Connect Lifestyle-December 2017-Issue43

Wishing our Readers a very Happy Christmas The lifestyle magazine for Kerry

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DECEMBER 2017

We chat to

Jennifer Byrne on her year so far.....

is KING

OF FASHION

FREE MONTHLY MAGAZINE ....Made in Kerry, for Kerry

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EDITOR NOTE Welcome to our Christmas issue of Connect... shoppers are frantically trying to get the last few gifts they want, trollies are back to back in supermarkets, meeting up with old friends for Christmas cheer, it’s a lovely time of year.

We are delighted to chat to Brent Pope this month, Brent tells us about his life and his new found fashion and shoe label.

Rose of Tralee Jennifer Byrne also stops by to tell us how her year has been so far.

We have lots of pictures from our Annual Ladies Lunch Fashion and Beauty Afternoon, thanks to all who came on the day and to the many businesses who supported us with our amazing spot prizes. It was wonderful to raise €1500 for Moyderwell Mercy Moyderwell School and we hope the younger members of our community will enjoy the technology that will come as a result of this.

Lots of gift ideas included this month so if you’re like me and leave everything until December don’t panic we have something for you.

We are taking a little break now to enjoy the festivities and normality will resume in January with our next issue on the shelves Feb 6th, keep an eye on our social media for lots of Christmas giveaways to get you in the festive mood.

In the meantime get that shopping finished, shop local and keep our county moving. I would ask you all this year to make the effort to ‘stroll not scroll' and support our local shops instead of scrolling through online shopping. Don’t forget to say thank you to all our wonderful retailers and their staff , who always do their best to look after us in our daily shopping trips. There is no extra charge for being nice!!!

Christmas is not for everyone so spare a thought for those around you that may be alone or not getting the Christmas spirit as you are. Visit your elderly relatives and take some time out to sit and chat, it doesn’t have to be all about the biggest present under the tree it’s who is around the tree that matters most… we have all lost loved ones since this time last year, remember time is precious so share it with family this season and say a silent prayer for those not with us to celebrate the festive occasion that is Christmas.

Thank you for your continued support and we look forward to connecting you with the county in 2018.

Merry Christmas.

Mags x

Editor: Margaret Kissane Design: Laura A. Hartnett Print: Kingdom Printers Contributors: Marcas Mac Domhnaill, John Canty, Ken Tobin, Marisa Reidy, Caroline McEnery, Caroline Smith, Zoe O Connor, Catherine Keane, Lorraine Byrne, Stephen Roche. Fashion Editor: Orla Diffily Beauty Editor: Romy Birdthistle For Advertising Enquiries: Margaret: 086 2408237 sales@connectpublications.ie For Editorial Enquiries: info@connectpublications.ie Website: www.connectpublications.ie

Wishing all the Connect Readers, advertisers, contributers, family and friends a very Happy Christmas, and a prosperous New Year.

A special thanks to Mags, who has made me feel so at home since joining Connect this year! You do so much for everyone, enjoy a well deserved break over Christmas, and we will look forward to next year!

Wishing everyone Health and Happiness for 2018. Best Wishes,

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Laura

Lifestyle |Connect The HR Suite would like to extend sincere thanks to Connect readers for the great interest shown in our articles. Don’t forget this is your ideal opportunity to get your HR documentation in order to kick start your new year. We wish you every success for 2018!

Caroline

Happy Holidays from your resident Teen Fashion Columnist - I hope Santa has secured the sweetest and most sparkly surprises in his sack for you this year!

Zoe x

Happy​ ​December​ ​Everybody!​ ​It​ ​is​ ​mad​ ​ season​ ​for​ ​all​ ​musicians​ ​out​ ​there​ ​so​ ​I​ ​ wish​ ​you​ ​all​ ​the best​ ​on​ ​your​ ​travels​ ​to​ ​ gigs​ ​and​ ​events​ ​and​ ​hope​ ​that​ ​you​ ​enjoy​ ​a​ ​ break​ ​during​ ​Xmas​ ​at​ ​some point!​ ​To​ ​all​ ​music​ ​ students​ ​well​ ​done​ ​on​ ​completing​ ​term​ ​one​ ​ I​ ​hope​ ​you​ ​are​ ​loving​ ​it!​ ​To​ ​Mags, Laura​ ​and​ ​all​ ​the​ ​team​ ​ at​ ​Connect​ ​Kerry​ ​ye​ ​have​ ​been​ ​absolutely​ ​wonderful​ ​ to​ ​contribute​ ​to​ ​I​ ​am honoured​ ​and​ ​hope​ ​to​ ​work​ ​more​ ​ and​ ​more​ ​with​ ​ye​ ​all.​ ​To​ ​friends, family​ ​and​ ​anyone​ ​that​ ​ has worked​ ​with​ ​and​ ​been​ ​lovely​ ​to​ ​my​ ​little​ ​boy​ ​and​ ​me​ ​I​ just​ ​want​ ​to​ ​send​ ​you​ ​all​ ​a​ ​warm​ ​thank​ ​you and​ ​wish​ ​you​ ​a​ happy​ ​Christmas​!

Every Good Wish for 2018 ....

Wishing you and yours a wonderful Christmas from all at Kingdom printers.

Christmas Greeting from ‘Catherine’s Fashion Fix' ........ I would like to wish all my followers a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Looking forward to a fashion filled 2018!

Catherine x

Ah Christmas! ...... The time of year when Scrooge finally takes a back seat and talk of taxes, politics and water charges should hopefully take a brief hiatus to a back cupboard until the New Year. Wishing everyone a Happy Christmas with stockings a plenty… hopefully not full of monopoly money!

John Canty

Love​ ​Lisa​ ​x

Hope you have a very Merry Christmas and a Healthy, Happy & Prosperous New Year. Wishing you all the best for 2018 Best Wishes,

Ken

You have been our customer for years now, and you are not just a customer to us, you are family. We are wishing you a Christmas full of fun and giving and a very successful New Year.

Carmel x

To all the lovely monthly readers hope you have a Fabulous Christmas and New Year and thank you for your continued support throughout the year. Wishing you a little Sparkle and a lot of cheer.

Romy

Nollaig Mhór Mhaith agus bliain úr faoi mhaise dár othair go léir I ríocht Chiarraí ón bhfoireann ar fad ag Mac Domhnaill Dental I dTrá Lí. Go mbeimid beo ag an am seo aríst. !! Visit www.macdomhnailldental.ie for our Christmas opening hours. Le meas,

Best wishes to all our readers thank you for allowing us to picture you and create memories in Connect every good wish for 2018.

John

Happy Christmas to all Connect readers. I hope you will look after yourselves and others at this time.

Caroline x

Marcas

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is

KING OF FASHION Cheerful, easygoing and witty TV rugby pundit, Brent Pope, dubbed one of Ireland’s Sexiest men, arrived in Ireland for a three months visit in 1991, fell in love with the Country and remained here ever since.

Since then the 55 year old New Zealand native with the beaming smile has become the darling of Irish rugby fans, a fashion icon, an author of award winning children’s books, a mental health advocate and a TV star appearing in a wide range of box hit shows such as The Late Late Show, the Ray D'Arcy Show, The Restaurant, The Den, The Afternoon Show, The Hook and Popey Roadshow, The Saturday Night Show, Ireland AM and various travel programmes.

Brent also starred as a singer in 'Charity You're a Star' in 2007.

In 2012 he learned and played the clarinet for the RTÉ reality music show 'Instrumental'. He was listed at number 4 in a recent poll for Ireland's hottest male television stars, and in 2013 he was nominated as one of Ireland's best dressed men.

Bright Future A talented rugby star with a bright future on the International scene, Brent played for various provincial and New Zealand underage teams before representing Mid Canterbury and then Canterbury.

“I loved the game with a passion and dreamed that one day I would wear the black jersey with the silver fern of my country on the World stage. I played for Lincoln University and then moved to Otago University and for the next decade played for Otago at New Zealand first division level, helping Otago to its first ever first division national title in 1991. I played nearly 100 first class games for Otago in a career that spanned nearly 10

years with the Dunedin-based side.”

Brent was selected on the original 1987 New Zealand Rugby World Cup training squad, but had to withdraw a week before the tournament began due to a serious elbow injury in the final series of All Black trials, he was then replaced by a young and relatively unknown Auckland No 8 by the name of Zinzan Brooke. Pope came back after injury to be nominated as one of New Zealand's outstanding domestic players of that year. He was named Otago player of the year in 1987/8 and was again shortlisted for the All Blacks tour to Japan at the end of that year.

“Sadly I missed out again when the tour party was trimmed to just 24 players. I played in a number of final All Black trials from 1987-1992, represented the South Island, New Zealand Schools, Universities, Leinster, Barbarians, A New Zealand selection XV, International XV and was a Captain of the Penguins. I also played county provincial representative rugby in England and United States (OMBAC) When I came to Ireland in 1991 I played and later coached St Mary’s, Clontarf RFC and Leinster A.” Pope successfully coached both St Mary’s and Clontarf to 3 separate National Division AIL Rugby titles, 3 All Ireland Floodlit Cups, and 2 Leinster Senior Cups, the first in Clontarf since the 1956.

“I have seen the pitch from all angles and was honored more than 15 years ago when RTE asked me to join their rugby panel with the late great and much loved Kerryman Mick Doyle, Tony Ward and Ciaran Fitzgerald. Thankfully I am still on the RTE panel alongside George Hook and Conor O'Shea and Tom McGurk. They call me the calm and collected Buddha.”

Warm It is very obvious he enjoys his job. People warm to him, even those who don't know him. He has simplified the rules and 6 | Connect Kerry | December 2017

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tactics of rugby for the viewing public.

“The passionate male fans tune in for my very concise and informative analysis of the game. If you look at the Irish fan base 40% know the game, the rules and the play. All the others tune in because they are passionate about their Country and want to support them, no matter what the sport.”

Female fans check out Brent’s latest style trends, his dashing good looks and that heart warming smile which has endeared him to the nation.

Anxiety Despite his sporting success, life was not a bed of roses for Brent. He speaks honestly and eloquently about his mental health issues having suffered anxiety attacks for many years.

