Connect Business Winter 2021

Winter 2021

BUSINESS

TIM KELLIHER The home of Toyota in Kerry

Aidan O Mahony From Croke Park to Dancing with the Stars, UNBROKEN spirit laid bare in tell all memoir

EDITOR NOTE Hi all Welcome to Connect Business.

Its been on a bit of sabbatical due to covid but thankfully we produced our winter issue.

We are delighted to chat to Tim Kelliher who has just been announced as sole dealer for Toyota in Kerry. Tim tells us of the history of the car trade in the Kelliher family and his plans for the future.

Aidan O Mahony joins us to share his new book which is a must read for everyone. We wish Aidan the very best with it and thank him for his honesty throughout the book. It really is a great read.

Tedx had a wonderful event in Tralee recently and we caught up to hear about it.

We also look at the different options when it comes to returning to education the costs and the availability and Career expert Mary Lucey gives some advice on completing the application for your future.

Tralee has got two new major retailers this month so we check them out As always we look forward to hearing your news stories from around the county so please do get in touch and we will share them.

Connect business will be back to full swing again for 2022 so we look forward to working with you all, and as always thank you for your unending support of all we do here in Connect.

Chat soon, stay safe

Mags Editor: Margaret Kissane Graphics Design: Yevgen Kalynin For Advertising Enquiries: Margaret: 086 2408237 Editorial Enquiries Cathriona Murphy Photographer: John Walsh Email: margaret@connectpublications.ie

Tralee Business Man, Tim Kelliher, awarded prestigious sole dealership position of award winning global brand, Toyota

Situated in Rathass, Tralee, Kellihers Toyota is one of the longest running family businesses in Kerry. Withstanding numerous local national and global turbulences over the years, it is a testament to the strength and character of the business. We spoke to owner, Tim Kelliher about the recent announcement that his garage, Kellihers Toyota was to be the sole dealership for Toyota in Kerry.

From humble generational beginnings on Denny street, Tim chats all things business, his love for his county and how important family is to him.

a garage up on Rock street but they went their separate ways. My Grandmother was the real driver behind the business, she was a lady ahead of her time looking after the business end with a vision in mind while my Grandfather did the mechanical side. He was more than just a mechanic though he was also an engineer. Back then you bought something and you repaired it, it broke and you repaired it again so they serviced everything from cars to tractors to even boats. My Father Ted took over the business in 1959 and it became a Toyota dealership in 1976 . Toyota is the cornerstone of our business, it’s what we know inside and out. So much so that we were recently awarded the prestigious position of being the sole Toyota dealership in Co Kerry. It is important to me though that I mention the other dealership that was previously Toyota since 1978, the Bowler family. We have always had and still have a very good competitive relationship with Bowlers over the years. However, I am delighted to take on the challenge and would like to thank and acknowledge my team in particular who have worked with the greatest endeavour to achieve this great opportunity for the garage. It will be a big challenge but one I am looking forward to”.

Tim, can you tell us the history of the Kelliher business in Tralee please?

The first of our garages was established in Denny street in 1936 by my Grandparents who purchased a disused old hotel that was closed. My Grandfather had trained as a mechanic with Rice’s and had

1936 Kellihers First Garage

Tim and his father Ted

When and how did you become involved in the family business?

“I joined Kellihers in 1996 but prior to that my own personal journey was very different. I never saw myself working in the family garage or the car trade so I went to St Patricks College in Drumcondra in Dublin and got a Batchelor of Education Degree but then I found that teaching wasn’t for me, in fact I lasted just 3 weeks and 3 days, and gave it up! I had wanted to go into retail so that’s what I did, there was something telling me that’s what I was meant to do so I stayed in Dublin for 8 years. Instead of educating I became educated in retail if you know what I mean?

Working in retail and eventually working in motor retail where I learned so much about the industry, the trade and retail itself was a real education and learning opportunity. At that stage I had met my wife in Dublin who is actually from Ardfert, Theresa. We then decided in 1994 it was time to get married and move back to Tralee where I actually set up my own business selling cars on John Joe Sheehy road called Kelliher Kingdom Auto’s. This was in no way affiliated with Kellihers Toyota the family business, in fact we were in healthy competition with each other. I operated that business for a year when unfortunately, my father Ted unexpectedly suffered a heart attack so literally the following day I took over at Kellihers, and I have been there since. I’m not a mechanic nor am I an accountant but I love retail, I love the business of retailing, how quickly it changes and how customer focused it is”.

How has Kellihers coped with the recent pandemic and the changes it has forced on us all?

“Thankfully our business has survived the hardships of previous recessions and the covid pandemic. We are still here but then we are a robust company, we are at the stage now were we have 30 employees both male and female employed here in Kellihers garage. It’s important to note that 8 of those employees were taken on in the last 10 months and the sole reason I was able to employ them was because of the fantastic work the other 22 had done prior to that. In the modern retailing world, you have to be constantly adapting, striving for new business and to be competitive while striving to be the best for the customer whether it be the mother, grandmother, the chap with the briefcase or the farmer with the wellingtons. We cater for everybody but Toyota is that kind of brand it has a very wide appeal so we are very lucky, very privileged to have the Toyota name beside the Kelliher name which we hope will continue long into the future”.

You speak of your love for Toyota as a brand, can you tell us more about what it offers that appeals to both you and your loyal customer base?

“Toyota as a brand are at the forefront of cleaning the planet, cleaning the air and I’ll tell you that started not three or four years ago like a lot of other brands but it started actually in 1993. Toyota decided to develop a hybrid technology that saved fuel and emissions, so whilst a lot of other companies have recently gone this road, Toyota have been at it a long time. In fact, here in Kellihers we sold our first hybrid in 2001 which is 20 years ago. Things have changed so rapidly in the last 3 or 4 years, we had hybrid and hybrid is increasing in efficiency all the time. I would say 99% of cars we sell here in Kellihers are hybrid, that’s how popular they are because people are realising that hybrid is self-charging so you don’t need to plug it in to charge at any time because the petrol engine charges the battery. It actually amazes me at how well the general public are in their knowledge of a hybrid car, and that you don’t have to plug in a hybrid car. We will soon have a range of electric cars I’d say within the next 6 months but hybrid is our main stay. We, Toyota, are the number one seller in Ireland of that type of car but we also have a highly successful commercial range which is the Land Cruiser but we haven’t gone hybrid with those because it’s just not practical. But down the road I would suspect Toyota will develop something greener for the Land Cruiser line that will replace diesel”.

