Connect Business_April-May 2019

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BUSINESS SIOBHÁN MURPHY

KERRY HOST ALL IRELAND TAPAS CHAMPIONSHIP

FIRST FEMALE GENERAL MANAGER OF THE KERRYMAN NEWSPAPER

JOHN

MULHERN NEW CEO AT KERRY AIRPORT

Inviting applications for the Connect Women in Business Awards 2019

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EDITOR'S NOTE Hello and welcome to Connect Business The first quarter of the year is behind us and for many we are thinking long evenings and summer holidays but business does not stop and here at Connect Business we are delighted to chat to two business people in the county who have recently taken on new roles.

We chat to Siobhan Murphy new GM of the Kerryman newspaper and what a great story Siobhรกn has to tell. We wish her every success in her role, we know she will be amazing.

We also meet John Mulhern, newly appointed CEO of Kerry Airport he tells us about life and being a Dublin man living in Kerry and how he has made it his home. We look forward to bringing you more updates on the plans he has to drive one of most important assets in this county to the next level.

This month also saw the first All-Ireland Tapas and Pintxo Championship hosted at the IT Tralee. The overall winner came all the way from Donegal and the talent from all over the country was outstanding, it was a wonderful event for our county.

We also meet with Deirdre Twomey and Pat Carmody who chat about the new workspace at Bank of Ireland, and of course the final call is out there for our talented ladies to be part of Connect Kerry Women in Business awards. We have had a great response to date and we look forward to welcoming more to the final.

Our Business club is growing as we speak and our members are all featured here so do give them a shout out if you would like any of their services, they work hard and are all local and that is what we are all about supporting local.

As always if you have a news story you want to tell the county about please do let us know.

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 | April/May 2019 | 3

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SIOBHÁN MURPHY

FIRST FEMALE GENERAL MANAGER OF THE KERRYMAN NEWSPAPER

By Marisa Reidy YOU need only sit for five minutes with Tralee woman Siobhán Murphy to appreciate just how special it was for her to be appointed the first ever female general manager of The Kerryman Newspaper since its foundation in 1904.

In fact, words are hardly needed at all, as Siobhán’s smile speaks volumes when you acknowledge what an amazing achievement it is, especially for a woman who began her career in the bindery of the paper at just 16 years of age, having opted not to sit her Leaving Cert.

This June will mark the 40th anniversary of Siobhán’s first introduction to working life at The Kerryman – a career that saw her work her way up from a teenager on the bindery floor, to bindery manager, to circulation manager, then to marketing manager and advertising manager, before being officially appointed General Manager of The Kerryman and Corkman Group this February.

Married to Scartaglin man PJ Murphy and proud mom to Louise, Ian and Alan, the St Brendan’s Park native considers it an honour and a privilege to head up Kerry’s leading newspaper, but admits that even back in 1979, as a 16 year old coming into the paper, she always wanted to be there on her own merits.

At the time, Siobhán had her heart set on a career in hairdressing, while her father Sean Colgan was the advertising manager at The Kerryman. She says she was reluctant to make the switch as she didn’t want to come in as ‘the boss’ daughter.’

Siobhán was, and still very much is, adamant that she should be in her job - at any level - because she is the best person for it, and says she is very proud of how she worked her way to the top on merit and ability, learning from the experts along the way.

“I remember I was working with Martha Sullivan (hairdresser) earning £5 a week and some of my friend who were in The Kerryman were getting £21,” Siobhán recalls. “But as attractive as the money was, I was always conscious that my father was the advertising manager and I just didn’t want people thinking that’s 4 | Connect BUSINESS | April/May 2019

why I was there, so I was reluctant to move,” Siobhán recalled.

“I gave in, reluctantly, and I remember my first day feeling so immature and innocent. I felt vulnerable, exposed and I’d even say a little frightened and questioned what I was doing. but as the years went on I settled in very easily.”

Recalling her first few years in the bindery in The Kerryman’s Clash printing department as a teen, Siobhán said it was a tough, physical slog, taking papers off the printing press, hand collating them and manually putting inserts into the papers – sometimes dealing with a print run of 40,000 papers.

“It was physically demanding and I never shied away from that , but to be honest there were times when I got bored and thought about leaving,” Siobhán says.

“But the reality was I wasn’t trained to do anything else, as I hadn’t done my Leaving Cert, so I decided to stay.”

About 20 years after joining The Kerryman, Siobhán was offered a supervisor’s role – something she thought would be a wonderful challenge.

“I wouldn’t say that role suited me because I’m not a bossy person, but I suppose if there was a more efficient way of doing things I’d find it and I guess that was seen early on,” she said. “So I helped put

systems in place that hadn’t been there before. But it was a new challenge for me, for sure, even down to learning how to use a computer, as we didn’t have one at home. It was all trial and error and a lot of hard work and dedication, having to roster staff for 24 hour shifts for the two days of printing. “ Fast forward to 2006, when The Kerryman closed the printing side of its operations in Clash, Siobhán wasn’t offered redundancy, but instead asked to take up a role as circulation manager. It was a tough call for her, she says, as she was extremely conscious that as supervisor she had lost 36 staff.

“I took the job, eventually, and was glad I did as it allowed me to make contact with each and every newsagent in the county, and I‘m still a point of contact for some of them, which is great,” she said.

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Two years later, when The Kerryman moved its editorial and advertising operations to its existing office on Denny Street, Siobhán’s career took another trajectory, now finding herself in the role of the Circulation & Marketing Manager.

“I was so apprehensive about that role because while I never minded the branding, marketing and organisational work in the background, the public side daunted me a bit. I suppose I just prefer to do the job rather than talk about it, so I really wasn’t sure,” she said. “Again, I’m glad I took on the challenge but I have to say that without the help of my own family, my husband and children and their friends, I don’t think I could have done it.”

Siobhán laughs as she recalls days when she and her entire family – and her children’s teenage friends at the time – delivered newspapers through letter boxes in Tralee and the same year 3,500 branded pencil cases to every school in the county. Or the time the same group went to the airport, bus stations and train stations after a Kerry All Ireland victory, handing out Kerryman branded hats.

