Connect lifestyle march web

- Don't Miss our Dining out Guide The lifestyle magazine for Kerry

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FREE

PLEASE TAKE ME MARCH 2018

MARY O'DONNELL A Beauty Inspiration

ALISON CANAVAN The Power of Positivity

Check out our finalis ts Con

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

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2 | Connect Kerry | March 2018

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EDITOR NOTE Hello again and welcome to CONNECT, it’s March and it’s a busy month, it's nearly time for our Connect Kerry Hair and Beauty Awards. We are so looking forward to welcoming all our finalists their families and friends to the Rose Hotel on March 11th. Last year was an amazing day and we think this year will be just as good if not better. Why do we do it?

Simply to recognise those in the industry who work tirelessly day after day to make us all look and feel good.

Don’t miss next month’s issue to get all the news of the day, or check out our FB page on the day where we will have live updates.

Our cover story this month takes us to meet the lovely Alison Canavan, model, mum author and health and wellness coach.

Reading all about her will certainly make you rethink your own life and pick out what’s important.

HELP FOR YOUR BODY ...The Natural Way WHAT IS COLLAGEN? Collagen is the most abundant protein in our bodies. It is found in muscles, bones, skin, blood vessels, digestive system and tendons. It is what helps to give our skin strength and elasticity, along with replacing dead skin cells.

When it comes to our joints and tendons, in simplest terms, it is the “glue” the helps to hold the body together. Our body’s collagen production naturally begins to slow down as we age. It is happening as you read this!! You will notice it physically, looser skin, more wrinkles and less elasticity.

Other lifestyle factors such as a diet high in sugar, smoking and high amounts of sun exposure also contribute to depleting collagen levels.

We chat with Mary O'Donnell, last year’s life time achievement winner at the hair and beauty awards, and what a shock she got! Mary was a judge at the event last year, the judges have a say in the overall voting each category and they help me choose the honorary awards but the one award of the event I have total say over is the lifetime achievement so when the judges asked me last year had I made a decision, I said a simple yes, I couldn't discuss any further as Mary would have guessed, but I do think she got a surprise on the day and a very well deserved accolade to the lady who has done so much for the industry in the county and beyond.

1: Improve health and appearance of skin and hair

With Mother’s Day, St Patricks Day and Easter all in the mix over the coming weeks we check out dining in Kerry there is so much choice so why not treat yourself.

4: Strengthen Nails, Hair and Teeth

It’s also time to invite you to nominate who you feel would be worthy of one of our awards in the Annual Connect Kerry Women in Business Awards, now in its 4th year it’s time to recognise those ladies who work so hard on a daily basis to do it all, if you feel you deserve to be part of this annual event or know someone you think is worthy of this do please contact us and we will feature her.

So we hope you enjoy your favourite monthly read Until next month

Mags x Editor: Margaret Kissane Design: Laura A. Hartnett Print: Kingdom Printers Contributors: Marcus MacDomhnaill, John Canty, Ken Tobin, Marisa Reidy, Caroline McEnery Caroline Smith, Zoe O Connor, Catherine Keane, Lorraine Byrne.

Beauty Editor: Romy Birdthistle For Advertising Enquiries: Margaret: 086 2408237 sales@connectpublications.ie For Editorial Enquiries: info@connectpublications.ie Website: www.connectpublications.ie

SOME OF THE WAYS COLLAGEN MAY BOOST YOUR HEALTH:

2: Help reduce joint pain and degeneration 3: Help to Boost Metabolism, Muscle Mass and Energy Output

5: Give’s the skin its fullness, firmness, strength, smoothness and elasticity.

When we lose collagen, our tendons and ligaments start moving with less ease, leading to stiffness, swollen joints and more. With its gel-like smooth structure that covers and holds our bones together, Collagen allows us to glide and move with less pain.

HEALTHREACH COLLAGEN POWDER is an advanced skincare formulation which contains the highest quality hydrolysed collagen and is easily absorbed into the body.

Call into any of the stores and pick up your information leaflet and as always we are happy to discuss your specific needs.

Until next time, stay healthy.

Deirdre x

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Connect | Cover Story

Alison Canavan

The Power of Positivity

By Marisa Reidy JUST half an hour of chatting with model, turned wellness coach, Alison Canavan is enough to make you feel that maybe it’s time to re-evaluate your life and how you live it!

The stunning mother-of-one is as positive a person as you’re likely to meet - and the fact that she has come from what she terms ‘rock bottom’ to now embrace life in such an enviable and admirable way makes her influence all the more appealing.

Alison has spoken openly in the past about her struggles with depression, the break-up of her relationship with her son’s father and her battle with alcoholism, but the fact that she has managed to turn her life around - and help others do the same - is what has now made her a leading light in the health and wellness industry.

This month, the stunning Dubliner will turn 40, but instead of dreading the impending new decade, like so many others do, she is as grateful as she is excited about the prospect of what lies ahead.

“I’m here, I’m alive and I’m getting older so I’m hugely excited,” she tells Connect. “A lot of time we live in fear and I, above anyone, know what that is like. I had a tumultuous few years and my 30s were, without doubt, the toughest decade of my life. But since having my son, getting sober and really getting myself up and running again after being broke – financially and emotionally – I’ve really learned how to enjoy life and can’t wait to bring that into a fresh decade.”

Having lived the model high life, partying, jet-setting across the globe from her plush New York apartment and wanting for nothing, Alison’s world came crashing down when her relationship with the father of her son James (now 7) ended. It wasn’t until she moved home to Dublin that she realised she was pregnant – and knew there was no way back for the couple.

She was 32 years old, back living in her family home and really

Pic: Kip Carroll / LIFE Magazine

struggled to accept her ‘fall from grace’ as she then saw it. Following the birth of her son – who she considers her most amazing and precious achievement – Alison suffered from post natal depression, but a realisation one day that there had to be an alternative therapy than pills and medication was her key to a new life.

Pic: Kip Carroll / LIFE Magaz

ine

“I was always into wellness and spirituality, but even with that I see now that for years I was lost in the industry and in the high life I was living but really had absolutely no self esteem. My entire value system then was placed on what I looked like and I was always trying to better myself. I was an avoider and avoided being with myself all the time – to avoid loneliness and being miserable.

“When I had my finances, home and security stripped away from me I really thought I could not get any lower, but it’s only now, through counselling and mindfulness, that I realise I actually had everything I needed. I truly believe that mindfulness gave me back my power. It made me look at aspects of my life that I really didn’t want to look at. I now see the world in colour, whereas before I saw it in black and white. I truth, I felt like shit for 20 years, so feeling like I do now is not something I ever take for granted.”

