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SEPT/OCT 2018
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BUSINESS
Connect Kerry Hospitality Awards AWARD nOMINEES
Working
from home
is it for you?
Some amazing Food Festivals around the county in the coming weeks
Connect Kerry Hospitality Awards
Martin Shanahan to speak at Prosper Kerry Event
FINALISTS from around the county
2 | Connect BUSINESS | Sept/Oct 2018
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EDITOR NOTE Hello and welcome to
Connect Business So the summer is over and its time to get the office organised for the autumn and get back to business. This issue we hear about Prosper Kerry, an organisation based in Dublin but lead by a true Kerry man. The mission for Prosper Kerry is to develop a network of support among Kerry’s business diaspora to enhance prosperity in Kerry through co-operation, knowledge-sharing, creativity, inspiration and a stronger entrepreneurial ecosystem. Their next event is on October 10th and guest speaker on the night is another great Kerry Businessman Martin Shanahan. We also look at working from home and if it’s an option for you, if done correctly it can be a very successful way of operating your business. It’s become a way of life for many people now for flexibility and work life balance. We meet two ladies from two different industries both home based. We are delighted to bring you the Connect Kerry Hospitality Awards which are well underway and by the time you read this, the closing date for applications will have passed and the voting lines will be open. We are really looking forward to recognising this industry as it’s got to be one of the biggest in the county and there are so many establishments and people who deserve to be recognised so be sure to check out all the details and cast your vote for your favourite venue or staff member. We launch the Connect Business Club this month too, CBC is a club for the county and we invite all types of business to be part of it, our aim is to bring like-minded business people together to share, connect and learn to grow business for each other, we will meet bi-monthly and will also run a number of training courses and information evenings to support our members, its open to all business people in the county no matter how big or small your business is. Contact us for more information. To coincide with this our Connect Business will now be published six times a year instead of four. Its food festival time around the county too and we have some details on two great festivals happening in the coming weeks. We have lots of news in our what’s new in business and appointments from around the county too, so if you have anything new in your business please let us know. As always we are delighted to hear from you and what’s happening in your business so don’t be shy spread the word and let us tell the county how good your business is. Until next time.
Margaret x Editor: Margaret Kissane Design: Laura Hartnett Design For Advertising Enquiries: Margaret: 086 2408237 sales@connectpublications.ie For Editorial Enquiries: info@connectpublications.ie Connect BUSINESS | Sept/Oct 2018 | 3
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Martin Shanahan to speak at Prosper Kerry Event In our youth, we are all encouraged to give back and to help those in need. Prosper Kerry is doing just that. The mission for Prosper Kerry is to develop a network of support among Kerry’s business diaspora to enhance prosperity in Kerry through co-operation, knowledge-sharing, creativity, inspiration and a stronger entrepreneurial ecosystem. CEO of the IDA and Abbeydorney native, Martin Shanahan is the guest speaker at Prosper Kerry on the evening of Wednesday, October 10th in the Guinness Enterprise Centre. The 4th meet supporting Kerry entrepreneurs follows a very successful summer event in Killarney.
Prosper Kerry is the brainchild of Derryquay native, Eamonn Sayers – manager of the global award-winning Guinness Enterprise Centre (GEC). In his role leading the ‘World’s Top Business Incubator’, Eamonn has seen many early-stage companies grow nationally and internationally since he took over the helm of the GEC in 2011.
Already 7 early stage Kerry companies including Storystock, Crua Outdoors, mibeau Interiors, Go Yeti, The Freebird Club, Southern Scientific Ireland, Origin Bars and Qilta, have had an opportunity to showcase their businesses to the Kerry diaspora eager to assist them in their growth.
“Our ask is simple, we want Kerry people and others vested in the county to come along and find out how they can help. We believe that we’re missing a trick by not having better business relationships between those of us living and working in the county, and those of us who are outside Kerry but will always call Kerry home. Our diaspora can provide a wealth of advice and mentoring on tackling key start-up challenges including access to markets, growing the business and connecting the entrepreneur with potential investors. We’re a passionate group of Kerry people who want to do as much as we can for our county.”
Edmund Harty, Dairymaster
The success of Prosper Kerry can be attributed to the support and hard work of Kerry County Council Chief Executive, Moira Murrell and her team as well as Breda O’Dwyer from the IT Tralee, Tomas Hayes from the Kerry LEO office and Jerry Moloney from Enterprise Ireland, along with a group of Kerry professionals based in Dublin namely Anita Kelly, Edel Fitzgerald, Marguerite Baily, Keelin Kissane, Julianne O’Leary, Martin O’Connell, Stephen Fuller, Mark Kennelly, John Mc Elligott and Martyn Rosney.
Prosper Kerry has heard: from Causeway’s Dr. Edmond Harty leading one of the world’s best agri-tech businesses; from Kerry entrepreneur Jerry Kennelly who shared the hardearned lessons of growing global businesses from Kerry; and Killorglin exile Luke Moriarty who employs 650+ people in the retail & hospitality industry in Dublin. 4 | Connect BUSINESS | Sept/Oct 2018
You can follow Prosper Kerry on Twitter @ProsperSeries #ProsperKerry
Eamonn Sayers
Luke Moriarty
Breda O’Dwyer
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Connect BUSINESS | Sept/Oct 2018 | 5
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SIX KEYS TO A WINNING TEAM By Helen Burns
I’m often asked by business leaders about how to get their employees working together and heading in the same direction. The answer lies in investing time and effort in building a strong team. Here are six keys to be implemented to do just that: I. Focus on strong leadership. The first key to a winning team is leadership. A strong leader demonstrates integrity and competence and is someone that people trust. Strong leaders inspire ownership in the teams they build. Work on developing trust with your employees, which starts by listening to them, and show that your decisions are based on what you believe is best for the team, and that those decisions include input from all of those affected by that decision. II. Set common goals. Winning teams work together towards a shared goal. You need to answer the question, “Where are we going?” for your team. A winning team will have a clear goal and plan of action to achieve it. Great goals are SMART – Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Results-orientated, and with a Time-frame. SMART goals are however not enough to get teams focused unless they’re common to the team. The necessary buy-in ensures improvements in performance and team spirit. III. Explain the rules. If these are unclear it leaves employees frustrated, confused or apathetic. Does your team know your company core values? Have you invested time in defining core values and communicating the company culture to every
team member? Rules are not there to control and smother, but to clearly define the structure and means to winning. IV. Develop an action plan. Great ideas, an inspiring vision, and even happy employees don’t automatically produce results. Results come from taking action. Your action plan has three simple components – WHO does WHAT by WHEN. Organise your plan into logical steps, and delegate each step to the right team member. V. Support risk-taking. As long as you have defined the rules of the game, the team should be encouraged to innovate within those defined boundaries. Progress is achieved by trying new things, even if it means failing along the way. Fear of mistakes and failure must go. You need to learn to welcome multiple solutions to challenges and encourage lateral thinking. VI. Involve and include all the people on your team. Winning teams are created when each person knows they are accepted by the team, and each member chooses to participate 100%. Some may need to change radically or leave. While that may sound tough, it’s in the best interests of the team and your business, and probably (if a team member can’t commit 100%) for the person leaving too. Peoples’ expectations of their work life have changed dramatically in recent years and with such a well-educated work force their value to your orgaisation is greater than ever before. To attract and retail top talent these six keys are critical. If you require further information please contact us on 087 2863977.
