two’s Musician of the year 2012 Tim Edey has toured the world and recorded with most of the major names in Celtic/ Contemporary roots music. Tickets €18 Saturday April 7th - Two Screenings - 6pm and 8pm Fair Day 1983 & Men of Straw. Tickets €8/€5 students Friday April 13th & Saturday April 14th @ 8pm The Pillowman by Martin McDonagh. A young writer living in a totalitarian state is interrogated over the content of his stories which bear a striking resemblance to a series of child killings that are terrorising the town. Directed by Tommy Daly Tickets €12/ €9 (concession) suitable for age 16+ Further information 064 6648701 info@carnegieartskenmare.ie www.carnegieartskenmare.ie

MARCH Sat 17th (St Patrick’s Night): Uí Bhriain Fri: 23rd Threshing Mill Boys

APRIL Easter Sunday 1st: Catriona Friday 6th: Ui Bhriain Friday 13th: Blackwater Sound

24

Kenmare News

Spring snowfall showcases the raw beauty of Kenmare! pics Gerard Denneny

Kenmare News

Kenmare Cappancush

Asking Price €385,000

Kenmare 11 Sheen Woods

Asking Price €180,000

A Beautifully appointed 4 bedroom bungalow with stunning views over the Kenmare Bay. Set on 2.79 acres approx. of landscaped gardens.

7.2km to Kenmare. 170 sq m / 1829 sq ft approx.

Well presented 3 bedroom end of terrace house. Located near the shores of Kenmare Estuary. Fully furnished. 1.2km to Kenmare.

95 sq m / 1,023 sq ft approx.

Tahilla, Sneem

Kenmare

Lot 7, Stay Bank

Asking Price €180,000

93.078 ha / 230 acres approx. of Mountain Land.

• 35 acres suitable for Native Woodland Scheme • No entitlements attached

BER Exempt

Releagh, Bonane

Asking Price €170,000

Old House on 36.53 ha / 90.27 acres approx. with frontage onto Sheen River in the scenic valley area of Bonane.

BER Exempt

25

26

Kenmare News

Connor-Scarteen Auctioneers

5 Main Street, Kenmare

Kenmare

t: 064-66 41263

e: connorscarteen@eircom.net

Guide Price €240,000

No 3 Gortamullen Cottages,

w: www.connorscarteen.com

Guide Price €190,000

No 14 the Residences, Gortamullen,

• Quaint 4 bedroom corner house within 700m of Kenmare Town.

• The property was extended and renovated.

• Included is a fuel shed and chalet at the rear.

• Ideal as a family or holiday home.

• Comfortable 3 bedroom two story home.

• 5 minutes walk to the Square, Kenmare.

• Renovated to a high standard in 2016.

• Fantastic for an investment / family home.

Sneem

Kenmare

No 3 Sportsfield Road,

• • • •

Kenmare

PSRA No: 002272

Guide Price €160,000

Charming 3 bedroom terrace house.

Located in the heart of Sneem Village.

Large rear garden.

Extension built in 1996.

Gowlane, Blackwater

• • • •

Guide Price €150,000

Traditional 3 bedroom farmhouse on C 1 acre.

Panoramic views of the mountains and countryside.

Renovated and extended in recent years.

19 km from Kenmare, 3 km from the Blackwater Shop, Tavern & Post Office.

Auctioneers, Valuers & Letting Agents

Kenmare News

The months maybe marching on but Spring seems to have taken a step backwards. The cold weather has had a fairly severe effect on many shrubs that had been getting ready for a spurt of early spring growth. Young shoots have been scorched, leaves have shrivelled and even young buds have been blackened.

This scorching of the young growth will look unsightly for a while but the next spurge of growth will soon hide the damaged growth.

If you haven’t already pruned you can trim these shrubs now and that will indeed remove the scorched growth and prune the plants as well.

The Daffodils that had been putting up with all the bad weather had their flower heads flattened by the snow but have made a recovery and lifted themselves up again as soon as the snow had melted. But, it can only improve. March is always a month of many weathers so it can only get better but may revert again quickly. So, make the most of any dry spell to get some of the jobs done around the garden.