Alison says that in order for people to experience a happier, healthier mind, body and spirit they need to ‘show up for themselves.’ Quizzed on what exactly she means by that, the wellness expert really couldn’t have put it any simpler: “Facing your shit, basically,” she says, laughing at her bluntness. “Letting yourself feel and investigate your emotions, because we have to remember emotions are only visitors and you will not feel like this forever. We need to take full responsibility and work on ourselves and really start to understand the power we have over our own

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Pic: Lili Forberg /Eskimo Omegas

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Connect | Cover Story

health and well being. You have to sit with your perceived emotions and not suppress them all the time, hoping they will go away, because these emotions will manifest themselves as stress or addiction.”

One truth that Alison took a long time to own up to was her dependence on alcohol – something she now clearly sees was her way of hiding her insecurities and again ‘avoiding’ the reality of how she was really feeling.

Now sober over three years, the stunning mom says she was in denial about the extent of her problem for years.

Next on the agenda for Alison is her ‘Full 360 Series’ which comes to Cork on March 25th and Kilkenny on April 15th. It’s the first show of its kind where the sole focus is complete holistic self-care, focussing on health, skincare and wellness ‘from the inside out and the outside in.’

“It kind of became a running joke for Omegas Pic: Lili Forberg /Eskimo many years n New York. I used to drink “During the show I will really heavily and partied too much and be encouraging people I was always the one who was drunk, throwing up and didn’t to be their own coach. We are all remember nights out. There was no switch off button,” she recalls. different and what works for one “I had an inability to stop and often asked myself why can’t I just does not work for another. We stop and go home like a normal person. need to tune into ourselves and Alison said she knew she had an addiction, but never really wanted to control it. Like her modelling jobs, it was an escape from the reality.

work on our inner world, which will help to guide us in living a better lifestyle,” Alison explained.

“It was my security blanket in a way. Partying was a relief from real life and I never knew any different for a long time. Looking back now, my quality of life sucked and it took me a while to see there is another way.”

“I will look at the health benefits of switching to more natural products with great skincare and household advice and some of my top tips on how to live a more positive, happy and stress free life.”

That said, deciding to give up alcohol was no mean feat especially in Ireland.

“The year I gave up drinking was the loneliest of my life,” she said.

“I see every day now, through other people I coach, exactly what I went through. You question whether you can ever again socialise without drink, especially here at home. An addiction brain makes you think in black and white, when the reality is I am now a better version of myself now that I’m sober. I wake up content and feeling awesome every day.”

While getting through her problems and focussing on becoming a better version of herself, Alison wrote a book called ‘Minding Mum, It’s Time to Take Care of you’ in which she focuses on self care for mums.

“The reason I wrote it is because we all need to practice self care and, contrary to popular belief, it’s not selfish to mind yourself. In fact, it’s the most selfless thing you can do because when you take care of yourself, you have so much more of yourself – time, love and patience – to give to others,” she said.

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There will also be talks on meditation, mindfulness, gratitude, natural products, healthy eating tips, stress reduction techniques and much more and tickets are still available on Alison’s website www.alisoncanavan.com With an amazing zest for life and a more positive outlook you’re not likely to encounter, Alison says it is a privilege to use her life experience to help others. She says she has been overwhelmed by the support of the Irish people and is blessed every time she receives and email or a message from someone telling her how much she has helped them.

“Doing what I do is a dream come true for me and the support and gratitude I get from people I help is what pushes me to keep going.

I have been carried along by the kindness of Irish people and I am so grateful for that.”

Pic: Lili Forberg / VIP Magazine

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Celebrating Mother's Day Mothering Sunday, more traditionally known as ‘Mother’s Day’ is an opportunity to celebrate motherhood and the strong maternal bond between a mother and her children. March 11th will be a very new experience for any woman who has become a new mum in the past year. This is among several other changes that a new mum will encounter since giving birth to her precious little baby.

Becoming a mother brings with it an array of changes to body and mind. These changes include hormonal, physical and emotional. In some cases a new mother may experience post-natal depression or scar tissue (as a result of a C-Section).

The excitement of a new baby in the home is without doubt a magical time. However it is important to remember that a new mum must be supported during this time of change. While the role of a parent is very rewarding, it is possibly the single most important job that you will ever undertake in your lifetime.

As a new mother, you are experiencing a range of mixed emotions and thoughts. It is quite common for a new mother to be hard on themselves, to wonder “am I doing this right?”, comparing themselves to other mothers, striving for perfectionism with their bundle of joy.

Speaking to Ann Murphy of Scíthe Health & Relaxation, based in Castleisland, who works with new mums, she explains that self-care is of vital importance to any new mother and the experience of motherhood.

“It must be understood that a woman’s body has undergone a lot of changes during pregnancy and since giving birth. Recovery time is essential for the mother. It is important for a mother to realise that they can’t pour from an empty cup. It is so vital to look after yourself in order to be able to give your best to your baby. It is also important to realise that every baby is different. Whether you have one child or ten children – each child is different. The key is having patience with oneself and to not be hard on you. Every mother is doing the best they can!” advises Ann. There are many therapies that can enhance the experience of motherhood and support a new mother during this period of change.

Maternity Massage: This therapy is extremely beneficial to a mother in the months after having a baby. It has both mental and emotional benefits and the act of taking one hour of quality time will boost energy, resulting in better quality time with baby.

Infant Massage: This therapy involves interaction between mother and baby and helps with bonding (very beneficial for any mother who may experience post-natal depression). This therapy also provides quality time with baby and equips mum to cope with common childhood conditions like colic and constipation. Assistance with establishing a routine and a good sleep pattern are other benefits of Infant Massage.

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By Eileen Lane

Maternity Reflexology: This treatment helps the body to cope with physical and emotional changes that occur after pregnancy. Maternity reflexology assists in balancing the body’s hormones and promotes relaxation.

Integrated Energy Therapy: This therapy assists with balancing hormones and handling emotions.

Support is of vital importance for any new mother. There are many services available to new mothers to provide advice and assistance.

G.P. Services: Your G.P. is a fantastic port of call for any concerns with regard to your or your baby’s health. Your G.P. is also there to listen if you are having worries or difficulties.

Public Health Nurse: The Public Health Nurse will visit you at home following discharge from hospital after the birth of your baby. Visits will continue during the pre-school period.

During these visits they provide advice with regard to food and diet including breastfeeding, bottle-feeding and weaning, immunisations and safety.

Breastfeeding Groups: These groups are set up to support mothers who choose to breast feed. It also provides an environment to get to know other mothers in your area. For details on breastfeeding support groups in Kerry visit www.breastfeeding.ie.