“FOR MOLLY” - THE LAUNCH ‘For Molly’ will be launched in Omniplex Tralee on Fri Oct 5th. The film deals with the subject of a young Irish couple coming to terms with a shock cancer diagnosis. They are working with www.kerrycancersupport.com/ and www. recoveryhavenkerry.com along with the Irish Cancer Society through the films launch to raise funds and awareness for their services. ABOUT THE FILM ‘For Molly’ tells the story of a young Irish couple ‘Evan and Laura’, engaged to be married and preparing for the arrival of their first child ‘Molly’ when a shock cancer diagnosis arrives out of the blue to Evan. Uncertain about the future Evan starts recording a series of home movie messages for Molly in an attempt to offer some helpful fatherly advice and a document of who he is for Molly when she is older. The home movie recordings unintentionally end up capturing the emotional rollercoaster Evan and Laura go through as they come to terms with their predicament and events build towards a climax.The story deals with universal themes of love and loss, death, birth and healing all told through a distinctly Irish focused lens drawing on and depicting Ireland’s changing culture and way of life. The film was shot over 5 days in Navan Co. Meath on a shoestring budget by a group of passionate up and coming Irish filmmakers. DIRECTORS STATEMENT In recent times some of my close family and friends have been affected by cancer. ‘For Molly’ came about as a result of those experiences. With this film I hope we can highlight some important issues relating to cancer care and prevention by raising awareness particularly among younger sections of the population. I also hope the film will serve as a tool to promote the great work performed by local cancer support groups, services and advocates working to ensure that the best possible care is available to those experiencing the impact of the disease in Ireland. 6 | Connect BUSINESS | Sept/Oct 2018
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Connect BUSINESS | Sept/Oct 2018 | 7
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Over 30 Delegates Enjoy SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING MASTERCLASS A variety of business owners and Marketing Co – Ordinators for community and not for profit organisations in Kerry all reported significant learnings from the Connect Kerry/Digital Division Masterclass held in the Rose Hotel recently. Two intensive and hands on programmes were offered – the 6 hour day class for those who were using social media in some shape or fashion but who wished to get better results and grow reach, impact and of course sales! The three hour evening programme featured an overview of just what the whole Social Media utensil set of web, facebook, youtube, instragram, twitter and of course snap chat now can do for a communications and marketing channel and how to get involved properly. All of the 30 participants availed of the intensive one to one bespoke coaching sessions where their online presence was worked through and many for the first time had platforms created for them. Key for many in attendance was how to get the most from their phone, lap tops and of course computer and indeed those of the staff or crew within the organisation to engage all tools and platforms in a structure way. Most were not aware of the type of activities that can be done from a phone to market a business DIRECT without having to go back to an office or shop to upload. The whole issue of having to work over and around what certain sites are forcing users to do and how boost posts and to pay for video clips to be viewed to select targeted audiences were examined in some detail. The trends that the bigger sites don’t really want to brag about – optimal times for posting to your audience, dead parts of the cycle, story feeds versus raw advertising messages, surveys, new engagement techniques and of course how to get loyal clients or
8 | Connect BUSINESS | Sept/Oct 2018
users to endorse your firm in a useful way were all featured. Trying to re-examine what is the key message they wish to communicate and to whom – surprised many who in attempting to place messages all over the web were loosing what their core brand value was. A significant portion of time was spent teaching users how to the use the counting and analytical tools of all the sites that can assist a busy person in reviewing what is and is not working. Many attendees to the programme were hugely impressed with the quality of the Trainers, the Multimedia Assistants and the level of detail offered. All were really enthused by the one to one sessions where they got to undertake some detailed personal work on their sites and platforms; without having to let everyone else in the class know of their problems. Digital Division Events and Communications Director Colm Croffy stated “in common with all the other parts of the country , the attendees feel slightly overwhelmed with all the activity they feel they should be doing, when in reality they need to stand back , have a strategic look on who they wish to communicate with and see where those people can be found within a radius of their organisation or firm” . From the feedback of the attendees and those who could not attend Digital Division are coming back for a Social Media Clinic to the Rose Hotel on Thursday Oct 25th. Founder of the Kerry Connect Business Club - Margret Kissane was very impressed with the reaction of the delegates to both programmes and is looking forward to working with the Digital Divison Team again; “The Trainers brought a whole sense of practical how – to; to their presentations which demystified the jargon so often associated with courses like these and everyone loved that the examples and suggestions they gave were for very busy people to understand and implement. We do look forward to working with them as our Social Media Marketing Associates to the Connect Business Club“, says Margret.
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Connect BUSINESS | Sept/Oct 2018 | 9
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WORKING FROM HOME
is it an option for you? Do you know there are some 215000 people working from home or in a co –working space as we write this piece, some people have the perception that working from home is all about sitting at a desk doing tele sales all day, others think its passing a few hours and for the most part I find personally myself with a home based office getting someone to take you seriously is the hardest part, you get the ‘what do you do all day’ or ‘isn’t it so handy you can pop to the kitchen and put on a wash’. The list goes on, but in reality it’s not like that at all and my advice to anyone wanting to work from home is you need to be much more disciplined than if you were heading out to work outside of the home and you do need to be extremely organised. Working from home or having a home based office can be the most liberating way to live your life especially if you have children, the option of being in the house when they get in from school or if there is a sick day or a day off for some other reason the stress levels aren’t so high, however you do need to have a structure and ensure that routine is part of every day, have your own guidelines and follow them.
BRIDIE CARROLL We meet two ladies who feel the work from home is the ideal fit for their business. Bridie Carroll Specialist in Cutting, Colouring and Styling has a fabulous purpose built salon on the grounds of her home.
* Have your own space for your office and treat this like you would your workplace
Bridie Carroll’s Hair Salon provides ladies with a unique and personal hair styling experience. Located in the picturesque setting of Ballyard Tralee and with views of Blenerville Windmill and Tralee bay from the comfort of her own cutting chairs, this salon is a must see for those looking for a total spoil.
* Hours can be flexible but do try and have a routine of beginning and ending the same time each day and taking breaks as you would in an office environment.
Bridie ran her own hairdressing salon in Tralee town for many years however she now provides a private and exclusive hairdressing experience for clients both new and old.
HERE ARE A FEW POINTS TO REMEMBER FOR A SUCCESSFUL WORK AT HOME CAREER.