“I’m not sure my children will ever forgive me for what they were put through,” she jokes, “but so much work went on in the background, that went unseen. I fed off my family for so many years, and I owe them so much for that.”

In 2009, Siobhan was faced with the biggest challenge of her career when she was offered the position of advertising manager. It was something she vehemently opposed at first, primarily because it was another step into the unknown for her.

“Initially I just said ‘no thanks’ because I had gone into the unknown so many times. But not only that, I was being asked to manage people that had been there for so many years and were well experienced. I had only been listening to what was going on around me regarding advertising, without the full knowledge, so I really did resist for a long time. My biggest fear was whether I was going to be accepted by the advertising staff.”

Siobhán gets emotional when she recalls how it was her late father who finally helped her take the plunge.

“I asked him what I was going to do and he just looked at me and said: ‘What are you afraid of?’ So I broke it all down and thought, ‘it’s only a matter or learning and getting used to how things work.’ He knew where I was coming from and was a great sounding board.”

While she wishes her dad had been here to discuss her appointment as general manager of The Kerryman, Siobhán knows that he would be the proudest man in Kerry right now.

And that pride is echoed, she says, in the number of amazing calls, texts, emails and letters she has received from across the county and beyond since her appointment – something which she says is very humbling.

“The response has been incredible and I am truly overwhelmed by it all. A word that came up a lot was that I was entitled to it – but I’m not,” Siobhán insists. “No one is entitled to anything. Yes, I worked my way up and have been there a long time, but my belief is that I got here because I’m seen as the best person for the job. I have the knowledge and I hope I have the ability and I’m honoured to be given this amazing opportunity.”

True to form, Siobhán deflects the spotlight from her own success and credits The Kerryman and Corkman’s amazing teams for making the papers the success they are.

“Yes, I head up the paper now, but without the teams I have – from advertising staff to editorial to photographers, contributors, advertiser and readers - we couldn’t do what we do. It’s that simple. These are local people for whom the

er Sean Colgan, RIP. Siobhan pictured with her late fath in Galv per Pic: Michelle Coo 6 | Connect BUSINESS | April/May 2019

paper is embedded in them and who have a wealth of experience and that is priceless” With so many challenges ahead, it’s going to be a crazy transition for Siobhán, but for now her main aim is to focus on the editionalising of the paper to strengthen each of its three editions (North & South Kerry and Tralee).

“There’s so much I want to do, but my priority for now is to specialise all three editions even more than we do now and really focus on that. The local aspect is hugely important and that’s our focus right now.”

And with a special guardian angel watching over, there’s no doubt Siobhán will make this role her own too.

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Following the huge success of 2018, the Tralee Food Festival 2019, now on the May Bank Holiday Weekend May 3rd6th, promises to be filled with even more events, food and entertainment for everyone to enjoy. It all kicks off with An Exclusive, One Night Only Ticketed Event!! Hosted in Benner's Courtyard - The Enclosure infuses Food, Live Music and Drink tastings into a great party night. The exclusive Launch Party of the Tralee Food Festival promises to be a real night to remember! Tickets are only €20pp. including a 'Bad Boys' BBQ meal, Dingle Gin tastings, Live music from 'Behind The Light, followed by DJ - All in the superb newly renovated covered Courtyard at Benners Hotel, Tralee There will also be Street food on the mall, a two day taste trail, an entertainment marquee in the square to host kids aerobics, a ceili and live bands. The reintroduction of the food and family day on Dominick Street and a range of new events and food talks this years festival will be the best yet.

Another great event to look out for is the Taste Kerry Food Series in association with Bank of Ireland Workbench and Tralee Food Festival, presents the Taste Kerry Food Awards and Taste Kerry Food Panel Discussions.

PROGRAMME: 12 noon – Official Opening by Dee Laffan & Sharon Noonan Taste Kerry Food Panel discussions: 12.30pm Financial Wellbeing in the Food Industry 1.15pm Marketing Online for the Food Industry 2pm Food Tourism - Adding value to your food business.

Speakers include Arty Clifford (Blas na hEireann), Dee Laffan (Food & Wine Ireland), Sharon Noonan (Best Possible Taste Podcast), Niall Harty (Origin Bars), Cliodhna Foley (Sol y Sombra), Thomas Hayes (LEO), John Doyle (Bank of Ireland Food Series) and many more Food producer displays, Taste Kerry Food Award Winners Displays and Buskers will help kick off a wonderful long weekend of Food Festival Activities That’s just a taste of what to expect so do Follow Tralee Food Festival on Facebook to keep up to date.

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MIDWEST EMPOWERMENT AND EQUALITY CONFERENCE 2019 to address social issues affecting both women and men

The Midwest Empowerment and Equality Conference is designed to empower, educate and encourage men and women both young and old to take better care of themselves and will take place on Wednesday, May 1 at the University Concert Hall.

The conference is organised and presented by Dr Mary Ryan, Consultant Endocrinologist, Bon Secours at Barrington’s Limerick and Senior Lecturer at Graduate Entry Medical School (GEMS), University of Limerick.

Dr Ryan said, “The conference has been organised as a means of giving back to society by empowering, educating and encouraging men and women both young and old to how to empower one’s self to take better care of themselves. We realise the importance of the education of young men and women, so one of the major highlights of the conference will be ten-minute presentations from our guest speakers on the topic of how the empowerment of women and men improves health and social outcomes in society.”

Mary Harney, Chancellor of UL will open the conference with guest speakers including Dr Mary Ryan, Endocrinologist and Lecturer, Mairead Mc Guinness MEP, Vice President of the European Parliament, Martina Fitzgerald, political journalist and author, Professor James Gleeson, Department of Mathematics UL, Danielle Ryan, actress, philanthropist and entrepreneur, Dr Deirdre Fanning, Consultant Urologist Bon Secours Hospital and Professor Desmond Fitzgerald, President of the University of Limerick.