Parent & Toddler Groups: These groups are throughout Kerry and encourage social interaction with other parents and well as an opportunity to socialise your child. For details on groups in Kerry visit www.kerrycountychildcare.com.

Parent Support Mornings: These are coffee mornings where mums can meet up and chat with other mums about their experiences of motherhood.

Enquire in your local area and from other mums about these events.

Cuidiú: This is a parent-to-parent voluntary support group that provides education and support for parenthood. Visit www.cuidiu-ict.ie to find your local branch.

Postnatal Depression Ireland: Visit www.pnd.ie for details on support meetings for mothers experiencing postalnatal depression.

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Mary O'Donnell A Beauty Inspiration

By Marisa Reidy

THIS time last year, renowned beauty expert Mary O’Donnell was more than happy to be part of the judging panel for the Connect Kerry Hair & Beauty Awards – honoured to use her experience to help choose the best in the industry that she adores.

Little did she know, however, that the real honour was to come at the gala function, when to her absolute amazement, she herself received the ultimate accolade of the evening – a Lifetime Achievement Award.

“As far as I was concerned, I was there as a judge and that was it, so I was gobsmacked.

I’ll never forget that absolutely magical feeling when the award was announced and I got a standing ovation,” Mary told Connect ahead of this year’s awards night, at which she is again a judge.

“It was an amazing feeling and what made it even more special was that I was in a room full of peers. Some ladies who would have done work experience with me and now had their own successful businesses. I couldn’t believe how many people I knew and had worked with and it meant the world to me. It was a magical atmosphere.”

were a part of my life and I absolutely miss that,” she said.

Unfortunately, like so many professional women, Mary felt that if she wanted to have another child, she could not commit full time to her business and made the incredibly tough decision to sell the business she had built from scratch – lock, stock and barrel.

Thankfully, Mary went on to have two more ‘babas’ as she lovingly describes them, and in a somewhat unusual twist of fate, it was her quest to lose her baby weight that brought her right back to her first passion – beauty!

“I decided that to help with the weight I’d do a marathon but I got pneumonia and couldn’t move for two weeks,” she explained. “I was in hospital and the Today Show was on TV every day and I remember every woman around me was glued to the beauty slot on it.”

Now a well-known social media star with 65,000 Facebook followers, as well as a TV and radio regular, Mary started off in the industry at the tender age of 17, training at the Bronwyn Conroy Beauty School in Dublin for two years. From there it was back home to Tralee where she took up a job at CH Chemist, and laughs now at the thought of her being the only ‘beauty person’ in there at the time.

“It’s funny how different things were back then. People didn’t really go to beauticians anywhere nearly as much as they do now,” Mary said. “I wanted to do more of the treatment side of things and so I also worked evenings with Susan Roberts in Listowel.”

After two years combining both jobs, Mary finally took the bold and brave step and opened her own business, Beauty & Fitness Matters – a labour of love that she adored for the 17 years she was at the helm. “I was in a wonderful premises in town and had so many amazing clients in and out every day. It was wonderful. I loved the day to day stuff, chatting with clients and hearing their stories. They 10 | Connect Kerry | March 2018

Inspired by the captive audience she saw first-hand while in hospital, Mary approached Radio Kerry for a ‘trial’ beauty segment – a slot she still enjoys on Deirdre Walsh’ Talkabout show to this day.

She was then encouraged by Radio Kerry’s Melanie O’Sullivan to set up a Facebook Page and showcase and review beauty products that she featured on her radio show – and the rest, as they say, it history.

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Mary now has over 65,000 on her page – something which still overwhelms her.

“I remember when I hit 100 followers I thought it was absolutely mad,” she laughs. “That was only four years ago, so to see where I am today is incredible.”

Laughing hysterically at the suggestion that she now has the Kate Middleton effect, Mary admits that she certainly does influence a lot of people and trends – although is slow to label herself ‘an influencer.’

“It’s amazing really – sometimes I get asked by fashion outlets to wear their stuff and then I’m being told that it sold out,” she said. “That makes me very proud because I suppose I took a big chance to leave the salon and branch into something completely new so it’s great that it has worked out so well.”

As well as her incredibly popular Facebook page, her Radio Kerry slot, public talks and beauty event appearances, Mary is also a regular on TV – appearing on RTE’s Today Show each month from September to April and on the daily Life and Style show during the summer.

Her latest project – which is still in its early stages – sees her reunite with a close family friend who helped her hugely in the very first days of her beauty journey.

When she first went to Dublin at 17, Mary was taken under the wing of family friend Bob Corkery, who worked at RTE at the time - and who Mary still credits for helping her find her bearings in the Big Smoke.

The pair have just recently reunited and are currently embarking on an exciting YouTube project, Mary explained.

“Bob has recently come back to Tralee so we are setting up a YouTube channel where I’ll be reviewing products and things like that. I’ve always wanted to do it, but having Bob on board - with his TV experience means the best, professional quality, so we are very excited.”

Looking ahead to this year’s Hair & Beauty awards, Mary said she is thrilled to again be involved and said that each and every one of the nominees should be incredibly proud of what they have achieved – no matter who wins!

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DINING OUT IN KERRY

By Marisa Reidy

IRISH Playwright George Bernard Shaw once said that ‘there is no sincerer love than the love of food’ and if anyone knows just how true that is it’s us Kerry folk.

Proof of this success can be seen in Kerry’s impressive representation in the latest Georgina Campbell’s ‘Best of the Best’ – regarded by many as somewhat of a bible of the country’s top places to eat, drink and stay.

Whether we’re producing it, preparing it, serving it or of course eating it, we’re safe in the knowledge that the Kingdom really does reign supreme where amazing food and food production is concerned.

This highly selective, independently assessed guide to the very best of Irish food and hospitality showcases the best choices for the discerning traveller in all regions, at all times and in all price ranges.

What sets Kerry apart is that no matter what the palate or the budget - from the most discerning diner to someone looking for quality food at a reasonable price – we are quite literally spoiled for choice here in The Kingdom.

In this latest edition, Kerry’s top hotels come in for huge praise - especially in our premier tourists towns of Killarney and Kenmare - as do our impressive selection of smaller guesthouses and charming restaurants, all of which, the renowned author says, illustrate the energetic hospitality and sheer quality that is to be found across the county.

From award winning restaurants and hotels to cosy, family-run and family-friendly eateries, we cater for everyone here in Kerry – and diners continue to appreciate that.

The wealth of local food producers operating here in the Kingdom means that diners can be assured of quality, traceable food at all times – from our dedicated fishermen and vegetable growers to meat suppliers and expert fruit growers.