* Don’t think about the washing or any other chores schedule these into your off day * Schedule off time for yourself and close the door of your office lock it if you have to so it’s not tempting to pop in there at 3pm with your cuppa to check emails. * Never share your office space as then it just becomes the room that everyone uses when they need to do something and you find yourself fighting for your office space to do your own work. * Always set yourself a schedule at the start of the week and review it a few times during the week to ensure you are following it. * Try and schedule some time out of the office for a meeting or a coffee it can be a very long day indoors so ensure that you keep up with what’s happening in the outside world too. If you feel you are unable to follow the above guidelines then maybe working at home is not for you, don’t despair over this it’s not for everyone and we are blessed here in Kerry now with the collection of shared office space available in Tralee and Listowel with HQ, dingle Caherciveen and Castleisland all have wonderful facilities too so don’t be afraid to say working from home is not for me I need support. These guys have all the facilities for you to make the transition much easier. With so many companies now offering the facility to work remotely it’s definitely one to consider. I always say whatever works best for you go with it, if you are happy in your workspace you will be far more productive in your job. 10 | Connect BUSINESS | Sept/Oct 2018
In Bridies own words she believes the basis of a good hairstyle is a good cut which she has been providing for many years. She prides herself on offering her customers a unique and relaxed atmosphere in which she attentively listens to the needs of her customers’ and works with them to provide a hairstyle that works best for them and their own lifestyle. With the soothing fragrances of the salon, her caring and friendly nature to all, this hidden jewel of a salon is a must to all ladies looking for a pleasant and personal experience. We in Connect just loved our visit there and we will definitely be back Opening Hours: Tuesday: 3pm-7pm. Thursday: 9am-6pm. Friday: 9am-6pm. Saturday 8.30am-5pm. 20 Glen Scotia Ballyard Tralee. 066 7125300/ 086 1594169
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MARY REALE There are many reasons why I started working from home and why I am comfortable doing so. I got used to studying at home during the course of my degree. On completion, this coincided with the recession, and I was wondering where I could get work. I decided to engage in freelance work and bid for jobs on a digital platform. When trying to find online work-at-home, I looked at how my work experience and qualifications would translate into the virtual workplace. I got the opportunity to work online for both Irish and UK companies. In the beginning, while I had much freedom regarding my working schedule, my income was never secure as I had to continually look for new clients until I found a longterm contract with an existing client. As more opportunities arose, it was apparent to me that is was much easier for me to work from home to adapt to the needs of my clients and to enhance my quality of life. With more freedom to choose work and more flexibility in my own life, I can take advantage of the facilities near me and live a healthier lifestyle. It is much easier to have a healthier diet and get regular exercise when working from home. There is definitely a better work/life balance mine seems to have improved a lot. There are no more commutes to work, don’t have to deal with stressful work environments either. I can agree with my clients what hours I work when my deadlines are and when I want to schedule meetings I am aware of their
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expectations. Even though I am still employed; I feel I can make more decisions on my own and take on more responsibility. I find this, in turn, boosts my confidence, increases my overall performance and results in greater Job satisfaction. However, there are challenges about working at home, at times it can be isolating and antisocial. Opportunities for growth and learning from coworkers can be limited and restricted. I miss the chance to pass my skills and experience onto other people. There is less personal and physical exposure to new opportunities and to meet like-minded professionals. It can be difficult to switch off and hard enough to separate my private life from my working life. Remote work is growing considerably and I would see a great future is in it because of the advances in communication technology and internet access. In this day and age, technology allows us the capacity to get the same job done no matter where in the world we are, enabling us to be in contact with co-workers or clients at any time. Sli Nua Careeers Professional CV Preparation Tel: 094 95 42965 Email: mary.reale@slinuacareers.com www.slinuacareers.com/tralee-office/
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New Appointments
... in the County
in Tralee announces Two New Senior Appointments Tadhg McGillicuddy has been promoted to Deputy General Manager at Ballygarry House Hotel and is a GMIT Hotel and Catering Management degree graduate. Prior to this appointment, Tadhg was the hotel’s Food & Beverage Manager. Tadhg’s passion for the hospitality industry was nurtured at a young age when he undertook summer jobs at the hotel. He also held positions in the 5* Merrion Hotel and at the 5* Chateau de Brindos in Biarritz, France and was Bar Manager and later Operations Manager at Killarney Plaza Hotel before rejoining the team at Ballygarry in 2013. Tadhg is a first cousin of Padraig McGillicuddy, proprietor of Ballygarry House Hotel, who is pleased to have another family member on the management team.
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Elaine Courtney, the new Sales and Marketing Manager at Ballygarry, is a Business Tourism graduate with qualifications in Event Management and holds a Diploma in Marketing, Advertising and Public Relations. Prior to joining Ballygarry Elaine worked in Sales and Marketing positions in the 4* Great Southern Hotel, Killarney, Clayton and Glenlo Abbey Hotels, Galway, and the University of Limerick Conference and Sports Campus as Business Development Manager. As Ballygarry House Hotel celebrates 60 years of continuous McGillicuddy hospitality later this year, Elaine’s immediate focus will be to celebrate this milestone while growing the hotel’s business with existing customers while attracting new clients in the leisure, corporate and wedding sectors.
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12 | Connect BUSINESS | Sept/Oct 2018
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Ballygarry House Hotel
New appointments at
Killarney Racecourse Megan Daly Tyrell, the newly appointed Conference and Events Manager, has been at the cutting edge of the industry for many years and she has spent the past seven years managing key accounts for the INEC and Killarney Convention Centre Megan was responsible for submitting the successful tender for the Irish citizenship ceremony which attracted thousands of people to Killarney last May and, in fact, that contract is for two ceremonies a year for two years.Involved in the hospitality industry since she was 14 years of age, she previously worked in the former Malton Hotel – now the Great Southern Killarney – and The Brehon Hotel and her speciality is attracting high-end conference and events business to town.A mother of an eight-year-old boy, Joseph, Megan said there is huge potential to further develop the facilities and the offering at Killarney Racecourse and the possibilities for the short and long-term future are limitless.“The backdrop is just spectacular and the whole place is under-ultilsed. My intention is to make it the go-to destination in Killarney for events and conferences,” she said. •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• The new Racing Manager, Philip O’Brien, is no stranger to the world of horseracing as he has enjoyed a very successful career as an amateur and professional jockey.A native of Rathkeale, Co Limerick, he received his jockey’s licence at the age of 16 and rode well over 100 winners in a career in the saddle that saw him compete in the 2002 Aintree Grand National and at Cheltenham on a number of occasions. An Equine Science graduate from the University of Limerick and an established horse trainer, Philip insists there isn’t a racecourse in the world that can match the natural beauty of Killarney and he said the team at the Ross Road facility has worked tirelessly to ensure the course is in pristine condition for the July and August racing festivals. •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• The new Financial Controller, Jennifer Pyne, also brings great experience to the racecourse following a very successful career in high-level finance. A Commerce and Spanish graduate from University College Cork, she spent four years with Curran and Moore Accountants in Killarney and the past nine years with Monex Financial Services in Killarney. “Working with Killarney Race Company is a wonderful challenge and it’s great to be part of a new team with some very exciting plans in the pipeline,” said Jennifer, a native of Killarney who is married to Derek. They have two children, Ollie (3) and one-year-old Alice.