There will also be discussion panels featuring guests from the fields of business, sports, entertainment, health, and academia discussing social

issues affecting the empowerment of both women and men such as male suicide, sexual consent, equality in sport and media coverage, drug addiction and pay equality across genders. Among the prestigious panelists are children’s author Fiona Dillon, Minister Patrick O Donovan, actress Aoibhin Garrihy, fitness expert Leanne Moore, style queen Celia Holman Lee, politician Willie O’Dea, Paddy

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Flannery, Moyross Community Centre, Winifred Ryan, Head of Communications in the HSE, Tony O’Riordan, CEO of Midlands Simon Community and Ann Marie Gill, Chairperson of the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre.

There will be five-minute presentations on the topics of empowerment and equality by eight Transition and fifth-year students

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from schools across the Midwest. These eight students have been chosen from a competition run earlier this year to see who would represent each school. Each presentation will be judged by an esteemed panel of judges including Dr Ita Richardson, Head of Gender Equality UL, Prof Deirdre Mc Grath, Head of Gems Medical School and Dr Marie Connolly, Head of Quality and Diversity UL. The 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners will receive a prize, with all participants receiving a plaque to commemorate their achievement.

Professor Desmond Fitzgerald, President of the University of Limerick said, ‘I am delighted to be a key speaker at this conference that is set to empower both women and men. This conference is for both young and old but to make it accessible to young people, 400 free tickets are being given to Transition Year students from schools across the Midwest region. These students are an investment into our future.”

Dr Ryan added, “Cleanmarine are an event sponsor and helped subsidise our costs and the event is also not for profit so any profit will be donated to our two chosen charities, Novas Initiatives, a voluntary agency that works with single people, families and children who are disadvantaged and socially excluded and Children’s Grief Centre, a free support service for children and young people aged 4 to 18 years who have experienced a loss through bereavement, separation or divorce.”

The conference will run on Wednesday, May 1 at the University Concert Hall, from 10 am to 3.30 pm, and light entertainment and refreshments are included so book your tickets at the UCH Box office at 061 331549 or at www.

UCH.ie as soon as possible for what promises to be a major highlight in this year’s conference calendar. Tickets are €28 plus booking fee. #MEEC2019

we‘re trying to recruit at the moment, we’re having public meetings all over the country at the minute, because by having numbers you have power, you’re giving power back to the farmers.”

BY: JACK JOY

Meetings held by the Beef Plan Movement have been taking place across Ireland over the last few months.

Several have been held in marts in County Kerry, attracting large amounts of farmers to each meeting.

“It’s a movement that’s setup to bring about change with regard to the current climate of poor pricing all farmers receive in relation to what they put into the factory” says Dermot O’Brien, Chairperson of the Beef Plan Movement in County Kerry.

“The Plan is an 86-point document, which addresses all the different obstacles that a beef farmer encounters on a daily basis which prevents him from getting a better price.”

Through unifying farmers, the Beef Plan Movement is aiming to give farmers the ability to demand better prices for their cattle by forming producing groups and purchasing groups, enabling them to negotiate with larger amounts of cattle to reduce costs and receive better pricing from the beef factories. Dermot is keen to emphasise the importance of farmers joining the movement. “The Beef Farmer now has a voice moving forward, 10 | Connect BUSINESS | April/May 2019

“At the minute 20% of cattle entering the factory floor are coming from factorycontrolled feedlots, and that’s only based on 2017 figures, the figure could be even greater than we know about” says Dermot. A pedigree suckler farmer, Dermot sells his cattle to the factories as well as for breeding and has seen a noticeable drop in pricing in the past 12 months, acknowledging he has “no control” in the prices he is getting for his cattle. “By having factory controlled feedlots the supply is actually controlled, so when an ordinary farmer carries cattle to the factory, the factory are already well supplied from the feedlots, so they can actually refuse to take them, or maybe accept those cattle and maybe the farmer receives whatever the factory are going to give him on the day, so he’s controlled, and if this continues the farmer will get more and more frustrated and they’ll realise there’s no future in this and they’ll want to get out and what you’ll get then is a complete depletion of Irish Beef.”

“Our image of the family farm of grass-fed beef, that’s changing, what we’re doing is actually putting factory feedlot beef into the food-chain, when we have the best product in the world. Irish beef is the most renowned product in the world, it’s a very sought-after product at the minute, most of the cattle going into the factories at the minute are feedlot cattle to bring the price down.”

Dermot is also an agricultural consultant and has seen a notable loss in confidence among many of his clients involved in

Beef farming, many unsure of what the future holds for them. He cites this as an example of the decline throughout rural Ireland, “A beef farmer is not covering his cost at the minute, so their ability to actually spend money in the local economy is not happening.”

The Beef Plan has been met with a positive response from farmers in Kerry.

The movement held its fifth meeting in the county at Listowel Mart on the 4th March where there were over 200 local farmers in attendance despite the bad weather on the evening. Dermot O’Brien was joined by a number of speakers including marketing expert Sean Griffin, and IT Tralee Business Lecturer and Farmer Michael Foley who gave their insights into the current challenges facing Irish Beef Farmers and explored the movement’s proposed solutions.

The floor was also opened to the large crowd present who expressed their views and concerns to the speakers.

Kerry TDs Michael and Danny HealyRae, Martin Ferris and John Brassil were also in attendance on the night, each speaking in favour of the movement.

The Beef Plan Movement has continued to gather momentum, recruiting close to 20,000 Irish farmers into its ranks and holding an official meeting with the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Creed, in March.

Dermot encourages everyone to show their support for the movement, “Going forward, the small farmer will disappear if he does not receive support now…It’s the last stand.”

More information on The Beef Plan Movement is available at www. beefplan.ie

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CBS PRIMARY TRALEE

marks 60 years with construction of two-storey extension & 4 classrooms CBS Primary Tralee is set to undergo a major transformation after Easter when work commences on the construction of a two-storey building containing four new classrooms, a special educational needs unit and administration area.

The project at one of Tralee’s most famous landmarks will be completed by the summer of 2020 when pupils and teachers entering the new extension can look forward to the most modern teaching and learning environment available.