Their combined knowledge and experience, fused with a proud tradition of insisting on only the best produce for their customers, has become the winning combination in keeping Kerry top of the league where dining is concerned.

“The emphasis in this collection is on the all-round experience, especially for the culturally curious, and hosts who will engage enthusiastically with guests regarding places of local interest and artisan foods in the area,” the author reveals.

And she makes a very good point! Our enthusiastic hosts cannot be underestimated. They are a vital ingredient in the county’s winning dining experience and key to the popularity, charm and appeal of the county’s finest restaurants and eateries.

For quite a small county, we can not only hold our own when it comes to providing an award-winning dining experience, but have proven time and time again that we can compete with the best of the best!

Now that’s something that everyone in the food and hospitality industry here should be extremely proud of!

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Connect | Cooking

Easter Dining with Lizzy Lyons

Easter is my favourite time of year, it’s like Christmas but with a longer evening and weather normally a little milder, time to celebrate with family and friends so we asked Chef Lizzy Lyons to create some lovely dishes to get us through the weekend we hope you get the chance to enjoy them too.

Seafood Chowder Serves 6

Ingredients: 1 white onion finely diced 4 carrots finely diced 3 sticks of celery finely diced 1 leek finely diced 1 courgette grated 1 litre fish stock ½ litre milk 500g of mixed fish eg salmon, smoked haddock, pollock Splash of white wine 3 tablespoons cornflour

30g butter 200ml cream Bouquet garni Salt & pepper

Method: · Gently sauté the onion for 2 minutes & then add the celery, leek & carrot. · After a couple of minutes add in the courgette. · Season with salt & pepper. · Allow to cook gently for 3 minutes & add the white wine. · In a separate heavy based saucepan, melt the butter & add the cornflour. · When mixed through, gradually add the fish stock, then the milk, stirring constantly. · When it begins to thicken, it is time to add the fish. · Cook gently for 5 minutes, then add the vegetable mix & stir in the cream. · Serve piping hot with cracked black pepper & brown soda bread.

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And for Easter Sunday lunch .......

Roasted Chicken

with mushrooms and artichoke gravy Ingredients: 4 chicken breast halves, skin on, boned if you like or whole chicken 3 tablespoons olive oil 2 large shallots finely chopped 2 cups of sliced mushrooms 2 tablespoons flour 2 cups chicken stock 1 cup Jerusalem artichoke thinly sliced

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice 1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste 1 tablespoon butter (optional)

Method: 1. Season chicken with salt and pepper on both sides.

If you can, do this early in the day and refrigerate them, covered loosely. This will help the skin crisp up. Heat oven to 375FH/190C/Gas Mark 5.

2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts skin side down. Cook 2-3 minutes until skin is golden brown. If you have boneless chicken breasts, brown all sides. Remove chicken breasts to oven-proof dish, and place in oven. Roast breasts for 15 (for boneless) to 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees.

3. While chicken is roasting, sauté chopped shallots and mushrooms with a pinch of salt in oil and pan drippings (you may need to add a little more oil) until shallots are soft and mushrooms have begun to brown slightly and give off their liquid. Stir in flour and cook over medium-low heat until nutty and brown, stirring frequently, about 3-5 minutes.

4. Pour in chicken stock, and raise heat, until sauce begins to simmer and starts to reduce somewhat. Reduce heat to low and stir in the artichokes, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice and rosemary. Stir together and cook over low heat until sauce thickens and is blended together. Add salt and black pepper to taste. You can turn the heat off and cover it till the chicken has finished roasting. Just before serving, swirl in a tablespoon of butter if desired.

5. When the chicken is ready, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve each piece on a bed of sauce, making sure that each serving contains artichoke hearts and mushrooms.

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HOW I GOT HERE ....

Stephen Mannix Animator

By: Mary Lucey (Principal, Kerry College of Further Education) I first met Stephen while he was a first year Animation student when one of his college animation films was being screened in Killarney cinema and it was an amazing piece of work for a first year student. Recently graduated with a Degree in Animation, he secured employment immediately with Boulder Media Limited (also known as Boulder Media) the Irish animation studio. Boulder Media is best known for producing select episodes of the Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends for Cartoon Network. Another project, The Amazing World of Gumball, was produced by Boulder and Cartoon Network Development Studio Europe for the show's first season.

About myself…

My name is Stephen Mannix and I’m from Killarney Co. Kerry. I am a recent graduate from the Limerick School or Art and Design where I studied for a BA in Animation and Motion Design. I am currently working at the largest Animation studio in Europe ‘Boulder Media’ in Dublin. I Work as a Compositing and SFX (Special Effects) Artist on a new action adventure series due for worldwide released in 2019. My role as a Compositing Artist it to add a sense of realism and depth to every scene of animation. I’m responsible for the Composition, Lighting, Special Effects and Environmental Animations. As well as my full time job, I do find time to do some freelance work at weekends which strengthens my portfolio.

Briefly describe your industry….

I work with a very large team of creative individuals who all share a passion for animation. Our main goal is to make a high quality and entertaining show for young children and teens. People don’t realise that to make a TV Cartoon Show like ‘The Amazing World of Gumball’, it requires a large team of people with disciplined Animation skills, you need character designers, background artists, storyboard artists, pre-visualizers, motion designers, script writers, 2D and 3D character riggers, sound designers compositors and many, many more. It takes a great team effort to make a successful show and I am delighted to work in such a successful team.

After leaving school…..

I wasn’t a huge fan of school, however, I still studied hard and managed to achieve a very good leaving certificate. To be honest, school didn’t encourage or influence or even matter in my career choice. At the time I was in school, Career Guidance Teachers didn’t recognise Animation or even consider it as a realistic career with good job prospects. In Kerry schools, it was practically unheard of as a career at the time. However, as long as you have a passion and a belief in yourself, you will go to the ends of the earth in spite to achieve your dreams.

I completed a Post Leaving Certificate course in 2013 with the intention of becoming an artist of some kind - either a painter or a sculptor. However, as luck would have it, there was a new Animation course starting in Limerick School of Art and Design and I was offered place on that course and the rest is history.

As you can imagine, I loved going to college every day. However, it was still hard work. Every animation project I had to complete, I gave it 110%. If you want to have a career in Animation after college you have to eat, sleep and breathe Animation. This was a demanding course but if you worked seriously, you would reap the rewards. Job opportunities were presented to me before I even began to look for employment.

Looking Ahead…

For the time being I am content with my career as a Compositing Artist. However, I do have plans in the near future to up-skill further and develop my 2D Animation skills and possibly work as a Character Animator at Boulder Media.

