Connect Lifestyle April 2022

The lifestyle magazine for Kerry

Made in Kerry, for Kerry FREEKE ME

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A ASE T

APRIL 2022

Colin Horgan Fashion Designer

All The Fun From Our Awards

Arlene McIntyre Ireland’s leading Interior Designer

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LIFE. CHANGING.

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EDITOR'S NOTE Its April and we are fresh from our first event of the year, we had an absolute ball at our Connect Hair and Beauty Awards.

It was so good to see everyone having a great day, thank you to all involved, we have included lots of pictures from the day, so we hope you enjoy it.

This month we chat with local boy International Fashion Designer Colin Horgan who is making waves in the fashion industry, he tells us about life and where he is at with his career.

We also chat to Arlene McIntyre. Arlene McIntyre is Creative Director and Founder of Ventura Design, a company that is now credited as being Ireland’s leading interior design and bespoke furniture manufacturer, and to date has been responsible for the redesign of so many amazing places including Adare Manor Cottages, and Luttrelstown Castle she has a great story to tell.

So as always, we have lots of interesting things for you to enjoy.

April is always a lovely month, the evenings are getting longer and of course we have easter, so I want to take this opportunity to wish you and yours a wonderful Easter and enjoy the break and the few days with family and friends Chat soon

Mags x

Breathe Easy

Hayfever can cause great discomfort for many and make the much longed for summer months quiet miserable for sufferers. Hayfever, also known as Allergic Rhinitis, is an allergic reaction of the nasal passages and airways to windborne pollens. In Ireland up to 90% of sufferers are allergic to grass pollen, with some allergic to tree and herb pollens.

Hayfever can cause symptoms such as a blocked and runny nose, sneezing, itchy red and watery eyes, sinus congestion with headaches.

Overproduction of mucus can lead to coughing and postnasal drip. These symptoms can in turn, lead to fatigue and lethargy, this occurs because the body’s immune system produces antibodies to the allergen (pollen) which can result in the allergic symptoms previously mentioned.

The severity depends on each individual, unlike a head cold where the symptoms improve within a few days, hayfever symptoms remain as long as the pollen does.

If you suffer from hayfever, here in the healthstores we advise taking steps to strengthen your immune system before the hayfever season starts. Thankfully, there are many effective natural remedies available, such as: Take a good quality probiotic such as Viridian, Solo or PROBULIN. These help to boost the good bacteria that stimulates the immune system.

Start on a good quality ECHINACEA TINCTURE such as the therapeutic grade IRISH BOTANICA. Echinacea has been traditionally used in the treatment of Hayfever and allergic rhinitis. This is best started before the hayfever season begins.

IRISH BOTANICA also have an excellent ALL SEASONS COMPLEX which helps to support the overall immune system.

Other herbal remedies which can help alleviate hayfever symptoms include, NETTLE, EYEBRIGHT, PLANTAIN and QUERCETIN.

Editor: Margaret Kissane Print: Kingdom Printers Cover Picture by: Cillian Garvey Graphic Design: Yevgen Kalynin Editorial Contributors: Cathriona Murphy, Lisa Curran, Romy Birdthistle, John Canty, Mairead McMahon, Pat Harmon, Marcas Mac Domhnaill For Advertising Enquiries: Margaret: 086 2408237 sales@connectpublications.ie For Editorial Enquiries: margaret@connectpublications.ie Website: www.connectpublications.ie

All of these remedies are available in your local Horan’s Healthstore where we will discuss your specific requirements and recommend the product to suit your needs best.

Until next time, stay healthy Deirdre

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Fashion designer to the stars and now a star in his own right

Colin Horgan talks all things Career, TV and bringing an international label to Ardfert

Since we last spoke with Colin Horgan from Ardfert, his star has risen like no other! With his list of celebrity clientele growing fast, his profile within the media growing exponentially and the establishing of his flagship design studio in Ardfert, we thought it was time we caught up with one of Kerry’s finest exports to hear about life, fashion and showbiz.

Since we last spoke with Colin, his career has gone from strength to strength. I asked Colin how it felt reflecting back on the last few years and how his career has developed?

“I never in my wildest dreams imagined the path my career would take. I think the last time we spoke here in Connect was probably 5/6 years ago and I was just a student. It’s been a small bit of a whirlwind as in I’m here in Ardfert but I’ve become so much more. I did it to prove a point that you can go out, take what you need from the opportunities, you don’t always have to be based in a big city to have these kind of opportunities come to you. It’s been amazing, I never thought that I would do TV work and even with that said, there has

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been more TV work to come out of it so it’s really been an honour to represent Ardfert and the wider community of Kerry.”

Colin’s latest collection, Affinity Eleven for Autumn Winter 22, is filled with rich, bright tones. The cut of the fabric accentuates and hugs every curve of the body making for stunning silhouettes, it’s very easy to see just why Colin’s work is in such high demand. I asked Colin where the inspiration for this latest collection came from?

“With Affinity Eleven, I’ve been looking back to a degree at my previous collections which were all big collections of work. One half of them would be of interests to shops and the other half could fall by the wayside or used in press and photo shoots.

That was really the starting point for me.

I then began looking at self-preservation, fabrics that would last and be sustainable.

With this collection I wanted to be more considerate to the female form, focusing on silhouettes that I know could work for different shapes and for me that meant going as far back to my graduate

collection from Limerick. It’s funny when I say that because I think back to Art College where I used an entire collection of Navy and I swore I would never work with the colour again having used so much of it! But low and behold, little did I know in 2022 I would be going back to it and in essence, falling in love with the colour again. I have always worked with these bright colours so what was great was reflecting back on my previous work and seeing the start of it all with navy. Then the brighter colours were introduced through each collection, so to see the combination of the navy with these brighter colours in Affinity Eleven it’s almost like full circle. The shades within this collection I believe that will sell well and look great on everybody.”

From growing up in Ardfert travelling to Limerick for college then moving to London, Colin has now returned to his roots and opened his design studio in the humble village of Ardfert. Akin to something from almost like a film script, I asked Colin what brought him to the decision to come back home and base himself in Ardfert?

“I was nervous of course because over in England you’re told that London is the Centre of fashion and an incubator for talent. For me, I felt like I had gotten what I needed from London. I am such a family orientated person and it was upsetting to me that I kept missing family events and special occasions that were happening at home due to work commitments in London.

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So in summer 2020 I started trialling getting pieces made back here while I was still living in London and thankfully it worked so I came back.Initially I thought I would do a few months at home and a few months in London but then with Covid, London Fashion Week went online in a virtual capacity. I thought to myself, this is brilliant I can still be at home in Ireland, in Ardfert and still present my work to an international audience! So yeah, it has worked quite well, I’m happy with my decision.”

Kerry has produced some of the finest talents in the fashion world, including Colin and Don O’ Neill, yet the road to success is usually directed to London, Paris or New York. I asked Colin if he felt there much supports offered to young people looking to start a career in fashion and to the wider fashion community to remain in Ireland?