A follow-up phase of development will see the removal of the prefab classrooms which will be replaced by a new fenced play area at the rear of the school where these classrooms are currently located.

The Principal of CBS Primary Tralee, Denis Coleman, said: “The safety of our children and staff is our number one priority. The school’s original layout is from the 1950s a time when the majority of children made their way to school on foot or on their bike, without their parents. The world of 60 years ago was far less complicated and the yard, and school, were readily accessible to all.

When the work is complete, our school will be far more secure where visitors will be welcomed at the new main entrance by our school secretary and where the, nowenclosed, yard will be more safe and secure than ever before.”

The four new classrooms and special educational needs unit will enable children and staff to work in the most modern setting available and will greatly enhance the teaching and learning environment for all concerned.

The building works will also facilitate the upgrade of our school’s ICT capabilities which will in turn enable staff and children to increase the integration of technology into the teaching and learning throughout the school.

A new, and additional, enclosed play area at the rear of the school will provide enough playground space for every child.

“In just over a year from now, our school will have four new modern classrooms which will provide the best possible accommodation for our Junior and Senior Infants; a new state of art special educational needs unit will provide for 12 | Connect BUSINESS | April/May 2019

Micheal Hayes and Anne Laide as they turn the sod of CBS Primary School,Tralee with members of Board of Management, Builders and pupils and teachers Photo Joe Hanley

those children who need specialised care and attention to help them access school life,” said Denis Coleman.

The original application for building works began in 2007 but despite a number of delays, the patience of Mr Coleman, the Board of Management, the staff, children and their parents has been rewarded and the much-needed building works are about to begin.

CBS Primary Tralee first opened its doors in 1959 and one of the teachers from school’s early years, Mícheál Hayes, turned the sod on the development in the company of four pupils from the Junior Infants’ classes. They were joined

by Ann Laide, whose father was involved in building the school in the 1950s.

The Chairman of the Board of Management, Noel Burke, said: “We are delighted that the building project has such a strong link with the local area especially as we are celebrating the 60th anniversary of the opening of the school which was built by a local construction firm T. O’Mahony & Co in 1959. It is clear that the builders back then had a great sense of pride in the job they were doing.

This time around, the consultants for the project are a Tralee-based company, MRG while the lead architect, Liam Waldron, is both a past pupil and a parent of a past pupil who has already shown a keen

interest in ensuring the project is of top quality. The main contractor is Evans and Kelliher Ltd from Castlemaine and many of the sub-contractors will be from the locality ensuring that there will be a direct benefit to the local economy.”

In attendance at the sod-turning were Maggie Griffin, Deputy Principal; Stephen Kelliher and Daniel Evans from Kelliher Construction Ltd; and Mary O’Connell, MRG Consulting Engineers.

Cathy Hayes and Sinead O’Connor, representatives from the Parents’ Association and Fr Tadhg Fitzgerald, Parish Priest from St John’s and Patron’s representative on the Board of Management were also present.

Preliminary building works have already commenced at the front of the school while children, teachers and parents have already been familiarised with the new drop-off and collection procedures.

During construction, a large part of the school will be boarded up and the new main entrance to the school will be via the glass doors looking onto Brewery Road.

For more information about the development at CBS Primary Tralee, please contact Denis Coleman on 066-7124029 or email principal@cbsprimarytralee.com.

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... in the County

NEW APPOINTMENTS FOR A CHALLENGING FUTURE IN TOURISM This week’s AGM of the Kerry branch Hotel Federation made their appointments for the coming year. These individuals will represent the hotel sector in Kerry at local & national levels.

Bernadette Randles of the Randles Hotels has been appointed Chairperson, Emer Corridon of Cahernane House has been appointed Vice Chairperson, Niamh O Shea is appointed Treasurer & Padraig McGillicuddy of Ballygarry House Hotel & Spa, Tralee will assume the position of PRO. Bernadette said “I am delighted to assume the role for the coming year. The horizon isn’t as bright as the past few years in Irish tourism with the looming threats of Brexit, economic uncertainty and a slowdown in European growth. Our role is to be a strong voice representing the Hospitality & Tourism in Kerry and to be heard at a national level. We have a very active branch of members here in Kerry with a strong history of promoting our sector and we look forward to taking this forward.

A key priority is to ensure our industry remains at the heart of Government policy particularly in relation to investment in marketing and product development, attracting more visitors to the region and tackling the high cost of doing business in Ireland.”

Padraig said “It’s very fulfilling to represent hospitality in Kerry at a local & National level. All of the committee are proprietors or General Managers from Kerry representing Kerry which doesn’t get more organic than that. Hotels are in all our DNA & we are all very passionate about our properties.

In the uncertain times ahead we have to be more united than ever to get our views across. One of our priorities will be a strong lobby for a return to the 9% VAT rate to improve competitiveness.”

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APPOINTMENTS AND ACHIEVEMENTS

Padraig McGillicuddy

Emer Corridon

Bernadette Randles

Niamh O Shea

If you have an appointment in your company we would be delighted to hear about it.

Contact Margaret: 086 2408237 info@connectpublications.ie

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JOHN MULHERN

NEW CEO AT KERRY AIRPORT

By Marisa Reidy Just last month, Dublin native John Mulhern was announced as the new CEO at Kerry Airport.

Although already living in beautiful Dromid at the time, John was commuting daily to his job as Chief Operating Officer at Mater Private Hospital Cork - but he tells Connect that he ‘jumped at’ the opportunity to work and live in The Kingdom.

“I made my home in the beautiful parish of Dromid, South West Kerry, 12 years ago but so much is my love for Kerry that when I took up my role at the Mater Private Hospital Cork, I was determined to continue residing in Dromid, such is my love for the area,” he said “When the opportunity came up to apply for the position of General Manager at Kerry Airport, I jumped at it. Not only did it bring me closer to home, but secondly it gave me an opportunity to run a company that I believe has huge potential and is the fulcrum in Kerry around which tourism and industry rotates. So, for me that was an opportunity that I couldn’t let pass.”