1. The lawn is nearly overrun with moss at the moment due to the constant rain we have had since last summer, grass growth is very uneven and very untidy looking. So, to get things started, the mower should be brought out of winter retirement (give the mower a check over for oil, spark plug etc. before using) and the lawn should be given a cut, not too low, but low enough to provide a neat finish. Next job, will then be to scatter some Lawn feed with moss and weed killer, just before it is going to rain. This rain will help wash the fertilizer/chemicals in. Within a few days the moss will start turning brown

Gardening notes

the Willowfield Way!

as it dies back. The weeds will take a little longer and at the same time the grass is beginning to put on a spurt of growth as it starts to feel the benefits of the fertilizer.

Don’t mow again for two weeks. Then it’s back to mowing again and a lot of the moss will be picked up by the mower as it dries out and loosens itself from the ground.

2. If you are interested in planting a HEDGE or bare-root trees, this is the time to do it as buds will be beginning to burst very soon and plants will need to be rooting away in the ground prior to this, so get it planted by the end of March to allow for better establishment.

3. FRUIT trees and bushes should also be planted as soon as possible as their flowering period is about to begin.

4. SPRING window boxes and PATIO CONTAINERS can be planted up with a range of flowering plants to bring early colour to the garden. Spring bulbs that have been pot grown can be planted into these containers with Pansy, Viola, Primrose and Sinetti Cinneraria..etc with some evergreen plants to give the splash of colour for Easter and on until it is time to plant up the summer bedding at the end of April. Seed can be sown now for many of the summer flowering plants but would need to be kept under protection until the end of April.

5. SUMMER flowering tubers and corms like DAHLIA, BEGONIA and LILLIES can be planted now for summer flowering.

27

6. In the VEGE garden there is plenty to do now as early potatoes can be planted and main crops can be sprouting away inside for another few weeks. If there is a chance of frost you can earth up the emerging shoots over the next month or so and this will save them from getting scorched. Prepare ground for sowing vegetable crops from the beginning of April. Early sowings can be carried out inside in seed trays and various plant containers so they can be planted out once all frost is over for the year. Well rotted Farm Yard Manure or GEE-UP, (Horse Manure), is great in the vegetable garden to give all the plants a lift as soon as the growing season is underway. In polythene tunnels sowings should be underway for most vegetable crops but again be careful for cold nights and prepare to cover the young plants with some ‘fleece’ for extra protection.

7. Now is also a good time for planting up new trees and shrubs in your garden.

Rhododendrons and Azaleas will be coming in to flower soon and plenty to choose from in the garden centre. All shrub beds could do with some fertilizer to give them a boost heading in to the growing season. Wide range of fertilizers available with the Poultry Manure or seaweed based fertilizers being the most popular.

And a final note to say ENJOY your garden now that spring is here, the sunshine, the fresh air and the colour and plant combinations you create! Winter is over….

Happy gardening!

See you all out at WILLOWFIELD as the garden season gains momentum!

Simon

28

Kenmare News

Templenoe GAA The Templenoe Team that defeated St. Michaels Foilmore by 1-16 to 1-03 in Old Dromore Sportsfield last month.

Back Row l-r; Jonathan Egan, Conor Murphy, Sean Sheehan, Martin Reilly, Steven O’Sullivan, Dan O’Connor, Kieran O’Neill, Cian Hallissey and Cathal Granville. Front Row l-r; John Moriarty, Danny Cahalane, Shane Cremin, John Rice, John Spillane, Mike Hallissey, Eoin Murphy, Joseph Sheehan and Brian Crowley. pic Mary O’Neill

Three generations of the O’Sullivan/Lee family celebrate Tamzin’s Confirmation. Pictured are Martina Lee, Doreen O’Sullivan, Tamzin Lee, Ted O’Sullivan and Kelly Lee. pic Mary O’Neill

Snowman Danny Healy Rae feeling a little confused with the recent weather!

Kenmare News

Blackwater Women’s Group

29

The AGM of Blackwater Women’s Group took place recently in Blackwater Tavern and the following officers were elected.

Storm Emma

The snowmen have all melted, and communities have begun to get back to normal. I would like to thank all those involved in keeping services open and available to people during this time.

It is important to remember to shop and buy local produce from local shops as these businesses have proven to be the heart of the community and provided a dedicated service during this time of bad weather.