“I suppose that is a very tricky question to answer! I have been very lucky in that sense that I have been very well supported in the press both local and national and with celebrities wearing my collections, but yes there is always ways to improve if I’m honest. There are so many fashion incubation programs in London as opposed to Ireland so it can be a little trickier to get a start here. The industry itself is a very complicated one, it’s not as straightforward and can be fickle to a degree. You can have a moment in the spotlight and then just as easily fall by the wayside.”

The pandemic has hit every business in every way. But in a business where you rely on people attending events and needing an outfit for them, it made the fashion industry amongst some of the hardest hit. I asked Colin how did the pandemic affect his business and if it brought changes to him both career wise and personal life?

“When it came to the business there really was no business. I had to shut the door and felt that even though my brand was doing great in the press, it financially wasn’t great. To a degree I kind of shot myself in the foot? There was all of these celebrities wearing my designs but only they were wearing it and a lot of the time the clothing isn’t paid for, some of them did and some of them didn’t, it became a downward spiral really. The Fashion industry can be perceived in that way, in the media I was doing amazing and I might sound like a spoiled brat saying this but the actual sales were falling by the wayside. When the pandemic hit I actually thought I was going to stop fully, it was hard but it did me good. I’m the kind of person that likes to be kept busy so I started helping with my parent’s businesses, I still do today because I like giving back to them, they’ve been incredibly supportive of me and my career. I really assessed what I was doing career wise, what was the output, what was the end goal, re-evaluated the business model and came

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back with a bang thankfully.

I focused more on people having the opportunity to buy really great lasting products.

I started looking at different suppliers and fabric producers, now I work with a really great supplier from Japan, beautiful fabrics from Germany as well and then everything is actually made here! It’s really taken me a while to refine down the brand, you can take two different roads, the short or the long road. At the beginning I wanted to get more exposure for the brand but now it’s more business focused in terms of I need to run it as a business and make some money. I have been incredibly lucky coming out of a pandemic having the support from stores both home and abroad, it’s almost felt like I needed to come home in order to shine!”

Anybody driving through Ardfert will now see Colin’s design studio as they pass. Colin has insured that his brand remains accessible to all women and in a county like Kerry where the social scene thrives on events like no other, this will be very welcome news! So if its lady’s day at Listowel races or the Rose ball, what better way to ensure that nobody else will be wearing the same outfit as you than to have one designed bespoke personally by Colin for you! I asked Colin how one would approach the studio to enquire about an outfit?

“Absolutely! They can email me and we can arrange an appointment either virtually or they can come in to the studio to me. We can measure up initially followed by a fitting with a prototype where you would then select the fabric so that we can go on to produce the design.

You can even choose from the ready to wear designs which are customisable to the client’s needs or shape. All the ready to wear collection is available in black also.

At the moment the collection comes in sizes 8-14 and the only reason I do just those sizes at the moment is because I am a small brand and financially it’s just what is realistic for me to produce. But with my customising or bespoke it can be any size, I am trained in tailoring so I would never like to exclude any sizes. I’ve worked with so many different body shapes over the years so I know what will flatter each individual. So really it’s a very straightforward process and everyone is more than welcome to contact us.”

With the whirlwind that has been the last few years for him, I asked Colin what is happening career wise for him in the next 12 months?

“There is actually a lot to come! There will be more TV work alongside the fashion work. My biggest concern right now is trying to decide should I show my collection in London Fashion Week or

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Paris Fashion Week. For the reason that I was signed to a PR agency in Paris and that’s working really well for me so I’m just thinking that I’ve done a good few seasons in London it might be time for a change?

Thankfully everything is going really well and I have Aileen Carville who is my mentor, she is also my sales agent and just an amazing lady. She runs digital B2B wholesale platform called SKMMP. She is just such a great mentor to me and together we are just thinking we should take everything to Paris. London is such an amazing place full of up and coming new talent, I think maybe I’m a little but too old for it! So yes, that would be the next step for me and Spring/Summer 23 will be presented hopefully around the time of my birthday in September. There is a lot of collaborations happening this year also that I am very excited about. One of those collaborations is with a very well established actress, I’m very excited about this one and just cannot wait to be able to talk more about it! The TV work that is coming up is actually UK based, it’s with BBC3. It’s similar to the style of project runway, alongside Blue Hydrangea of RuPauls drag race fame. It was a really exciting project to be a part of considering also that it was overseas.”

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As a young person growing up and coming to terms with their identity or sexuality, it can be daunting living in a small rural setting and worrying about acceptance. Thankfully Colin is providing that role model to the youth of the LGBTQIA+ community. I asked him what do you say to them about pursuing their dreams?

“I was that kid once upon a time that had those dreams and had those ideas but didn’t always fit in to the social construct of what was “normal”. I just hope I can shine light on even one other person to just be yourself, luckily we now live in a country where it has gotten so progressive. I think kids are even now coming out a lot younger than I would have had the courage to do, so it’s great to be able to represent the LGBTQIA+ community and to be considered a role model to any young person, it’s an honour.”

It would be hard to end an interview and not ask Colin who is on his bucket list of celebrity personalities to work with?

Oh definitely there are a few! I would love to work with Rihanna, she is making pregnancy look really fashionable and just so cool!

Anyone currently watching Euphoria will know exactly who Hunter Schafer is! Hunter is a really cool trans actress who I would love to work with!”

Colin, thank you so much for taking the time during a hectic period to chat with us, it was a pleasure as always.

For more information on Colin and to book an appointment contact via email on appointments@colin-horgan.com

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Ireland’s leading Interior Designer

Arlene McIntyre on her journey to

being one of Europe’s most in demand designers.

Arlene McIntyre is Creative Director and Founder of Ventura Design, a company that is now credited as being Ireland’s leading interior design and bespoke furniture manufacturer.

Since the creation of Ventura Design in 2005, Arlene has now become one of the most sought-after interior designers in the Irish market and beyond, spending her time between high end projects in Dublin, London and the rest of Europe. Together with her husband Juergen Riedel (CEO of Ventura), Arlene currently employs an exceptional team of over 70 talented designers, interior architects and artisan craftspeople, all working towards one goal – the creation of luxurious homes.

In addition to this, Arlene recently featured in an RTE series, Design For Life. We sat with Arlene to chat about her career and the world of interior design.

Arlene, it’s a pleasure to chat with you, I know our reader’s here in Connect will be very excited about this interview!

Can you tell me the background of your career and how you founded Ventura Designs?