Prior to moving to Kerry, John worked and studied in the United Kingdom including in the world-famous Harefield and Brompton Hospitals - and also served for four years in the Merchant Navy as the Chief Ships Medical Officer.

Although a proud Dub, John describes Kerry as his home and says he is really

With his vast knowledge of the thriving airport he now manages clearly evident, John was asked what he believes are the airport’s greatest strengths for both the business community and the leisure traveller?

looking forward to embracing that challenges that lie ahead in his new role at Kerry Airport.

One such challenge of course - and something that tops his agenda at present - is Brexit, and more specifically, the uncertainty that continues to surround it.

“Brexit is the most imminent threat, particularly the uncertainty as to when it will happen, and how the turmoil in the House of Commons is affecting our ability to prepare for Brexit in so many ways,” he said. “We service two thriving London routes with Ryanair and we must work hard to maintain the strong passenger numbers in and out of Stansted and Luton every week.”

Equally important, John says, is Kerry Airport’s twice-daily flights to and from Dublin, another issue that tops his agenda as manager.

“These flights are essential and while we have Government commitment to maintain the PSO on that route for the foreseeable future, when that contract is up for renewal we’ll push the Government of the day to retain the subsidy. It’s of immense benefit to so many businesses in Kerry and a source of connectivity to visitors from the United States and the Middle East.”

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“The Airport is a huge centre of business and a hub for tourists and business people from all over Ireland and further afield.

It is essential for the economy of Kerry and that it should grow and prosper,” he explained.

“Kerry Airport needs to become an even bigger force in allowing access for industry and tourism in the county and continue the growth path that Kerry is on at present.”

In recent years, Kerry airport’s German market has seen significant growth, but the new manager believes that there is still room to capitalise even more on that market.

“It’s widely acknowledged that the German market is of immense value to the tourism industry in Kerry. At present, Kerry Airport is the gateway to the region for thousands of visitors arriving on flights from Frankfurt-Hahn and Berlin Schonfeld each week,” john explained.

“Ryanair carried 32,000 people on the Kerry-Berlin route in its first year of operation achieving an 85% load factor which represents a success and a just reward for Kerry Airport’s promotional efforts in partnership with Kerry County Council and the tourism sector in Kerry.

We believe there’s room to increase that load factor in the months ahead.”

While john is excited to embrace his new role as general manager and fulfil his own ambitions, he graciously pays tribute to his predecessor Peter Moore and his team for helping shape Kerry Airport into the success story it has already become.

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“There have been so many achievements over the years that need to be acknowledged. My predecessor, Peter Moore and the team at the airport deserve much praise for delivering all elements of airport operations within budget, while ensuring that Kerry Airport has remained a major gateway between Kerry and global commercial and tourism markets,” he said.

locate a helicopter base at Kerry Airport opens a significant opportunity for the local economy to benefit from the imminent re-opening of Ireland’s oil and gas exploration industry.”

“The recent 9% growth in passenger numbers for 2018 suggests that the recent years of turbulence may be behind us. Kerry Airport has become a key gateway for Corporate and Executive Jet Traffic especially from the USA accessing Kerry’s excellent range of Golf facilities, 4 and 5-Star Hotel and Spa offerings and of course the world-renowned Céad Míle Fáilte of the Kerry people.

“It’s my intention to change the entire corporate feel of the airport to one that’s directed towards successful business, whether that’s tourism or commercial industry,” he explained. “In doing so, we want to convince airlines to direct their aircraft towards Kerry. We have the capacity to make our airport a more attractive destination for the major airlines. I want to build on the present momentum, grow existing and new routes while building on ancillary revenue. Kerry is a world-famous brand and Kerry Airport is the international gateway to the Kingdom. Everyone in the county should be very proud of their local, international airport on their doorstep.”

“Babcock International’s decision to

But like any new manager, it will come as no surprise that John has some exciting plans of his own that he would like to see through during his tenure – particularly for the corporate sector.

And as for new routes in and out of Kerry’s thriving airport in the near

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future? - John is well aware of the huge potential that exists.

“Our Route Development Team is working closely with airlines to realise the huge potential that exists through the demand from European customers for direct access to Ireland’s most popular tourism region in the Kingdom of Kerry,” he said.

Ideally located for anyone wishing to travel on business or pleasure for a City Break or Summer Escape, Kerry Airport services direct flights to seven destinations including: London Luton, London Stansted, Frankfurt-Hahn, Berlin, Alicante & Faro (summer 2019) with Ryanair, and to Dublin with Aer Lingus Regional. For more details visit KerryAirport.ie.

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BELIEVE, ACHIEVE, SUCCEED

An Accountancy Firm that’s different....

That is the moto we have on our wall in PSC. It’s a moto only visible to the team because it was designed by them, for them. The team here in PSC is very important to us, because they are the people at the end of the phone when you need help. They are the people working on your accounts so that you have accurate and timely information.

They are the people dropping what’s on their desk to meet an urgent request from a client. Without our team, we cannot deliver the excellent service to you the client.

For each person, the moto means something different.

BELIEVE in oneself, in their work, in their ability, in their values, etc ACHIEVE reach a personal goal, reach a work goal, help reach a client’s goal, etc SUCCEED in completing the task, having a happy client, etc Every day at work, we see these words – they are big, bold and brave. They also inspire the team to think outside the box, to make suggestions, to push forward. Here in PSC we never stand still.

We BELIEVE in sharing our knowledge and are proactive in ensuring that you are informed of what’s happening. Our Facebook page “PSC Accountants” is another form of information for you which again shares our knowledge so that you can make better decisions. An example of this would be our video on Brexit. If your business purchases goods from Britain or sell any goods to Britain, please ensure that you have an EORI

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We BELIEVE in the person behind the business, you.

The person with the vision, the person who’s putting in so much hard work to ACHIEVE their goals. We BELIEVE that the business should work for you and not you for the business.

(Economic Operators Registration and Identification) number. This is a simple step that your accountant can apply for through Revenue on Line. Watch our videos on Facebook for some other tips.