Looking at your clientele and the length of time you have been in business, has there been any hesitancy or perhaps distrust in older generations to adapt or buy into these new technologies?

Bridget Walsh Business and Finance Manager

Gerard McCarthy After Sales Manager

“There has been only a slight hesitancy by our customers who have driven petrol and diesel all through the years. When you use the word hybrid it can conjure up complexities, problems and issues you immediately think being stuck on the side of the road or will the battery cost €3000 but it doesn’t happen. Once our older 5

and I enjoyed Dublin but we absolutely love it here in Kerry, and were delighted we came back when we did. We love nothing more of a Sunday morning than hopping into the car and heading off to Valentia or Dingle. Theresa herself, originally from Ballyrobert, is kept busy all week with her own successful business “Goose Boutique” in Tralee town.

She buys and sells luxury designer brands at affordable prices, a niche that hadn’t been met in the town at all. We also love supporting our County, I’m a town man myself, my father was Denny street and my mother from a little village called Lathive West of Dingle, we have a fair mix of the town and the country! That level of support from us is shown in our sponsorship deal of Kerry GAA associate car sponsor with both the football and the hurling. I have taken that on for five years and again delighted to be involved in Kerry GAA. I’ve supported the teams all my life, we’ve a good team that faced disappointment last season but we hope to see them over the line. We wish both the management and the team, who are by the way a very young team but fabulous altogether, all the success for the future. I’m so proud and delighted to have both the opportunity and the privilege to support them in this capacity”. customers drive a hybrid though they absolutely love it. We take the time to talk to them, educate them on hybrid technology.

We’re not in a big city we are in a corner in the South West of the country and we love dealing with people, talking to people. Our doors are open to everyone with staff from all over the county.

Our service department is open at 8am every morning along with the test centre we own and operate so we would have a couple of hundred people coming through our doors on a daily basis. I am lucky to have a team who are just absolutely fantastic in looking after the customer’s needs, knowing if there’s an issue needed to be sorted, if you need to be picked up or a replacement car offered it’s the small little things like that. We like to think that if you come into us, you are willing to give us your money to get the car serviced we’d like to think that we would look after you. That is the case whether you’re going through the workshop floor or front of house sales. I personally, and I’d like to think my team are very up to the personnel side of the business, a product is a product but at the end of the day customer service is the most important aspect. I’m proud of my team for demonstrating this on a day to day basis”.

What is the business plan going forward for Kellihers Toyota?

“Being the sole dealership for Toyota in Kerry won’t be without its challenges, I’m looking forward to serving the people of Kerry in that capacity so that will keep me occupied! I will strive to look after the people in Kerry driving Toyota and those who are looking to make the change over I will make that as easy as possible for them. My aim is to get as many people to experience and understand Toyota and what it means as a brand, to experience Kellihers and what that means.

I hope that customers both new and old will be satisfied whether it’s through sales or repairs or even body shop because we also provide that service. I’m a proud County man, I love my County. My wife 6

Finally, Tim, for anyone of our Connect readers that is not yet a customer of yours what would you tell them?

“For anyone that has not yet been a customer of Kellihers I would say to them drop in, give us a try. We are open for business, we are competitive and have a great team. Come into us be it for a service, a body repair or a car sale. I know we have a good online presence; we are on most social media platforms but at the same time we are here every day to talk to anyone that needs our help. We pride ourselves and like to think that we look after our customer well both during and after sales. So come in and take a chance on us, take a chance on Toyota and see the difference, you will be pleasantly surprised”.

For more information, you can contact Kellihers Toyota, Tralee on 0667120000

Interview by Cathriona Murphy Photos by John Walsh Photography.

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Returning to Education

– How can I afford it and where do I go?

by Cathriona Murphy

you need childcare, you may qualify for a free childcare place under the Childcare Employment and Training Support (CETS) scheme.

It would be fair to say that the employment sector in this country has been tested over the last decade or so. With recessions, companies outsourcing work and more recently a global pandemic, we have found ourselves in uncharted waters. The skills we as individuals once had may not be necessary or of use to any local employers. So the question arises, should I return to education to upskill or change direction completely? The thoughts of returning to the education system can bring up many fears or questions which we hope to answer for you in this feature!

The first issue most adults will face is the financial aspect. You might have a family, a mortgage and think how could you possibly indulge in a year off to go to school? Fortunately, there are a lot of financial supports available.

Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme (VTOS): provides an opportunity to return to full-time education if you are an unemployed adult or getting certain social welfare payments.

Courses are designed to meet the education and training needs of unemployed people and are particularly suitable if you have been out of school for some time.

Back to Education Programme: provides an opportunity to return to part-time or full-time education while continuing to get income supports such as the Back to Education Allowance or keep your social welfare payment. You must be getting a social welfare payment and meet certain other criteria.

Post Leaving Certificate (PLC) courses: PLC courses are open to school-leavers and adult participants, offering a mixture of practical work, academic work and work experience.

Further Education and Training (FET) courses: provide an opportunity to develop or upgrade your skills in the commercial and industrial sectors if you are unemployed or redundant. Most courses are free and you may get a Further Education and Training (FET) training allowance depending on your circumstances. If you are on a full-time course and 8

Work Placement Experience Programme (WPEP): offers work experience if you have never had a job or have lost your job. You must be getting a qualifying social welfare payment for a minimum period. If you qualify, you will be paid a weekly WPEP allowance.

Springboard: provides free higher education places for unemployed people. You can keep your social welfare payment for as long are you are entitled to it while you are participating on a Springboard course.

Skills for Work: provides training and educational opportunities for those in part-time or full-time employment. It helps you to improve the basic skills you need in the workplace such as literacy, numeracy and IT skills. Skills for Work is delivered by the Educational and Training Boards.

Skillnet Ireland: enables groups of private sector companies to set up training networks to deliver a range of accredited and/or industry-recognised programmes. Skillnet Ireland offers some training to unemployed people. If you are unemployed you will not pay for this training.

FIT (FastTrack to IT): provides targeted information technology training for people who are getting certain social welfare payments or signing for credits. Courses include office administration, web design and programming, broadband communications and PC maintenance

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are run at this campus. National Outdoor Education and Training Campus is located at Cappanalea just outside Killorglin, this Kerry College campus is home to the National Centre for Outdoor Education and Training.