“I always had low self esteem. At times it took over my life and I suffered quiet a lot. I was always very hard on myself. In the end, rugby broke my spirit but it saved my life, too. Rugby kept me going. There were times in my life when I as anxious about exams or negative about the direction I was going in. When you see people who have problems, you realise that you are lucky and that you have a lot to be thankful for. When I came to Ireland, I needed a change at that time. I met new people and had a new life. I began to enjoy myself and my new life and all this changed my life for the better.”

Brent encourages anyone with mental health issues, loneliness and who needs help to seek assistance.

The likeable New Zealand native devotes a lot of his free time helping others. He is the curator of a popular art gallery for mental health artists called ‘The Outside in Art Gallery’. He’s involved in several mental health charities, and is an ambassador for St Patrick's Hospital 'Walk in My Shoes', 'Cycle Against Suicide', and RTE's 'People Of The Year'.

Confidence Brent believes that if a person looks and feels good on the outside it will give them confidence in other areas of their life.

“Lots of people commented how well I looked on TV, how well dressed I was and how confident I came across as a rugby analysist. This got me thinking. I decided to help people look and fell good so I embarked on a journey to design shirts that looked well, were stylish and affordable.”

Established in 2013, Pope Shirts brought a unique style to the Irish market and delivered a quality product any man would feel confident wearing.

Brent designs all the shirts and personally selects the finest hand-picked cottons and silks from around Europe. He places great emphasis on fit and quality, and employs first class tailoring systems to achieve it. Every shirt is 100% cotton, machine washable and iron friendly, and thoughtfully made for comfort, ease and style. Coming from a rugby background, he also addressed the problems of sizing for muscular shapes.

Recently Brent extending his fashion ambitions and launched collection of shoes, 'Pope Shoes . . . Created by Brent'.

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He has developed a collection of 22 styles of leather and nubuck shoes and boots that are now available in more than 80 stores around Ireland or on line.

“The shoes come in some great colours and are affordable. All the styles are age appropriate.

I had great fun working on the designs and thanks to my shoe and shirt range today’s modern man can fell comfortable, stylish and enjoy the feel good factor that goes along with feeling good on the inside.”

In his candid 2012 autobiography, If You Really Knew Me, Brent talks openly, for the first time ever, about his rugby career and personal life which was shortlisted as one of the best sporting books in the UK at the 2013 British Sports Book of the Year award.

Legends

Matata (Colour: Cognac) RRP: €119.99

Cormandel (Colour: French Blue) RRP: €119.99

Barrhill (Colour: Chestnut) RRP €99.99

In 2009, the Brent Pope Rugby Legends Foundation joined forces with the non-profit housing charity Habitat for Humanity Ireland. Brent has visited Zambia three times with the foundation, being accompanied by rugby legends Malcolm O'Kelly in June 2011 and by Liam Toland, Paddy Johns and Angus McKeen in June 2012. In September 2013 Brent visited Argentina to continue building houses in disadvantaged areas with PUMA rugby legends including Argentine Captain Felipe Contepomi.

"I begin each day by thinking about what I'm grateful for and I make a list of five things. They can be small simple things like a blue sky. I do this every day and it makes a difference and check the list at night. I will say that today was good but I must make tomorrow a better day. I try not to think too far ahead and I try to live in the now. I try not to beat myself up any more. I try to take the positive out of everything. If we all do this then we can become much happier people.” #CREATEDBYBRENT

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Gift Ideas for Him and Her By: Mairead Leen

It’s Christmas and while it’s a time for families and love and laughter sometimes peace and harmony is not always in the air during gift exchange times, Mairead Leen went out and about on a little shopping hunt to try and make that easier for you, and here are her suggestions.

Some suggestions for the Lady in your life I always think that women are easier to buy for, hands down!

1. Perfume

Now some people hate buying perfumes/ body lotions etc for people but I think it’s an ideal gift.

It’s practical and often expensive, so it’s not something a person would necessarily buy for themselves!

Similarly, with aftershave, it’s nice to have a new winter scent as opposed to wearing something tropical and zesty on St. Stephen’s night out. Often you can get a matching body lotion set at a far better price than if you bought them individually.

a hundred times to get SoSueMe’s eyeshadow palette, then get it.

If it’s something you think might be nice or suit her then you’re as well off not to trust your instinct on that occasion. More than likely, she won’t like it. Unless it’s something you know that she wants, then don’t get it.

4. Clothes/ Accessories

Let me be blunt; you’re as well off not buying her clothes. Either you’ll get a size too big and WHAT, ARE YOU CALLING ME FAT?! Or it’ll be too small and she’ll say I knew it, I HAVE got fat (and that will go on all Christmas morning).

Or it won’t be her style.

Or else it’ll be something too nice altogether and what, are you saying I have bad taste in Claret - Kate Appleby clothes? You get the kateappleby.com gist, where clothes are €59.99 concerned just avoid the general area unless you really know she wants something in particular or you have enlisted the help of a friend or sister who can choose the perfect piece of clothing. Stick with vouchers for clothes shops instead. Accessories, like bags, shoes and scarves are all within the acceptable range.

2. Jewellery

Jewellery is the ultimate sentimental gift. It tells a story of its’ own and often when admiring someone’s watch/ necklace, it’s usually been gifted for a landmark occasion. You can tell good quality jewellery a mile off and some of the wrapping and gift bags given with jewellery are almost a separate little gift in and of themselves!

3. Make-up

Now this can be pretty hit or miss. Men be warned; don’t even ATTEMPT to get her a foundation or powder (if you know what that means). You’re as well off to stick to what you know; if she’s told you 10 | Connect Kerry | December 2017

Floatation Therapy - the ideal gift for the lady or indeed the man in your life.

Flotation Therapy is the ultimate in relaxation. The pod contains 13 inches of water and 1000+ pounds of high grade Epsom salts. It speeds up muscle recovery, eases migraines and elevates insomnia. It's the ideal gift to bring your special person back into the zone after the stress and lead up to the festive season, gift vouchers available at Nua Wellness, Killarney

For the Men in our life 1-3 applies to both men and women.

Other ideas might include technology (though women would love a new iPhone too!), so anything from a phone to an Xbox (are they still around? As you can tell, I’m no tech guru, so I’ll leave

that one up to you.

Just remember, it’s the thought that counts!

Is the man in your life into fashion? ..... Clothes and shoes are also a great option

Ruddock - Lloyd&Pryce lloydandpryce.com €99.99 Cape Breton XV Kings xvkings.com €69.99

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Get Up, Get Out, Get Moving...

Increasing age, injury, wear and tear, even sitting the wrong way, or carrying excess weight can wear and tear cartilage. This can lead to a reaction that can damage your joints and may lead to arthritis. The best way to take care of your joints is to keep them, your muscles, your ligaments and bones, strong and stable.

Over time even normal healthy joints deteriorate. It is important to take care of your body and protect your joints to maximise their use, mobility and function for now and for the future and also limit the amount of pain and discomfort you may experience.

SOME TIPS YOU MAY FIND HELPFUL ARE: - Maintain a healthy weight for healthy joints – weight bearing joints, such as knees, hips and back support some if not all of your body weight. The more weight you carry, the more wear and tear your joints suffer. Research shows with every extra pound you gain, you put four times more stress on the knees.

- Exercise for healthy joints – exercise will help you lose extra pounds and maintain a healthy weight. If your joints bother you then opt for lowimpact exercises, such as swimming and cycling - Don’t sit still – less movement means more stiffness in your joints, so get up and get moving. Take frequent breaks during the day and stretch or go for a short walk, or at least get up and walk about while stretching - Build muscles – strong muscles support your joints. If you don’t have enough muscle, your joints take a pounding, especially your spine, hips and knees. Which, remember, supports your entire body weight. Always seek professional advice before starting any exercise routine, as doing exercises incorrectly increases the chance of injury. Any joint pain, such as stiffness, tenderness or swelling should always be seen by a GP who can determine a cause and advise you on what action you need to take.

SOME OF THE NATURAL JOINT HEALTH REMEDIES AVAILABLE IN-STORE INCLUDE: - Cherry Active Caps/Juice: may help reduce inflammation and ease the pain of arthritis and osteoarthritis. Very effective in dealing with symptoms of gout, as it helps lower the blood levels of uric acid which are associated with the onset and progression of gout.

- Nature’s Aid Ginger, Turmeric & Bromelain: may be a very effective Anti-Inflammatory remedy where joint pain is present.

- Zincuflex: a unique antioxidant formula containing curcumin, ginger and vitamin C, designed specifically to help relieve pain and inflammation and stiffness.

- Omega3 Oils: like hinges on doors, all your joints need lubrication to allow ease of movement. The omega 3 oils also help to keep inflammation at bay, such as Udo’s Oil, Eskimo Oil Brainsharp (which also includes vitamin D for healthy bones) and Krill Oil, are some of our recommendations - Glucosamine Complex: a blend of glucosamine, chondroitin and MSM, helps in the rebuilding of joint cartilage and reduce painful inflammation associated with physical activity. If you struggle with joint pain these nutrients offer natural comfort, available in tablets or gel form - Revive Active joint complex: One sachet a day, its all-in-one nourishment for your cartilage, bone, connective tissue and skin.

All of these supplements will help with knee pain, hip discomfort, elbow or finger joint pain or any other related joint/cartilage pain, induced by exercise, injury or wear and tear.

These are just some of the natural joint care products you will find in store. As always, we are happy to discuss you specific requirements, just call in to any of our trained consultants for advice.

Until Next Time, Stay Healthy

Deirdre x

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Connect Top Book Recommendations

for Christmas 2017

By: Mairead Leen

For even those non-bookworms out there, Christmas is a time when you’ll be gifted with probably at least one book.

Or else it’s that one time of the year that you might stop and realise you have a small bit of free time, and what better way to spend it than to curl up by the fire and get lost in a book?

Here are some of my top reading recommendations…

Keep you safe ......... 'If you like Jodi Picoult try Melissa Hill' Woman and Home A mother always knows best. Doesn't she? For single mum Kate O'Hara, there was no decision to make. Her daughter Rosie is one of a small percentage of Irish children with a disorder that prevents her from being vaccinated against measles. All Kate can do is hope that herd immunity keeps the disease at bay, and her little girl safe. For Madeleine Harrington, it was a leap of faith she wasn't prepared to take. Which is why she and her husband decline controversial measles jabs for their daughter Clara. children safe? A stunning and addictive powerful new book club read that explores every mother's worst fear and hardest decision by Melissa Hill How the Grinch stole Christmas! Dr Seuss is one of the world’s best loved children’s authors. The Grinch is a classic character and is ideal for children of all ages, but particularly reading aloud to younger kids.