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opportunity to present all that is good about local cuisine to a large and wide ranging audience over one weekend.” The Market, the centrepiece of Tralee Food Festival with over 20 stalls, will showcase the best producers and artisans in the region, while the Food Producers Expo in the main Bank of Ireland Hall will feature some of Kerry’s best food producers who want visitors to sample their produce. Garvey’s will host their Good Food Karma on Saturday and pubs throughout town will be laying on signature drinks at special festival prices on Saturday night. THE season of food festivals has arrived in Kerry and where better to set the table to treat the palette than Kerry’s Capital, home to Tralee Food Festival from Friday 21st to Sunday 23rd September. The 4th Annual Tralee Food Festival in association with Tralee Chamber Alliance and Taste Kerry has added a major family entertainment element to the programme of events which includes: - Taste Trail with 26 Tralee eateries offering taster items for €2 on Saturday - Exclusive Restaurant Menus - Cooking Demos - Two-day Food Market - Live Music on the Mall - Food Producers Expo - Family Fun Day in Bank of Ireland Tralee Food Festival will begin with a Food Tasting Launch Event in The Ashe Hotel on Friday 21st followed by an Irish movie screening and free Colcannon in Maddens. David Scott, Town Centre Coordinator with Tralee Chamber Alliance, said: “This year’s culinary extravaganza in Tralee will promote and showcase local producers and food establishments while providing something for everyone who loves food. Tralee is very fortunate to be able to celebrate the amazing food offerings in the region. Our Chefs and restaurants make the most of our local produce and are earning a strong reputation for their creativity and skill. Tralee Food Festival provides a major
Some of the new additions to this year’s Tralee Food Festival include Live Music under the Marquee in the Mall, Whiskey Tasting and an extra date for the Food Market in The Square on Sunday. The Family Fun Day in Bank of Ireland Carpark on Sunday 23rd September will be a blast when Michael Healy-Rae takes on Aidan O’Mahony, in a LIVE Cook-Off. Presented by Radio Kerry’s Elaine Kinsella, the Cook-Off will take place under the expert scrutiny of celebrity chef Gary O’Hanlon, Culinary Director of BaxterStorey, and Chef on TV3’s ‘The Restaurant’. Take 3 is a novel new approach to introducing diners to the wonderful menus available from three top Tralee restaurants in one evening, with a set course in each. Simply select from the menus and choose where you would like to start. On Sunday in Bank of Ireland on Castle Street, there will be Kids Doughnut Decorating with John Dough’s, Gourmet burgers, hot dogs and Palmento from The Rustic Pantry. There’s also a Food Tasting Launch Event in The Ashe Hotel on Friday 21st followed by an Irish movie screening and free Colcannon in Maddens.
“We are grateful to everyone who has joined the team to present this year’s Tralee Food Festival, and we are particularly grateful to our sponsors who include Tralee Chamber Alliance, Taste Kerry, Bank of Ireland, Garvey’s Supervalu, Rural Food Skillnet, FloGas and Kerry County Council,” said David Scott. For full details of the 2018 Tralee Food Festival from 21st to 23rd September, visit the Tralee Food Festival Facebook Page or www.Tralee.ie.
14 | Connect BUSINESS | Sept/Oct 2018
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2018 It’s that time of year again folks, the countdown has begun for Ireland’s largest Food Taste Trail! The Dingle Food Festival 2018, Féile Bia Daingean Uí Chúis, will run from Friday 5th October until Sunday 7th October 2018! Now in it’s 12th year the festival highlight is of course the mouthwatering tasty delights that are on offer in the pubs, shops, restaurants, galleries and cafes throughout Dingle town. This year a whopping 78 locations have signed up for the Taste Trail. To partake on the Taste Trail you will have to purchase the Taste Trail tickets, available from The Festival Office on Main Street and various outlets throughout the town. Cookery Demonstrations in St. James Church Talented chefs from across Ireland and from our own Dingle town will be cooking up delights in St. James church. On Saturday we are delighted to welcome Wade Murphy from Restaurant 1826 in Adare, Karen Coakley the Kenmare Food Blogger and Eddie Attwell from Eccles Hotel Glengarriff. On Sunday Mark Murphy from The Dingle Cookery School and Little Cheese shop will be joined by JP McMahon of Galway’s Anair and Cava, followed by our own Louise Brosnan from Solas Tapas and Jean Marie Vaireaux from Out Of The Blue. The Demos are free of charge but all donations will go towards the restoration fund of the historical St. James church. Taste, Don’t Waste, With a Stylish Festival Pack Greening the festival this year with your Festival pack which includes a plate, bowl, cup and cutlery made from durable and reusable eco-friendly bamboo in an organic cotton carry bag. The pack costs €15 and is available at the festival office, at the information stall on Gray’s Lane and at participating shops around town
Something for Everyone The Dingle Town Park will be taken over with a full programme of children’s events on the Saturday and Sunday. Bring along the kids to see the Mobile Farm, Falconry, Zumba dancing, Bouncy castles, Dingle Bumper Ballz, Brickx Club and much more! The Dingle Oceanworld educational team will also be hosting special workshops demonstrating exciting marine science. The streets of Dingle will be lined with tasty treats to purchase and sample, as over 60 Markets stall holders set up on the Saturday and Sunday. Outdoor live music and street entertainment will add to the fantastic atmosphere. We have The Great Dingle / Daingean Uí Chúis Bake off, Whiskey Tasting , Beer and Cider Craft Trail and much much more. Check out www.dinglefood.com for all the latest updates and information on the festival. Our facebook page is @dinglefood Twitter @dinglefoodfest, Instagram @dinglefoodfest #dinglefoodfest
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KCFE GRADUATION CEREMONY Celebrates Academic and Personal Success Academic achievement and personal success was celebrated at the Kerry College of Further Education (KCFE) Graduation Ceremony at the Brandon Conference Centre, Tralee recently. An annual highlight in the college calendar, with over 800 in attendance, the event marked a milestone moment for graduates. Students were conferred with QQI awards – both nationally and internationally recognised in Beauty; Sheila Browne and Taylor Business and Technology; Creative Arts; Fitzgerald from Tralee Childcare; Construction and Engineering; Humanities and Health Care; Science; Sports and Nutrition; and Tourism and Hospitality were presented. This year saw the first cohort of graduates in a number of new programmes offered in the 2017/18 academic year: including Tourism with Business, Music Technology and Music Production; Applied Science; Food Nutrition and Science and Advanced Art, Craft and Design. From this September, Kerry College of Further Education (IKCFE) is again expanding its range of courses on offer. With the new Denny Street Campus opening for over 200 students this September, it is easy to see why the college is rapidly becoming the “First Choice” for school leavers and mature students. Dami Ogundele, Odunayo Ogunayo, Reena The impact further education had on graduates was shared all evening with stories of successful outcomes being achieved through employment or progression to their desired third level course. In particular, representing mature students Gary Hewitt told a captivated audience of how his passion for learning was ignited and grew at Kerry College of Further Education
(KCFE). Erin Rowan shared her story of how as a leaving certificate student, joining further education allowed her to secure her dream third level programme. Principal of Kerry College of Further Education (KCFE), Mary Lucey, acknowledged the strong work ethos of the graduates without which they could not have achieved what they did. She also acknowledged the support each graduate received from their families and the college staff which helped them as they made their journey towards success. Director of Further Education and Training with Kerry ETB, Owen O’Donnell, gave his insight into the value of further education in the lives of young people. He spoke about the growth in demand for further education programmes which has now resulted in the establishment of a second campus in Tralee town centre. Exciting times ahead for Kerry College of Further Education (KCFE). For information: call 066-7121741/email info@kerryfe.ie or www.kerryfe.ie
Mbuli and Rosette Mbuli from Tralee.