If you had your time over again after leaving school……

I think everything worked out in my favour after school. Granted I was a little lost and confused about my future but I managed it well at the end of the day. I knew for sure that I wanted a career in a creative industry. By taking some time off after school to do the Post Leaving Certificate in Art, Craft and Design that allowed me to study something that really interested me. This helped me to focus myself and gave me time to create a plan of action that was right for me personally.

Advice for students considering a career in Animation….

Speaking as a recent graduate, this is possibly the best time ever to study Animation. Not only is Animation a really exciting industry to work in, it is a very wise career investment. The entertainment industry in Ireland is growing at such an alarming rate the Animation, Film and Gaming studios are starving for new talented animators.

For more information about Stephen Mannix please see: Twitter: www.twitter.com/smannix111; Facebook: www.facebook.com//stephen.mannix.9, Vimeo: www.vimeo.com/stephenmannix Mary Lucey may be contacted at MaryLucey@kerryfe.ie or at 066-7121741.

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Global Brand The Organic Pharmacy launches in Ireland at the Spa in Muckross Park Photographs by Sally MacMonagle

Leanne Cremin, Ebony Dwyer, Mags Driscoll, Stephanie Thomas and Felicia Thomas.

Eric & Christina Nugent with Frank and Joey Culloty.

Marie Ward, Zara Harmett, Cornelia Casey & Claire Casey.

Margaret Kissane, DJ Louise Duffy, Jill Hannon and Myra Fitzgerald.

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Deputy Manager Veerpal Yadav, Spa at Muckross manager Noreen Middleton, Today Fm DJ Louise Duffy, General Manager Daniel O'Connor, Laila Asid and Mia Farid from The Organic Pharmacy & Marketing manager Sheila O' Callaghan.

Sandy Stack & Caroline Papin Beaufort.

Mairead O'Connor, Noreen Middleton and Nora O'Connor.

Molly Dwyer, Louise O Dowd, Sarah Healy, Gosia Usiarczyk, Louise Duffy, Noreen Middleton, Nichola walsh and Katie Madigan.

Louise McCarthy, Castleisland and Una Brosnan, Knocknagoshal.

Danielle McHugh, DJ Louise Duffy and Siobhan O'Sullivan.

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Connect Kerry | March 2018 | 21

Finalists for the Connect Make-up Artist of the Year

Brow / Lash Specialist of the Year

- Jessica Lyons - JOS Skin & Beauty, Castleisland - Rasha Amin - Rasha's Beauty, Tralee - Romy Birdthistle - Make-up by Romy - Lesley Dennehy - Hairworks Hair and Beauty Salon, Tralee - Aine McMahon - Vogue Hair and Beauty Salon, Tralee - Andrea Kerins - Beautique at Ballyroe Heights Hotel, Tralee - Samantha Moriarty - Sean Taaffe Hair Group, Killarney

- Lyndsey Kelly - Lyndseys Beauty Parlour

Nail Technician of the Year - Ciara Murphy - Be.You.tiful Beauty Salon, Castleisland - Leona Murphy - Mk Beauty, Listowel - Shiela Enright Walsh - Glamour Nail and Beauty, Listowel - Claire O'Sullivan - Crazed Nails at

at Cathrionas Hair Group, Tralee

- Sandra Flynn - Sandra's Beauty, Killarney - Rasha Amin - Rashas Beauty, Tralee - Maria Keane - MK Beauty, Listowel - Megan Flynn - Hairworks Hair and Beauty, Tralee - Shauna O'Shea - House of Glamour, Tralee - Aileen Goodman - The Brow Fairy Kerry - Sinead Scannell - The Glam Pod, Tralee - Kathleen Quirke - MK Beauty, Listowel

Blogger of the Year

Sean Taaffe Hair Group, Tralee - Daniela Andreea Rogojina - House of Glamour, Tralee - Alicja Nowak - Euopheria Hair and Beauty, Tralee

- Niall Fitzgerald - Lotions Potions and Magic - Lorraine O'Connor - Lorz Loves and Lusts - Romy Birdthistle - Make-up by Romy - Emma O'Connor - Emma O'Connor Blog

Colour Technician of the Year

Waxing Specialist of the Year

- Jennifer Daughton - Altered Images, Listowel - Natasha Curran - Expose Hair and Beauty, Mounthawk - Louise McGuire - Brennan's Hair, Castleisland - Elaine Stryker - Cathrionas Hair Group - Maebh Enright - Turnin Headz, Ardfert - Michelle Galvin - Patricks Hair Group, Tralee - Katie Slattery - Sean Taaffe Hair Group, Tralee - Emma Curran - House Of Glamour, Tralee - Sandra O'Sullivan - Sean Taaffe Hair Group, Killarney - Edel O'Donoghue - Image Hair Salon, Oakpark - Emma Quirke - Emma Quirke Hair, Tralee - Marguirite O'Brien - Bizarre Hair and Beauty Salon, Tralee

General Cut/Style Ladies and Gents of the Year - Margaret Vesey - Claude Monte, Tralee - Natasha Curran - Expose Hair and Beauty, Tralee - Katarzyna Bartczak - Unique Hair, Castlemaine - Liz Begley - Shine Hair, Castleisland - Christine Hurley - Brush n Blush, Tralee - Anne O'Shea - Killarney Hair Studio - Edita Talmantiene - Euphoria Hair and Beauty, Tralee - Ciara McCarthy - Patricks Hair Group, Tralee - Nicole Morris - Sean Taaffe Hair Group, Tralee

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- Zebib Jemal - Nadur Spa at Ballygarry House Hotel, Tralee - Ksenija Ka - House of Glamour, Tralee - Eileen O'Connor - Eileens Beauty, Ballyduff - Jessica Lyons - JOS Skin and Beauty, Castleisland - Marissa Prendville - The Glam Pod, Tralee - Ciara Mangan - Glamour Nail and Beauty, Listowel - Alison O'Sullivan - Vogue Beauty, Tralee - Lyndsey Kelly - Lyndseys Beauty Parlour at Cathrionas Hair Group, Tralee

- Lisa O'Shea - Glow Health and Beauty, Caherciveen

Wedding / Occasion Up-stylist of the Year - Shauna Corcoran - Freelance, Kilorglin - Maureen McCarthy - Brush n Blush, Tralee - Erin Hoare - Sean Taaffe Hair Group, Tralee - Maresa Locke - Turnin Headz, Ardfert - Lorraine Horan - House of Glamour, Tralee - Kate Gibbons Roberts - Allure Hair and Nailz, Tralee - Anne O'Shea - Killarney Hair Studio - Tricia O'Sullivan - Tricias Hair and Beauty, Annascual - Louise Sugrue - Sean Taaffe Hair Group, Kilorglin - Jennifer Rickard - Renew Hair, Killarney - Tara O'Sullivan - Hair by Tara - Sarah Ann Dywer - The Hair Room, Caherciveen