Marian Keyes books in general! .........

The woman is one of the funniest authors of the moment. All of her books are just so well put together and so interesting that before you know it, you’re halfway through the book.

Operation Trumpsformation

by Ross o Carroll Kelly. 'Our nation's great satirist ... the most sustained feat of comic writing in Irish literature' Irish Times It's the end of the world as Ross knows it ... this time, there's no way of escaping another monumental fock-up! Sorcha had thrown me out of the family home - this time apparently for good. And yet that was the least of my worries ... My old dear was in prison, accused of murdering her second husband. My sons were showing an unhealthy interest in - someone call social services - soccer! And my daughter wanted everyone to call her Eddie. But don't even go there! On top of all that, a blond wig discovered in a dusty attic, had given my old man delusions of power. Suddenly, he was running for election, promising to tear up the bailout deal and take Ireland out of Europe. And that's to say nothing of his secret plan for Ireland's second city ... But shush! Don't mention the wall!

I Found my Tribe ......... While the previous recommendations are, of course, on the lighthearted side, if you want to read a life-changing book, then this is it. Ruth Fitzmaurice details 12 | Connect Kerry | December 2017

how her life changed when her husband is diagnosed with MND. Her style of writing is colloquial but breath-taking and this book, though it sounds cliqued, really makes you think. At times heart-breaking and at times uplifting, it’s the type of book that you read in one sitting.

This book was on the top bestsellers list for weeks.

As always there are some great local productions and Christmas is a time for sharing so Connect have had a look at what the locals have produced this year and our favourites are

“T” Was Only Like Yesterday by Local Photographer John Cleary- a book that will take you back in time with some memories and lots of laughs this book will be sure to have you shed a tear from laughter or loving memories of those no longer with us as we leaf through the pages to go back in time to reflect on things past in the county of Kerry, produced and published by the very talented and much loved by all in the county John Cleary. Available in all good book shops around the county and also at Clearys Photography on Russell Street and the Quality Framing Company on Matt Talbot Road. It is priced €20. The perfect addition under the tree.

The Gooch has been a topic of conversation in many house and public establishment over the past few months, we in Kerry are very proud of him for his contribution to the county on the football pitch, he like many of his fellow county players are an inspiration to our children. His autobiography is a good read and if you have a few days off over Christmas this is the one to keep you entertained. The Autobiography unlocks a previously unopened door, tracing a compelling path through the life beyond the headlines. This is the story of an ordinary man who became an extraordinary footballer.

Lots of food for thought there now so don’t forget no matter what age you are buying for always try and include a book, there are many good book stores around the county so please do support local this Christmas.

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Connect caught up with the 2017

Rose of Tralee Jennifer Byrne The lovely Jennifer Byrne, a doctor from Clonderrig, Co Offaly was crowned the 2017 International Rose of Tralee last August and since then she has been kept very busy! We caught up with Jennifer to see how how it is all going so far ....

Jennifer, you have been the reigning Rose of Tralee for nearly half a year already, how has it been for you?

I’ve really enjoyed my reign as the 2017 International Rose of Tralee so far. It’s an incredible experience and time is flying by so quickly. I’ve had many highlights so far including the festival itself, the wonderful friendships, my homecoming, Friends of A ball, the ploughing championships, my photoshoot with Tipperary Crystal in the K club, Kolkata with the Hope Foundation, Listowel Food Fair and many others. I always love going to schools and nursing homes and just meeting and chatting new people.

Jennifer with Maureen Forrest founder of the Hope Foundation, at the annual Foundation Day celebration

The Reigning Rose supports a charity, tell us a little about yours?

I’ve just recently returned from visiting the slum children and Hope Foundation projects in Kolkata in India. It was a real eye opening and life changing experience for me. I’ve made a Christmas campaign video for The Hope Foundation. It’s an incredible organisation and I will be raising money for Hope next year too. I’m also going to 14 | Connect Kerry | December 2017

Belarus with Adi Roche’s Chernobyl Children’s International in February with some of my fellow Roses and Rose escorts and am really looking forward to this.

I have been working closely with the I’m A Friend organisation since becoming the Offaly Rose back in May. This is an anti-bullying organisation that raises awareness about bullying, depression and suicide.

I’m also supporting Offaly Hospice and will be raising funds for this extremely important organisation early next year. There is no Hospice in the Midlands and one of my main goals is to help change this.

Your day job as a doctor must be extremely busy as well as your commitments to the title, how’s the juggling both going?

I’m very fortunate to have great support in work and from the Rose of Tralee team, and they have really made it possible for me to juggle both so far. I really enjoy my job and I meet many patients who love the Rose of Tralee festival and I often get stopped for pictures in work! I will be taking some time off work next year so that I can attend some international Rose events and centres too so I’m really looking forward to that.

Was it always your dream to be a Rose?

Yes I remember watching the Rose of Tralee every year from a very young age.

I watched it with my granny and mam every year and we would always try and pick who we thought would become the Rose of Tralee. It was an annual event that couldn’t be missed, just like the Late Late Toy Show. We travelled down to Kerry for the parade during the Rose of Tralee festival when I was about 10 years old and I remember looking at all the beautiful Roses on the floats and wishing I got a chance to be up there too someday. I never thought that I actually would become the Rose Of Tralee!! It really is a dream come true.

great fun in the Annual CH Christmas Santa Parade last weekend and then I switched on the Christmas Lights in Tralee.

I’m traveling to the Frankfurt Christmas markets with the Germany Rose Centre along with most of my fellow Roses and Rose Escorts in December. It promises to be a great trip. I’ve many functions and charity events to attend over Christmas too.

In January we’ll start the search for the 2018 Rose of Tralee and I will be travelling on the Rose Tour around Ireland which should be great fun. I’m also spending a weekend with other Rose of Tralee’s which will be very nice.

I’m travelling to Belarus with with Adi Roche’s Chernobyl Children’s International in February. I’m hoping to travel to America for the New York parade on St. Patricks Day and visit the

You have another 7 months as Rose, tell us some of the plans for those months?

There’s a busy few months ahead and I’m so excited for all that’s to come. I had Jennifer on her first return to The Rose Hotel since the Festival

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Rose Centre there.

The 2018 Roses will be selected around April, May and June and I will be attending as many of those selection nights as I can. I will be holding fundraisers for The Hope Foundation and Offaly Hospice too. I’m really looking forward to the time ahead.

What’s Christmas like for you?

Do you work or can you get time to spend with family and friends?

Jennifer's visit to the Rose Wall in October

Christmas is my favourite time of year. I love spending time with my family and friends. We pulled names out of a hat in work and I was very fortunate not to come out and so I will be spending Christmas at home in Offaly. It’s a very special time of year and it will be nice to have all of the family at home.

What do you like to do in your spare time that is if you have any?

I really enjoy sport, music, spending time with my friends and family and being outdoors! I’ve always loved playing soccer and Gaelic football. I enjoy walking along the prom in Salthill with my friends and listening to music and going to concerts when I can. I also love travelling around Ireland and abroad. In general I love meeting new people and trying new things!

Any tips to the ladies around the world reading this considering applying for the Rose of Tralee I would highly encourage all young women to apply for the Rose of Tralee International Festival. This has been the most amazing experience of my life.

John O'Connor, Simon Delaney, Jennifer Byrne and Lizzy Lyons at the opening night of Listowel Food Fair

I’ve made so many new friends and have had so many new opportunities that I would have never thought possible. The memories and friendships are incredible and the festival itself is magical and life changing. The application process is easy, simply apply online at www.roseoftralee.ie. I promise this is something you won’t regret!

Tralee welcomes Christmas Market to Tess Quarter The Tess Quarter Christmas Market launched in Abbey Street and Dominick Street on Friday 1st December for this coming festive season. The market will be an end-of-year celebration attracting locals and visitors with its cheerful ambience while spotlighting traditional crafts and speciality foods.

Abbey Street and Dominick Street will host the Tess Quarter Market every Friday in December up to Christmas from1.00pm to 7.00 pm.The market is the ideal place for finding unique gifts for friends and loved ones while soaking up a stress-free Yuletide atmosphere. Featured items will include crafted designs offered at very reasonable prices.On the culinary front, visitors will find the best of rustic local fare produced by some of Kerry’s finest producers who are fast

16 | Connect Kerry | December 2017

gaining a reputation for quality and taste. Shoppers will be entertained by street musicians and buskers who have found a home in buskers corner while Kingdom Party Pals will also be making an appearance to entertain the kids. The Tess Quarter businesses have all come together to support the market, and the businesses in the area will be providing Christmas Market specials and offers.

A group of local businesses are behind the Tess Quarter, pooling their resources to promote this vibrant area of Tralee’s town centre. Already proving itself to be a busy area full of energy and atmosphere, their aim is to further increase the footfall in their part of town by ensuring the Quarter

provides an enjoyable experience for daytime shoppers and people on a night out. Having already created the amazing 'Rose' mural, the Christmas Market is just one of the many projects they are undertaking. They want their visitors to rediscover the social pleasure to be found with an amble around the shops in the company of family and friends, stopping off for a coffee and a cake. Find your festive spirit at the Tess Quarter Christmas Market. #TessQuarter

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Connect | Fashion

"CASTLEISL

Castleisland Christmas

AND - The F ashion Cap

ital of Kerr

y"

Photographs by: John Kelliher

Fashion Collections Show

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#LoveCastleisland

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Connect | Lifestyle

'Little Christmas' or Nollaig Na mBan

The 6th January, or the Feast of the Epiphany, commemorates the arrival of the three Kings or Wise Men at the crib. It is the final day of Christmas in Ireland and is the time when all seasonal decorations have to be taken down.

Failure to do so result in bad luck, so the superstition goes, unless you leave them up for a full twelve months!

This day is also known as Little Christmas in Ireland. In Irish, Nollaig Na mBan means Women's Christmas. Traditionally, the woman of the house was given a day off after the twelve days of cooking and acting the hostess. Instead, the men would take over family responsibilities while the women went out with their friends. It was probably the only day of the year when the local bar would be full of women rather than men. Sadly, this is another tradition of Christmas in Ireland that is dying out.