Kenmare town traders

I am delighted that the ongoing issues regarding street trading in Kenmare has been resolved. I will be asking Kerry County Council to get the new trading area set up straight away before the tourist season begins.

Housing

It is great to see that the building of the new houses in Ard Bhearna are progressing quickly. I will again be requesting Kerry County Council to insure that there is a footpath and street lighting installed along the Killarney road to the entrance of the estate.

Farming

Bad weather have affected farming during the last number of weeks, putting extra pressure on feed and fodder resources. I have asked that Kerry County Council to write to the Minister for Agriculture to put Kerry in as county to receive fodder transport subsidy. I have also asked for clarification on the position of the extension to the burning season.

Pobal Scoil Inbhear Scéine

I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all those involved in the recent victories in Basketball, GAA and Athletics. I would also like to wish everyone the best of luck in the upcoming semi-finals and finals.

Darkness into Light

The annual darkness into light walk will take place on the 12th of May. All those who wish to partake in this walk will have to register online, which will be open from the 14th of March. There will be no registration on the morning of the walk. If anyone wishes to help in the organising of this event please contact me.

Chairperson; Josephine O’Neill Vice Chair; Majella O’Sullivan Secretary; Marie O’Connell Treasurer; Mary D O’Neill Assistant Treasurer; Mary Doyle Events Facilitator; Mairead Robinson PRO; Mary O’Neill Assistant PRO; Julie Creedon

Blackwater Women’s Group meet on the second Tuesday of every month. Membership is €5 per year and is due for renewal now.

Members can join classes, go on outings & enjoy guest speakers.

New Members Welcome.

31 card game for up keep of defibrillators: A 31 card game and raffle for CPR training and the up keep of 5 defibrillators in the Blackwater/Templenoe area takes place in Blackwater Tavern on Thursday March 22nd at 9pm. Tables of 8 @ €10 per person. Ring 064-6682003 to book a table. Donations & raffle prizes welcome.

CPR Training: CPR Training took place in Blackwater Tavern recently and twenty seven people trained in CPR and use of the defibrillator. Re-certification certs are now available for collection.

Tea Dance: The ‘Dine & Dance’ event in the Kenmare Bay Hotel on Sunday March 4th had to be cancelled due to the snow. It will be re-scheduled as soon as Kenmare Bay can set a suitable date.

Photography Class: Photography Classes continue in Blackwater Tavern every Saturday from 11am to 1pm. There will be an exhibition of photographs taken in the Dance Hall in the summer.

All welcome to join. Contact Mary in Shop 064-6682003 to book or for information.

Drama: KETB Drama Classes take place in the Tavern every Wednesday night from 7.30pm to 9.30pm.

Exercise Classes: Exercise Classes with Shirley Price take place every Monday night in the Tavern. Exercises for the Energetic €5 per Class from 7 to 8pm. Go for Life Exercise Classes for the Less Active from 8 to 9pm. Go for Life classes are part sponsored by Age & Opportunity.

Film and editing class: A film and editing class is to planned for

Spring/Summer. If you are interested in joining any of the above classes contact Mary in Shop 064-6682003 to book or for further information. Follow Blackwater Women’s Group on Facebook.

Dan McCarthy Kilcurrane East, Kenmare.

087-6846513 or 087-2224411 (Work) I am available every day in Kenmare Mart, and hold clinics throughout south and west Kerry during the month.

Senator Mark Daly pictured enjoying a light hearted moment with his mother Eileen during his speech in the GPO for the opening of the exhibit on the Irish Flag. “I want to begin by welcoming my Mother, Eileen and apologising again for being suspended from school for leading 7 other friends on to the roof of Holy Cross College on Easter week on the 75th anniversary of the 1916 Rising to fly an 18 foot long Irish flag my granny had made. I hope, mam, this event may make up for that breach of that rule all those years ago. To the students in the audience do not do this when you get home.”

30

Kenmare News

Trick or Treat in Spring?