National Learning Network: provides training and specialist support to people who, for a variety of reasons, may find it difficult to gain employment. Whatever your circumstances – whether you are long-term unemployed, have an illness, a disability or extra support needs – National Learning Network can help you gain a qualification such as Childcare, Business, Retail while you keep your social welfare payment.

Kerry College of Further Education: is Ireland’s first and only integrated provider of Further Education and Training.

They offer clear routes to employment, third level and apprenticeship. With five campuses to choose from and up to 180 courses across the board, there is something for everybody. Prospective learners/students may follow their chosen Further Education and Training course at one of their five campus locations: Clash Road Campus– offers 50 courses for progression and employment in a variety of fields of learning. Denny Street Campus– a new addition to Tralee Town Centre, all social care and nursing programmes are delivered here. Kerry College’s new town centre campus is located in a striking Georgian building on Denny Street. The Listowel Campus is a key further education and training hub for North Kerry. It is home to a range of courses for progression and employment. The Monavalley Campus offers 80 courses for progression and employment. All Kerry based Phase 2 apprenticeships

The Back to Education programme: is a very popular scheme run by your local social welfare office. You can attend courses from PLC to Degree level and still receive your weekly payment and retain all benefits such as the medical card. You may also qualify for childcare supports for your children. This takes the financial pressure off and helps with childcare. Linking in with local ETB centres for guidance and support is always a good option. The Kerry Adult Guidance and Information Service (KAGIS), is a service offered by the Kerry Education and Training Board, which offers a professional Adult Guidance and Information Service to eligible people in Kerry. The services and supports offered are; Information Supports and Guidance Counselling, impartial one-to-one access to an information officer, educational and training guidance, career guidance, to help people make informed educational, career and life choices.

Another invaluable service available is Career Ahead.

Mary Lucey, the Founder of Career Ahead, is a Professional Educational Consultant. Mary has worked in Education and Career Management for many years in both third level and further education. She held a wide variety of roles and has enormous insight and experience into the workings, policies and procedures of colleges. The main focus for Mary has always been on the individual student - from pre-college; to during college; to after college - and how best to provide advice and support to pave out a student's future career. Just some of the services available are to; review current career path, skills audit, research further career options, new job/promotion application process, interview preparation, mock interview, return to education application process and personal statement completion.

As you can see with this comprehensive overview of services and supports available there are plenty of opportunities to get back into education. More often than not it is our lack of self-belief that prevents us from trying or moving forward.

Take it step by step and one day at a time. Start by contacting a support service such as Career Ahead and get direction on what course would suit you best and also what courses are available in your local proximity, start the application process.

But most of all please know that adult education is far different than your education process as a teenager.

The course providers know that adults have responsibilities and obligations outside of the classroom and lifestyle factors that will impede our ability to focus or attend on occasions. But there is a high level of support and understanding, they will work with and for you, not against you. There is no detention or note home to mom or dad if work isn’t in on time but a patient and listening ear that will understand and ask “Okay, what do you need from us, how can we help make it easier for you?” Sit down with a cup of tea and start your research and book that first step today that could change your life forever.

www.kerrycollege.ie BORD OIDEACHAIS AGUS OILIÚNA CHIARRAÍ KERRY EDUCATION AND TRAINING BOARD

Courses are offered subject to demand and applicants meeting entry requirements. Limited places available on certain courses.

For further information talk to our Admissions Team on 066 714 96 96 | Or apply online www.kerrycollege.ie

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Value Your Worth The completion of an application form is a vital step to securing a position of employment. Many women and men, who decide to return to employment after working fulltime from home, find this a particularly daunting task. They believe they do not possess or have not developed the requirements that may be outlined in a job advertisement.

Most job advertisements include the following elements: Roles/ responsibilities (an overview of the position); a job description (outlining exact details of the role) and a person specification (outlining the type of suitable person - qualifications, experience and qualities required). If a woman or man has the educational/academic qualifications required for a position, they then need to outline and examine the duties, roles and experience they have had and the various responsibilities undertaken while working within the home environment. This is where many people undermine their abilities and potential.

They do not relate the duties and responsibilities around the home to the working environment.

Consider the typical skills set that a home maker and carer demonstrate on a daily basis – transporting, time management, prioritising, supervising, supporting, communicating, conflict

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management, budgeting, planning and organising, problemsolving, delegating of duties, working as an individual and also within a team. This list certainly will cover many of the essential and desirable skills/qualifications listed in any job description.

Within the home environment, the person needs to be a leader, diligent, motivated, a trouble-shooter, flexible, discrete, confidential, empathetic, responsible, calm under pressure, helpful, communicate clearly and be tactful. Again, all qualities that will be highly sought after in positions of employment.

In relation to experience, many homemakers are involved in School Boards of Management, sports clubs, fund-raisers, social events and take on many, many more additional responsibilities.

All this experience can be related to that required in job advertisements.

The bottom line is that those who have spent valuable time at home, raising a family or caring for a loved one, need to be confident and realise the potential value they have and can offer a perspective employer.

This value needs to be made evident through their application form.

Mary Lucey Founder Career Ahead 087 9338941 www.careerahead.ie

VISIT OUR

KERRY OFFICE

TOMMY WALSH Head of Taxation

(Elected to the Council of the Irish Tax Institute)

JENNIFER DOWNING

e: Tommy.Walsh@CDSLaw.ie

Partner | Head of Property

e: Jennifer.Downing@CDSLaw.ie

JULIANNE SPRING HEAVEY Chartered Tax Advisor

MIKE STACK

e: Julianne.SpringHeavey@CDSLaw.ie

Solicitor

e: Mike.Stack@CDSLaw.ie

4 Denny Street, Tralee, Co. Kerry

 066 716 9033 www.CDSLaw.ie

New Role For Tommy Walsh of CDS Law & Tax With Election To Council of Irish Tax Institute and proven business acumen mean he is a fantastic asset to the CDS Law & Tax team, and will be ideally positioned to bring a focused and fresh perspective to the Council of the Irish Tax Institute. He represents the modern face of taxation consultancy having built a wide range of practical experience across multinational groups, Irish SMEs, and sole-trader businesses.