In many counties around the country it’s not recognised at all but I am glad to say here in Kerry the tradition is alive and well and some of the counties finest restaurants, bars and hotels have different plans to entice groups of female friends with their plans

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for the evening, so why not get the girls together and get out and have fun.

Meadowlands Hotel are offering dinner and cocktails for just 30.00 per person, with tempting dingle gin and vodka cocktails its one to consider The Ashe Hotel has some live entertainment and a delicious dinner menu especially for the ladies followed by entertainment with Niall St John.

Killarney and the Brehon hotel are offering a Great Gatsby night, Dinner and Dancing to the Swing Cats, sounds like it’s going to be amazing book your tickets today for just 49.00 Down south Kerry, the Sea Lodge Hotel are going to woo the ladies with the very talented Richard Paddy while dining and you can dance into the late hours with Barry McGrath.

Enjoy a girly night out with your friends at The Desire Kitchen in Killarney, sampling delicious food, or check out desire beauty upstairs for the latest beauty looks.

That’s just a small selection but do keep an eye on our social media and we will bring all the updates on what’s happening around the county for the festive season as we get it..

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Connect Kerry | December 2017 | 21

Connect | Lifestyle

Once again we Invite You to Nominate your Favourite in the Beauty Industry.

The Categories will Include: Make-up Artist of the year

Connect Kerry - Spa Therapist Massage

Wedding and Occasion Make-up Specialist

Connect Kerry - Nail Technician

Wedding and Occasion Up style Specialist

Connect Kerry - Waxing Specialist

Connect Kerry - Colour Technician

Connect Kerry - Junior Stylist Hair and Beauty.

Connect Kerry - Men’s Stylist

Connect Kerry - Beauty Salon of the year

Connect Kerry - Spa Therapist Facial

Connect Kerry - Hair Salon of the Year

Connect Kerry - Brow/ Lash Specialist.

Connect Kerry - Salon Manager of the year

Connect Kerry - Tanning Specialist

22 | Connect Kerry | December 2017

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Connect Kerry | December 2017 | 23

Connect | Lifestyle

24 | Connect Kerry | December 2017

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Connect | Fashion

Catherine’s Fashion Fix Hi,

My name is Catherine Keane and I have a fashion blog on Facebook called ‘Catherine’s Fashion Fix’.

Look 1

Keep it festive in red with this knot shoulder jumpsuit from iclothing €49.95

Look 2

Make a statement in this silver mirror sequin one sleeve cut out dress from River island – €87

With the party season nearly upon us it’s time to get out the glitz and turn on the glamour. During the festive season going out is a pretty regular occurrence so your wardrobe is likely to need an injection of party wear. From anything that shimmers and shines, there is party wear suitable for all shapes and sizes.

The LBD is always a safe option for your party night out but I feel it’s time to put the LBD into retirement and up the game in this season’s hottest trends. Turn your party season right up with 80’s party dresses, sequins and fancy frills.

Want to change it up a bit and ditch the dress altogether slinky jumpsuits and velvet trouser suits are key for an on trend look this season and are also perfect for keeping those pins warm on a frosty night!

Although we love any excuse for a new outfit for those of you on a tight budget don’t despair.

Adding a new bag or shoes to what you have already in your wardrobe can totally transform any look.

You will be bang on trend with this I’ve been flo ral bardot dress trialling fro m New Look some of the €39.99 best looks from the high street to keep you ahead of the game and looking red hot for the festive season ahead.

Look 4

Look 3

This velvet wrap dress is the perfect little number for the fuller figure from Carrig Donn – €59.95

Whatever your look this party season have fun and stay safe!

26 | Connect Kerry | December 2017

Catherine x

It's the most wonderful time of the year! Certainly my FAVOURITE month I absolutely love the Christmas buzz in work and out on the town!

Here is some Hair Inspo for the perfect party hair at your Christmas Party!

Soft Textured up do - very practical for the winter weather, hair is all up out of the way but not severe looking at all. Tong all of your hair first, the curlier the better the more texturised the updo will look. Tease your root area and pin the hair up just above the nape of your neck.

Key product used for this look Milk_Shake dry shampoo to add texture Top Knot- Perfect if you are working the evening of your Christmas party and have to get ready in work, you will have it done in less then five minutes. Comb all hair smooth in to a high ponytail. Tease ponytail and wrap the hair around the base of the ponytail, secure with bobby pins and finish off with some hairspray.

Key product- Milk_Shake hairspray One of the biggest trends of 2017 was most definitely super long super sleek healthy shiny looking hair that Kim Kardashian rocked for the majority of the year and it is really easy to create. Start by adding a smoothing cream to your hair before blowdrying and blowdry all hair down straight in the one direction. Add extensions if needed for extra length. Straighten all the hair and finish off with a glistening spray.

Key product - Milk_Shakes No Frizz Glistening Spray.

I hope everyone has a fabulous Christmas with their family and friends, and I would love to see you at the official opening party of 'Brush n Blush 2' in Market Gate House, Milk Market Lane on the 27th of December at 6pm all welcome!

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Connect | Beauty

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Christmas-a-holic!

by Zoe O’Connor

My name is Zoë, and I’m a Christmas-a-holic!

They say that the first step to recovery is acceptance; but the buzz of bargains, the sugarrush of sweets and the giddiness of gifts is just too much to resist.

So I don’t know about you but I have no intention on giving up my full hit of Christmas spirit this year.

I may not be as intense as some of my fellow Christmas addicts. People do still fail to understand why shops insist on putting up the Christmas lights and rolling out their Christmas stop before the words “Trick or Treat” can even form on people’s tongues. Surely it’s obvious that people would rather revel in happy little Christmas Carols than get the bejaysus scared out of them by a certain clown.

And of course, as much as we all love face paint, there is a lot more style involved in the Christmas season. That doesn’t mean becoming a Merry Minion or Sassy Santa Claus - but getting into the festive spirit through fashion is one of my favourite parts of the season.

Thankfully all the shops (you have literally been prepping for this moment since last year) seem to be satisfying all of your sweetest desires, saving Santa some of the weight in his sack. Red has been the colour of the year, not just the festive season this time round - and it won’t be disappearing anytime soon. I have the red boots in the bag and I have dibs on the red lipstick to match.

What about the sequins, you may ask? Well just like always, Christmas is the time to sparkle like a disco ball. Live out your Hannah Montana dreams

32 | Connect Kerry | D November ecember 2017

and live the best of both worlds by adding a bit of bedazzle to everything.

Or take a page out of Rihanna’s book and shine bright like a diamond with the cutest jewels from all the boutiques in town. (Although I’m not giving up on the hoop trend quite yet.)

Once you are all kitted out, truly embrace the spirit of the season by catching up with your closest gal-pals over a cup of cocoa (or if you are a caffeine addict like me, coffee may also be on the cards). There are an abundance of cute cafés speckled around the county which are guaranteed to cement the Christmas cheer among you all. And I won’t judge you if you have a little bop to the carols which are guaranteed to be piped through in every respectable establishment in the country.

I think we have all fought it long enough, and it is time to fully give ourselves over to the festive season. Let it be one hell of a bang because we don’t want to even think about the dreary days that winter can often possess.

So don your most sparkly shoes, your cheesiest Christmas jumpers and your sweetest smiles - let’s get this season started!

Zoë

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Connect | Lifestyle

The highlight of the day was our very deserving makeover winner Karen Moore who was styled by Jasmine Boutique, with accessories from That’s Perfect and of course her new look complete with Hair and Makeup by Brush N Blush, the evening closed with our infamous after party and Sean Crowley did what he does best spinning the hits to entertain the ladies into the night.

It was Ladies Lunch and Fashion Afternoon time again as is always is the last Sunday of November, the ladies of Kerry gather together for a day of fun fashion and beauty tips. We would like to say a huge thanks to everyone that made it possible, the shops who participated, the businesses who gave so generously for our amazing spot prizes and of course the team that made it all happen in the background.

Brush N Blush Hair and Beauty were our beauty partners for the day and they did a wonderful job, and huge congrats to them on the launch of their new salon in Milk Market Lane which will open on Dec 27th.

Photographs by: John Kelliher

Ballyroe heights served up a delicious 5 star 5 course lunch & top marks go to executive chef John O Leary and his experienced team.

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As with all our events we support a charity through our raffles and this year we saw the roll out of our ‘Support your Local School’ imitative where we are going to support local schools around the county, so if you would like to see your school supported do let us know and we will certainly look at accommodating your request.

It was an amazing event and as always it couldn’t be possible without the support of so many businesses too many to mention so we thank you one and all, and of course a huge thanks goes to you the wonderful ladies who come back year after year to ensure the success. For those of you who missed it put it in the diary for next year you will be glad you did.

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Connect | Lifestyle

A DOG IS FOR LIFE, Hi Readers, By now the Christmas rush is in full swing, the lists have been made and ticked off. Scarves have been purchaseD for the grannies and brooches for the teachers and perhaps a lovely scented candle for the favourite auntie (this is a blatant hint if my nieces Almha and Tara are reading this).

Every year people receive gifts that they already have and for this reason would like to let our customers know that we will do our very best if gifts need to be returned should you have already got something the same or similar.

Simply bring it back to us as soon as you can after Christmas and if you can't find anything that suits we will gladly give a gift voucher that can be used at a later date.

Now that the gift returning business is out of the way I would like to draw your attention to something more important. At this time every year it can get a little "hairy" in the retail trade, long hours, new stock, stressed customers, and hyper children waiting for the Jolly Ho Ho man to arrive on Christmas Eve, I am one of those but it's what I signed up for. What staff have to do is be even more tolerant and patient at this time of year because there are customers that we will serve between now and Christmas Eve who are dreading the festive season, they are the customer who have lost a loved one during the year and are dreading the empty chair at the table, the customer who has to visit a grave after Christmas mass, the customer whose family are unable to be at home for Christmas because they have emigrated during the year, we have no idea of what's happening in anyone's life but maybe we should just try to be a little kinder and more patient with everyone that we serve. Christmas is not about how much we spend on people or how much we eat or drink it should be about spending time with love ones.

Wow I bet none of ye knew that there was a serious side to me, well all that is left to say now is thank you all for the custom during the year have a wonderful Christmas and we look forward to serving you with a smile in 2018.

Carmel x

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Not Just For Christmas By: Timmy Dowd A man’s best friend, part of the family, unconditional love. These are all common phrases when you talk about dogs and how essential they are to have in your life.