Certainly, I have been in the business for what seems like 500 years! I feel like I’ve worked in every corner of the business, I’ve worked in sales, a furniture agent and the interior side so I feel like I have a great 360 view to bring to the Ventura business. I started working for a furniture store in Dun Laoghaire 20 years ago and was fortunate enough to get the opportunity to visit the international trade fairs in Paris, Italy, Copenhagen and New York. I got to know some of these amazing companies that were not being represented in Ireland at that time. I was given the opportunity to work on a big project of fitting out apartments, all of these opportunities started to come one after the other and I just became really busy so that to me really is when Ventura was born. I was working out the back of my garden in a little shed with an electric heater for a very long time. My husband said “This is 12

crazy, you need a showroom and an office”. We did that, we got a showroom with just a couple of staff that we took on and now we have over 70 people working within the company. I never worked in a comfortable office like my team do now and I’m very proud that I can provide that for them. As I mentioned, it hasn’t always been easy, I had to work hard to get my breaks but then things started accelerating and the work grew it’s been an incredible journey.

You recently took on the prestigious project of Luttrelstown Castle, how was that from a career perspective?

It was an incredible opportunity, I had worked in The Adare Manor in the Rose Cottage and in the Lavender Cottage and also their town houses. The General Manager of Adare Manor was also involved with Luttrelstown Castle and he recommended that we look after some work there. We started to do one room at a time and then it suddenly became that we did all the rooms and all the major rooms in the entire castle.

Over the last decade, people moved away from printed wallpapers and bright colours to the more classic, neutral tones of grey. What, in your opinion, is coming along trend wise for interiors?

With the grey tones, so many people had invested in that colour over the last decade to the extent that I can’t see a lot of people throwing out their greys or introduce whole new palettes. But I certainly feel there is a movement going towards really warm, earthy tones bringing the outside in. I think we really have enough of the grey in terms of our grey skies! I was never really a big fan of the grey tones but my clients were, so for me it was important that they were happy and I tapped into what they wanted. I personally love the more warm, rustic tones along with more sustainable fabrics, solid woods and that kind of feel of a more paired back contemporary look I think we will see a lot more of.

Sustainability within business is part of a huge conversation and a progressive movement. Is that part of the focus within Ventura Design?

We are about to receive, after a very long process, our cradle to cradle certificate. My husband, who is also my business partner, has been applying and going through this whole process to get this level of certification and I believe we will be the first company in Ireland to have this certificate. It’s a really big, exciting movement for us. We have been working hard to honour our pledge to become more sustainable on a whole, all of our tables, frames are solid wood, over 70% of our fabrics are completely sustainable. Like organic food, it might feel a bit more expensive but it’s an investment and it gives people peace of mind that they are doing their part.

You recently featured in RTE’s Design For Life, what was that experience like for you and is it one you would like to do more with?

With Design for Life we were approached and I nearly didn’t go with it because of all we have on in work. For me, it was a question of how could we take this on because I just couldn’t let my clientele suffer so it was a really hard decision for me to do it. I was very happy I did it but to tell the truth it was hard to balance out my real world business with the TV show, it demanding, scheduling was tricky. I have a very big business and I am really busy, I mean that in the most respectful way. It was a wonderful opportunity but extremely challenging. At the moment I don’t think I could do it again, I have a young child and a huge portfolio of projects that I am working on so I have to prioritise things, but then who knows!

TV rarely shows the reality of what goes on behind the scenes, with that said, just how difficult is it to run such a big, demanding business?

It’s really tough and I do wish the program could have shown just how tough it is behind the scenes but you can only fit so much into 30 minutes! I do a podcast and have interviewed some amazing top female designers from the UK and one of the questions I ask them is about balance, the percentage of time you spend in project managing a job and then the time you spend on the creative side, all of them said 80/20, 70/30 and in one case 90/10.

The lower side being the creative side and the higher percentage is just pure project management. So it’s not as glamorous as it might seem, it’s tough and especially in these times when you are dealing with materials and supplier delays, it’s been tough. I actually feel really sorry for anyone starting out in the business in this current climate because it would be a very tough time to start out.

When working with clients, how difficult is it to manage their expectations and reality of the project?

It’s a huge part of the job, we have a team of designers who work on all of their own projects. I then have my own team where we would work on big projects, perhaps more private projects. Houses from 8,000 to 12,000 sq. foot where we would be involved from the very beginning at planning stages. We work very close with the architects; we do a lot of interior architecture ourselves. That would be a huge part of my job and it is very time consuming, you have to be so careful when you are building relationships with people that you manage their expectations. There are so many moving parts and of course the pandemic was the biggest moving part of all, I’ve seen peoples building costs go over €100,000 with supply costs. So yes, it’s been tricky but managing client’s expectations is definitely the key.

Arlene, finally can I ask what 2022 has in store for Ventura?

2022 is already such a busy year! We are extending our fabric collection. We are thinking of doing something very interesting in the UK which unfortunately I can’t mention right now. We are already established with a premises in the Chelsea Design Centre so certainly expanding in the UK is an option. In addition to that we have the opening of our new office in Portugal and we are working forward with our pledge to be more sustainable. We actually have a lot of projects in the Kerry area at the moment, I cannot wait to visit again. It truly is a beautiful part Ireland. So for the rest of 2022, I would say watch this space!

Arlene, it was a pleasure!

For further information on Ventura Design log onto www.ventura.ie Design For Life can be accessed through the RTE player 13

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A trip to New York is one that most people dream of, Aaron Logan originally from Dublin now living in Killarney over 20 years, travelled there with no expectations other than to have a 3-week holiday to see the sights, little did he know he would return 15 years later as a highly skilled, accomplished carpenter. Perfecting his craft in one of the most visually stunning architectural cities in the world, Aarons work varied from the city of Manhattan to the more picturesque and prestigious upstate New York. This is where his skill was refined, working on restorative projects on century old buildings, Aaron developed a strong passion from taking the old and giving it a new lease of life whilst respecting the integrity of the original design.

Fast forward to 2009, Aaron had been successfully working in Ireland when the recession hit. With little or no construction or renovation work available, Aaron turned his focus to accounts and book keeping to provide for his children with the promise to himself that he would one day return to his craft when his children were reared. Whilst working full time as a book keeper, Aaron kept a keen interest in restoration projects, purchasing old properties and restoring them to their original state with a modern feel. Having done that since 2009, Aaron has now turned his focus back to his love of carpentry.

Speaking to Aaron he told me “What I focus on now is bespoke furniture, indoor and outdoor living, garden shed’s and building maintenance. What I say to clients is if they have a picture of what they want, I will build it.

There has been a huge shift in the focus on outdoor living since the pandemic, people are investing in high quality, sustainable products and materials that will last. That is where I bring my years of experience to a job. Within minutes of talking to a prospective client I can get a feel for what they are after and how it can be achieved within their budget. I keep my client list small so that there are not too many projects on at once because I like to give my clients not only my skills and expertise but also my time, focus and dedication to achieving a high standard of results.”