Kerry Hair and Beauty Awards 2018 Wedding / Occasion Make-up Artist of the Year - Shannon Quirke - Vanity Case, Killarney - Lavinia Murphy - Nadur Spa at Ballygarry House Hotel, Tralee

- Emer Kemple - Sean Taaffe Hair Group, Tralee - Andrea Kerins - Beautique at Ballyroe Heights Hotel, Tralee - Lesley Dennehy - Hairworks Hair and Beauty, Tralee - Annette O'Brien - Annette O'Brien Make-up - Sharon Heffernan - Harmony Beauty Rooms, Listowel - Maria Keane - MK Beauty, Listowel

Facial / Spa Therapist of the Year - Karen Glover - Sanctuary Spa, Tralee - Leslie Hussey - Serenity Spa, The Rose Hotel, Tralee - Shiela McQuinn - Natures Beauty, Horans Health Stores - Rachel Prendiville - Sanctuary Spa, Tralee - Ciara Mulvihill - Eileen's Beauty Salon, Ballyduff

Massage / Spa Therapist of the Year - Shiela McQuinn - Natures Beauty, Horans Health Stores - Leslie Hussey - Serenity Spa, The Rose Hotel, Tralee - Jessica O'Connor - Nadur at Ballygarry House Hotel, Tralee - Boguslawa Gruszka - Natural Therapy Studio, Rathmore

Junior Hair and Beauty Stylist - Lorraine O Sullivan - House of Glamour, Tralee (Hair) - Emma Lawlor - Turnin Headz, Ardfert (Hair) - Leah Clail - Freelance MUA (Beauty) - Elena Buckley - Vogue Hair and Beauty, Tralee (Hair) - Emma Lonergan - House of Glamour, Tralee (Beauty) - Nadine O'Grady - Cathrionas Hair Group (Hair) - Aoife Sheehy - Freelance MUA (Beauty) - Kayleigh Murphy - Brush n Blush, Tralee (Hair) - Zoe O Carroll - Brush n Blush, Tralee (Beauty) - Niamh Hurley - Brush n Blush, Tralee (Hair)

Salon / Counter Manager of the Year - Dawn Rogers - House of Glamour, Tralee - Norann Keane - Sean Taaffe Hair Group, Killarney - Sharon Houlihan - Counter Manager CH, Estee Lauder - Jamie Louise Bowler - Sean Taaffe Hair Group, Tralee - Betesaida Hailegeorgis - Counter Manager CH, Fragrance Counter

- Fiona O Donoghe - The Glam Pod, Tralee - Mรกire Johnson - Cathriona's Hair Group, Dingle - Denise Collins - Glamour Nail and Beauty, Listowel

Beauty Salon of the Year - Expose Beauty - Mounthawk, Tralee - Sandra Flynn - Killarney - House of Glamour - Tralee - Vanity Case - Killarney - JOS Skin & Beauty - Castleisland - The Glam Pod - Tralee - Eileen's Beauty Salon - Ballyduff - Glamour Nail and Beauty - Listowel

Hair Salon of the Year - Brush n Blush - Tralee - Aspire Hair - Tralee - Emma Quirke Hair - Tralee - Katelynn's Hair Design - Rathmore - Gold Hair Salon - Caherslee, Tralee - Renew Hair Salon - Killarney - Vogue Hair - Tralee - The Hair Studio - Killorglin - Turnin Headz - Ardfert

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Connect | Beauty

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Connect | Lifestyle

Overcoming Stress

Stress can be the root cause of so many symptoms including moods swings, anxiety, irritability, nervousness, aggressive outbursts, fatigue, palpitations, forgetfulness, anxiety, confusion, inability to concentrate, crying spells, insomnia, headaches, muscle cramps, female hormonal issues, digestive problems and food cravings.

You may not be able to control stress but you can control how it affects you physically and also you can make sure you are not making it worse. There is a chance that your pattern of eating is subconsciously telling your body that it is under even more stress. If your blood sugar levels fluctuate (as they do even more so for women), your body will be releasing adrenaline which is the same hormone it releases when you are under stress.

Try to keep your blood sugar levels and energy levels stable by eating something every three hours. Eat breakfast, lunch and dinner plus a snack mid morning and one mid afternoon, with no longer than three hours between.

This will stop those roller-coaster highs and cravings for sweet foods. Because your blood sugar isn’t allowed to drop, your body will no longer have to ask you for a quick fix. As the blood sugar steadies, so will the mood swings.

As your adrenaline levels reduce you will automatically start to feel happier and calmer inside.

Also certain nutrients can also help reduce stress levels.

These include the B vitamins especially B5 for stress relief and energy, magnesium - nature’s tranquiliser for relaxation and sleep, chromium for blood sugar balance, Siberian ginseng which acts as a tonic to the adrenal glands and L-theanine for reducing stress and anxiety. A good supplement I use in the clinic which contains all these nutrients plus more is NHP’s Tranquil Woman Support to help you take back control of your life (available from Horan’s).

Overcoming Stress

7 practical ways to reduce the stress in your life

Dr. Marilyn Glenville PhD Tour Manor West Hotel Tralee Thurs 8th March 6.45-9.30pm Find out how stress can give you problems such as mood swings, bloating and flatulence, tiredness, anxiety, sleep problems, recurrent infections and much more and discover the 7 simple ways that will help you control it.

Don’t miss this opportunity to come and see Dr. Marilyn Glenville PhD, the UK’s leading nutritionist specializing in women’s health.

Tickets available from Horan's Healthstores

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Connect | Lifestyle

Catherine’s Hi,

Preparing your Hair for Summer Beach talk is lifting your spirits. It is now time to stock up, guilt free, on the lotions and potions that prepare your hair and body for the summer beauty transition. The hair prediction is beachy, effortless and easy. The reality. You need strong, healthy hair, perfectly moisturised and filled with protein to withstand the drying effects of summer heat and chlorine.

THE PREPARATION GUIDE

#RULE 1.

The Pre Summer Trim. Your hair is about to become exposed to every element, sea salt, chlorine and sunshine will all take their tole on your oldest and most fragile hair. It will struggle to withstand the pressure. Loose an inch, to keep your locks looking healthy and hot for summer.

#RULE 2.