A bark, lick on the face, a stare down, these are only some of the daily encounters we look forward to from the first thing in the morning to the last thing at night. No matter how hard the day or how tough the struggle, they are there jumping with delight waiting for their owner to brighten up their day.

Christmas is full of presents and cheer and one of the best presents you can get is a small, overly enthusiastic ball of fluff waiting to be loved.

They not only excite family members but they also bring families’ together through conversations and daily exercise.

From a personal perspective, and I think many can resonate with this, I have been living abroad for over 7 years and anytime I rang home, most of my time spent, was whistling and taking to my baby Alfie. Sharing photos of your dog with your friends and chatting about the funny things that they have done, bring a teardrop to your eye, make you miss home even more while making you laugh at the same time.

You may have many people in your life but you are the only one in theirs and if we were all as innocent and happy as dogs are, life would be great but just by having one of your own makes your life great.

It is truly remarkable how much love and laughter dogs bring into our lives and in closing, dogs gel families together and to me, a home is incomplete without one.

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Connect | Health & Wellness

PEARLY WHITES

The Perfect Christmas Christmas has become a cultural touchstone for happiness. It’s the time of year when we are supposed to be happy, full of the joys of living, giving and receiving gifts, and ensconced in the perfect family life. Everybody comes home, everybody tries to make time for friends and family, everybody makes plans for “the perfect Christmas”.

Ironically, it is the time of year when most people experience depression and anxiety, loneliness and isolation, and there are two main reasons for that: unmet expectations and overindulgence.

The perfect Christmas, of course, doesn’t exist except in our memories and our imaginations. However, we create our own high expectations, determined to create the perfect meal, the perfect presents, the perfect ambience in our homes.

We are also encouraged to over-indulge. Rich food, alcohol, high-sugar content – all of these can create a toxicity in the body if taken in excess, and at Christmas, it’s almost an obligation to take in too much.

Add to this the stress of the huge financial strain created by Christmas, and it’s no wonder that it’s the time of year that leaves us often feeling frustrated, depressed and anxious.

This year, try lowering your expectations. Come to an agreement with family and friends not to expect too much of each other. Learn to laugh at disasters, and realize that you’ll survive, even if the tree is a mess and the meal is burnt. Eat and drink a little less. Give yourself a break.

Caroline Smith, Psychotherapy Counselling www.carolinesmith.ie | 087 6444837

Getting through Christmas with your sanity & health intact!

Christmas means most of us will be busy organizing travel plans, going gift shopping, attending lunches and dinners, and preparing for, celebrating, and recovering from holiday parties! You may be busy working out how to fit in seeing both sides of your family. For the single folks amongst us, having to endure your relatives asking if you have met someone yet can be tiresome!

Friends to see, presents to wrap, and work piling up that has to be done before yearend. Money flows out of the door as the presents under the Tree increase. While Christmas is a time for joy, it can also be incredibly challenging. During these times, you can find yourself torn in a so many directions, trying to keep everyone happy.

Unless you are taking good care of yourself and sending yourself love and compassion, how are you supposed to be able to pass on goodwill to those around you? And don’t even mention January! And after a potentially over-indulgent Christmas, often we begin to worry come the 1st January about our health – most of the parties are over, you’re feeling run down, looking a bit shattered and thinking it’s time to renew that gym & yoga class membership. Let’s preempt any of the looming stress and handle the holidays in a more balanced way.

8 EASY WAYS TO BE HEALTHY THIS CHRISTMAS

We all have an element of routine in our day (e.g.) a commute to work / school run 38 | Connect Kerry | December 2017

AN DR MARCAS MAC DOMHNAILL

Fáilte Romhaibh arís!

The Christmas season is upon us and many people are looking for gifts for the person who has everything. Have you ever thought of giving a dental health gift? Electric toothbrushes have been shown to increase the plaque removal from teeth and are often more user friendly than the traditional hand brush. Water jet tooth cleaners are also widely available and can be very effective in cleaning in between braces or around wisdom teeth.

For those who suffer with sensitive teeth, special mineral pastes are now available which can easily be applied after the main meals of the day. Special high flouride toothpastes are also available for patients with a high decay rate. Patients who have dry mouth symptoms (xerostomia) can now use special gels to moisten the mouth, making it easier to talk and swallow food. People who have gum problems, whether it be recession or inflammation may benefit from a disinfectant mouthwash, along with floss, interdental brushes and plaque disclosing tablets.

Who could resist a gift voucher for tooth whitening for a really 'White Christmas'!

Nollaig mhór mhaith dhaoibh go léir.

Dr. Marcas Mac Domhnaill.

BDS (NUI), DIP Cons Sed (TCD) Mac Domhnaill Dental, Denny Street, Tralee, Co. Kerry

/ checking the news online – whatever it may be. Over Christmas, keep a section of that daily timeslot free and try one of the below to do each day instead, feel free to mix and match or repeat. For example, if you normally spend 15 mins on the school run every morning, then when the kids are off school, keep that same timeslot for yourself and try one of the below intead……..

1. Breathe: With all the rushing about we sometimes forget to take a few moments of quiet to breathe. Try this technique to restore calm: - Take a comfortable seated position, rest your left hand on your lap.

- Begin by covering your left nostril with the middle finger of your right hand.

- Take a slow, deep inhale, then release your finger and cover your right nostril with the right thumb as you exhale through the left.

- Continue for three to five minutes 2. Start off CLEAN: Begin each day with a big glass of warm water with lemon. It cleanses the liver and bodily tissues and decreases water retention.

3. Have a healthy breakfast daily: Whatever you think will sustain you for a few hours – whether it’s a green juice or smoothie, some whole grains (unprocessed is best) or even eggs. Setting a healthy intention each morning by eating a nutritious breakfast will set you off in the right direction of making healthier choices throughout the day. And if you’re watching calories or macronutrients – log it in My Fitness Pal app.

4. Stay hydrated: Drink lots of water, fresh made juices or herbal teas. Cold weather can dry out our bodies so keep sipping and aim for 2 litres per day.

5. Get active! The temptation might be to ditch the activity routine and lounge on the

sofa in PJs all day but fight that urge! Aim for 10,000 steps per day (Go outdoors, it’s even better for grounding you, for headspace and for releasing those feel good endorphins).

I use Run Keeper - a free phone app that tracks activity.

6. Me – Time: Make this time all about YOU. Read a book, get a massage, do yoga, meditate (Headspace or Insight Meditation App) or for a luxury detox – take a bath; make it extra beneficial by adding in some soothing Epsom salt & essential oils (lavender and / or bergamont).

7. Write your intentions for the year ahead: Jot them down with a date beside them and steps of how you will achieve this. Having a goal is a great way to stay positive and beat the possible January blues. Try something new like a yoga class for example, Ebb & Flow Yoga’s new schedule starts back from 8th January (now taking bookings). There’s so much out there to choose from (e.g.) gyms, sports clubs, running clubs, swimming, arts & crafts, dance – the list is endless! To kick start a healthy new year Ebb & Flow Yoga is partnering with Cara Wallace (we form Golden Pear Yoga Events together) to run a day of Indulgent Yoga & Wellness on 13th January in the luxurious Ballygarry House Hotel. Tickets on sale from early December.

Check out www.ebbflowyoga.ie for more.

Ebb & Flow Yoga wishes you and yours a wonderful, healthy & peaceful Holiday season. Hope to see you on the mat in 2018.

Love,

Maeve x

Contact: Maeve 087-3679132 Email: ebbflowyogaireland@gmail.com Website: www.ebbflowyoga.ie Facebook: Search - Ebb & Flow Yoga Ireland

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Connect | Motoring

Connect MOTORING It will soon be New Year and for some it will mean a new car. Motoring dealers all over the county are preparing their best offers to tempt you to buying new wheels ..... we in Connect take a look at what's on offer around the county and talk about why you should upgrade.

The motor industry tells us that there is an upturn and that sales are increasing so that's good news for the economy but we do advise to do your research, investing in a car is something we take seriously, we need to be sure that we choose one suitable for our needs. Depending on our personal circumstances, are we buying a car that will adapt to changing family requirements? We need to consider all these things before making the decision.

Wi-Fi connectivity is available via hotspots, with a USB modem. And Ford Emergency Assistance can help call the Emergency Services in the event of an accident. Using a combination of different technologies, Active Park Assist does more than automatically steer you into parking spots. With Park Out Assist, it helps you pull out of them, too.

The Parallel and Perpendicular Parking system locates a suitable space as you drive past. Then it automatically steers you in, while all you do is operate the accelerator, gears and brake (following clear, simple, on-screen instructions and audible signals).

TOYOTA HYBRID CARS Twenty years ago, Toyota launched the hybrid revolution. Now in 2017 here in Kerry one in 3 new Toyota cars are sold to customers making the change to Hybrid.

With no charging and no plugging in – the Hybrid revolution is here in Kerry.

These are just some of the features available in the new Kuga try it for yourself today.

So what is Toyota Hybrid & how does it work?

KUGA

MONDEO

Striking, ultra-contemporary design and styling, inside and out. Uncompromising performance and unrelenting efficiency.

An impressive list of smart features, systems and technologies. And all the practicality, flexibility and utility you could possibly want.

The Mondeo ST-Line+ Now with a great range of features a long list of innovations includes Ford Dynamic LED Technology: intelligent headlamps that turn as you turn the steering wheel, helping you see round bends. Rather than traditional bulbs, they utilise ultraefficient LEDs and also incorporate eight different lighting modes.

If you see opportunities where others see obstacles, you’ll see the infinite possibilities presented by the new Ford Kuga. Ford SYNC 3 enables you to stay connected and control your phone, music and navigation system with intuitive voice commands, or an 8” colour touchscreen. You can even call up a list of local restaurants just by saying “I’m hungry”, or access the Michelin Guide to help you choose and book places to eat, along with hotels.

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As a result, the headlamps can react to your surroundings, giving you a different beam pattern and intensity depending on whether you’re driving in town or the countryside, or in adverse weather.

Another standout innovation is the unique Rear Inflatable Seatbelt giving passengers in the two rear outer seats a whole new level of airbag protection.

A hybrid combines a petrol engine with an electric motor, powered by a battery which the car charges for itself. Overall the combination provides you with a better driving experience. You just push the start button, nudge the lever into D for Drive and away you go.

And it keeps getting better. Automatic transmission and the hybrid system itself constantly optimise the source of power.