Elaina Norris and Ambubaka Qureshi from
Cora Dowling, Megan Annopp, Zoe O’Carroll and Laura Sheehy from Tralee
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Tralee
Denis Cronin, Dale Houlihan and Jennie Cotter and Clodagh Mangan from Tralee
Katie Rowna, Erin Rowna and Gerard Rowan from Causway
Photo By : Domnick Walsh / Eye Focus LTD ©
10TH ANNUAL DINGLE Full & Half Marathons
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PHOTO BY : DOMNICK WALSH / EYE FOCUS LTD ©
Jacqui and Pat Walsh
Jackie Popland
Members of the Kerry Civil Defence
Poshe Ahern from Tralee
Luke and Michael O’Callaghan from Tralee
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Connect | Business
What’s New
in Business Catriona’s Hair and Beauty are thrilled to
After working with many businesses in Ireland over the years and having small children himself local entrepreneur/businessman Brian Stephenson developed the Learn From Leaders movement with a view to capturing perspectives on leadership, believing that there are lessons for young people to learn from people who have excelled in business, sport, community work, charity, science, entertainment and beyond. “Our aim is to increase the profile of leaders in our community and give young people a more balanced range of role models. We believe leadership can be fostered throughout society by using the insights and stories of proven and everyday leaders among us rather than young people looking to social and mainstream media for their role models. With that in mind we asked leaders throughout Ireland to offer their thoughts on the area of leadership and we featured those interviews on our website www.learnfromleaders.ie, the response was excellent, and it took off from there, we have over 100 leaders on the site from all over the country and across various sectors, who are sharing their insights, advice and perspectives. The website is an excellent resource for anyone interested in leadership or developing leadership skills, young people who are maybe pondering their next move in education or in their career, school children and their parents, people who are interested in getting involved in their community or organisation and are looking to role models for inspiration.
announce the expansion of her business to now include Beauty Care at her Tralee Salon. Cathriona says “We are passionate about delivering extraordinary Hair Design & Expertise to our clients and are excited to compliment this with a full range of bespoke Beauty Care Solutions, all available under the one roof” We would like to take this opportunity to also welcome new members, Leonie Guinane & Leah Clail, to the Catriona’s Beauty Team. Full Beauty Treatments Menu available, please call our Salon for all bookings and enquiries on 066 7144626.
Doran’s Pharmacy,
We are currently developing the initiative and putting together a roadmap for its development. One of the projects we are looking at is a leadership programme for primary schools which will be modular based, delivered by teachers focusing on 6 areas of leadership such as grit, confidence, honesty, collaboration, curiosity, communication. We believe that if we teach leadership skills like these early on they become an intuitive response to the challenges faced by the next generation, they are fortified and more prepared for whatever comes their way.” Learn From Leaders would love to hear from people who are champions within their community or business and would like to share their perspectives. To get involved email info@learnfromleaders.ie or visit their website www.learnfromleaders.ie Learn From Leaders is a not for profit social initiative. The founding partners are ZinMobi and Text Republic. 18 | Connect BUSINESS | Sept/Oct 2018
78 Church Street, Listowel opened it’s doors on May 30 and Norma and staff are enjoying this new experience. Norma is passionate about making a difference in a friendly and professional manner. At Doran’s Pharmacy they dispense all prescriptions, including medical card and private prescriptions. Norma is available at all times to answer any health related queries. Catherine and Dee bring a wealth of experience from a health food shop background and are passionate about the world of viatmins and supplements. Ryanne, a qualified hairdresser is on hand to answer all hair related queries. Exclusive brands stocked by Dorans include NOTE Cosmetics, Uriage, Caudalie and Tipperary Crystal jewellery and giftware.
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Majella Duignan Many of you know me as the face of Curves. I have been in the health and fitness industry for over 20 years and knew change was needed. So overtime my new business Nutrifit for Women evolved. We all know the importance of exercise and it was never more relevant as we live in a world where Obesity is such an epidemic and where the most recent statistics released by The World Health Organization state that 1 in 4 of us is not getting enough exercise. I believe exercise is a necessity not a choice regardless of age. Women need a balance of cardiovascular and strength training exercises to optimize their health. However as a woman in her 40’s dealing with hormones I now saw that exercise alone was not enough. Also having been obese for the majority of my life I went on a quest to learn more, understand more so now I am in a privileged position as a Wellness Coach to give people the tools and information they need to EAT WELL,TRAIN WELL and LIVE WELL and make informed choices for not only themselves but also their families. The Scientist in me is curious, the woman in me is always striving for perfection and the mother in me is wants to be the best example to my daughter that I can. My philosophy is that Life needs to be lived, we need to live not merely exist, food needs to be enjoyed not feared. I believe in everything in moderation, forward planning, meal preparation, batch cooking, having a balanced diet at least 80-90% of the time. My Success Formula is that first and foremost you need a positive mindset. If you can align this with food, exercise, drinking water and getting enough rest and relaxation and you are Consistent... you are living your best life possible. This holistic approach sums up what Nutrifit for Women stands for. We offer lifestyle changes that are sustainable, we encourage women to exercise because they love not hate their bodies. We understand the frustrations women face on a daily basis by being bombarded by advertising and social mediaI. I was surrounded by women who were over exercising to compensate for poor food choices. Following low-fat/proceeded food / restrictive / exclusion diets. For all of us we are destined to be on diet for the rest of our lives. We either choose a diet of good food that nourishes us or we choose a diet of poor quality food that depletes us. This was my AHA MOMENT, where now I realized that each stage of all our lives needs a different version of us!!! So that’s where my new business was born...a wellness centre combining 30 minute circuit training using hydraulic machines specifically for a women’s body where you can work at your own pace, is suitable for all ages and all levels of fitness, where you can tone, strengthen your body, gain lean muscle and boost your metabolism. Our system is highly recommended by medical professionals due to its effectiveness and also because of its importance in both pre /post-surgery/injury. As well as exercise program we offer 1/1 Nutritional Consultations to members / nonmembers/families. I am available to speak at schools, to groups and business organizations. We are excited to have launched a new website www.nutrifitforwomen.ie where I will be able to share my wealth of information through all our tips and weekly blogs you can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram. In conclusion I have made peace with the fact I am not perfect, the world is not perfect but once I get up every morning with Determination and go to be with Satisfaction knowing I tried my best ..Well then I am happy being perfectly imperfect in any world!!!We look forward to the future, new faces, new adventures, and new milestones .Wishing you all a world of health and happiness Majella Quinlan Duignan BSc (Hons) Nutritional Advisor
Celebrates 6 years in Business Dennison Design is an independent graphic design, website design and photography agency established in 2012 by mother and daughter partnership Tessa and Jessica Dennison. Tessa was well known in Kenmare for her freelance design work and when Jessica graduated from college it seemed only natural that they would team up and take the business to the next level and certainly away from the kitchen table. They took a short lease on an office in Rock Street Kenmare and opened their doors in the August. In 2013 Natalie Moriarty joined the business and this led to the opportunity to renovate a new office, just two doors down.