Report by Heike O’Sullivan

There I was, across enemy lines in the Land of the Blood & Bandage, keeping a low profile, when I got word of the Bantry based equivalent of our South Kerry Development Partnership (SKDP), the aptly named West Cork Development Partnership (WCDP), inviting applications from South Kerry for free stuff. A Cork organisation freely offering benefits to the Kingdom? Stuff that would make green and gold homes warmer and cosier? Surely, it had to be a Rebel trick.

Or is there really a treat in store for us here, on the other side of the Tunnels?

greenhouse gas emissions. Many people still don’t know that this scheme is available and we are currently trying to raise awareness.

There is a lot of money available right now for the BEWHS and surprisingly, one of our greatest challenges is to actually get potentially eligible home owners to approach us and engage with us. In fact, even property owners and landlords who don’t qualify for the BEWHS could benefit from a grant of up to €923 towards attic and cavity wall insulation for houses or apartments. Here, the I had to find out and walked around the corner to the WCDP office. only criteria are that the property was built and occupied before Warmer Homes Scheme co-ordinator Finbarr O’Sullivan kindly 2006.” gave me twenty minutes of his time to explain all about the Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme (BEWHS). This scheme is not to be confused with the Better Energy Homes Scheme although you would be forgiven for doing so, seeing as our Government couldn’t come up with more distinct names for the two schemes. The Better Energy Homes Scheme is open to anyone and provides grants towards the cost of house insulation, solar panels and the like. The BEWHS, however, is means tested and covers the entire cost of certain home energy saving measures for qualifying buildings.

“The BEWHS aims to improve the energy efficiency and comfort of homes occupied by low-income households,” explained Finbarr.

“Services under the current scheme include cavity wall and attic insulation, draught proofing, lagging jackets and low energy light.

Any or all of these measures are carried out at no cost whatsoever to Local Development Companies such as the WCDP were set up to bring money into communities and to make application processes the qualifying home owner.” as easy and user-friendly as possible. They are known to be genuinely interested in helping the communities under their care. I have certainly found Finbarr of WCDP nothing but welcoming and enthusiastic about the BEWHS through which over 3,000 homes in West Cork have already benefitted since the scheme began. So, if you live anywhere in South Kerry and think you might qualify for the scheme, if you have a cavity wall house, perhaps built in the 1970s or 80s that could do with being insulated, get in touch with Finbarr who would be delighted to hear from you. Even if you live in a stone-built cottage or farmhouse, as I do, Finbarr said to get an application in to him. Although you would not be accepted into the current scheme which doesn’t cover external wall insulation or internal dry-lining, Finbarr is pretty sure that the scheme will be expanded to cover these forms of insulation in a couple of years time. By getting your name on his data base, you would already have one proverbial foot in the door when the time comes to offer work to stone buildings, too. No harm in that at all, and I promise, it’s not a Rebel trick.

Finbarr went on to say, “To be eligible for the scheme, you must own and live in your own home which must have been built and occupied before 2006. You must not have received works previously under the BEWHS, and you must be in receipt of one of the following: Fuel Allowance as part of the National Fuel Scheme (for instance as part of the State Pension or Farm Assist); Job Seekers Allowance for over six months and have a child under seven years of age; Family Income Supplement; One-Parent Family Payment; or Domiciliary Care Allowance.”

I asked how come the WCDP also looks after South Kerry homes and Finbarr told me that they have been administering the scheme since 2008, covering most parts of county Cork as well as South Kerry. “Local Development Companies such as ourselves or SKDP deliver a varied range of programmes. Each company selects those programmes which they think most suit their particular areas. In our case, WCDP chose the BEWHS amongst others and there is increased funding available this year due to Ireland being fined by the EU over

For more information contact:

Finbarr O’Sullivan of West Cork Development Partnership on 027 52266 or 087 0657334, call into his office just off Barrack Street, Bantry, or email finbarr@wcdp.ie

Golf in Kenmare

Kenmare News

31

Welcome to this month’s

Golf in Kenmare

Ring of Kerry Results 27th February 3 Club Comp over 18 holes 1st Joe Harrington 28pts, 2nd Derek Hillier 26pts, 3rd Pat O’Dwyer 26 pts.

17th and 18th February 12-Hole 2 Person Scramble 1st Joe Harrington (21) & Toby Steadman(2) 36.4 2nd Jay Steadman (9) and Toby Steadman (2) 40.8 3rd John (21) & Paul (6) 0’Connor 41.6.