Another area we BELIEVE in and would benefit many of our clients, is in online accounting. This is saving people time and money and reduces data entry to a minimum and cuts down on the paper trail. Its real time accounting allowing you to see daily how your business is performing at the touch of a button.

From our experience, we have seen that many of the clients that have implemented it, are ACHIEVEING much better results in their business both from collecting money and implementing savings on purchases. They have much better control and vision because they are seeing their business results instantly.

We BELIEVE in clients that want to be ahead in terms of their financial figures, who don’t stick their head in the sand, or who does but would prefer not too. We BELIEVE that we can help these people implement better systems so that they don’t have to worry about being compliant because suddenly it becomes effortless. We BELIEVE in the clients vision and work with them to ACHIEVE this and SUCCEED. As Accountants, we BELIEVE in you, that you can ACHIEVE your business goals and SUCCEED. Let us help you along this journey.

Talk to Siobhán or any of the team here in PSC, we would be happy to help you. www.psc.ie

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SHARED WORKSPACES

Workbench at Bank of Ireland, Tralee Shared workspace and working hubs are now a common practice all over the country. It’s often the ideal solution to those who work from home or work freelance, it’s an option for these people to have a space to provide different options for work related matters, we catch up with the team in Bank of Ireland to find out about their new Workbench facility.

Deirdre Twomey, Head Of County, Bank of Ireland Kerry is proud to introduce Connect readers to Workbench Tralee.

Deirdre Twomey

Workbench is a unique concept which connects entrepreneurs, branch, and community by offering free dedicated space for co-working, seminars, clinics and events to encourage innovation and new ideas.

Located in Tralee branch, the Bank of Ireland Workbench offers state-of-the-art facilities including hot desks, interactive screens, complimentary WiFi, free parking and events open to all.

A Few Key Points on Workbench: Opened Monday’s 10am to 5pm and Tuesday to Friday 10am to 4pm.

6 working desks – no booking required – you walk in, setup for the day and make the space your own.

The Workbench Space allows for conversations with likeminded people – all in business or trying to start a business.

It’s amazing the creative conversations and networking that come via Workbench interactions.

On average 3-4 times a month we host or hold events in Workbench. These events focus on supporting business owners, community initiatives and Start Up businesses in particular.

There are Workbench’s in Cork City, Galway City, Limerick, Waterford, Letterkenny & three in Dublin (Grand Canal, Trinity College & Montrose) which offer the same facilities as above.

Upcoming events in Workbench include Connect Women in Business Awards Launch Pat Carmody on April 24th, Taste Kerry’s “The Business of Food” Panel discussions on May 3rd, Enterprise Week from Friday 17th May to Friday 4th May and Friday Breakfast Club on June 21st. Keep up to date with events on the Tralee Enterprise Town Facebook page.

To arrange your event in Workbench Tralee or to get more information please contact Pat Carmody, County Enterprise Manager, at pat. carmody@boi.com or call in and see the facilities for yourself.

Tea/Coffee & Wifi are complimentary.

It is open to all – you do not have to be a BOI customer to utilize the free space.

AV facilities available for events

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Connect | Business

What’s New

in Business CHA-CHA THE CAMINO

for CRY with Dancing with the Stars and GAA legend, Aidan O'Mahony

Five-time All-Ireland winner and the country's first winner of Dancing With The Stars, Aidan O’Mahony, is calling on the public to join him in walking the Camino de Santiago to raise vital funds for Cardiac Risk in Young (CRY) Ireland on 7-14th September. The Kerry All-Star said, “It is an honour for me to take part in the Camino Trek and to be an ambassador for Liam Herlihy from CRY and Aidan O' Mahony. such an important and worthy Pic: Pauline Dennigan charity. Sudden Cardiac Death (SCD) has affected so many families in Ireland including my own. The provision of CRY’s supports and services to patients and families who have experienced a loss to the condition are exceptional. As I am a representative and advocate for healthy living and well being, the Camino Trek is a very positive event to be part of as it symbolizes my passion for outdoors and fitness. I am very grateful to undertake the challenge of the Camino Trek for seven days in September and represent CRY”. The Camino is a walk anyone can do, this year CRY will walk The Portuguese Coastal Way and the added bonus it is for a great cause and those who sign up are asked to raise €1,950 to take part. If you would like to join Aidan O’Mahony on the CRY Camino Trek go to www.cry.ie

Croi Restaurant has a new

home, same great value but with a new experience Spreading the Grá. The Tralee Culinary Gangster boyz spent 2 years knocking out some of the best locally sourced food the town has ever seen. With 24 years of "nothing but" culinary experience, head chef and winner of best chef for the Connect hospitality awards, Noel Keane and his posse of misfits are on the move. Having spoken to business partner and restaurant manager Kevin O Connor, the trio are very excited. Chef Noel's sous chef for 2 years Paul Cotter is now going to take the reins for the first time as head chef of Grá Bistro in the square in Tralee. A new funky, easy, affordable attitude to food.

Slap bang in the center of town with Katherina Foran taking control of the restaurant. Katherina having worked with 22 | Connect BUSINESS | April/May 2019

Rise n’Shine

it’s Brunch Time at Ballygarry

Ballygarry House Hotel is delighted to launch their new Brunch Menu.

Designed for healthy eating with wholesome & organic options there’s something for everyone.

Whether it’s a walk on the grounds, Ballyseede Woods or a casual business meeting we have a seat reserved for you by the crackling log fire. Choose from the following tasty treats: Smashed Avocado & Egg, Toasted Bagel with Daly’s Smoked Salmon, Flahavan’s Organic Porridge served with local honey, Berry Compote and a Bacon & Free Range Egg Butty. The Owen Mac’s Brunch Special is one to try and has gone down a treat with diners. It consists of Toasted Sundried Tomato Bread with Sweet Potato Spread topped with Free Range Poached Eggs, Chorizo and Feta Crumble all complemented with delicious tasting coffee, tea and a full range of herbal teas. Brunch is served Monday to Friday 10am to 12 noon by the friendly faces that Ballygarry is renowned for. “We want to develop a coffee culture as well as creating a new menu offering in the morning for our guests and we have extended this to our valued local customers, morning commuters as well as business people looking for a venue to have a breakfast meeting.” said Elaine Courtney, Sales & Marketing Manager at Ballygarry House. the gangster for the past 7 years. Now here comes the twist.