If they say a picture speaks louder than words, it rings true when you look at the attention to detail in Aarons projects. Whether it’s a cabinet inside a home, an outdoor entertainment area or a garden shed, the intricate detailing speaks of skills and experience that are hard to come by. Visually stunning, a bespoke design from Aaron in any home or garden will become an endless conversation starter. Timeless and steeped in rich quality, bringing years of enjoyment to any client.

For further information, Aaron can be contacted on 087 3283715

Covering all of Kerry No Job Too Small or Too Big M: 087 3283715 | E: aaronlogan3715@gmail.com

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Sunday March 20th saw the return of the annual Connect Kerry Hair and Beauty Awards, guests from the hair and beauty industry gathered in the Rose Hotel for the annual awards, and lots of fun was had on the day.

It all kicked off at 3pm with a delicious gin reception courtesy of Garnish Island Gin of Clonakilty Distilleries, Then it was on to the Lee Suite for a scrumptious 4 course meal created by award-winning head chef at the Rose Odran Lucey accompanied by fine wines, At 5.30pm the awards ceremony began where all the awards were announced. This was followed by a fantastic after-party where guests enjoyed the entertainment of Ray Stack DJ. We would like to thank all who attended on the day and all those who supported us as a sponsor or providing spot prizes for our charity raffle which raised 1100 for Comfort for Chemo.

CONNECT KERRY LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD KITTY LUCID O CARROLL - STYLE COUNCIL 18

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Winners

Connect Kerry Make-Up Artist of the year in association with Sanctuary Beauty Academy Tralee – ANNETTE O BRIEN MAKE UP ARTIST

Connect Kerry Best use of social media – NIKKI REIDY NIKKIS BOUTIQUE HAIR KILORGLIN

Connect Kerry Wedding and Occasion Make-up specialist in association with The Rose Hotel ASHLING O LEARY BEAUTY ROOMS KENMARE

Connect Kerry Brow /Lash Specialist in association with Expose Design MICHAELA SUGRUE

Connect Kerry Excellence in Customer ServiceNADUR SPA AT BALLYGARRY.

Connect Kerry Nail Technician in association with Emma Quirke Hair. MAGGIE BEGLEY MAGGIES NAILS

Connect Kerry Outstanding Contribution to the Beauty IndustrySUTHATHIP LEWKIMJU KNOWN AS BELL AT THE ASANGA SPA

Connect Kerry Waxing / Threading Specialist in association with Brush n Blush Hair Salon.

SINEAD MORIARTY BLUSH BEAUTY

Connect Kerry Business Development awardVOGUE HAIR AND BEAUTY TRALEE

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Connect Kerry Wedding /Occasion Hair Specialist in association with L’Oreal ProfessionalASHLING CARROLL STYLE COUNCIL

Connect Kerry Outstanding Contribution to the Hair IndustryLOUISE KELLIHER HAIR HAVEN CAMP

Connect Kerry Colour Technician in association with Hannons of Castleisland EDEL O DONOGHUE IMAGE HAIR

Connect Kerry Years of service to the Hair IndustryTARA BOUGHEN HAIR KILLARNEY

Connect Kerry Cutting and Restyling Specialist in association with Garnish Island Gin KELLIE HOULIHAN ASPIRE

Connect Kerry Years of Service to the Beauty Industry ELLEN BURNS BEAUTY BY THE BEACH

Connect Kerry Best Blow Dry in association Noras Slimming World RACHEL O MAHONY BRUSH N BLUSH

Connect Kerry Outstanding Knowledge of chosen industry SEAN TAAFFE

Connect Kerry Barbering and Male Grooming in association with CHRC at the Bons Secours Hospital JOEL VEASEY CLAUDE MONTE

Connect Kerry One to watch in the Hair industrySHAN MCCARTHY SHANS BARBERS

Connect Kerry Hair Extension specialist of the year in association with Hairworks Hair and BeautyCHANNELLE HURLEY COCO COTTAGE

Connect Kerry One to watch in the Beauty IndustryCLIODHNA FOLEY

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Connect Kerry Facial Specialist in association with Scotia ClinicLINDA O CONNOR TRUE BEAUTY KILLARNEY

Connect Kerry Salon Design PARADISE HAIR AND BEAUTY TRALEE

Connect Kerry Junior Hair in association with Kerry College of further education.EMILY FLAHERTY ROSES HAIR STUDIO BALLYBUNION

Connect Kerry Junior beauty in association with Kerry College of Further EducationEDEL JOY PARADISE HAIR AND BEAUTY

Connect Kerry Rising Star Award SHANIA O SULLIVAN HEAD FIRST KILORGLIN

Connect Kerry Salon Ambience AwardSERENITY SPA AT THE ROSE HOTEL

Connect Kerry Massage Specialist in association with RELIFE COSMETICS. JASMINE KELLY ESPA AT THE EUROPE

Connect Kerry Dental Specialist in association with K+A Cleaning Services.

MACDOMHNAILL DENTAL

Kerry Team of the year SEAN TAAFFE HAIR AND BEAUTY

Connect Kerry Counter/ Salon/Spa Manager in association with Kellihers Toyota KerrySAMANTHA CLIFFORD VOGUE HAIR AND BEAUTY

Connect Kerry Editor’s Choice RASHA AMIN RASHAS BEAUTY

Connect Kerry Spa of the year in association with Seabody EASANNA SPA AT SHEEN FALLS KENMARE

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e v r e s t c e f r e p The

1 measure of Garnish Island Gin

Slice of strawberry and zest of Lime 150ml chilled premium tonic

Deirdre Bohane - Master Gin Distiller Created by one of Ireland’s first female Master Gin Distillers, Deirdre Bohane, each bottle of Garnish Island Gin contains 16 carefully chosen botanicals. The result is a full-bodied and intensely aromatic gin that perfectly captures the unique, exotic character of Garnish Island.

Produced, Distilled and Bottled in Ireland by West Cork Distillers Ltd. © 2022

Please Drink Responsibly!

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Guests Attending

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Pearly Whites

by Dr. Marcas Mac Domhnaill

Dental Milestones

As dental practitioners, we are often asked about the timing of dental treatments for children, e.g. when should a child have their first dental visit or when does a child need an orthodontic referral? Some general rules apply. Children should have their first dental visit before their first birthday. This is especially important for first time parents to bring their child so that early dental problems can be identified and advice on diet and oral hygiene can be given.

Most children have all baby teeth by two and a half years of age.

Orthodontists now advise early intervention to rectify tooth position discrepancies. Children are more often referred for an orthodontic assessment around age seven or eight. This early intervention can lead to quicker and easier treatment when straightening teeth.

Preventative dentistry such as fissure sealing adult teeth, should be considered once adult teeth are fully grown into position from around age five or six. Regular visits from an early age will also remove any needless anxiety. The older the child at their first visit, the more nervous they usually are.

Tús maith, leath na hoibre. A good start is half the work.