The Moisture & Protein Fix. Your hair needs to enter the Summer Season maxed out with moisture and protein.

Begin by repairing any damage and hydrating your tresses pre Summer, I recommend milk_shake® Integrity Haircare to seriously unravel damaged locks. A strict daily hair health regime pre Summer will leave you with locks prepared to tackle the elements.

#RULE 3.

Easy Hair. Summer Hair is playfully flowing, effortless and easy chic.

Hair should be worn undone and look natural. You have a warrant to give your hair a break. Limited blow-drying and daily styling are a godsend when the summer is in motion, get beachy by leaving your hair to dry naturally, allowing your fringe to grow out slightly and use lashings of Sea Salt Spray. We love milk_ shake® Lifestyling Texturizing Spritz.

#RULE 4.

Easy Styles. Hot up on the hairstyles that banish frizz, disguise bad hairdays and limit grooming hours.

A little practise pre summer will ensure that your holiday styling solutions are the beach to bar envy of every frizzy haired holiday maker, they become nabbed as the Summer Style in your office and they are copied by a growing number of belles at the gym.

Fashion Fix

Are you breathing a sigh of relief that winter is finally over, like I am? Are you looking forward to warmer times? Even though it might not feel very spring like at the moment it is definitely not time to ditch your winter wardrobe yet. But, it is time though, to start planning ahead and get on-board the trend train. I have picked four of my favourite trends hitting the shops this season and you need to look no further than Carraig Donn as they have you covered!

1. Going Dotty For something a little cute and different, why not go dotty this season. Polka dots were seen in abundance on the runways for SS18 seen mostly in the traditional monochrome colour way. But how do you wear this trend without looking like a 1950’s housewife? The modern take on dots marries sophisticated style with a modern edge. Will you be sporting this trend in the months to come?

2. The Pencil Skirt The pencil skirt is big news for 2018. When was the last time you wore a pencil skirt or have you ever worn one? Do you associate the pencil skirt with a corporate dress code?

Well think again. The seasons pencil skirt has a timeless and ageless appeal. From leather to floral and stripes to sheer the pencil skirt is set to be the skirt of the season.

3. Colour of the Season Last season red was the colour and this year it’s looking like purple tones are going to be huge. Lilac is the colour of SS18. Lilac was all over the catwalks and designers have embraced this pretty and feminine shade from tailoring to elegant floaty party dresses.

4. The Sheer Trend Sheer fabrics are having a fashion moment for SS18. Let’s be honest though it’s not exactly the easiest trend to wear and is not for the faint hearted. But knowing how to wear the sheer trend without showing off too much skin is key. If you don’t fancy baring all, layering is the way to go. A sheer blouse with a cami and a great pair of jeans is the perfect night time look.

So what’s stopping you updating your wardrobe with the hottest new looks!

Catherine x 28 | Connect Kerry | March 2018

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Connect | Lifestyle

Renewal

PEARLY WHITES

Spring is a time of renewal.

In nature, we begin to see new growth, new births, new beginnings. For us as well, as days start to grow longer, there is a sense of wanting to renew ourselves, to start over and begin afresh.

This can be hard to do when we are in the grip of old habits.

Habits are patterns of behaviour to which we have become accustomed, and sometimes we don’t even see those patterns, it becomes “just how it is”. We tell ourselves that things will be different from now on, that we will change to new, healthy patterns that will support a happier, more fulfilled life. Yet we find ourselves slipping back into old, unhealthy ways of living, despite our best intentions. It can even feel as if we don’t have a choice in the matter, it’s “just how it is”.

Making change requires two things – insight and agency.

Insight into how our patterns have developed and why, and agency to feel empowered to change them. If we have the insight, we might understand that we engage in, say, harmful relationships because of what we learned in our family of origin.

Without agency, however, we can be powerless to change.

If we have only agency, we may indeed be able to make changes, but are unable to sustain them because we don’t have insight into how our original patterns develop, and we slip back into old habits because they feel comfortable somehow. How many times have you started a diet, then fallen back into old ways of eating? How many times have you vowed that you won’t spend the evening watching t.v. instead of doing that project, then find yourself up against a deadline with nothing done?

Cultivating agency and insight can really prepare you for renewal, for change and for healthy growth.

AN DR MARCAS MAC DOMHNAILL

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

Connect ONLINE BY: KEN TOBIN, Marketing Strategy Consultant

The Digital Age of Consent 13 is now the Digital Age of Consent set in Ireland, but while the regulations are more stringent than ever before, that doesn’t absolve us as parents. There are some simple, and effective steps that can be put in place: 1. Educate Yourself - With 94% of teens active on Social Media, educate yourself on the applications they use and understand how each platform works and what the individual dangers are of each site.

2. Set it up with your child - Each network comes with settings such as Location settings and Profile information. Agree with your child that the passwords and usernames and limitation you are happy with for each platform.

3. Talk to your kids - Discuss openly your concerns, and the actual risks associated with Social Media. My suggestion would be to go to www.webwise.ie and have a look at their Parents advice section.

4. Home Use Policy -Agreeing time restrictions from the outset - time limits should set out simple rules about when and where your child is allowed on social media.

5. Posting Restrictions - Agree from the outset with your child what you consider to be acceptable to post online. If you are not happy for them to post pictures of younger siblings or private family information, then tell them. Ensuring your child’s settings are still in place will ensure that this private information is restricted to their friends.

6. Keep checking, but build up trust - Ensure you always maintain access to their phones so you can check, but over time they’ll accept the rules and you can trust them more.

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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Fáilte Romhaibh!

Anois ag teacht an Earraigh, beidh an lá ag dul ag síneadh.

Dental patients often discuss their upcoming Summer events when planning their dental treatment. People often wish to have the 'perfect smile' for weddings, first communion ceremonies, holidays or graduation events.

Slightly crooked teeth often worry them.There are alternatives to braces in certain circumstances. One option would be porcelain veneers. They can be very useful for front teeth that are not in line with their neighbouring teeth. The shade of porcelain can be made to match the adjacent teeth and they are glued into position as a permanent measure. They can also be used in some circumstances if a patient has had some gum recession which would show a part of the darker root surface. In this circumstance, it will improve the cosmetic appearance of the teeth. Some patients will opt for veneers to give some uniformity to the shape of their front teeth. Veneers are not used for posterior (back) teeth as the biting forces would be too severe for them. Some teeth need trimming for veneers but many do not. They are but one option to improve the colour and shape of the front teeth.

Beir Bua.

Dr. Marcas Mac Domhnaill.