‘The Notorious Conor McGregor MMA visited the new exhibition on the Irish flag in the GPO which was installed by the Thomas F Meagher Foundation of which Reverend Cavanagh and Senator Daly are co-founders.

Brothers Ben (11) and Luke (8) Merrigan both won gold at the Irish Schools Swimming Finals at the National Aquatic Centre in Dublin recently. Ben won the U11 50m backstroke and Luke won the U9 breaststroke. Both boys worked hard for the competition and have made Kenmare Bay Swim Club very proud. Also competing at the event were Anu Hayes, Tania McCormack and Tommy Meagher who all had great swims.

Bouncy Castle / Marquee Hire

Bizee Bouncers

Inflatables for all parties & events Obstacle courses, slides, combi units, disco dome & sumo suits Contact

Wild Atlantic Marquees

John 087 7600422

For all parties/events Tables/Chairs Flooring, Lighting, Heating

Fully Insured

Kenmare Golf Club Results Ladies Results Sunday 18th February 12 hole Stableford Sponsor Margaret Collins Winner Delia Long (26) 25 pts.

Sunday 25th February 15 hole Stableford Sponsor Angela Cronin 1st Anne Clifford (28) 28pts, 2nd. Margaret Hanley (18) 25pts Men’s Results Sunday 25th February 2-Man Scramble. Sponsor Sean Daly Killarney.

1st. Tim Twomey and Sean Finn 41.5 nett.

2nd. Padraig O’Shea and Dave O’Dwyer (Jnr.) 42 nett. (OCB) 3rd. Donal Cronin and Pat Kiely 42 nett.

Sunday February 18th 2 Open 15-Hole Single 1st. Dave Burke (10) 37pts. 2nd. Paudie Kelleher (20) 34pts.

3rd. Gerald O’Dwyer (12) 33pts.

Special Olympics Golf in Kenmare, with Mike Murphy, local Special Olympics Golf Organiser and Laochra Chiarraí recipient.

Q. Hi Mike, thanks for giving me the time for a chat. The Kenmare News ran a story last month on you and Anne receiving a Laochra Chiarrai award on behalf of the Special Olympics Clubs of Kerry, and we have had a few questions what it was about, so hopefully you don’t mind us asking you? How did this all start, and what’s going on with Special Olympics Golf in Kenmare?

The 5 Special Olympics Clubs in Kerry, jointly received the Laochra Chiarrai Award. It was to be presented in Dublin on Friday last but was cancelled owing to Storm Emma. It will now be presented on April 27th.

A. After the 2003 World Special Olympics games in Ireland - the first outside the US, where Eunice Kennedy Shriver started it, the bug took off around Ireland and Kenmare. Our own son Michael was involved, and started playing in Harbour Point in Cork. In 2007, The Kenmare GC captains, at the time John Sheppard and Ann Kelly-Murphy helped start this off in Kenmare. We have 9 athletes, with great success through the years, and great fun. Michael S. Murphy has represented Ireland on three occasions. Our most successful athlete Michael O’Leary has competed in multiple events, with the highlight being the World games in Athens where he collected the silver medal.

Four players - Michael O’Leary, Fiona Riney, Orla Murphy and Ken Browne are competing on the 14th to 17th of June this year in Dublin in the Ireland games. There are 14 sports in these games, and the golf is on in St Margarets GC in Swords.

Q. Any big competitions coming up?

As well as the Ireland Games in June, on Monday 14th May the West Munster skills competition is on in Kenmare with 80-90 athletes taking part. We’re indebted to Kenmare GC and their volunteers with help for this competition.

Q. How do people join in?

Athletes come and join when they hear about us, we’re quite happy to take on athletes when they want to join. Just come along and ask at Kenmare GC. We’re open to all gofers with a learning disability over the age of 8. We meet every Saturday at the moment and will move to Friday evenings for the summer months.