Dennison Design has grown strength to strength over the years and we are pleased to work with some of the best businesses in the county. Over the last six years our focus has shifted towards providing a professional design and photography service to the tourism and hospitality industry, encompassing hotels, restaurants, shops and services. Our extensive knowledge of Kerry gives us an advantage when it comes to working with local businesses and we take great pride in showing the County at its very best. Each project we undertake benefits from a wealth of knowledge, from our combined experience of nearly 40 years. Working with our clients we are able to create unique, authentic designs that make them stand out from the crowd. We believe that all design projects are a collaboration between us and our clients. By merging our creative knowledge with their in-depth understanding of their business we deliver a quality service, with a detailed eye on timing and budget. Our flexible approach and the fact that we work with other talented and trusted experts means we can be as big or small as our clients need us to be. Delivering a competitive advantage for your brand in an efficient and cost effective way. We look forward to offering our services to a much wider audience and connecting with Kerry in the years ahead.
NEW CORRIB OIL STORE IN TRALEE Located on John Joe Sheehy Road, Corrib look forward to welcoming you to their new state of the art store which has something for everyone, delicious and tasty food served from the hot counter including insomnia coffee. Pictured are General Manager Sean pictured with some of their new team members, Melissa Rahilly Spar Corrib Oil Service Station, Geraldine Delaney Oil Office, Vivien Sayers Spar Corrib Oil Service Station, Rachael O’Halloran Spar @Corrib Service Station, John Landy Supervisor.
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Connect | Business
Ladies Day at Listowel Races As the curtain closes for another year on the Listowel Races we are delighted to share a few memories from Ladies Day which is one of the most recognised fashion days on the racing calendar. The Mcelligotts Honda Ladies Day attracts ladies from all over the country, and with a top prize of 3000 cash and a car for a year why wouldn’t it. The day itself is always a wonderful day, Orla Diffily Upfront PR who produces the event ensures that nothing is left to chance and her team are true professionals ensuring it’s a great experience for all taking part. We must remember it’s a full week of racing and events and hats off to the organisers that ensure there is something every day. Brenda Daly and the team at the racecourse do a sterling job at ensuring good racing and added extras have visitors flocking to to the market town for the week, resulting in increased trade for businesses of all kinds in the town. Photographs by: MacMonagle Photography Killarney. www.macmonagle.com.
Siobhan Coakley from Gneeve guilla, Killarney winner of the McE lligotts HONDA Ladies Day at Listowe l Races. She received a prize of €3,000 and the use of a new Honda Civic for one year. LEFT: Celebrity judge Aoibhin Garrihy, Carol Stanley, Ballyhahill, Siobhan Coakley from Gneeveguilla, Killarney, winner of the McElligotts HONDA Best Dressed Lady on Ladies Day, Aoibhne McElhinney, Whites Cross, Cork, (Jazziest Headpiece), Moira O’Toole, Kilkenny, Patrick McElligott and Donal Lynch, McElligotts Honda Tralee, Sarah Lee, Newmarket, Niamh Doherty, Newmarket, Pat Pat Daly, Newcastlewest, Joanne Foley, Glin, Veronica Murphy, Wexford, Siobhan Boyce, Newcastlewest and Marietta Doran, judge at Listowel Races.
Nora Foley, Kenmare, Deirdre Foley, Kilgarvan and Helen Foley, Tahilla, Kerry
Michelle Mulvihill and Deirdre Kelliher-Mulvihill from Moyvane
Judges Aoibhin Garrihy and Marietta Doran, pictured with winners of the Most Stylish Young Racegoers, Stephen Harty, Ballyheigue, Kerry, centre, winner, Tara O’Connor, Athea and Kayla Murphy, Rockchapel with John Galvin, Chairman, LRC at the McElligotts HONDA Best Dressed Lady on Ladies Day at Listowel Races.
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Joanne O’Flaherty, Sheila O’Connell and Maria Sheehy from Ardfert
Danny Leane, Tralee
John Foley and Mary Stapleton-Foley, Killorglin
Patrick McElligott, McElligotts HONDA, Tralee pictured with Siobhan Coakley from Gneeveguilla, Killarney winner of the McElligotts HONDA Ladies Day and David Moran, HONDA Ambassador at Listowel Races on Friday.
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Connect | Business
We are delighted to introduce you to our members of Connect Business Club. CBC will meet bi-monthly assisting you with your business support needs and connecting you with businesses from all over the county. We will also run regular training and information days for you and your staff and you will get priority availability for these. If you would like to be part of a growing and prosperous group of people from around the county please contact us today for more information. CBC Members can avail of the following: - Bi monthly get togethers. - Interesting and relevant topics discussed.
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- Your business support questions answered. - Training and development courses for your business requirements. - Discounted advertising for your business with full social media support. - Complimentary business card advert inclusion in our business directory monthly as a member of CBC in Connect and Connect Business reaching over 50000 readers each month across the county. - Your chance to showcase your brand and lots more opportunities.
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Connect | Business
If you would like to be a member contact us on: T: 066 7123954Â | M: 086 2408237 E: margaret@connectpublications.ie www.connectpublications.ie Winner of Best Gastro Pub - McMunns Bar
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Winner of Best Hotel and Guesthouse Restaurant Park Hotel Kenmare
Business |Connect
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Connect Kerry Hospitality Awards
Connect Kerry Hospitality Awards
AWARD nOMINEES
Connect are delighted to recognise what is the biggest industry here in Kerry and we look forward the welcoming you all to an amazing night on Tuesday October 9th. The below are the finalists that have been confirmed at time of print, full list will be available on social media after the 20th of September, voting details and other information on the night will also be available on our Connect Kerry Facebook page and website www.connectpublications.ie. One winner will be chosen from each category on the night at our black tie gala event and there will be a number of honorary awards on the night too. Voting by the public opens on Friday 21st at 6pm for two weeks and full details are available online. There are also a panel of judges who will participate in decisions too. We wish everyone the very best of luck.