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

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Connect | Music

Music in the Kingdom By: Lisa Curran

In March and the start of April make sure to check out all the amazing gigs on your doorstep! Support local venues and up and coming acts/companies.

performed at the 2FM Xmas Ball in front of 15,000 people; amassed over 10 million spotify streams. And up and coming act you will not regret seeing.

In the INEC Killarney this month be sure to check out their entertainment lineup and why not treat yourself to one of their show and accommodation packages with the Brehon hotel who are working hard to make their beautiful hotel even more family friendly and are currently training staff in how to be more accommodating to young special needs guests.

SOME HIGHLIGHTS IN THE INEC IN THE COMING WEEKS ARE: Niall Horan March 10th 7pm (€50-€56) Horan, who has sold over 70 million records as part of the all-conquering One Direction, launched his solo career with the singles “This Town” and “Slow Hands,” which have both achieved Platinum certification (or higher) in numerous markets around the world. “Slow Hands” went straight to Number One in 44 countries.

Over in listowel there is one gig I would absolutely urge you all to see and that is Brian Deedy in ‘Mike the Pies’ on March 8th 8pm (€15). Brian Deady had been something of a well kept secret at home in Ireland until his song Clap Both My Hands became one of the most played Irish songs of 2016 and reached No.1 in the Spotify UK Viral charts.His rich, soulful voice comes with a contemporary R&B edge. Deady is currently working on a new album due out in early 2018.

IN TRALEE IN THE BEAUTIFUL SIAMSA TIRE SOME OF THE HIGHLIGHTS OF THE MONTH TO COME ARE: Powder her face - a dark and comedic modern opera staged by the Irish National Opera on March 9th (€27/30) staring Soprano Mary Plazas as the ‘dirty duchess’ Margaret Whigham.

Sweet Charity - Killarney musical society March 14th-16th €25 SWEET CHARITY is a tender, poignant and consistently funny look at the adventures or rather the misadventures of Charity Hope. Under the direction of award winning John O’Brien this is sure to be a fabulous show.

All TVVINS - March 31st 8pm €25 When Conor Adams and Lar Kaye formed All Tvvins, their shared goal was to headline Dublin’s 1600-capacity Olympia Theatre – and that was achieved when they sold-out the venue last autumn, just weeks after their debut album ‘IIVV’ crashed into the Irish album charts at #2! they have toured Europe, and recently 36 | Connect Kerry | March 2018

best of the showband years and guaranteed to send you home with great memories relived.

Little Shop of Horrors- Light Opera Society of Tralee March 21st-24th (€19) - the tralee society are staging the smash hit sci-fi musical this March, directed by Aidan and Grainne O’Carroll. The music theatre and cinematic hit hascreative geniuses Howard Ashman and Alan Menken (beauty and the beast,the little mermaid and Aladdin) to thank for the music which is captivating and the entire show is the height of entertainment.

Having performed with this society in lead roles and chorus parts myself I would recommend booking a seat!

And definitely be sure to check out Hairspray Junior by the Bryan Carr School of performing arts April 3rd and 4th 2.30&7pm (€16, family of 4 €62).

The Students present a junior version of ‘Hairspray’ this coming Easter break at Siamsa Tire Theatre. Welcome to the 60s!

HAIRSPRAY follows the story of Tracy Turnblad, a bubbly, plus-sized teen with a stylish ‘do, as she chases her dream of dancing on the hit Corny Collins Show.

This musical is an Easter treat for all ages.

The Production is Directed by Bryan Carr with Choreography by Helena Brosnan and I have had the pleasure of working on their choral work with them and wow…. what a bunch! What a show!

I hope ye are all recovering well after cold and flu season and are looking forward to the next few months filled with lots of gigs and festivals! Keep your eyes peeled for some giveaways to some of the shows above with some extra treats thrown in.

Lisa x Reeling in the Showband years March 8th 8pm (€27/30) - The Ronan Collins showband reeling in the years is in its 8th year! With Ronan Collins as host and the wonderful Red Hurley as compere the entire show will be a salute to all the very

SNAPCHAT: lizzieraisin INSTGRAM: lizzieraisin TWITTER: lizzieraisin FACEBOOK: Lisa Curran Soprano

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Connect | Business

YOUNG PERSONS AT WORK The Protection of Young Persons (Employment) Act, 1996 is designed to protect young workers under the age of 18.

This legislation sets out the maximum working hours, breaks and records that Companies must ensure to have in place when there is employment of a young person.

Under the Act a “child” is defined as a person who has not reached the age of 16 years and a “young person” is defined as a person who is over the age of 16 years but has not reached the age of 18 years.

WRITTEN CONSENT - Before employing a child who is aged 16 or under, you must get written permission from the parents or guardians.

RECORD OF AGE - Keep a copy of their birth certificate on their personnel file. It is recommended that you seek proof of age from any young person who wishes to work in your Company regardless of whether they state that they are over 16.

COPY OF THE ACT - They must receive an official copy of the summary of the Protection of Young Person’s Act. A copy of this Act must be on display within your organisation.

RECORD MANAGEMENT - You are required to record their; full name, date of birth, a record of breaks, a record of annual leave, starting and finishing times for work, wage rate and total wages paid.

PAY RATES - Those under 18 years of age are not experienced adult workers and employment experience prior to age 18 is not taken into account for these rates.

As of 1 January 2018 the rates are as follows:

Working Hours

Rest Breaks

BREACHES - Proceeding for breach of the proceedings of the Act may be taken by the Minister for Enterprise, trade and Employment or by the employees Trade Union within 12 months of the breach. Breaches of the Act to the WRC as per normal.

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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STARTING A SMALL BUSINESS It is often a natural step to set up your own business either as a young entrepreneur or more experienced entrepreneur. Breaking free of the constraints of being an employee is often a very rewarding career option. We set out below some important steps: Tax Registration Once you start a business with the intent of making a profit you are obliged to register for Income Tax. Normally it is wise to engage an accountant to do this but for smaller business it can be done online using ROS. VAT Registration It is imperative that businesses are aware of VAT Thresholds which are: Services €37,500 Goods €75,000 Where capital expenditure is required, registration straight away is recommended.

Business Structure There are three main types of businesses: • Sole Traders • Partnerships • Company’s Most businesses start as sole traders or partnerships and progress to company’s over time. Where the business is in a high-risk industry and open to significant fluctuation and uncontrollable threats, then a company is usually the best option from the start.

Cash Flow One of the main reasons businesses fail is cash flow problems. During the period of growth it is imperative not to over extend Cash Flow and put sufficient funding in place. The phrase ‘Cash is King” always becomes evident in any downturn so don’t lose a profitable business by failing to manage your business cash flow.

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