We congratulate Tommy on his well-deserved success.”

Tommy Walsh is an AITI Chartered Tax Advisor and his undergraduate qualification is in Construction and Management which he has used as a grounding to develop his tax career.

Whilst playing professional football in Australia he strengthened his knowledge by gaining further university qualifications in commerce.

He announced his retirement from inter-county football with Kerry last month and he said he is looking forward to developing the potential for CDS Law & Tax to deliver a quality service to businesses in the Kerry/Cork region.

TOMMY Walsh may have put his Kerry jersey away, but the Head of Taxation at CDS Law & Tax LLP is playing a more central role for his firm after being elected to the Council of the Irish Tax Institute.

The All-Ireland Senior Football winner will serve on the Council which oversees the strategic governance of the leading representative body for Ireland’s Chartered Tax Advisors.

Tommy Walsh, who operates from the CDS Law & Tax Office in his native Tralee, said: “I was elected to the Council of the Irish Tax Institute in June and took up my appointment in September. It’s great for the firm to have some representation on the Council in County Kerry. My involvement on the Council will provide me with an opportunity to be involved in the strategic direction and governance of the Institute and provide a forum for local lawyers, accountants and tax professionals to make representations through me. Through my involvement on various committees, the make-up of which will be determined in the coming weeks, I expect to work closely with other Council members by discussing matters that we’re seeing and experiencing within the industry. I’m very much looking forward to my tenure with the Council.”

Since joining CDS Law & Tax in 2018, Tommy has provided a range of tax compliance and consultancy services to both private and corporate clients in Kerry, Cork and nationwide.

Jennifer Downing, Partner at CDS Law & Tax LLP and a proud Kerry woman from Kenmare, said; “Tommy’s sporting prowess 14

“By retiring from inter-county football, it obviously gives me a bit more time from week to week. We’ve recently opened a CDS Law & Tax office in Denny Street, Tralee and I will have more time to drive that. There’s a lot of business in Kerry, probably unbeknownst to people, so I think we can provide that market with a really good quality service. We’re a one-stopshop: you come in for your commercial activities and we’ve a taxation side of the house as well. We’re hoping to expand all over Kerry and having our base in Tralee and the quality of personnel that we have here, makes it an exciting time for the firm.

“I decided to retire from inter-county football because of age predominantly I suppose. Unfortunately your body starts to creak a bit when you go past 30, but I have had a very enjoyable career. I was in and out of the Kerry scene obviously and I enjoyed my stints in there. There were many highs and lows but I just felt that it was my time.”

Tommy Walsh may be contacted at the CDS Law & Tax LLP Office, 4 Denny Street, Tralee, Co. Kerry.

Email Tommy.Walsh@CDSLAW.ie or phone 066 716 9033.

For more information, visit www.CDSLaw.ie.

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From Croke Park to Dancing with the Stars,

Aidan O Mahony’s UNBROKEN spirit laid bare in tell all memoir

By Cathriona Murphy

Those feet were made for walking – or in Aidan O Mahony’s case, on the football pitch as one of Kerry’s All-Ireland winning legends and in recent years strutting his way to first place on RTE’s Dancing with the Stars.

Finally putting those feet to rest (for a while!) Aidan has put pen to paper in what critics have hailed as a refreshingly honest memoir. I sat with Aidan to chat about life as a writer and reliving the highs and lows of his career so far.

So Aidan can you tell me where the idea of the book came from and what eventually made you decide to do it?

“In 2019 I took part in the Camino in Portugal walk with a group of 22. I suppose I had plenty of time to think and reflect on life and setting goals for myself, swimming was one of them and the thought of the book was the second thing. Luckily enough it happened organically where I was contacted by Ciara Doorley who works with Hachette Books Ireland, we met above in Dublin where she put forward the idea to write a book. My own thinking at the time was there wasn’t a book in me or even why would someone read my book? But lockdown came along and it just took off from there. When it started there was thoughts on what do I put in and what don’t I but I decided if I was going to write one it had to be honest. I sat with my ghost writer Michael Moynihan and took it from there. It was a lot of reflection for me going over things and reliving incidents on and off the pitch but it’s an honest memoir and that’s how I wanted it to be”.

How did you manage the work and life balance with your full time job as a member of the Gardaí?

“I’ve been very lucky with work in that we do 4 days on and 4 days off, my wife Denise and our 2 girls Lucia and Lilah have been very supportive. I’ve actually more time with the kids now than when I was playing inter county football, I’m not gone 4 or 5 nights a week. I’m the type of person that likes to plan out my week of a Sunday or Monday but the priority will always be my family, they will always come first”.

Are there any chapters that you feel people will be surprised to see you include?

“I suppose mental health will always be a big one for me and for years I never spoke to anyone about it. As part of being a county footballer we would go to schools and businesses and talk about our achievements and the highs of being a footballer but it felt almost like being a fraud because you’re not talking about what’s underneath. You’ve young kids looking up at you like you have a cape on and they see the highs and achievements but for me growing up on a farm I had no aspirations of being a Kerry footballer so I hope that if they read the book they will see it doesn’t matter where you come from if you want to achieve something. People would see me as this tough guy on the pitch but in reality I was anything but that. I thought back then that talking about mental health would make me look weak but now we have amazing role models who have spoken very openly 16

about it. I also spoke the incidents that took place on the pitch such as the Donnacha O Connor and Asthma inhaler controversy, they’re both in there. I remember when the inhaler incident occurred, when it came back as a failed drug test a lot of people asked why I didn’t come out and talk about it but now it’s addressed in the book, I haven’t tip toed around anything”.

Has anyone reached out to you about their inclusion in the book?

Aidan laughing, he replied “No, no not yet anyway! Look obviously I spoke about the Donnocha O Connor incident and really I was the only person in that incident. Obviously I wish it never happened but look they’re things that happen, I’m not one of the first people to make mistakes in life. But I still see as recently as last week people calling me a cheat online and I can deal with those things now but back then I didn’t deal with them too

well. I’ve done plenty of good in my life and I’ve been receiving lovely messages since the book came out congratulating me”.

Finally, Aidan, mental health is probably one of the biggest conversations of our generation.

For men especially its been extra hard to overcome that stigma, what advice would you give our male Connect readers?