Bartender of the year
Marketing Executive of the year
Wedding Manager of the year
Mike Leen, Ballyroe Heights Hotel Barry Duggan, Blasket Bar Rachel Templeman, Roundys Bar Mark Sullivan, Cearnog Bar Michael Murphy, The Grand Hotel Seamus O’Connor, Meadowlands Hotel Brian Morgan, Kirbys Brogue Inn Niall O’Shea, Greyhound Bar Shane Mc Elligott, Bailys Corner Stephen Dennehy, The Lake Hotel, Killarney
Cathy O’Donoghue, The Brehon Hotel Killarney Miriam Ferriter, Dingle Skellig Hotel
Sile Brown, The Kenmare Bay Hotel Mike Ryle, Ballyroe Heights Hotel Pauline Moroney, Jack’s Cromane Natile Bader, The Heights Hotel Ciara O Callaghan, Dromhall Hotel Madina Zikare, Muckross Park Hotel Norealla Mansfield, The Earl of Desmond Cathriona Ashe, The Brehon Madeline Doyle, The Rose Hotel
Restaurant Server of the year Siobhan Moynihan, The Ring Lyne Bar Valentia Alen Panvincic, CroI Restaurant, Tralee Susan Farrelly, West End Fenit Linda Stack, Ballygarry House Hotel Caroline Twomey, Dingle Bay Hotel Noreen O’Mahony, Kirbys Brogue Inn Karen Leader, Jam Café, Killarney Margaret Breen, Hotel Killarney John Parker, O Donnells Mounthawk, Tralee
Receptionist of the year Majella Milward, The Ashe Hotel Michelle Hanifin, Ballyroe Heights Hotel Kamila O’Connor, The Brehon Hotel Mary O’Neill, The Rose Hotel Tara Wheatcroft, The Imperial Hotel Marita O’Sullivan, Irish host Family Letta O’Sullivan, The Towers Hotel Glenbeigh
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Concierge/Porter of the year Stephen O Callaghan, The Rose Hotel Mark Keating, The Dunloe
Chef of the year Marcus Eidner, The Fishery Killorglin Chad Byrne,The Brehon Hotel Noel Keane,Croi Restaurant Richard Hiley, The Heights Hotel Anthony Rohan, Der O’Sullivans, Killarney Killian Keary, The Porterhouse John Ryan, Dingle Skellig Hotel Noel Enright, The Lake Hotel, Killarney
Restaurant Manager of the year Kevin O’Connor, Croi Restaurant Sarah Carey, The Ashe Hotel Maria O’Sullivan,The Mews Kenmare Gerard Aherne, Manor West Hotel Mary Connolly, The Wetlands Café Catherine Doolin, Ballyseedy Home and Garden Geraldine Cassidy, Cassidys Tralee Ross Ahern, O Donnells Mounthawk, Tralee Imelda Coffey, Lannigans, Hotel Killarney
Accommodation Assistant of the year Alina Leontjeva, The Ashe Hotel Darragh Lynch, The Rose Hotel Betty Tracey, The Gleneagle Hotel Maria Vallejo Allende, The Lake Hotel, Killarney Betty Lenihan, The Grand Hotel
Hotel Manager of the year Jason Clifford, The Dunloe Derek Carroll, The Imperial Hotel Jonathan Collins, Ballyroe Heights Hotel Nicola Duggan,The Sneem Hotel Emer Corridan, Cahernane House Hotel Niall Coffey, Muckross Park Hotel
Best Café of the year Mahers Windmill Café, Tralee Yummy Café, Tess Quarter tralee Christina’s, The Square, Tralee Ugly Mug, Edward Street, Tralee The Coffee Pot, Gap of Dunloe The Café, Ballyseedy Home and Garden Café de Pairc, Killarney Masion Gourmet, Kenmare Wild Café, The Mall, Tralee
Best Bar Food Experience of the year
Bar of the year
O’ Donnellls Bar and Restaurant, Tralee The West End, Fenit The Abbey Inn, Tralee Dingle Bay Hotel, Dingle Dingle Benners, Dingle Brook Lane Hotel, Kenmare Fertha Bar, Caherciveen The Horseshoe Bar, Listowel The Moorings, Portmagee Towers Hotel, Glenbeigh Sammys, Inch Beach The Kenmare Rooms, Killarney Avenue Hotel
JM Reidys, Killarney Roundys Bar, Tralee Sean Ogs, Tralee Droicead Beag, Dingle Mike The Pies, Lisowel The Horseshoe Bar, Listowel Turners Bar, Tralee The Punchbowl Bar at The Lake Hotel, Killarney Paul Geaney’s, Dingle
Best Fine Dining Experience of the year Croi, Tralee Spa Seafoods, The Spa Carrig Country House, Killorglin Ashes, Camp The Tankard, Kilinora Jacks Coastguard, Cromane Cassidys, Tralee Charthouse, Dingle Park Restaurant, Park Hotel Kenmare Rozzers Restaurant, Killeen House Killarney Dooley’s Waterfront Bar and Restaurant
Best Casual Dining Experience of the year Kirbys Brogue Inn, Tralee Alfies, The Ashe Hotel, Tralee Gotka Aririeta, Sua Basque Fusion QC’S Caherciveen, Caherciveen Oratory Gourmet Pizza Bar Caherciveen Spillanes, Castlegregory The Tanyard, Killarney Bella Bia, Tralee Mulcahys, Kenmare Benners Hotel, Tralee The Porter House, Killarney The Pikeman Bar, The Grand Hotel, Tralee The Brasserie, The Europe
Publican of the year Jim McGrath,The Oyster Tavern Christy Walsh, The Well Bar Listowel Garry O’Donnell, Bailys Corner Tom McCarthy, McCarthys Bar, Castleisland Betty O’Connell, Kearney’s Bar, Castleisland Aidan O’Connor, The Grehound Bar Tralee Mrs O’ Callaghan, The Failte Bar, Killarney Fiona Kirby, Kirbys Brogue Aidan Turner, Turners Bar
Hotel of the year The Glenaeagle Hotel, Killarney The Rose Hotel, Tralee The Sea Lodge, Waterville The Aghadoe Heights Hotel, Killarney Parknasilla Hotel, Sneem The Brehon, Killarney The Sneem Hotel The Park Hotel Kenmare The Dingle Bay Hotel
Restaurant of the year Croi, Tralee Sol y Sombra, Kilorglin Charthouse, Dingle No 35, Kenmare Vendricks, Killarney Cassidys, Tralee The Boathouse, Kenmare The Castlelough Restaurant, at The Lake Hotel, Killarney The Oyster Tavern, The Spa, Tralee
Best Hotel Spa of the year Nadúr, Ballygarry House Hotel Serenity Spa, The Rose Hotel Aghadoe Heights, Killarney The Spa at the Lake Hotel, Killarney The Spa at Muckross, Killarney The Espa at the Europe, Killarney Angsanga Spa, The Brehon, Killarney The Peninsula Spa, Dingle Skellig Hotel The Killarney Park Spa, Killarney The Spa at the Plaza, Killarney
Best Wedding Venue of the year Ballyseede Castle, Tralee Ballygarry House Hotel, Tralee Dingle Skellig Hotel, Dingle Jacks Cromane, Cromane The Rose Hotel, Tralee Earl of Desmond, Tralee Brook Lane Hotel, Kenmare Ballyroe Heights Hotel, Tralee The Sneem Hotel, Sneem Listowel Arms Hotel, Listowel
Join us for the
Connect Kerry Hospitality Awards
Recognising all that’s great in the industry at a Black Tie Gala Event on
TUESDAY OCTOBER 9TH at Ballygarry House Hotel Drinks and entertainment at 7.00pm Followed by Delicious meal and wine Awards Ceremony and live entertainment with Celebration the Band to dance the night away Lots of surprises on the night We hope you will join us Tickets €85.00 Available from margaret 086 2408237 email: margaret@connectpublications.ie It will be the night of the year for all in the Hotel, Bar and Restaurant industry so get your friends together and celebrate in style. It’s been a long busy season so let’s have some fun.
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Connect | Business
News from the Dail By: Michael Healy-Rae T.D.