Q. I presume there’s a lot of volunteering involved in this – who’s on your team?

At the moment, we have regular volunteers John Sheppard, Steve Rowe, Honor Fitzgerald, Peter Cronin, Mary Brosnan, Coley Keating Jim Brosnan, Rita O’Brien, Anne and Mike Murphy as well as various parents and other supporters during the year. We also have a big supporting staff for events like our skills competition on the 14th of May. Having said this, we’re very keen to take on new volunteers - any help would be greatly appreciated. Various athletes are at different levels, and compete at different games and skills so multiple coaches are needed.

Thanks Mike - keep up the great work and best of luck in the competitions in May and June.

32

Kenmare News

Kenmare Bay Swim Club

recently attended the Michael Bowles Munster qualifier gala in Cork and there were great swims, turns, starts and personal bests as always for the swimmers.

Well done to Ben Merrigan on his four golds and one silver medal, to Hiudai Hayes for his silver, and to the boys relay team of Tommy Meagher, Tommy Arthur, Joshua Foley and Ben Merrigan for their bronze medals. They, along with Anu Hayes, have qualified to compete in the National Division 2 Championships!

A special mention also to Ayla O’Neill on achieving her Munster Meet 3 level. The coaches and parents are very proud of all the swim teams hard work.

Ion Fitness and kickboxing club

once again headed to the New Year’s Open competition in city west Dublin. This has rapidly become one of the biggest Open (open to all types of martial arts) events in Ireland.

Bernard, head coach of Ion Fitness and Kickboxing, said, “We are particularly happy to bring the students to this event, as it is very well run and organised.”

He praised the commitment and the support of the two parents Konrad Durmaj from Kenmare and Geraldine Hicks from Bantry and his daughter Ciara Brady (assistant coach) who travelled to the event insuring that all the students where looked after at all times.

“To travel to these events is a huge commitment by all and would not be possible without this continued support. The results say a lot about how committed the children are to the sport of kickboxing. To bring home two golds, four silvers and three bronze medals between the the six fighters that travelled is just massive and exceeded our expectations.”

The fighters who travelled were Leon Walsh and Alexander Durmaj from Kenmare, St Johns club; Zoe Hicks from the Bantry St Brendans Club; and Dimante Blazenaite, and Oran and Oisin Brady from the Castletownbere club.

All of these fighters train extremely hard during their classes and train at least twice a week, some even committing to four training sessions a week. However, Bernard believes that it is the work they put in at home makes the difference.

Anyone who is interested in joining in one of our classes should give Bernard a call on 085 1561248 or check out the Ion fitness and kickboxing Facebook page or www.ionkickboxing.com.

The County Senior Football League is up and running for 2018. For the full list of fixtures visit kerrygaa.ie All the best to the players and management in this competition.

The club is going to perform ‘Dancing With The Shamrocks’ again this year at Halloween. If you are interested in dancing contact 087-4449566.

The club thank you for supporting the lotto draw by purchasing an Annual Lotto ticket in 2017. These tickets expire after the draw held on April 8th 2018.

A member of our committee will be in contact with you soon to invite you to renew your ticket for the coming year.

The recent arctic weather produced an unusual view of Fr Breen Park 2018.

Kenmare News

Busy month for Internazionale Kenmare FC

33

Snowgoal!

photo by Sean

We have a busy Easter coming up with two big events in InterKenmare park, AVIVA Sisters Soccer Camp (March 26th 27th) Register at www.soccersisters.ie followed by our own Easter Soccer Camp on March 28th, 29th & 30th. Registration forms available from Daybreak, Main Street or from John 087 673 6541.

Inter would like to thank Kerry County Council for a €250 grant aid towards jerseys. Needed and very much appreciated - go raibh maith agat!

Congratulations to Boki Nikic!

In February he made the Kerry U17 squad again.

We asked him twenty questions; Other than Inter, what football team do you support? Arsenal Who is your favourite footballer?

Antoine Griezmann Who is your favourite Irish player?

Shane Long Who is your favourite female player?

Alex Morgan.

Forward for Orlando Pride and the US women’s national team.

Who is your favourite coach? Darren Ahern What is your favoured position? Right Wing What’s the best book you’ve ever read? Wonder What is your favourite film/tv programme? Stranger Things What is your favourite food/meal? Pizza What is your favourite computer game? Fortnite What is your favourite subject at school? P.E. What is your least favourite subject? Maths What other sports do you play? Gaelic Football What was the worst moment of your footballing life?