“We all have good days and bad days; I see myself there during lockdown we all have days were we feel depressed but talking to someone is the first step. You need to talk to someone and surround yourself with good people. When you have your family and your health you have everything, money is irrelevant” “Unbroken” by Aidan O Mahony is available in all good book shops now

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21

Let’s Talk Menopause In The Workplace

Women can spend over one third of their lives in perimenopause and menopause.

This comes at a time when women are at the peak of their careers. Equally, they may be returning to the workplace after raising a family or deciding what the second act of their lives may bring. Menopause and perimenopause can have a profound effect on a woman’s ability to perform at work. Data from the UK shows that over 900,000 women leave the workforce every year due to menopause.

As a gynaecologist who has worked in the area of menopause for over thirty years, and who runs a busy Menopause Clinic, I see this problem every week.

Sadly, because of the lack of open discussion regarding menopausal symptoms many women have suffered silently over the years.

However, things are changing- for the better.

2021 is the year that Irish women “came out” in the media to discuss the whole area of menopause. We have Joe Duffy and Liveline to thank for this. As a result, greater awareness has been created and the impact of menopause in the workplace environment is now a huge area to be tackled.

The facts are stark: · Research demonstrates that 30% of employees are affected by menopausal issues. With a growing cohort of older female employees, who will remain the workplace longer we need to address this issue. · One Irish survey found that 83% of women felt menopause negatively affected their work but 70% would not feel comfortable discussing it with their manager. · The cost to employers is that 25% will consider giving up work and 10% will actually give up work. · The financial cost of replacing each of these employees has been calculated at almost 40,000£ (46,000euro). · In other jurisdictions, legal cases have emerged under equality law.

As a result of this burgeoning brain drain, employers in the UK are now embarking on programmes to assist employers and employees in reversing this trend.

Employers are also becoming very aware that they have a duty of care to their staff under both health and safety legislation and certain equality laws.

Finding Solutions: A Programme for Business and Workplaces Having seen the benefits of pro-activity in UK workplaces The Scotia Clinic has joined forces with Claire Scanlon of Canny Solutions to deliver workplace training and coaching for employers, managers and staff around the whole area of perimenopause and menopause. The feedback from our recent webinar was very positive.

As part of the coaching and training an organisation can: · Raise awareness and provide information so employers and line managers have the tools to support staff · Assist HR Departments in designing policies of inclusion and in creating a positive culture within their organisation. · Nurture and coach Menopause Champions in the workplace. · Develop health information for staff. This could take the form of online webinars or informal “Learn and Lunch” meetings. · Provide information that would allow workplace adaptations to help women. This could look at the physical environmental factors such as ventilation, uniform changes or the introduction of flexible work practices.

The research is clear - interventions in the workplace allow the older, experienced employees to thrive and grow in their role.

Contact Claire Scanlon Phone: +353 87 204 6658 | Email: info@cannyfutures.com | Website: www.cannyfutures.com | Dublin & London

The Scotia Clinic, Scotia House,Manor West, Tralee, Co. Kerry Ph: (066) 7181100

TEDx Tralee 2021 was a Stunning Success TEDxTralee took place all day and evening last Friday at Siamsa Tíre Theatre, Tralee. This independently organised event, licensed

by TED, featured local and national voices and TED Talks videos under the theme of ‘New Beginnings’.

The event which was run in compliance with current Government Covid-19 Guidelines and Licensed to 100 Ticket Holders was the first major Conference style event held in Tralee since the pandemic lockdowns.

While this required significant additional protocols for the event, TEDx Tralee has been universally praised for its Content, Organisation and Style that reflected the best of Tralee, Kerry and Ireland.

Launched in 2009, TEDx is a program of locally organised events that bring the community together to share a TED-like experience. Some of the best talks from TEDx events have gone on to be featured on TED.com and garnered millions of views from audiences across the globe with 32 Million subscribers alone on the TEDx YouTube Channel.

TEDx Tralee Curators Bryan Carr and James Finnegan are delighted with the response and reaction to this event and hope that this will be the first in a legacy of TEDxTralee events.

“We were delighted, proud and honored to be able to give these wonderful, inspiring and thought provoking Talks a platform, not only for Tralee, but they also demonstrate and present the Best of Tralee, Kerry and Ireland to the Worldwide TED audience.”

“We want to sincerely thank everyone involved, not only our Speakers but all our Sponsorship Partners, Backstage Team, Production Team, the local Madia Providers and our enthusiastic and appreciative Delegate attendees who added so much to the atmosphere and tone to the event”

Our Speakers were:

• Caroline Reidy (The Art of Asking the Right Questions) • Chris Barrett (How Would Nature Solve This?)

• Ciara McCullough (One Decision to Change Your Life) • Alan Carrigan (Impaired by Birth, Disabled by Perception) • Grett O'Connor Buckley (Make the Camera Your Friend) • Stephen Treacy (The Art of Diaspora Whispering) • Liam Moggan (It Depends! There is more than One Right Answer) • Kate Moore (The Art of Connection: How Creativity can help our Mental Health) • Jennifer Maher (Find Your Buzz) • Jeff Colley (Virtuous Luxury: How Passive Houses can improve your life & help the planet) • Donal O'Leary (How to Feel Free) • Nadia Ramoutar (The Art of being an Art form: A Journey from Trauma to Transformation) • Anthony Garvey (How to Present Naked) • Christine Duff (Are You Living with a Label?)

• Ken Gibson (Delivering on a promise: Eradication of Leprosy) • Edel Lawlor (Unconditional Kindness towards Children) • Breanndan Ó Beaghlaoich (A Cry from the most Westerly Point of Europe) Photos by: Paul Tearle

For more information about TEDxTralee, please visit www.tedxtralee.ie or our Facebook page TEDxTralee.

BUDGET

Overview

2022 The Road to Recovery

Ministers, Paschal Donohoe and Michael McGrathʼs Budget has been made with the objective of recovering from the Covid 19 pandemic, restoring public services and living standards and repairing public finances.

It focuses on the significant impact of the Covid 19 pandemic with measures and reliefs aimed at sectors hit the hardest. While the extension in the commercial rates waiver for quarter 4 and retention of the 9% VAT rate for the tourism and hospitality sector are welcome presently, its increase to 13.5% in September 2022 will affect those businesses in Kerry significantly. The Budget focuses primarily on increased welfare benefits and addresses investment in healthcare, housing and climate change.