And then better becomes best. You never have to plug it in.

Every time you use the brakes, ‘regenerative braking’ recharges the battery.

Come and take a test drive across the Toyota Hybrid range – Yaris, Auris, C-HR, RAV4, Prius and experience Hybrid for yourself. And remember #norecharging #noplugin Call Kellihers Toyota on 066-7120000 for more info.

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Connect Kerry | December 2017 | 41

Connect | Lifestyle

HOW I GOT HERE ....

By: Mary Lucey (Principal, Kerry College of Further Education)

Delighted to welcome Mary Lucey, Principal, Kerry College of Further Education who will be writing a regular column for Connect Magazine focusing on young individuals who have carved out a successful career in an area they are passionate about. The column entitled “How I Got Here” will show how they got on the right route to fulfilling their dreams. The aim of the column is to get people to investigate new emerging careers, follow their dreams and think creatively when choosing a career path.

Decembers publication features Aidan O Carroll, a 27 year old man Kerry man, who set up his highly successful Web Design Company – Avalanche - at the age of 21. He works from his home office in Ballyduff, Co Kerry and already counts A-list entertainers Miley Cyrus, Chris Brown, Lada Gaga, Conor McGregor and Bruno Mars among his many celebrity clients.

About Aidan…

My name is Aidan O’ Carroll and I am 27 years old. I have been running my own company (Avalanche) since the age of 21. At Avalanche we specialise in unique web design for innovative people. The name Avalanche was chosen directly from my favourite video game, Final Fantasy VII. The group aims to change the world and I thought it was the perfect name for what I want to do! I am lucky to spend my time travelling the world working for different companies on projects and I am dedicated to making Avalanche the biggest design firm in the world. The plan is to one day be as prominent a designer as my hero, Steve Jobs.

About Avalanche…

Avalanche was founded on June 15th 2012 at 3.21pm directly after finishing college and it has become a market leader worldwide in the last 5 years, having developed a long list of illustrious clients and being nominated for over 50 awards across a wide range of sectors including receiving special commendation from Apple, Eir and the Irish Internet Association. Avalanche provides a host of online services to businesses and influencers in Ireland and around the world including website design, eCommerce production, SEO, graphic design, social media marketing, video production and more. Having founded Avalanche, we have been lucky enough to work with some of the biggest companies in the world including Microsoft, Google and a host of successful artists.

After Leaving Education…

I started my business right after college, so I have never really had any other plans! I did complete my Masters in Psychology in the early days of my business, but I am lucky enough that I have never really needed a plan B as Avalanche really hit the ground running.

How Did You Discover Web Design as a Career…

I was lucky enough to be fast tracked through several computer science courses when younger, so I was aware of the career opportunities from a young age. Website design seemed to be the natural choice as I much preferred to design rather than code endlessly on a backend of a system. A typical example of this was in 2014 when I sold some custom software to Microsoft, while it was a big advertisement for Avalanche and it capabilities, I realised I am much happier when I am designing rather than coding.

What Triggered Such Passion in You… I was introduced to an iMac at 11 and it remains one of the key moments in my life. I remember admiring it for hours before even 42 | Connect Kerry | December 2017

turning it on. It is truly a work of art and it is the first time I had my breath taken away by design.

Gazing upon this piece of technology is one of the rare tranquil moments I have ever had. From the moment I laid eyes upon it I wanted to rip it apart and know how everything worked.

That is when I knew that I wanted to create things for the rest of my life!

Did Your Family Influence, Encourage/Discourage You… Yes, my family had a huge influence on my career as there was always a healthy level of technology in our house growing up, so much so that I first discovered Computer Science aged 9 and have been studying it ever since. More than a direct influence, my parents have always pushed me to be the best in the world at whatever I chose to be. There was encouragement and a little bit of discouragement to be honest, most entrepreneurs who begin their business at a young age (21) always see a little bit of a pushback from those closest as the temptation is always to go and get “a normal job”. Family, friends, partners will question your sanity and those who should support you the most will question you more than anyone because you should be doing what society tells you to. You should be working that 9-5 job because that is the normal thing to do, but normality is not for everyone.

Did You Every Have Doubts…

I think it is normal to have doubts as everyone has good and bad days and when I started Avalanche I was absolutely broke, but this is what builds character and helps you appreciate when things are going well. I have often found myself wondering if sitting in my parent’s kitchen with less than €10 to my name was rock bottom for me but there are people without a roof over their heads right now and my paltry finance issues at the time pale in comparison. I didn’t have time to feel sorry for myself anyway even if I wanted to, I was dying to get started, I had a million ideas to try and even more to throw away as failures. I also had complete confidence in my abilities, even when I had to work for nothing, I loved it. I got to learn how to deal with people, I learned how to speak, how to chase people for meetings, how to act and how to demand respect from people vastly more experienced than I was. Learning about business, any business, was like a drug to me, I could not get enough. To this day, I love hearing people complain about Mondays and “the grind” because I love it, I am up most Sunday nights because I can’t sleep, I am itching to get to work and create/learn something new. For whatever reason, right or wrong, I receive a lot of correspondence from people in their twenties wondering how they can set up a business, how can they do it at a young age, where did you go for starting a business etc. The easy answer is you don’t really go anywhere, all you need is an idea and some goals. Set a small goal, hit that and go again, make every decision about building your business.

All it takes is a laptop, a phone and drive. Check out Avalanche’s Website: avalanchedesigns.ie www.facebook.com/AvalancheDes/ Mary Lucey may be contacted at marylucey@kerryfe.ie

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Connect | Lifestyle

Audrey Reidy, publishes her debut novel, Hysteria

Stephen Roche interviews Tralee born writer Audrey Reidy, who has recently published her debut novel, Hysteria.

Tell me about yourself?

I returned to education because I wanted to be a writer. I worked for sometime on a freelance basis, and loved the buzz of having my by-line in the papers. I was always working on fiction writing on the side, but felt my lack of training in the area was holding me back from publishing.

I couldn’t shake the desire to publish a novel. And so, when the Creative Writing course in the IT Tralee came about, it was an easy decision to make. I committed myself entirely to the course, leaving a hairdressing job, and making sacrifices so that I could study; it paid off.

Tell us about Hysteria?

Hysteria is a contemporary romance set in Boston. It follows the lives of a number of complex characters. It is not your typical romance, it’s edgier. It’s style is fast paced and mirrors the erratic behaviours of people in pursuit of love.

How does it feel to have your first novel published?

It feels a little surreal. Modern technology allows one to publish, and market from their home, so at the moment, it’s a little abstract. But I am delighted with the positive feedback, and proud of myself for taking the chance, one that I have wanted to take for a long time.

What books/author did you read that influenced the way you write?

That’s a hard question. I couldn’t attribute the way I write to any one writer, as I feel I would be comparing myself to giants.

I think it is more my interest in human nature and storytelling that spurred me on. But I do believe it is important to read, and don’t trust anyone who says otherwise. How else would we learn!?

I’ve always had this feeling that I had something to say, and a need to write it down, if that makes sense.

Did your surroundings influence your work - eg - people you know?

Of course. I have already had people ask if aspects of Clara—a character from the novel—are based on them. The answer to that is, I don’t know, perhaps. People in our

Deirdre Brennan & Cian O'Neill Deirdre Brennan, Castleiney, Co. Tipperary married Cian O'Neill, Kilgarvan, Co. Kerry on July 15th 2017. Wedding location: Church of St. John The Baptist, Castleiney, Co. Tipp.

Wedding ceremony: Castleainey Church, Templemore, Co. Tipp. Reception: Castleoaks House Hotel, Castleconnell, Co. Limerick.

Mobile: 087 2264626 www.ciaraphotography.com 48 | Connect Kerry | December 2017

lives influence us in so many ways. My uncle, John Reidy is a journalist here in Kerry, and when I was little, John printed an article about a poetry competition I had won. John was like a superhero to me after that, and that, I think was always at the back of my mind.

Do you have any more writing plans?

I have loads of plans. I’m still studying, and have a business idea in mind, one that will integrate what I have done with my current studies. I want to start another novel, and have already started making notes. I want to teach at some point. And I would love to help develop and promote creative writing in the county. I’m watching the Art’s Council and the Chamber Alliance carefully at the moment. It’s been a busy number of years, but I like to be busy, it’s part of my nature.

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Connect Kerry | December 2017 | 49

Connect | Cookery

Christmas Cooking with Mark Doe

TOMATO & BASIL BRUSCHETTA Instructions 1) Firstly make the topping. Cut the tomatoes into ¼’s and remove the seeds. Roughly chop the tomatoes into a ½ cm dice.

Place into a bowl and add the basil, vinegar and Extra virgin olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside.

2) Now cook the Bruschetta. Cut the bread into ½ inch thick slices.

3) Place some the olive oil into a bowl and toss the bread through the oil so that all the slices are coated.

4) Heat a char grill pan over a high heat until smoking hot.

5) Char grill the bread until it is golden and a little charred on both sides.

6) Remove the bread from the pan and rub with the garlic cloves.

7) Top the bread with the tomato mix, the black olives, rocket leaves and parmesan cheese.

INGREDIENTS FOR THE BRUSCHETTA 1 large crusty bread loaf or baguette 6 tbsp olive oil 2 cloves of garlic, cut in ½ INGREDIENTS FOR THE TOPPING 6 ripe on the vine tomatoes 1 small bunch of fresh basil, leaves picked and torn 1 teaspoon of white wine vinegar 2 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper 10 black olives, cut into ¼’s A handful of rocket leaves Freshly grated parmesan cheese

THE PERFECT ROAST TURKEY Try this recipe for a perfect roast turkey. There is a little preparation involved, but you will have the best turkey ever on Christmas day.

As a rule a 14-15 pound turkey will feed 10-12 people with left overs. Ask your butcher to remove the wish bone from the turkey as this makes carving easier.

Instructions 1) Pre-heat your oven to 220c/Gas mark 7.

2) Remove the giblets from the turkey.

3) Season the butter well with salt and pepper.

4) Use your hands to loosen the turkey skin away from the breast, and spread the butter under the skin.

5) Stuff the cavity of the turkey with the lemon, onion, garlic, bay leafs and rosemary or thyme.

6) Place the turkey into a roasting tray.

7) Loosely wrap the turkey, ensuring the parcel is tightly sealed.