49, Sráid na Carraige Uachtarach, Trá Lí, Co. Chiarraí 49 Upper Rock Street, Tralee, Co. Kerry Ph: (066) 712 1457 | www.macdomhnailldental.ie | fiacloir@gmail.com

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Situated in the heart of Killorglin is Kerry’s newest boutique, “Carina’s”. We recently popped over to visit and from the moment you walk in the door you can feel the warmth of the very welcoming ambience. Carina herself is just a joy to deal with. I asked Carina how the idea for the boutique came to fruition? She told me “Initially after buying the premises in the town I had planned on turning it into an apartment, but one of my best friends reminded me that I’ve always dreamed of opening a boutique so I thought, why not? Next thing I know I was up at Fashion City in Dublin looking at stock and here we are!” Carina’s excellent knowledge of customer service came from growing up with parents running a pub and going on to then run a B&B herself for over 10 years so it’s of no wonder at all why she is so good at what she does.

The style offered by Carina is described as casual-come-dressy, however at the moment the focus is on the smart casual wear.

With a host of well-known brand names such as Meri Esca, Diane Laury, Peruzzi, Isay, Gardeour, Lily & Me, Deck, Cecil, Via Appa, Honga and Nissa there is guaranteed to be something for everyone.

All shapes and sizes are very well catered for with a size range of 8-18/20. There is also a small range of scarves and costume jewellery in stock too with hopes to expand on that.

“We had a fantastic opening week and are thrilled to finally see our customers browsing in store. It is a dream come true to have Carina's Boutique open in Killorglin and we can't wait to see what the future holds for us. Our boutique is fully stocked with a wide range of Spring stock in our favourite brands at the moment. I’m getting very positive feedback on the layout of the shop and the stock I have which is good. I want my boutique to feel cosy and inviting for customers, that they can feel relaxed when they come in and not feel pressured to purchase” A visit to Carina’s Boutique is a real treat and a reminder of how good customer service is truly alive and well.

For more information, you can contact Carina’s Boutique on 0874180862 or to visit you can find Carina’s situated in Upper Bridge St, Killorglin. Opening hours are: Monday-Friday 10am-6pm and Saturday 9.30pm-5pm

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...Goose Boutique

This month, in our Style Focus, we popped into Goose Boutique to chat with Theresa Kelliher. With recycling and sustainability at the heart of Theresa’s business concept, Goose Boutique is bringing a new era of shopping into a world full of fast fashion.

Theresa, can you tell our readers If someone is thinking of bringing how the idea for Goose Boutique items in or maybe they are unsure came about? if the items are good enough, what Certainly, I always wanted to have my advice would you give them? own business, particularly in fashion.

What I would say is bring in the items I saw for myself that there was a huge whether you think they are of value or gap in the market here in Kerry for prenot and we will look through them. You loved and vintage clothing. I am very might think nobody will wear it but there passionate about climate change, the is something for everybody impact on our environment and how We stock lots of different types of damaging fast fashion is to the world. items, from high street to high end. Not My own feeling on it is that we aren’t everybody can afford Dolce & Gabbana going to get a planet B, so we must try look after the planet we have or Prada, so for that reason I stock items from labels such as French and be sustainable, opening Goose Boutique was my own personal Connection, Zara etc. I am very conscious of stocking every price way of fulfilling that belief. So around 5 years ago I decided it was point so that everyone can afford something. So if its clothing, time to take a chance and opened up. shoes, handbags or accessories, bring them on in to me and we can take it from there.

You mentioned sustainability, do you think people are becoming more conscious of how and what they spend their What label do you get most excited about stocking when money on? you see it come in?

Will we ever win the fight against fast fashion? Probably not, but That would have to be Chanel. A Chanel people are thinking more about what they spend their money on suit will never de-value or go out of and the effect of it. For example, people order shopping online and fashion. It is the type of brand that can be the item is wrapped in plastic, it is then delivered inside another passed from Mother to Daughter to even plastic wrapping which is terribly wasteful. So in that respect people Granddaughter once its cared for. The cut are taking time to stop and think, “what can I do? How can I help and style is so classic and elegant. In that and be more conscious of my decisions and the consequences on regard it is rare to see them come in to the the planet thereafter?” I think the pandemic also showed people store, but when they do I get very excited that they don’t need as much in terms of material items? They are about showing them to my customers. definitely focusing more on quality over quantity.

That is the one drawback to being the owner, I have to sell them on and cannot keep them for myself! It What would you say to our wouldn’t be fair to my clients to value items for my own use. I would reader’s about coming to shop also say, I do accommodate a deposit system where if you see an in a pre-loved store? item you can place a deposit on it and pay it off at your own pace The good thing about coming to until the item is yours.

Goose Boutique to buy is that you can be guaranteed that every piece As a relatively new business, how did the pandemic affect is unique. You don’t have to worry you and has it shaped the future of Goose Boutique with about attending a christening, how you plan going forward? communion and seeing the same When the first lockdown occurred, I closed up and stayed at home. outfit on lots of other women as can I continued to do so and selling online just wasn’t an option at that happen with buying in big stores. time. Going to the post office or meeting customers which was I’m so lucky, I genuinely get the most against all government advice at the time so I was happy to just beautiful consignments. But people do as we were advised and stay safe. I am currently working on a don’t realise the treasures lying in website and haven’t entirely ruled out going online in the future, the back of their wardrobes? I have another business angle I am looking into is rental. As I mentioned pictures up on Instagram of pre-loved vintage blazers. The quality previously, sustainability is at the very core of my business, so is just second to none, from the lining to the buttons every detail is I believe renting items is a good way of embracing that going exquisite. But the era they come from is different. If you bought a forward. I have really enjoyed the return to in store shopping and blazer back in the 70’s or 80’s you might alter it or get repairs done meeting my customers once again. I look forward to welcoming to stitching etc. because of the quality and pricing, you wouldn’t just new customers in the future, so if you are passing by, please do pop throw it away as opposed to modern days when you can purchase in to say hello! a blazer for €15. So, coming to Goose Boutique there is a treasure for everyone to find and if you are after something of a certain style Goose Boutique can be contacted on 0874545449 that we don’t have, we will try our best to source it.

Facebook or Instagram Goose Boutique Tralee 36

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Trends to be seen in this Spring Season With the days now getting longer and apparently warmer, we're finally able to turn our attention to Spring/Summer 2022 fashion trends. Now, you are probably wearing a warm jumper with a cup of tea in hand whilst reading this article! But, let’s just all think positive and start to manifest warm sunny weather with lighter mornings and lighter evenings. Linen shirts, floral dresses, and bright colours are just around the corner.

The best part about transitioning from one season to the next?

Swapping out your current wardrobe for the clothes you've kept packed away for months. So, with that in mind, I am here to share with you the Spring Trends to be seen in this season.

You don’t have to go out and purchase every single trend, but picking up one or two and adding them to your existing wardrobe, will update and refresh your look, whilst also looking super in the know and on trend.