Summary Main Points

Personal Taxation

The main discussion points in the budget were as follows:

• • • • • •

• Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme extended until 30 April 2022. Closed to new employers from 1 January 2022.

• VAT rate reduction for the hospitality and tourism sector remains at 9% until 31 August 2022 • New 3% Zoned Land Tax to encourage use of land for building homes • Help to Buy Scheme continued at current rates for 2022 • Income tax bands and tax credits increased • Packet of 20 cigarettes to rise by 50 cent • Increases in welfare payments • Carbon tax increased by €7.50 per tonne • Changes to VRT

Farming • General stock relief continues to 31 December 2024 • Stock relief for young trained farmers and farm partnerships and young trained farmer stamp duty relief continues to 31 December 2022 • Flat rate VAT addition reduced from 5.6% to 5.5%

Standard rate band increased by €1,500 Personal tax credit increased by €50 to €1,700 Employee tax credit increased by €50 to €1,700 Earned income credit increased by €50 to €1,700 USC rate band increased from €20,687 to €21,295 Income tax deduction of 30% for working from home for vouched utility expenses and broadband • Relief for pre-letting expenses extended for 3 years

Health • Extension of free GP care to children aged 6 &7 • Drug payment scheme threshold lowered to €100

Business • Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme graduated until 30 April 2022. Closed to new employers from 1 January 2022.

• Employment Investment Incentive scheme for start-ups extended for 3 years • Corporation tax relief for start up companies extended to 5 years

Childcare • Maternity benefit and parental leave payments increased by €5 per week • Parent’s benefit extended by 2 weeks to 7 weeks from July 2022

John Canty & Co. Chartered Accountants and Registered Auditors 3 Denny Street, Tralee, Co. Kerry. T: 0667127802 M: 087 9431998 E: info@jcantyaccountants.ie

Social Protection • • • • • • • • • •

Minimum wage increased by 30cent to €10.50 per hour Weekly welfare payments increased by €5 per week Old age pension payments increased by €5 per week Living alone allowance increased by €3 Back to school clothing allowance increased by €10 Domiciliary care allowance increased to 6 months Carers allowance income and capital disregard increase Disability allowance means increased Fuel allowance increased by €5 per week 100%Christmas bonus for welfare recipients

Environment/ Motoring • Carbon taxes increased by €7.50 per tonne • Increase in VRT rates • €5,000 relief for Battery Electric Vehicles extended to 31 December 2023 • Accelerated capital allowances for gas vehicles and refuelling equipment extended for 3 years • 50% discount on public transport fares for persons aged 19-23

Education

• Increase in maintenance grant by €200 • Qualifying income threshold increased by €1,000 • Qualifying distance for non-adjacent rate reduced from 45km to 30km • Contribution fee of €200 for PLC course abolished

Other Taxes • Corporation tax increased to 15% for turnover exceeding €750 million (12.5% for other companies) • Zoned Land Tax of 3% on residential land with two and three year lead in times • 50% Excise relief to independent small brewers • New tax credit for digital gaming sector • No change in 33% tax rate for Capital Gains Tax or Inheritance Tax • No changes in gift or inheritance tax thresholds

Business Reaction

“Now we can begin to turn to the future, a future we can face with a new sense of hope, but also acknowledging that the road ahead is uncertain” – Minister Michael McGrath “The budget is disastrous with no ambition to stimulate and revitalise the tourism industry, which has been one of the worst hit by the pandemicʼ- The Restaurants Association of Ireland "Overall, the Budget is an underwhelming one for farmers“ – Tim Cullinan, IFA President "Todayʼs decision to extend the EWSS until 30 April 2022, avoiding any cliff edge, will come as a major relief for many small businesses that are still not operating at full capacity, for example in the tourism, hospitality and entertainment sectors. These supports cannot last forever, but their presence over the last 18 months has been an example of a targeted partnership-based approach by the state which has kept many businesses afloat."

– Norah Collender, Chartered Accountants Ireland

John Canty & Co are delighted to welcome you to our offices on Denny Street! (opp. The Grand Hotel)

Proud of our expertise in: • Specialist Tax Services • Business Start Ups

We look forward to meeting you!

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John Ca

John Canty & Co. Chartered Accountants and Registered Auditors 3 Denny Street, Tralee, Co. Kerry. T: 0667127802 M: 087 9431998 E: info@jcantyaccountants.ie

Colette’s plans at Tralee Chamber Alliance What is your role and what does it involve?

Hi Margaret, its great to be back here in Tralee again! Well the role of Chief Executive really is an all-encompassing role, its about clear communication and keeping local business and local community at the forefront whenever opportunities arise to attract growth into the locality.

What do you feel are the challenges most facing you in your role with TCA? Well we are at a pivotal time in terms of coming through the pandemic and a series of devastating but necessary lockdowns.

Several businesses closed during the past eighteen months and that has been very difficult to take. However we can see now, especially in recent weeks with the opening of new businesses for example in Manor West and now in the town centre we have new businesses starting to open which is heartening to see and gives us a real sense of, yes we are getting there, we are rebuilding. Tralee has challenges, yes it does, but it is up for those challenges and Tralee Chamber is right here ready to support businesses in whatever way we can.

Having the experience of working in an alliance in Listowel what will your goals be for Tralee?

During my years in Listowel we developed the Listowel brand, while getting involved in projects such as the Food Hub, the Visitor Experience for North Kerry/West Limerick/Clare, launched a new website, put together a 100 member strong volunteer group to assist at events in the town, ran a succession of surveys to get a real sense of what the businesses of the town needed during difficult times such as covid and pre covid, for example a retail & customer survey.

I believe its very important to connect and engage with local businesses and get their input as to what they want for their business and how we can further enhance Tralee as a fantastic place to work, live and visit. One of my key goals is to nurture that and take it to the next stage.

In these times what advice can you give to businesses that are struggling at present. Its hard for some to see that it will come good again so what do you think people should focus on.

I think these times have allowed us to look back and to reconnect with what made us start a business in the first place. The Covid pandemic has forced all business owners to look at their business model and identify new opportunities to attract both new revenue streams and maintain their current customer base. So many people I talk to now are doing something completely different to what they were doing prior to the pandemic, there is a real sense of a can do attitude and you can see that in businesses. Those business’ who have continued to trade have struggled and still feel they are struggling, I’d urge them to reach out to organisations such as the chamber and see what supports are available that could work for their business, there are strong signs that 2022 is going to be a bumper year so preparation is key to ensure businesses are ready to maximise the potential for growth in their own areas.