8) Place in the oven and cook for 40 minutes at the high temperature.

9) After 40 minutes, reduce the temperature to 170c/gas mark 3 and cook for a further 3 ¼ hours.

10) After the 3 ¼ remove the foil from the turkey and increase the oven temperature to 200c/gas mark 6 and give the turkey a final 40 minutes, basting the trurkey occasionally. This will ensure the turkey has a lovely golden colour.

11) After the 40 minutes, pierce the thickest part of the turkey leg with a small knife and check that the juices run clear.

12) Remove the turkey from the oven, wrap the tray lightly with foil and allow the turkey to rest for 30-40 minutes.

INGREDIENTS 1 x 7kg Turkey (14-15lb) 1 Lemon, cut in half 2-3 bay leafs Few sprigs of fresh rosemary or thyme Smoked bacon and cranberry stuffing

Cooking times for other size turkeys 8-10 lb (3.5-4.5 kg) – 30 minutes at the high temperature, then 2½-3 hours at the lower temperature, then a final 30 minutes (uncovered) at gas mark 6, 400°F (200°C).

15-20 lb (6.75-9 kg) – 45 minutes at the high temperature, then 4-5 hours at the lower temperature, then a final 30 minutes (uncovered) at gas mark 6, 400°F (200°C).

Please bear in mind that ovens, and turkeys vary and the only way of knowing if a bird is ready is by using the test described above.

50 | Connect Kerry | December 2017

175g unsalted butter (soft) 1 large onion, peeled 4 garlic cloves cut in 1/2 Salt and pepper 200ml white wine Tips from the chef

Cookery |Connect

MINI CHOCOLATE FUDGE, BAILEYS & MALTESER TRIFLES These little trifles are fantastic as a mini dessert at your next finger food party.

Serve in shot glasses for that added wow factor. Makes 24-32 shot glass portions.

Instructions 1) Place the butter, sugar in a thick bottomed saucepan and place on a medium heat.

5) Place a piece of Swiss roll in the bottom of each shot glass.

6) Drizzle with the butterscotch sauce.

7) Mix together the custard and whipped cream, add the Baileys and spoon onto the Swiss roll.

8) Build up 2 layers of the same in each glass.

2) Stirring all of the time, allow the sugar to dissolve. The sauce will come together like a butterscotch sauce.

9) Finish with a dollop of the custard mix and a few crushed maltesers.

3) Add the 50ml cream, bring to the boil and simmer for 30 seconds.

INGREDIENTS 100g soft brown sugar 80g butter 50ml cream 80g dark chocolate

4) Remove from the heat and stir in the chocolate whilst the sauce is still hot .

Allow the sauce to cool a little.

4 slices of chocolate Swiss roll cut into small pieces 120ml ready made custard 120ml whipped cream 4-6 tbsp Baileys (more if you wish) 1 bag of Maltesers lightly crushed Tips from the chef For some added fun sprinkle each trifle with some popping candy before serving.

LEFT OVER TURKEY STROGANOFF Fed up with turkey sandwiches? Try this simple stroganoff for a tasty Stephens day treat. Serve with rice or noodles.

Instructions 1) Add the oil and butter to a heavy based frying pan, and place over a medium heat.

2) Heat until the butter froths and then add the onions.

3) Cook the onions for 3-4 minutes until soft.

4) Add the mushrooms and garlic and cook for a further 3 minutes.

5) Now stir in the paprika and cook for a further 1 minute.

6) Add the turkey meat and gravy and bring to the boil.

7) Add the white wine vinegar, Pour in the cream bring to the boil and simmer for 3-4 minutes until piping hot.

8) Stir in the mustard and parsley, season with salt and pepper.

9) Serve with crusty bread and rice.

INGREDIENTS 2 tablespoons olive oil Small knob of butter 1 onion finely sliced 200g button mushrooms, finely sliced 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped ½ tbsp paprika 700g leftover cooked turkey, cut into strips 200ml Left over turkey gravy 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar 200ml cream 1 tbsp wholegrain mustard Chopped parsley to serve Salt and pepper

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Connect | Lifestyle

2018

The end of the year is an ideal opportunity for you to review your achievements to date and to plan for the coming year. In reviewing your achievements over the past year, you should honestly assess business performance by reviewing your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats.

It is important for any good business to review what hasn’t gone well in the past year and to learn from any issues or difficulties encountered. A few key areas to take into account during the business review and planning process are: - Honesty: Be honest about your strengths and your weakness. You will learn from both.

Christmas Wishes “I would like to wish you and yours a happy and peaceful Christmas and every good wish for 2018”

Sam

Sam Locke Independent Councillor T: 087 0635758

- Vision: Have a vision of where you want your business to go in 2018.

- Strategy: In order to make your vision a reality, you will need to underpin it with a clear strategy.

- Objectives: Within your strategy, set out SMART objectives. These objectives need to be specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and timely in order to achieve them successfully.

- Teamwork: All your team play a part in your business’ success. All team members should all know what their role is in delivering your business plan.

- Review: Ensure that you review your objectives regularly and keep all your staff focused.

- Training: Ensure that you review your training needs. A properly thought out training plan is needed for the year ahead.

As we approach the end of the year, it is a good time for employers to take stock of where the Company is at and where it needs to go in the next year. In that regard, the performance appraisal process is a key indicator to assist employers in reviewing your employee’s contribution to date and allows them to plan their role in the strategic plan for the organisation over the course of the next year.

We would advise that your performance appraisals take place in January but that you commence your preparation work now. Performance reviews are also a great way of focusing employees for the year ahead, identifying any training requirements, and boosting employee morale.

Don’t forget this is your ideal opportunity to get your HR documentation in order in line with legal requirements for your peace of mind to kick start your new year. If you have HR issues you need to talk through or if you are unsure of steps you need to take to support your employees please contact the HR Suite on 0667102887. We wish you every success for 2018.

If you have HR issues you need to talk through or if you are unsure of steps you need to take to support your employees please contact the HR Suite on 066 710 2887

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'I wish all my constituents and loyal friends a very happy and holy Christmas and all the best for 2018'

Michael Michael Healy-Rae Independent TD T: 087 2461678

"We would like to wish you all a very Happy Christmas and our very best for 2018."

Martin & Toiréasa Martin Ferris Sinn Féin TD Tel: 066 7129545 Toiréasa Ferris Sinn Féin Councillor Tel: 086 0740772

Advertising |Connect

Connect ONLINE BY: KEN TOBIN, Marketing Strategy Consultant

Plan Ahead, now!

As tempting as it might be to take the foot off the gas and enjoy the Christmas period, it’s the perfect time to begin planning ahead! For many in the Marketing & B2B industry, it can be a quieter time, Christmas campaigns are done and a slow-down starts to happen – so sieze the opportunity to get ready for next year! Find a day this month to gather your team and look to next year.

HERE’S SOME QUICK ADVICE TO GET YOU STARTED:

- Look back: Examine what worked in the year gone by in your advertising and marketing. Talk to your team and your customers and figure out what went right, and what didn’t.

- Look at your budget: See what you spent in the year gone by, and did you get a lift in business that correlates with your marketing investment?

- Your reach: Have you new customers that you didn’t have last year, and how did you acquire them. Have you grown your database of customers, and are you using that database effectively.

- What is your plan for next year, are there opportunities to grow the business?

Ken Tobin is a Marketing Strategy Consultant, offering Marketing Management and Social Media Advice for Businesses, Groups and Organisations weebizmedia@gmail.com 086 8162105 (Ken) www.weebizmedia.com

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Connect | Music

Music in the Kingdom Merry​ ​Christmas​ ​Everyone!

Be​ ​careful​ ​on​ ​the​ ​roads​ ​travelling​ ​between​ ​lessons​ ​and​ ​ concerts​ ​during​ ​December!​ ​If​ ​you​ ​are​ ​a vocalist​ ​I​ ​would​ ​highly​ ​ recommend​ ​lots​ ​of​ ​steaming​ ​of​ ​the​ ​voice​ ​and​ ​honey​ ​in​ ​boiled​ ​ water.​ ​For musicians​ ​please​ ​be​ ​careful​ ​of​ ​your​ ​instruments​ ​in​ ​ the​ ​cold,​ ​don’t​ ​leave​ ​them​ ​too​ ​close​ ​to​ ​open fires​ ​and​ ​heaters,​ ​ especially​ ​wooden​ ​instruments​ ​such​ ​as​ ​violins​ ​etc​ ​due​ ​to​ ​tuning​ ​ and​ ​warping issues!

I​ ​recently​ ​had​ ​the​ ​honour​ ​of​ ​being​ ​a​ ​judge​ ​on​ ​the​ ​panel​ ​of​ ​the​ ​ ‘Christie​ ​Hennessy​ ​songwriting competition’​ ​and​ ​the​ ​entire​ ​ weekend​ ​I​ ​have​ ​to​ ​say​ ​completely​ ​blew​ ​me​ ​away,​ ​if​ ​you​ ​didn’t​ ​ get​ ​to it​ ​you​ ​really​ ​did​ ​miss​ ​out​ ​on​ ​some​ ​amazing​ ​entertainment​ ​ and​ ​talent.

The​ ​Friday​ ​evening​ ​was​ ​the​ ​troubadour​ ​club​ ​organised​ ​and​ ​ hosted​ ​by​ ​the​ ​legend​ ​that​ ​is​ ​Francie Conway.​ ​Honestly​ ​I​ ​went​ ​ down​ ​on​ ​the​ ​Friday​ ​as​ ​I​ ​am​ ​a​ ​huge​ ​fan​ ​of​ ​Luan​ ​Parle​ ​who​ ​was performing​ ​and​ ​I​ ​got​ ​thoroughly​ ​educated​ ​on​ ​what​ ​talent​ ​is​ ​on​ ​ our​ ​doorstep.​ ​I​ ​would​ ​ honestly need​ ​an​ ​ entire​ ​book​ ​to​ ​write​ ​ up​ ​each​ ​act​ ​in​ ​their​ ​ true​ ​glory.​ ​Pamela​ ​and​ ​ Joe​ ​O​'Connor,​ ​Mark Leen​ ​and​ ​sweet​ ​F.A​ ​ were​ ​the​ ​local​ ​acts​ ​ and​ ​got​ ​the​ ​crowd​ ​ singing​ ​along​ ​with​ ​ such​ ​variety​ ​of sounds,​ ​ The​ ​Shans,​ ​Isolated​ ​ frequency, foxtales, Mike​ ​Hanrahan​ ​and​ ​the​ ​wonderful​ ​Luan​ ​ Parle all​ ​travelled​ ​for​ ​the​ ​honour​ ​of​ ​performing​ ​in​ ​the​ ​festival​ ​ dedicated​ ​to​ ​one​ ​of​ ​Tralee's​ ​finest legends.​ ​The​ ​highlight​ ​of​ ​the​ ​ evening​ ​most​ ​definitely​ ​was​ ​when​ ​all​ ​the​ ​night's​ ​performers​ ​ joined Francie​ ​at​ ​the​ ​end​ ​of​ ​the​ ​night​ ​for​ ​a​ ​group​ ​performance​ ​ showing​ ​true​ ​art​ ​and​ ​ability​ ​to​ ​‘just​ ​fall in’.