There's definitely a touch of the 90's being seen in these trends with hemlines rising up, the return of the pencil skirt and the daring cut outs seen on the runway from Jacquemus and Bottega Veneta. So which sexy trends are back this season?

The Mini Mini Skirt.

The shorter the better in this case. I have always loved a mini skirt and welcome its return. It may be on trend now, but I always have a few on rotation. Remember if your legs are on show, cover up more on top i.e., shirt/body top with long sleeves. Let your legs be the main event! I always add a light layer of baby oil on my legs, for an ultraflattering glow.

Mini from Zara

Cut Outs and Sheer Panels Now this trend may not be for everyone. I only wish I could wear a bralette with a high waisted skirt! But there’s ways to make this trend, well more wearable for everyone. Cutouts come in all sizes and shapes, meaning there's a style for everyone interested in trying the trend. You could wear a cropped blazer or a short boxy t-shirt with a high waisted 38

pencil skirt, with only a small sliver of your waist on show. Or you could have a sheer panel in your top or skirt or a dress with peek-a-boo panels. They don’t have to be huge. In fact, I think the smaller the cut out, the more flattering and chic it is.

Bras as tops

Dress from River Island

Lingerie as outerwear. Are we ready for it? Again, another trend that’s not totally for me. But for a young fearless fashionista, I think it can look class. Michael Kors had it styled with highwaisted skirts, that looked stunning. For me, I would wear a triangular-shaped bra or lace bralette, that I can layer underneath blouses and blazers. More of a subtle nod to the trend.

Disco Diva Think rainbow brights, fuchsia pinks, feathers, fringing, pleating and fabulous sequins! I think we are all programmed to think sequins are just for Christmas. This season doesn’t have your usual Spring trends with florals and pastels. Oh no! Let’s all embrace this new trend and boost our moods with a little bit of sparkle and colour – pure fun! For a subtle way to wear this trend and bring a look to life, you can add an embellished clutch to your outfit.

Lime Green and hot pink are everywhere this season. In fact, all the highlighter colours are. Head to toe tonal dressing is always very on trend. If the barbie look isn’t for you, you could team a blue skirt with a blue top for the ultimate power tonal look.

Michael Kors Runway

Make the most of this trend with a fringed, shimmery slinky dress for night time or slightly thicker fringe in neutral colourways for daytime.

Dress from Asos

Add a Studio 54 inspired glam to your look, with pressed pleats in shimmery fabrics. Metallic midis and maxis are having a real 'moment' and I love how impactful this trend is - simply slip on a metallic pleated skirt and your whole outfit is instantly transformed.

Suiting Are you debating on investing in some tailoring? This season, look for a suit in a statement colour, oversized with an 80’s padded shoulder look and wider trouser legs. For the cool trendy girls, oversized suiting with runners is the look for you. For a more classic and timeless look, which is more my vibe, wear your suits with a beautiful blouse or body and high heeled mules. The best part is you can break down the suit into separates to make a variety of beautiful outfits.

Versace Runway

Low Rise Can you actually believe the low-rise trend is back? The most 90’s trend of them all and I for one am NOT into it! I did love it when I was like 16 and trying to copy a Britney Spears look in her latest music video. But as a 38-year-old woman, this trend is not for me! Matching midriff sets are what’s on trend, but I’ll be sticking to high waisted all the way!

Bella Hadid

Halternecks Another trend that brings me right back to my early 20’s! I used to love a good halter top! And they can be so flattering around the shoulders and décolletage area.

Criss-cross and ornate loop details are all over the runway this spring/ summer. Will you be partaking in this trend?

Chunky boots

Top from Karen Millen

Chunky boots are here to stay this Spring. I’ve said it before, I love how a chunky boot toughens up a pretty dress for an effortless chic look.

And that’s it! Hope you enjoyed this article. Let me know what trends you’ll be taking part in. Keep an eye on my Facebook and Instagram to see how I style my Spring outfits. For any fashion, beauty or questions relating to this article, please email laurahollystylist1@gmail.com

Laura xxx

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Fashion at the Muckross Park Thursday 28th of April

It’s finally showtime …

Details were announced recently of a wonderful evening showcasing top Irish designers, brands and boutiques in the magical 5 star surroundings of the Muckross Park Hotel, Killarney, Co. Kerry.

Produced by top agency Upfront Model Management, ‘Fashion at the Muckross Park’ will feature new collections from many of Ireland’s top fashion designers including Helen Cody, Carol Kennelly and Delphine Grandjouan and also new season style from fashion brands and boutiques including MacBees, Phoenix V, Goose, Jasmine, Hannons, Cathy Troth and Lily Mais by Fran and jewellery by master goldsmith Brian de Staic. Tickets are €85 and can be purchased now online from www.upfrontmodelmanagement.com MC’ed by well known fashion blogger Emily O’Donoghue, @ fashionablyfortyish, the evening will commence with ‘live from the Red Carpet arrivals at 7pm, followed by a prosecco and canapés reception in the opulent and very fashionable setting of the Tea Rooms. Guests will then be seated for the main show at 8pm in the wonderful Valencia Suite. There will also be live musical entertainment and a prize for the Most Stylish Guest on the evening.

Upfront Model Management have produced stellar events for over 20 years including Ireland’s most successful fashion industry event KFW fashion week; the first fashion focussed sustainable show - the Enchanted Forest at Sheen Falls Lodge and the New Season Collections at the Aghadoe. This is the first in a series of events the Agency is producing over the coming months and if you are looking to escape to an evening of high fashion and fun with lots of inspiration on what to wear for the season ahead - this is the place to be!

Tickets are €85 and available to purchase online at www.upfrontmodelmanagement.com Make a night of it . . .

The Muckross Park Hotel have a special discounted rate for those attending the show of €159 B&B based on single occupancy or €179 B&B based on Double/Twin occupancy.

To book please contact the Muckross Park Hotel directly

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We welcome Ukrainian women and children to Ireland

The Phoenix Women’s Centre would like to welcome the Ukrainian women and children who have arrived in Kerry this month and who are based in Tralee, Killarney and Cahersiveen.

Ireland will be opening its borders to approximately 8,800 refugees from Ukraine, mostly women and children.

We have watched in utter despair, sadness and disbelief at the terror inflicted on Ukraine and its people by a Russian despot.

We can only imagine the desperation that Ukrainians have experienced when literally running for their lives, to a safe haven. The military aggression, under Putin’s command, directed at the Ukrainian citizens, their homes, their schools, hospitals, maternity wards, villages, towns and cities, laying them in waste and bloodshed, is sadistic cruelty of the worst kind.

It is unimaginable, to be surrounded by bombing and death, saying farewell to your husband, brother, father and turning away from them with tear drenched faces, clutching a few belongings, important documents, children and pets. The journey ahead is unknown and frightening. It is long and arduous, mostly on foot. There are delays at the border; children are crying and hungry. Our hearts go out to the people of Ukraine.