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Tralee Economy receives welcome boost with 2 new additions to Manor West

By Cathriona Murphy

If you are one of those people (like myself!) that browse Pinterest and Instagram looking at home décor pages, you will have been ecstatic over the announcement that The Range was finally coming to Tralee. The Range is a fast growing retailer that sells low cost Home, Leisure and Gardening products across the UK and Ireland. Established over 30 years ago in the South West of England, the company now has over 190 stores with Tralee being the 8th store to open in Ireland. The launch

took place after renovations of the former Debenhams store into a brand new Range superstore.

It will provide over 40,000 sq. ft. of space along with the creation of 80 full and parttime jobs which is such a boost to the local economy during which has been a tumultuous 2 years. In the Manor West store, customers will find a wide selection of products for

their home, including luxurious bedding, statement lighting and beautiful accessories such as rugs, picture frames and wall art to finish the look. There is also a large Furniture department in-store offering room sets and displays foinspiration around the home. The Tralee store will also provide in-store departments from DIY to Cleaning and Pet care to Arts & Crafts. There’s also a large seasonal department where customers will be able to discover the huge Christmas shop packed full of lights, trees, decorations and much more.

Derek Rusk, Centre Manager at Manor West commented on the launch: “We in Manor West are delighted to welcome The Range to Tralee and the wider Kerry area. It is fantastic to have one of the fastest growing international retailers join our line-up of stores. I am sure the store will be a massive success, providing excellent value and shopping choice to the customer, helping to cement Manor West’s reputation as one of the foremost retail parks in the country.

Welcome!!”

For more information on opening hours visit www.manorwest.ie 30

JYSK is an international home retailer with Scandinavian roots that makes it easy to furnish every room in any home and garden. With more than 3,000 stores and webshops in 51 countries, JYSK always has a great offer and excellent customer service. JYSK opened their first Irish store in Ireland in 2019

and on October 28th 2021, the retailer opened their first store in Kerry here in Manor West Retail Park, Tralee. Like The Range, it is very popular due to the high quality of products at below average prices. Providing another welcome boost to the local economy, it is part of a major boost to Manor West Retail Park that is sure to entice customers from far and wide to

shop.

JYSK has been received warmly from Irish customers, ever since JYSK founder, Lars Larsen, cut the ribbon for the first store on the day where JYSK could celebrate its 40th anniversary on 2 April 2019. “I was really amazed to see how the Irish people welcomed us. We were a little concerned that there would be no queue on our opening day, but the first people lined up at 2am the night before the opening. That queue continued throughout the entire first week; every day when we opened the store there was a new queue of customers patiently waiting. So, it was a great, great success and way beyond our expectations,” says Roni Tuominen.

Speaking about the new store in Tralee, Marta Hirko, store manager says: “We are delighted that JYSK has finally coming to The Kingdom and to Tralee! We looked forward to opening the store and welcoming our new customers. There are so many exciting new products arriving this season from first home furniture essentials to seasonal trend accessories – we are ready to help our customers choose the best JYSK pieces for their home.”

For more information on opening hours visit www.manorwest.ie

Hybrid Working As people have got used to working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic and the return to the workplace is looming, the concept of hybrid working is the topic of conversation in most workplaces. In identifying if hybrid working is a feasible option going forward, it is important that the following job considerations are taken into account; • Does the job require work with other people, in a particular place, at the same time?

If yes, working remotely may not suit the job or only support a minority of the work to be done remotely.

• Does the job require work with other people at the same time but not being physically there?

It is highly likely a flexible hybrid work option can be applied.

• Does the job require a largely independent focus, which can be conducted anywhere at any time?

Is yes, this allows for a significant amount of remote working.

Regardless of whether only a portion or all of the working week is being done remotely, it is vital that a comprehensive remote working policy is implemented. A strong policy sets the “rules of engagement” and can help resolve any issues that may arise.

The HR Suite can advise on this policy and can be contacted on (066)7102887.

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From Rural Leitrim to Skellig Michael, one man’s journey of reflection.

Bob Harris tells us how 34 years living on Skellig Michael has been a dream come true

By Cathriona Murphy When Bob Harris happened upon an advert in a week old Kerryman for a warden position on Skellig Michael, little did he know it would be a major part of his life for the next 34 years. Recently I sat down with Bob to hear about his fascinating story about life upon arguably, Irelands most isolated, but beautiful spots.

You have got quite a travelled history, what brought you to Ireland?

I’ve lived in Ireland now longer than I lived anywhere else, in fact my wife jokes with me that when I’m on the phone with the boatman from Skellig I develop this very peculiar West Kerry accent! Both my parents were American and I was born and raised there but in University days I moved to Scotland in the late 70’s. I actually met my wife there who is from Killarney so all my in-laws were in Killarney town. So after University we moved over to Ireland.

What enticed you to take up the position on Skellig Michael and did you envisage it being so long?

No I would never have envisaged it being so long at all. I was interested in the Skelligs long before I started working there, in University I would have studied partially History and very aware of Island monasteries off the Irish coast. I was fascinated by them and by solitary places.

The Skelligs is such an iconic place, so beautiful that my wife Mairead and I had gone to visit it a couple of years before I started working there and we both agreed if there was any way to come back we would. I like to think it was serendipity, I was in my mother-in-laws house in Killarney 2 years later and she had an old copy of The Kerryman opened on the table right where the advert for a new guiding service that was being set up on the Island was printed. The rest, so they say, is history!

When I left after that first year I remember very clearly looking back from the boat and thinking well that’s over, if you told me I was going to be there 34 years later I would have been surprised and

maybe even horrified! But yes, every May I would pack up and get on the boat and stay there until October.

How did you and your family cope with the yearly separation?

Well they couldn’t come with me of course, in the early days it was possible for them to come and visit from time to time but as the kids grew older and everywhere became more and more health and safety minded it became increasingly difficult and it just wasn’t an option. We always had 3 people on the Island at once, my first colleagues were Eugene O’ Sullivan from very near Portmagee and Clare O’ Halloran who is a Cork native living in Dingle she actually still works there with me. In regards to my marriage it was difficult there’s no question about that, you know the way it is similarly for people that work away at sea or stationed abroad. But when I was home from October to May I spent all my time with my family, more time you may say than most people are able to do so it kind of balanced out. I hope and trust that they feel it’s been worthwhile. Coming home in October was an adjustment, just getting used to moving around on the

mainland, in your home place and with the people that you know but it was exciting to be back with my family.