The​ ​final​ ​of​ ​the​ ​songwriting​ ​competition​ ​was​ ​the​ ​Saturday​ ​ evening​ ​and​ ​wow……​ ​the​ ​10​ ​finalists were​ ​nothing​ ​short​ ​of​ ​ oozing​ ​with​ ​talent,​ ​it​ ​was​ ​a​ ​very​ ​very​ ​tough​ ​choice​ ​and​ ​we​ ​did​ ​ fight​ ​about the​ ​winner​ ​and​ ​runner​ ​up!​ ​As​ ​there​ ​was​ ​€1000​ ​and​ ​ €300​ ​up​ ​for​ ​grabs.

Here​ ​are​ ​a​ ​few​ ​words​ ​from​ ​the​ ​winners: Winning​ ​first​ ​prize​ ​and​ ​€1000​ ​was CURTIS​ ​WALSH​ ​with​ ​the​ ​song​ ​‘Perfect​ ​ Rain’. Originally​ ​from​ ​Clondalkin​ ​in​ ​ Dublin,​ ​17​ ​year​ ​old​ ​singer-songwriter​ ​ Curtis​ ​Walsh​ ​moved​ ​with​ ​his parents​ ​to​ ​ County​ ​Laois​ ​where​ ​he​ ​began​ ​to​ ​grow​ ​ a​ ​solid​ ​a​ ​fanbase​ ​by playing​ ​local​ ​gigs​ ​ and​ ​entering​ ​various​ ​competitions.​ ​ He​ ​has​ ​supported​ ​well​ ​known​ ​Irish​ ​acts including​ ​The​ ​Riptide​ ​ Movement,​ ​The​ ​Academic​ ​and​ ​The​ ​Blizzards.​ ​All​ ​the​ ​while​ ​he​ ​has​ ​ been developing​ ​and​ ​honing​ ​his​ ​song-writing​ ​craft​ ​and​ ​stage​ ​ performances​ ​with​ ​a​ ​view​ ​to​ ​pursuing​ ​a full-time​ ​music​ ​career.

He​ ​continues​ ​to​ ​develop​ ​his​ ​songwriting​ ​&​ ​performing​ ​skills​ ​ with​ ​a​ ​number​ ​of​ ​shows​ ​and industry​ ​festival​ ​events​ ​scheduled​ ​ until​ ​the​ ​end​ ​of​ ​the​ ​year.​ ​His​ ​debut​ ​single​ ​is​ ​scheduled​ ​for early​ ​ 2018 When​ ​asked​ ​about​ ​the​ ​competition​ ​and​ ​the​ ​song​ ​he​ ​entered​ ​ he​ ​said​ ​‘​​I​ ​first​ ​heard​ ​about​ ​the competition​ ​when​ ​my​ ​manager​ ​ mentioned​ ​it​ ​to​ ​me.​ ​​ ​It​ ​sounded​ ​like​ ​an​ ​amazing​ ​opportunity​ ​so we​ ​ 54 | Connect Kerry | December 2017

By: Lisa Curran

put​ ​my​ ​song​ ​forward.​ ​I​ ​never​ ​for​ ​ a​ ​second​ ​considered​ ​I’d​ ​actually​ ​ win​ ​it,​ ​let​ ​alone​ ​make​ ​the final​ ​10!'

SNAPCHAT: lizzieraisin I​ ​had​ ​heard​ ​of​ ​Christie​ ​Hennessy​ ​ through​ ​YouTube​ ​and​ ​was​ ​really​ ​ INSTGRAM: lizzieraisin amazed​ ​by​ ​his​ ​song​ ​writing skills​ ​and​ ​felt​ ​very​ ​grateful​ ​when​ ​i​ ​was​ TWITTER: lizzieraisin ​informed​ ​i​ ​had​ ​made​ ​it​ ​to​ ​the​ ​Top​ FACEBOOK: ​10​ ​in​ ​the​ ​competition. The​ ​song​ ​I​ ​ Lisa Curran Soprano entered​ ​is​ ​called​ ​Perfect​ ​Rain.​ ​I​ ​was​ ​ inspired​ ​by​ ​some​ ​Adele​ ​songs​ ​and​ ​ the​ ​song was​ ​written​ ​about​ ​the​ ​feelings​ ​I​ ​had​ ​for​ ​a​ ​girl​ ​at​ ​the​ ​time.You​ ​can​ ​hear​ ​the​ ​song​ ​that​ ​won​ ​ the Christie​ ​Hennessy​ ​Competition​ ​​ ​-​ ​Perfect​ ​Rain​ ​-​ ​on​ ​my​ ​Breaking​ ​ Tunes​ ​page​ ​for​ ​now​ ​– www.breakingtunes.com/curtiswalsh. I​ ​can​ ​ also​ ​be​ ​found​ ​at​ ​www.facebook.com/curtiswalshmusic​ ​and​ ​on instagram.com/curtiswalsh13’

The​ ​runner​ ​up​ ​and​ ​winner​ ​of​ ​€300​ ​was​ ​‘​Nile​ ​St.​ ​James’​ ​ with​ ​the​ ​song​ ​‘Fell​​ For​ You’ . The​ ​group​ ​is​ ​from​ ​Limerick​ ​ and​ ​the​ ​main​ ​man​ ​Niall​ ​O’Halloran​ ​gave​ ​me​ ​a​ ​bit​ ​of​ ​ background about​ ​how​ ​he​ ​entered​ ​and​ ​his​ ​wonderfully​ ​ upbeat​ ​song.

‘The​ ​Christie​ ​Hennessy​ ​competition​ ​was​ ​an​ ​event​ ​I​ ​would​ ​ have​ ​heard​ ​of​ ​quite​ ​often​ ​in​ ​the songwriting​ ​circuit.​ ​I’d​ ​ consider​ ​myself​ ​a​ ​literary​ ​junkie​ ​and​ ​I​ ​love​ ​events​ ​that​ ​ showcase wordsmiths​ ​so​ ​I​ ​entered​ ​and​ ​I’m​ ​delighted​ ​I​ ​did​ ​so.

Roll​ ​Back​ ​The​ ​Clouds​ ​was​ ​a​ ​song​ ​I​ ​heard​ ​some​ ​time​ ​ago​ ​ and​ ​I​ ​thought​ ​it’s​ ​was​ ​so​ ​beautiful,​ ​it captured​ ​the​ ​essence​ ​ of​ ​what​ ​it​ ​is​ ​to​ ​be​ ​a​ ​budding​ ​musician​ ​and​ ​that​ ​resonated​ ​with​ ​me.​ ​ When songs​ ​are​ ​able​ ​to​ ​communicate​ ​pure​ ​emotion​ ​to​ ​the​ ​listener,​ ​ that’s​ ​when​ ​you​ ​know​ ​you​ ​are listening​ ​to​ ​a​ ​true​ ​craftsman​ ​of​ ​the​ ​ arts.

‘Fell​ ​For​ ​You’​ ​is​ ​my​ ​first​ ​music​ ​baby,​ ​and​ ​like​ ​ a​ ​true​ ​stage​ ​mom​ ​I​ ​entered​ ​her​ ​into​ ​the​ ​first competition​ ​I​ ​could​ ​get​ ​my​ ​hands​ ​on!​ ​I​ ​was​ ​ raised​ ​on​ ​the​ ​music​ ​of​ ​Stevie​ ​Wonder​ ​and​ ​ Aretha Franklin​ ​and​ ​they​ ​have​ ​really​ ​really​ ​ influenced​ ​my​ ​musicality​ ​and​ ​songwriting.​ ​ Soul/Funk​ ​Music is​ ​the​ ​genre​ ​I​ ​want​ ​to​ ​ pursue​ ​and​ ​this​ ​is​ ​the​ ​first​ ​attempt​ ​at​ ​me​ ​ translating​ ​that​ ​to​ ​listeners.

The​ ​song​ ​is​ ​about​ ​falling​ ​in​ ​love​ ​for​ ​the​ ​ first​ ​time​ ​and​ ​the​ ​thought​ ​process​ ​that​ ​comes​ ​with​ ​that feeling.​ ​I​ am​ ​a​ ​hopeless​ ​romantic​ ​at​ ​heart​ ​and​ ​falling​ ​in​ ​love​ ​for​ ​the​ ​first​ ​time​ ​ should​ ​never​ ​be forgotten,​ ​so​ ​I​ ​wrote​ ​a​ ​song​ ​about​ ​it​ ​and​ ​made​ ​it​ ​ immortal!I​ ​want​ ​to​ ​look​ ​back​ ​in​ ​years​ ​to​ ​come and​ ​remember​ ​the​ ​ feelings​ ​I​ ​had​ ​when​ ​I​ ​wrote​ ​my​ ​songs.

I​ ​am​ ​finishing​ ​off​ ​2017​ ​in​ ​my​ ​hometown​ ​of​ ​Limerick​ ​where​ ​we​ ​are​ ​ doing​ ​our​ ​Headline​ ​gig​ ​in Dolans​ ​on​ ​Dec​ ​1st.

You​ ​can​ ​find​ ​me​ ​on​ ​Spotify,​ ​ITunes​ ​and​ ​all​ ​social​ ​media​ ​platforms.​ ​ Just​ ​look​ ​up​ ​Nile​ ​St.​ ​James! :-)​ ​Come​ ​say​ ​hi!’

——————— Have​ ​a​ ​safe​ ​and​ ​Happy​ ​Christmas,

Lisa x

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