The generosity and kindness of the countries on the border of Ukraine has been overwhelming. The goodness of people gives us hope in humanity in the face of a heartless tyrant. We hope and pray for peace.

The Phoenix Women’s Centre wish to offer a hand of friendship as we stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine.

Phoenix Women’s Centre, Market Place, Maine Street, Tralee, Co. Kerry.

Tel 066 9130430 Email: info@phoenixwomenscentre.ie www.phoenixwomenscentre.ie www.facebook.com/ PhoenixWomensCentre

CELEBRATE IN STYLE

The perfect space for your celebration or event

THE ASHE HOTEL

In the heart of Tralee Please contact us for more information

The Ashe Hotel, Tralee | 066-7106300 | info@theashehotel.ie | www.theashehotel.ie

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Scotia Muse Academy 18 Ashe Street, Tralee

With the months passing quickly, it can only mean one thing for thousands of students in Kerry, exam time. Whether they are looking to secure those much needed points within the Leaving Certificate or are heading into a Junior Certificate struggling with Maths, Scotia Muse Academy has revision courses for everyone.

Scotia is an institution like no other service provider, with an ethos of keeping the atmosphere as relaxed and casual as possible whilst ensuring the child achieves the grade’s needed, they get the work done. Scotia was originally founded by Patrick Hurley who unfortunately had to take a step back due to ill health. With Annette Hennessy now overseeing everything as business owner and manager, she embraces Patrick’s vision whilst also working to develop Scotia to its full potential.

With Easter revision for both Junior and Leaving Certificate available, it is the prime opportunity for your child to polish and refine their grades and to ease away the exam based anxiety.

With that said, Scotia have announced an amazingly generous offer with their Easter revision program.

Every cent made from Easter revision for Junior Certificate classes will be donated directly to Ukrainian refugee relief projects. Such a kind gesture in times where money isn’t easy to come by, parents can be well assured that their child is benefitting from the 42

revision whilst at the same time directly helping those in times of crisis.

Speaking with Annette Hennessy she told us “Our approach to learning is completely child centred and focused. We work closely with each child, keeping class sizes small to ensure maximum attention and focus. We will tackle each topic in depth, recording classes so that the students have access to the recordings to gain a better understanding. If we identify that a child needs help again in a certain area, we will work closely with them until they have the knowledge of it they need so that they feel confident going into their exams. We are very proud of our Easter revision program and the results that it achieves for students. The fact that we can support such a worthy cause with Ukrainian refugee relief at the same time makes it all worthwhile.

I am conscious that a lot of people want to help this very worthy cause in some way but perhaps don’t feel financially that they can support it as much as

they would like, with this option your child’s education is being catered too whilst you are helping those in need, I know that will make a lot of people happy with their choice to come to Scotia Muse Academy.”

“We have very good connection’s and lines of communications open with a lot of the second level education institutions in the Kerry area which helps massively when working with the student. Along with our revision programs we offer full time Leaving Certificate programs. We take each student on their own merits and work very closely with them, identifying their individual needs. We simply don’t allow the child to fall behind because we are constantly analysing their needs and working with them closely to ensure they are on top of everything. This can of course be difficult in a mainstream educational environment where a teacher is looking after the needs of thirty or so students every 40 minutes. Our highly qualified teachers identify key learning areas and needs and address them accordingly. A huge learning tool used, as I mentioned, is the recording of classes if the teacher feels it’s a subject that will need close attention after class has finished. Every teacher within the Scotia Muse Academy is Garda vetted and extremely well qualified at the top of their profession. We are very proud of the Academy we have today and look forward to what the future brings.”

For more information on Easter revision courses in Scotia Muse Academy, Contact Annette on: Ph: 0858228984 or Email: annettehennessy71@gmail.com 43

Romy Birdthistle, Makeup Aritst, Educator and Owner of Paradise Salon & Academy

Spring is here and it's time to refresh your makeup routine. These are some of my favourite spring trends and products to spruce up your makeup bags.

"No Makeup" Makeup I keep my makeup quite natural day to day so I love this trend, it's all about great glowing skin and natural brows and lashes - maybe a little bronzer in your crease - It's quick and easy and with the right products will have you looking flawless.

To achieve great skin I always recommend a course of facials this time of year, with the changing weather. Personally my skin craves hydration so I treat that first and foremost With my skin in good condition I will choose a BB Cream instead of a foundation and I particularly like to the Note Cosmetics BB Cream. This BB cream is thicker than some other BB creams which is good for people that want a little more coverage without making the leap to a foundation. It has a beautifully luminous finish that looks great alone, but still has a slight dewiness to it if set with a very lightweight powder.

Blushed Cheeks

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I think a good blush is one of the most underrated products you can have in your makeup bag. My favourite has to be the Milani Baked blush in the Shade Luminoso - it give such a healthy glow

Glossy Lips

This is such a great Trend to hop on.

My lips always need a little help this time of year so I start with a lip scrub, like the Burt's Bees 100% Natural Conditioning Lip Scrub with Exfoliating Honey Crystals. I am loving the UP Cosmetics Lip Gloss in the Shade Dubai for a beautifully glossy finish

Bold red lip If you like to make a statement then a bold rep lip is perfect for you. You can keep the rest of your makeup pretty minimal but still stand out.

My favourite red lipstick is the Chanel Rouge Allure in Pirate. It's the perfect red shade that suits almost any skin tone.

Faux Freckles

This trend isn't for everyone but it's a big trend that isn't going anywhere. Below is a little step by step of how to achieve the perfect faux freckles

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TIPS TO KEEP YOU ON TRACK! With the Connect Awards night just over and the reducing of restrictions, many of us are preparing for a big night out.

Here are some tips to help keep us on track yet enjoy a special occasion.

• • • • • • • • • •

• • • • •

Aim to order quality, freshly prepared food.

Order extra salad and veggies Opt for potatoes , rice or pasta over chips Opt for grilled or baked rather than fried Choose either a starter or a desert.

If going for a desert get 2 spoons and share with a friend Order sauces 'on the side' sauces can be very calorie dense but having them on the side chances are you will consume much less yet still enjoying them Fish is a great lower calorie high protein option Avoid being over hungry when going out to eat Order water for the table. Yes you can enjoy your wine too but drinking water between drinks will help keep you hydrated ( avoiding the cravings for salty foods the following day) and may result in you drinking/eating less If using a mixer opt for slimline or diet Don't neglect your steps or exercise on the run up to or on night out Remember dancing is great exercise No - you don't need the takeaway on the way home Remember try to make the best decision most of the time BUT if you don't- don't dwell on it - put it behind you and move on. Back on track next day.

And most importantly enjoy your special occasion.

We offer affordable options for all your fitness needs.