Missing a penalty in Galway Cup Final (hit the crossbar) What was the best moment of your footballing life?

Signing for Kerry U17s plus playing at Tallaght Stadium home of Shamrock Rovers.

Favourite music? Hip Hop/Rap Plans for the future? Hopefully sign for a League of Ireland club.

Messi or Ronaldo? Messi Cat or Dog? Dog Tell us a joke.

Two flies playing football in the saucer. One says to the other, ‘Don’t tire yourself out, we’re playing in the cup tomorrow.”

Tara

DESMOND profile Tara Desmond started her county career at 10 years of age being selected last year in the Kerry school girl’s and boy’s league, and playing in the Gaynor Cup. She has loved sport and has been an inter player from academy aged 8. Last year she was part of the team that won both the Kerry League and Championship Cups u12. She loves animals and plans to be a vet when she grows up, she has numerous ducks and hens that she cares for daily. She is currently playing basketball, soccer and ladies football. She also loves gymnastics and plans to compete in it this year.

Twenty Questions to Tara Other than Inter, what football team do you support? Real Madrid Who is your favourite footballer? Ronaldo Who is your favourite Irish player? James McClean Who is your favourite female player? Stephanie Roche Who is your favourite coach? Betty Cremin What is your favoured position? Mid What’s the best book you’ve ever read? Shadow What is your favourite film/tv programme? War Horse What is your favourite food/meal? Brown Pasta What is your favourite computer game? Fifa What is your favourite subject at school? English What is your least favourite subject? Maths Any other sports? Gymnastics, football, dancing, running What was the worst moment of your footballing life?

When I handballed in the box What was the best moment of your footballing life?

When we won the league Favourite music? Breath Plans for the future? Being a vet or a gymnast Messi or Ronaldo? Ronaldo Cat or Dog? Dog Tell us a joke. Where do sheep go on vacation? The Baahamas.

34

Kenmare News

White Lightning Karate Club (Kenmare)

has been invited to represent Ireland in the WMKF European Championships in Sicily this May. White Lightning Karate, founded in 2009, has already won eighty four international medals at European and World Championship level. This year the club’s hopes are resting on Kenmare students Gemma Meyer, Melissa Barry, Daisy Norman and Luka Norman (all brown belts) who will compete from May 12th to 13th.

Club coach Shihan Niall Wright is no stranger to international medals, being a three times world champion himself.

With the assistance of the karate kids’ parents he is spearheading a campaign to fund their European Championship visit, which kicked off with a coffee morning on Friday February 23rd in the Landsdowne Arms Hotel. The event was well attended and delicious baking was enjoyed by all. Thanks to the Landsdowne Arms Hotel for use of the premises and to Staff for their assistance on the day.

Inbhear Scéine Gaels Ladies Football Club February has been a quiet month, fixtures don’t start till March.

Training is starting in all ages groups this month in preparation for the new season.

U8/10s will start the end of March.

U12s on Wednesdays at 4.30pm in the school field with Betty and Vincent White.

U14s began training last month with their new trainer Alan Sheehy, training on Wednesdays at 4pm in Kenmare astroturf.

All players are asked to bring €2 to cover the cost of the pitch.

U16s/Minors began their training early March with Rosaleen Cusack in the schoolfield, training on Tuesday at 5pm Our Seniors began training on a cold Friday night in mid-February.

Friday nights are Senior training nights at 9pm in Kenmare Astroturf. Players are asked to bring €3 to again cover the cost of the pitch. Watch our Facebook page Inbhear Scéine Gaels Ladies Football Club for regular updates on training, and we would love to see some new faces at all our trainings from the U10s to the seniors.

It’s very important for girls to take part in sport and they will make new friends while staying fit. If you are interested come down and speak with our coaches, and get an insight into the game.

We had very successful registration days on February 10th and 17th in Murphy’s Supervalu Kenmare, where we raised much needed funds also in our donation boxes.

We’d like to thank everyone for the generous donations and to Derry Murphy the use of the space on the day.