ARE YOU ON A WAITING LIST TO HAVE A CATARACT REMOVED? On Friday 7th September I organised a bus of 14 patients to go to Belfast to have their cataracts removed and Saturday 8th all 14 were discharged successfully. Some of these people had already been waiting for up to 2 years with still no hope of being called in the South. It is a disgrace that we have to resort to such measures. it makes no sense, that we carried 14 people to Belfast as the HSE cannot facilitate them in the South, yet, the HSE will refund them the money, it baffles me. I will continue to bring people to Belfast for as long as I have to and with that, the next bus will be going on the 3rd of November, but it is a poor reflection on this government and more so on the Minister that this is the action required to save elderly people from going blind. I cannot commend the hospital staff in Belfast enough for their efficiency on the day we were there and everyone was dealt with swiftly and with no delay and 14 procedures were carried out from 830am to 1pm which is a fantastic service and is a shame that we have to go to Belfast to receive this level of service. I wish to highlight a few questions people have asked me in the past few weeks 1. Do you need health Insurance to use this service? No 2. Must I pay for this myself? Initially yes but the HSE refund the money once you return home afterwards 3. How much does it cost? Cataract operation £1500, Hip/Knee replacement £9850 and the HSE reimburse this amount once you return home 4. What is involved in the trip to belfast on the bus to have my cataract removed? Leave Kerry Saturday Morning and return home on Sunday evening 5. How long will I be waiting to be called for operation? Literally a few weeks 6. Can I travel up myself to have a cataract removed? Yes this also possible and can be booked direct with the Hospital 7. Is there an overnight stay involved for Cataract removal? Yes but one night in a nearby hotel at your own expense 8. How long will I be in Hospital for knee/ hip replacement? 3- 4 nights depending on recovery OBJECTORS As everybody knows Shannon LNG are progressing with their plans to import mass volumes of liquid gas by ship from the US and the Middle East. I was glad to support this project in the past by ensuring that it is contained in the programme for 28 | Connect BUSINESS | Sept/Oct 2018
Government that such a project should be supported at this location. It has secured planning permission for the terminal and a connection pipe line and a combined heat and power plant, however permission for the gas terminal was to expire this year and the company applied for and was granted a five year extension by an Bord Pleanala. Very unfortunately an environmental group have made an application to the high court on September 6th to seek a review of the Bord’s decision. While I appreciate people’s right and entitlement to object to any issue that they like this is another example however of people really not giving a dam about anyone else only themselves. As this company estimates that up to 500 jobs could be created during the construction and 50 full time permanent jobs afterwards to maintain and operate the facility. When people object do they really think of the consequences of their objections? Do they really give a dam about the fact that they are endangering people of having the right to make their living? Do they really care that they could be hurting our county in an extremely negative way?This has happened in the past places like Athenry where Apple eventually pulled out because of continuous objections. We have the same situation in our housing market, everyone is upset at the housing crisis and the fact that not enough properties are not available for people to buy or to rent but however in many cases when applications go in for developments out come the objectors again trying to stop progress. Indeed in Co Kerry we have the plague and scourge of serial objectors who continuously object to everything while creating absolutely nothing themselves only costing people money, holding up developments and holding our County back. Indeed if many of the objectors of today were around when rural electrification came to Ireland they would probably have objected to the ESB poles been erected and we would still be in the dark ages. There is a time and place for objections but the activity of some such as in this case with this massive facility which would transform our County for the good have to be questioned and their motives and their genuine concerns are open to scrutiny. MINISTER FINIAN MCGRATH’S TRIP TO KERRY I was very glad that Minister Finian McGrath who has special responsibilities for people with intellectual and physical disabilities recently visited our county. I specially arranged for people from Kenmare and Killarney to meet with him to discuss issues that were of importance to them
and their families and the service users. It is great that a respite home is now opened in Kilmorna even though its capabilities are limited they are most welcome. What we now need and what I emphasised with the Minister was further respite services are required in South Kerry. We cannot have a situation where by people from South Kerry must travel to North Kerry for essential respite. Overall the entire Minister’s visit was a success as he met many people involved in giving care who were able to explain in great detail concerns that they have. POST OFFICE’S I am very sorry that the prediction that I made many years ago where I stated that upwards of 700 Post Offices could actually close in Ireland is coming to fruition. In recent times Post Offices have been closing at the rate of over 1 per week in County Kerry alone. It is essential that the Government wakes up to this reality. I and a number of colleagues 2 years ago brought forward a private members motion before the Dail which would stop this trend and ensure the future of many of these Post Office’s if the motion was to be enacted. The motion essentially stated that more services should be provided through our Post Office network such as community banking. This would be a lifeline to these Post Office’s and I am very disappointed in Government that they have not acted on this most important issue as of yet. UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL KERRY As people are aware at the start of June all planned operations ceased been undertaken in the University Hospital in Kerry. This is most unfortunate, it is meant that waiting lists are getting longer and people hoping to have an operation had two choices, the operations would either be carried out privately in Kerry or in Cork and Limerick. This is quiet simply not good enough. I am working with Management trying to ensure that adequate resources are put in place to allow for the recommencement of planned operations as soon as possible. I have been ensured that letters are now been sent out to people informing them of new dates for operation’s and that operations are to start again soon after this. Again people are waiting too long to have these operation’s. Past and Present Minister’s for Health are failing to grasp this essential problem. This is causing major distress to patients and their families. I am genuinely fearful for the future of University Hospital Kerry and I believe that unless drastic action is taken in the very near future it will eventually lose its University status. There are problems in all departments, this is despite the fact that we have excellent people working in the Hospital but Management specifically in the HSE in Cork have to realise the Kerry are no longer willing to play second fiddle to County Cork when it comes to health issues.
Business |Connect
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Connect | Business
LONG TERM ABSENCE MANAGEMENT Absenteeism is a substantial cost for every business in Ireland. In tackling absenteeism, there are a number of steps you can take. HAVE A POLICY Firstly, you must have a clear and comprehensive absence and sick leave policy. PROCESS: Constant Communication: The employee should be following the Company absence procedure in notifying of their absence, submitting medical certificates on a regular basis and communicating with the Company on a regular basis in regards to their absence.
A FIRST FOR MUNSTER AND KERRY In our ever changing Irish society, the number of non denomination funeral ceremonies is growing consistently year on year. With this development comes a demand for qualified celebrants who can perform a secular and empathetic service for bereaved family and friends. The Irish Institute of Funeral Celebrants is offering it’s Course in Professional Funeral Celebrancy, and for the first time the Course will be presented in Tralee, Co.Kerry.
Attend Company Meeting: Correspond with the employee asking them to attend a company meeting to discuss their absence. Appointment With Occupational Doctor: The Company should instruct the employee to attend the Company appointed Doctor in line with Company policy to ascertain their fitness to return to work. Follow Up Meeting To Discuss Report: It is advised that the Company contact the employee and invite them to a meeting to discuss the recommendations within the doctor’s report. Fit To Return: If the Employee is certified fit and able to return to their normal duties then they can be scheduled to return. Fit To Return With Limited Capabilities: If the Employee is certified fit and able to return to work but with limited capabilities a risk assessment must be conducted. If you have questions on long term absence or any HR issues you need to talk through please contact the HR Suite on 066 7102887.
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Catering for those interested in attaining this expertise, the IIFC will offer a new course commencing in January 2019. The Course run over 4 months will cover such topics as the History and Significance of Funerals in Ireland, Celebrating a Life, Empathetic Listening, Voice Coaching with emphasis on Public Speaking, Preparing and Delivering a Ceremony. This can be a really rewarding satisfying service to provide, and will suit people of all ages, young or retired. For further information or to contact the IIFC please visit our website www.iifc.ie
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