Living on a secluded Island on the tumultuous South West coast of Ireland would have exposed you to extreme weather and sea conditions, how was that?

It’s a place where you have to be very aware of the elements because as soon as you walk out the door from then on you have to have that extra sense of your own safety and the safety of others with you. You’re always inches away from a very steep drop so even on a fine day you have to be extra careful.

On lower parts of the Island the sea can come up and its very powerful at times.

Powerful enough to make it dangerous to move around too much but days like that you stay inside the little hut and look out at it! Now that may drive some people crazy but I kind of liked it so it’s alright!

You are fortunate enough to be able to observe some very unique wildlife can you tell us a bit about that?

Oh absolutely, if you’re not interested in wildlife you would go bananas out there!

The birdlife is absolutely magical, from the time we arrive in May until mid-August there are thousands of birds, including the iconic puffins. The songs from the seals fills the island and of course witnessing dolphins and passing whales is amazing.

To have all of that around you is pretty unique in this day and age.

You can hardly have a conversation about Skellig and not reference Star Wars, how did you feel about the filming and potential damage to the Island?

There are two sides to every story but I personally, to be frank, was not happy about any filming or production not only with Star Wars but of any kind. Because just as I’ve described to you it’s the balance of nature and heritage is very precarious, absolutely unique with nothing else like it anywhere. It’s way too precious to expose it to anything unnecessary. So no I wasn’t happy about it at all to be honest but what I will say is that we had long discussions with the people that were coming out and they were very respectful when they were there so I couldn’t fault them in that way.

What, on reflection, do you take from spending 34 years out on Skellig Michael?

I take the fact that I feel so privileged to have had the opportunity, it’s given me a unique view on life. The whole of life playing out on the mainland and just standing back on the Island and observing.

It’s marvellous to be out on the Skelligs and get a completely different viewpoint on life.

be “Oh well that’s long gone now!” I’m getting some very funny texts from people who live near me in a very rural part of Leitrim so that’s kind of fun!

Returning Light by Bob Harris is available now in all good book stores

Where did the idea come from to write the Memoir?

It’s been an idea I’ve had since the beginning, I’ve always done some writing.

For reasons I outlined earlier, the unique view and perspectives that Skelligs gives anyone, it’s a transformative experience. I certainly felt like I had a unique perspective that needed to be shared. It probably took some time to develop, how it might be? I mean I could write down journal entries but it would have been tricky for others to understand? I’ve been very fortunate with the people at Harper Collins they were extremely enthusiastic and helpful in every step of the way.

And finally, how have you found life from isolation on Skellig to being on Ryan Tubridy, Matt Cooper and various TV shows?!

It’s something relatively new to me! I’m sure in a week’s time when I’m back home it will 35

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Annual Daft.ie report reveals the rental market crisis in Kerry

By Cathriona Murphy

The term “Housing Crisis” has become an all too familiar turn of phrase in the last few years. Where once there was an over saturation of empty new build apartment blocks and developments it has now turned to the extreme.

In cities such as Dublin it has now become all too common for hundreds of people to apply for the 1 rental property, thus giving landlords incredible power over who they select. This often falls at the detriment of low income families, those with disabilities and members of marginalised groups.

This practice has now filtered down and across the country where people receiving rent assistance and on the HAP scheme are finding it increasingly difficult to find rental accommodation. HAP is a form of social housing support provided by all local authorities. Under HAP, local authorities can provide housing assistance to households with a long-term housing need, including many long-term Rent Supplement recipients. This month, popular rental website, Daft.ie have released their findings in a worrying report on Irelands rental market giving a comprehensive overview on a county by county basis.

Record levels of inflation were recorded across Connacht, Ulster and Munster. Stocks were also at a record low across all the provinces with just 236 homes available to rent in Munster.

Kerry has seen one of the highest increases across the country of an astonishing 19.2% increase on the average rent bringing it in at €1070 per month. A one-bedroom apartment has on average increased to €729, an increase of 14.5%. A 2-bedroom house has gone up to €829 an increase of 17.2%. A 3-bedroom house is now €934 an increase of 15.3% with a 4 bedroom now costing €1,058 an increase of 16.0% and finally a 5-bedroom house is now €1,145 an increase of 8.9% Associate Professor of Economics in Trinity College, Ronan Lyons said “The figures in this latest Daft. ie Rental Report confirm a return to the pre-Covid-19 situation of weak supply in the face of very strong demand, due to underlying economic and demographic growth.

Market rents rose by an average of 2.6% in the third quarter of 2021

nationwide, the third quarter in a row of rents rising by at least 2%. Across the country as a whole, market rents are now 6.7% higher than a year ago – the highest rate of inflation since early 2019. This rate is in line with the average rate over the last ten years, with rents rising by 6.7% since 2011 – although this hides differences over time, with little to increase in rents in 2011/2012 and in 2020, and two double-digit peaks in inflation in mid-2014 and again in mid-2016”.

In a statement, the Institute of Professional Auctioneers & Valuers (IPAV), said the latest report shows “a severe and diminishing lack of rental properties to meet demand. While there is such a low level of stock, rents are going to remain elevated. We’ve had some expert opinion warning of the risks associated with rent controls. We believe further rent controls are not the answer but increasing the supply of homes for rental and for purchase. This is critical from a social and economic perspective.”” Pat Davitt, IPAV Chief Executive, said.

I spoke with Maureen, a single mother with 2 children with of them having additional needs and this is her experience of renting in Kerry “I have been in the same property for 5 years now. I’ve never missed a rental payment but 6 months ago my landlord gave me 12 months’ notice of his intention to sell up. I have been on the council housing list 8 years now and no sign of anything. I receive rental assistance due to being a carer for one of my children. But anytime a new property comes up for rent I don’t stand a chance because all they seem interested in renting to are people with big incomes. Luckily for me a family member has a property that has just become available so I can move in there but I’m only one of many in this situation. There was a time the local papers were full of renting listings but that day is well gone”.

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