With Croí after picking up a fair bit of momentum over the last 2 years the boys decided Croí needed a bigger kitchen and when the lads spotted a gem of a building down on Princess Street and the calculations done they thought it was worth the risk. Noel and his band of merry men in the kitchen would get the space to push Kerry food further and Paul would get the opportunity to expand on town centre cuisine. Their belief is firmly on supporting local where possible with only 1 main ingredient on the Croí menu not from the kingdom of Kerry and Grá sticking with a support Irish producers on their menu the emphasis on supporting local is as strong as ever.

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Kerry Health and Wellness Company achieves ALL STAR ACCREDITATION Magda Serafin Managing Director of Bio-Force Medical & Dental Clinics Kerry and Limerick has recently had her business accredited at the All Ireland Business Foundation which accredits Irish Business with All Star accreditation. We asked Magda to tell us a little about her business to date.

I opened my business in 2009 and my aim was to create a medical centre that combines modern medicine with a holistic approach, as more people are now open to alternatives these days. With a brave step I made this decision and with huge success in Tralee this gave me an idea to start up also in Limerick in 2014, both clinics have a wide range of services of dental, gynaecology, dermatology, aesthetic medicine, dietician nutritionist clinic, physiotherapy, cosmetic, natural medicine and massage therapy through this we have a variety of clients of any age & gender who we provide an outstanding positive service to.

Tell us your most notable achievements to date? Most definitely the success of both clinics since they opened in 2009 & 2014, I have brought together a strong team and we have expanded in both clinics and helped patients better their life’s through the years, It is a beautiful feeling when your accomplishments and visions are met and you can help and inspire people.

companies should be clearly identifiable so consumers can purchase with confidence from All-Star accredited businesses.

Business All-Star accredited companies are progressive, indigenous Irish businesses which meet the highest standards of verified performance, trust and customer centricity. Achieving Business All-Star accreditation is a powerful way to gain trust and raise the profile of your business.

Magda Serafin

Where to from here for Magda and the team?

We will continue to do what we do well, deliver a top class service and provide our clients with the service they deserve from the knowledge and experience our team can deliver.

You achieved accreditation recently how did this happen?

I decided to put my application in for the Business All-Star Accreditation as the whole aim towards this was to be appreciated and noticed for the hard work and dedication that has been put into both clinics throughout the years. The All-Ireland Business Foundation is a national body which accredits best-in-class Irish businesses as Business All-Stars. They believe best-in-class

Kerry based financial planning practice, PREMIER FINANCIAL, WIN 3 IN A ROW! Tralee based financial planning practice, Premier Financial, have for the third year in succession, being nationally acknowledged as industry leaders, by winning the “Best Regional Financial Planning Broker of the Year” at the Oscars of the Irish Pension and Investment industry, the annual LPI Gala Awards which was held in the Mansion House, Dublin last Thursday 21st of March. A celebratory night to recognise and commend those at the forefront of their industry, this year’s LPI Awards Gala were attended by over 530 financial services professionals and the independent panel of judges was overseen by adjudicators Grant Thornton. Last year Premier Financial won the LPI Best Life & Pension Broker in Ireland and in 2017, the prestigious LPI Best Investment Broker in Ireland Award.

Mark Corkery, Financial Planning Director, Premier Financial commented “Our winning team have secured 3 in a row and once again brought back a major national industry award to Kerry. We are very honoured to win the “LPI Best Regional Financial Planning Broker” as it both recognises and confirms Premier Financial’s position as one of the top financial planning firms in Ireland. I would like to thank our team of experts for their on-going commitment to ensuring our clients receive the very best financial advice to suit their needs today and into the future”.

Premier Financial is located in Beechgrove House, Strand Street, Tralee, Co. Kerry and is open 5 days a week. For more information visit www.premierfinancial.ie. Telephone: 066 7185723 or email: info@ premierfinancial.ie. Follow on Twitter @PremierIreland.

Winning 3 in a row confirms Kerry based financial planning practice as national Life, Pensions and Investment Industry leaders. The award winning team at Premier Financial (Tralee) from left back row; Gerardine Sheehy, Colette Clohessy and Anne Corkery and from left front row; Philip Sicat, Denis Murphy and Mark Corkery photographed with their Awards “LPI Best Regional Financial Planning Broker of the year (2019), LPI Best Investment Broker in Ireland Award (2018) and the LPI Best Life & Pension Broker in Ireland (2017). Photo Credit: Joe Hanley Connect BUSINESS | April/May 2019 | 23

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WINNER ANNOUNCED AT FIRST TASTE KERRY AND TRALEE IT ALL-IRELAND TAPAS AND PINTXO CHAMPIONSHIP IN KERRY It’s been wonderful week for the food industry in the Kingdom, guests and competitors at the All Ireland Tapas and Pintxo Championship got to experience the culinary delights on offer in Kerry and also meet with local producers and suppliers in the food industry. Two days of competitions where chefs from all over the country showcased their skills in the area of Tapas and Pintxo style food. The winner was chosen on the criteria of the competition – This criteria was based on Flavour, texture, practicality and creativity on a limited budget.

The launch event was hosted by Sua on Monday night April 8th in the intimate surroundings of Sol-y-Sombra, Kilorglin. It was a fabulous evening of food and wines presented by one of the organisers of the event Gorka Arrietta who was joined by a host of chefs in the kitchen. Spanish wines accompanied the food and these were presented by wine critic with the Irish Examiner Leslie Williams so a fantastic night was had by all who attended. Tuesday night saw The Ashe Hotel host another evening of food and wines and the public got to taste a real fusion of Spanish and Irish food chefs using the finest local ingredients from local suppliers, accompanied with fine Spanish wines and beers. Chad Byrne a founder of ChefCoLab, and executive chef at the Brehon hosted the evening and chatted to the guest speakers on the production of Pintxo and Tapas and those attending came away with lots of ideas for themselves from the night Wednesday saw the final closing of this great three day event with the winners being announced for their work. Three winners were announced in total from the event. The Overall winner received an amazing prize of a specially commissioned trophy along with an all-expenses paid trip to the World Tapas Championships Valladolid in November 2019 as part of Team Ireland. The runner up got a specially commissioned trophy and all participants received a certificate for getting to the finalist stages of the competition.