A kick-a-thon has been scheduled for Tuesday March 20th at 6pm to raise further funds for the trip. This will involve each student doing 1,000 kicks in the space of two hours. White Lightning Karate members have been given sponsorship cards in advance of the kicka-thon and sponsors are automatically entered into a monster raffle taking place on the evening of the kickathon. We wish to thank the many local businesses who have donated fantastic prizes to the raffle. Winners will be contacted on March 21st.

Sponsors who were unable to donate at the coffee morning or to the kickathon can also donate to Shihan Niall Wright on 089 243 6823.

The Kerry Minors had a flying start to their season when they took on Tipperary in the first game of their championship with a serious score line of 3-13 to 3-05. We are very proud of our young players Julie and Emma O’Sullivan, Ellen O’Sullivan and Katie Palmer who are all part of the very strong team.

URGENT ... Manager/coach urgently required

for Inbhear Scéine Gaels Senior Ladies Football team. The team are currently competing in division 1 of the league and senior championship. This is a wonderful opportunity to work with a highly motivated, dedicated and skilled team. To find out more, contact Denise on 087 2582257.

• Weeding • Grasscutting • Strimming

• Pruning • Hedge Cutting & Shaping

• Planting • Regular Maintenance

t: 064 668 9399 • m: 086 827 8349 Fully Qualified an d In sured

Kenmare News

KENMARE TYRE CENTRE Cahir East, Kenmare.

Now stocking

WIX FILTERS for plant & agri needs

MOBILE BREAKDOWN SERVICE BATTERIES OIL WIPERS

064 668 5320 / 087 677 4468

35

36

Kenmare News

Job Opportunities

SEAN DALY & CO. LTD. INSURANCE BROKERS

Services Available Tired of being alone?

We are Munster’s leading professional dating agency.

Call or text today and we will help you find your Special Someone! www.twoheartsmeet.com 085 7742444

Thanksgiving Prayer to St. Jude May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be adored, glorified, loved and throughout the world now and forever. Sacred Heart of Jesus, pray for us. St. Jude, Healer of the hopeless, pray for us.

St. Jude, Worker of miracles, pray for us.

Amen.

(Say this prayer 9 times per day for 9 days. By the 9th day, your prayer will be answered. It has never been known to fail Publication must be promised.)

MD

Childcare Mature lady required to mind two children in their own home three to five days per week.

10am to 5pm.

Please phone 087 2491524

Property Kenmare, Co Kerry, Ireland. www.sheenfallslodge.ie Sheen Falls Lodge is a member of Relais & Chateaux since opening in 1991 and is an AA Five Red Star Hotel which has received many prestigious awards and accolades since it opened.

We are currently inviting applications for the following roles for

March/April 2018 starts:* Experienced Bar Tender *Experienced Beauty Therapist *Accommodation Assistants *Turndown Assistants : 6-10 PM daily *Health Club Assistant Applicants for all the above positions must have experience in the role applied for. All applicants must be available to work five days over seven per week to include weekends and bank holidays to be considered for the positions.

Interested applicants may apply in confidence by e-mail to: personnel@sheenfallslodge.ie

Urgently Required Houses for Sale / Rent in the general Kenmare area Majella O’Sullivan Auctioneer/Estate Agent Market Street, Kenmare Phone (064) 6642101 Property available to rent • 3 bed detached house, Tuosist, Kenmare €700 monthly • 3 Sheen View, Kenmare €800 monthly • 3 Sunny Hill, Kenmare €800 monthly • 4 Bed, Berties, Derrylahan, Kenmare, €1500 monthly • 4 Bed, Somerton, Killaha, Kenmare, €1650 monthly If you have a house a high-end house you wish to rent, please contact our office we have the perfect client.

If you are looking for something specific, please contact our office and we will put you on our database and find the property that suits you.

Sherry FitzGerald Daly Contact Suzanne Teahan Tel 064-6641213

Kenmare News

37

Kenmare News

SARAH KING

t: 087 436 4426 e: skingkbs@gmail.com

CONTACT ME

38

Need office support for your business?

• Admin tasks/filing systems • Project work/letters and reports drafted • One off/short term/long term • Experienced in Microsoft Outlook, Word, Powerpoint and Excel

Kenmare News

39

Kitchens • Wardrobes • Sliderobes • Custom Made Furniture

087 6661700 • www.dostp.ie

40

Kenmare News