John Harty of Taste Kerry and main organiser of the event says ‘it was a wonderful event for the county to showcase our produce to other countries. Having guests here from around the world really opens up our local produce to these countries and we are proud to do this. We would like to thank our Sponsors who supported us in this event and of course to the Spanish Embassy for all their help and input into the event, this is Spanish Wine week in Ireland and we are glad to be able to put our mark on this week with such

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wonderful events. We also thank Taste of Sol Foods for their support Local sponsors included IT Tralee, Kerry Group, Terra Food and Wines, the Ashe Hotel, Sol Y Sombra, Croi Restaurant, Connect Marketing and Events and the many other local food producers who supported in any way. We are looking forward to welcoming everyone back again next year for an even bigger event’ OVERALL WINNER: Denis Byrne Killybegs, Donegal a third year student finishing a degree program in culinary arts RUNNER UP: Darren Collins from Waterford MOST CREATIVE: Ismael castillojo Spain but based here in Ballybunion

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CONNECT Business Club

March 2019 Meeting Photographs by:  John Walsh Photography 066 7123777 Email: info@johnwalsh.ie | www.johnwalsh.ie

Another great gathering of the CBC members, an informative night of advice on how best to use social media for your business. Facilitated

by Mary Lucey, advice was provided by Will Nolan of Nolan Consultancy and Social Media Management.

Our next meeting will look at your financial wellness.

One not to be missed.

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SUPPORT OUR CBC MEMBERS

Should you wish to join the club contact us on: T: 066 7123954 M: 086 2408237Â | E: margaret@connectpublications.ie

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Winner of Best Hotel and Guesthouse Restaurant Park Hotel Kenmare 30 | Connect BUSINESS | April/May 2019

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INVITING NOMINATIONS FOR THE

Connect Kerry Women in Business Awards 2019

We are delighted to announce the following categories. They are open to owners or operations manager within the business. We ask you to complete an application form and give us as much information as possible, all information you supply remains strictly confidential. Application forms are available by emailing info@connectpublications.ie. We have shown examples against each category which give an idea of what types of business the category applies to. If you are unsure about your eligibility for a category please contact us and we will advise, we will allocate the category we feel suits best. There are a number of special non nomination awards to be announced on the night also from the finalists in attendance. The winners will be announced at the Gala Black Tie event on Friday June 7th at The Rose Hotel.

consumers and have a great reputation among their competitors.

This category is aimed at ladies who sell products or services to consumers. This could be via retail outlets IE; shops, markets online trading etc.

1. Connect Kerry Business Woman in Health & Wellness This award is open to all in the health or wellness therapy business.

This category is open to any health or wellness business - Personal Trainers, Massage therapist, Reflexologists, Nutritionists, Slimming Groups, Osteopaths, Counsellors, Yoga practitioners.

10. Connect Kerry Woman in Business in the medical Profession This award is open to Doctors, Practitioners, physiotherapists all those who provide medical services

2. Connect Kerry Business Woman in Business Services This award is open to all in the professional services field whose business serves other companies and can demonstrate the outstanding contribution they have made to their clients. This category would suit ladies in the professional services field IE; Marketing, HR, Social Media. Law, Finance, Graphic Design, Printing, Insurance.

3. Connect Kerry Business Woman in Training Education-childcare.

This award is open to all who work in the industry that supports children or families day to day. It is open to any business that works directly with children, families or parents IE; Schools, Sports Clubs, Montessori or play schools Tuition, Training, Development, Pregnancy Services, Children’s Welfare, and Nurseries.

4. Connect Kerry Business Woman in Fashion Retail This award is open to all in the boutique industry. Whether it’s a family owned boutique or a senior management role with a national name, you are eligible to apply in this category.

5. Connect Kerry Business Woman in Technology This award is open to all working within the technology or science field. This category is aimed at ladies who provide services in the technology sector. E.g. Website, PC support, IT training, Programming Photography or any business operating in the technology sector.

6. Connect Kerry Business Woman in Retail or Consumer Business This award is open to all retail owners or those operating in senior management role in a business that serves

7. Connect Kerry Business Woman in Creative Design This category would suit Artists, milliners, fashion, candle making soaps, scents flower arranging, anything in the creative industry 8. Connect Kerry Business Woman in Food production This award is open to all in the food industry, manufacturing and producing products locally this is the ideal category for you. We look forward to hearing from you. This could be bakers, fresh food, cakes, or specialty foods.

9. Connect Kerry New Business Award This award is open to all ladies who have started a new business in the last 2 years, it is open to all businesses and also welcomes those who may just be at the very early stage.

11. Connect Kerry Tourism Award Kerry is renowned for tourism and so there are many great ladies leading this to ensure it stays top of the list to provide the best to our visitors, if you are in this industry we want to hear from you.

12. Connect Kerry Marketing and Events Award This award is open to all ladies who provide marketing assistance to people in business, advertising event management, marketing/ event managers.

13. Connect Kerry Outstanding Manager There are many great ladies managing businesses in the county so you tell us you’re favorite.

14. Connect Kerry young business woman This award is open to all ladies who own and operate their own business for the last three years or less or those who may have joined a company in a managerial capacity for the first time, It is dedicated to the ladies in the industry 30 or under.

15. Community Champion We all know someone who works tirelessly for the good of her town, her area or her charity, we want to recognize these ladies so do tell us who you think deserves this recognition.

There are a number of special awards also announced on the night so all ladies in the above will be considered for that also, the judging panel is made up of business people from across the county and their decision is final.

CLOSING DATE FOR NOMINATIONS IS MAY 5TH Tickets for the event are on sale at €85.00 +vat We look forward to hearing from you all.

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