Services - Building Strength - Losing weight - Personal Training - Fitness Classes 46

Monavalley Tralee 085 2689880

@Achievefitnessirl

47

Ask the Pharmacist In April’s issue of Ask The Pharmacist, Mounthawk Allcare Pharmacys’s Pat and Maria discuss several women’s and men’s general conditions for which there are a variety of options available for self treatment.

Erectile dysfunction is a common condition that can affect men of all ages. It is characterised by the failure to develop/maintain an erection that is firm enough for sex. Often there may be an underlying issue that increases the chance of this occurring-heart disease, diabetes, hormonal imbalances are proven to cause issues in this regard. Sometimes it can be a side effect of certain medications eg medication for high blood pressure or depression. Previously, one had to see their GP to obtain a prescription for Viagra but this product is now available over the counter in Mounthawk Pharmacy.

This medicine comes in a pack of 4 or 8 tablets and works by increasing the blood flow to the penis. If it is your first time purchasing this product, our pharmacists will go through a series of questions with you in strictest confidence and this is to ensure that this product is safe for you to use. If you suffer from angina or advanced cardiovascular disease for example then taking a medicine such as Viagra must be agreed by your GP. If we agree that it is safe for you to use this product, then we will supply you with a handy authorisation slip that means in future you can just hand this into us and we can supply it without asking you the same questions all over again. As always, a healthy lifestyle will also help to improve performance so make sure you are eating the right things and watching that waistline. Supplements such as Wellman and Centrum Men will ensure you are getting all the essential nutrients you need for optimum health. As always, if you have any questions feel free to pop into us in Mounthawk where we are always happy to help.

Haemorrhoids (often known as piles) are swellings containing enlarged blood vessels situated inside or around the anus. Extremely common , they can be caused by several conditions such as constipation, straining when going to the bathroom, pregnancy and heavy lifting. This is why the entire staff of Mounthawk Pharmacy sadly had to give up their promising careers as professional weightlifters years ago. Piles are often no more than a nuisance but they can cause severe discomfort and occasionally will require surgical removal. As always prevention is better than cure so increasing your intake of dietary fibre and increasing your water intake is a natural way to avoid them. Piles can be either internal or external and the treatment options

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available depend on which ones you suffer from. Suppositories are solid medications that are inserted into the rectum and work well for internal piles. There are several products available eg Anusol and Preparation H. These work to shrink the piles and also to relieve discomfort. External piles respond well to creams.

Some products contain hydrocortisone which is a steroid used to help shrink the offending pile. This works great but should be avoided if your piles are bleeding. The itch associated with piles can be relieved by Preparation H wipes and it is a good idea when wiping to use a damp tissue to avoid any further trauma to the delicate anal tissue that be damaged easily by rough wiping. At the risk of sounding like a broken record, call into us where we are happy to discuss your options if you are suffering.

Sometimes people are embarrassed to talk about these kind of issues but we talk about them everyday and it is no reason to be afraid or ashamed to ask for help.

Thrush is a common condition that affects women (and sometimes men). It is a yeast infection that results from an imbalance of the natural fauna found in the vaginal area.

It generally tends to develop when something happens to change the Ph level of the vagina and this could be anything from diabetes, recent antibiotic use or recent sex. It can be extremely uncomfortable for the sufferer, resulting in stinging in the vaginal area and a whitish discharge. This is caused by overgrowth of the yeast Candida Albicans. Luckily there are a number of treatment options available to relieve the discomfort and treat the infection. Everybody has heard of Canesten-it is available in cream and pessary form to help kill the overgrowth of the yeast. The cream is good for controlling the external symptoms such as itching and redness but the internal pessary is the gold standard, working on the inside to restore the natural flora of the vagina. In severe cases it may be necessary to consult a GP for an oral antifungal tablet and this option should always be considered. Recurrent cases of thrush nearly always have an underlying reason and this needs to be investigated. It could be as simple as avoiding tight fitting synthetic clothing in that area as the build up of moisture that results is a breeding ground for yeast. The same goes for changing out of wet swimwear quickly and drying the area thoroughly.

However it could also be a symptom of irregular blood sugars so a blood test might be needed with your GP. Talk to us in store about your options and we will endeavour to find the right product to get you back to full health.

If there are any issues you would like us to discuss in the common months, email us at mounthawk@allcarepharmacy.ie and we will be happy to feature your query.

E: mounthawk@allcarepharmacy.ie Ph: (066) 712 8989 mounthawkallcarepharmacy

April Spring Glow 20 minute ELEMIS Superfood Facial 20 minute Indian Head Massage 20 minute Destressing Back Massage €79.00 (available Monday – Thursday only)

Call Serenity Spa today to book an appointment 066 7199111 or email spa@therosehotel.com The Rose Hotel, Dan Spring Road, Tralee, Co. Kerry, V92 HKA4.

www.therosehotel.com 49

c i s u M

m o d g n i in the K

n o l n a H Ger O

By Lisa Curran

For the past few months the town has been a live with lots of new talent and one voice in particular has captured the attention of passers by in our once again buzzing town centre so let’s find out about the man behind the amazing sound and welcome Ger O Hanlon to the kingdom!

Ger, we know each other a while but tell us, What brought you this direction and how are you finding the gig and music scene in kerry so far?

Well my main reason for moving here was because I was doing singing lessons with Tralee Vocal Academy which was a big step for me after college. I really love passing on the knowledge I learned for years to other people and hopefully help them achieve their goals.

I think the music scene here is so diverse from busking to Karaoke and events. Everyone seems very supportive of eachother too in helping putting eachother out there. Busking for me has really done me wonders and I appreciate that people like what I do.

When did the singing and music in general start?

What influenced you?

I always loved music from a young age as I was exposured to so many different genres from my dad playing music in the car. My main influence would be Mariah Carey and he showed me her singing live at the Grammys and I was just in disbelief at her voice.

I wanted to learn how she did l these things with her voice. The first album I got was Christina Aguielera’s Debut album so she was definitely the first vocalist I had heard and still to this day I could sing every song off that album.

Where did you study your craft?

I was always self thought when I was younger and just trying to pick up things from listening and YouTube. I then decided to go to Voiceworks studios in Cork around 2015/16 and learned to to use my voice in ways I hadn’t done before. And in 2017 I went to Voiceworks in Kerry (now Tralee Vocal Academy) which helped me prepare for Leaving Cert music and college auditions which was so helpful as I didn’t really know what I wanted to do at that time.

I then went to The University of Limerick in 2017 -2019 to study Perfomimg arts and made so many connections there before continuing my studies in 2019-2020 in BIMM Dublin which helped me make lifelong contacts and learned how the industry works.

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Overall knowing how to become and performer and have the insight into the industry really helped me become the artist I am today.

You are writing your own original songs and have had some very successful releases! Tell us about that process Well the last 2 years has certainly been wild after securing 2 No.1s , 7 Top 10 songs on the Irish iTunes Charts and Top 20 in the Officla Homegrown charts.I mean I am in disbelief with the support I’ve gotten Songwriting for me when I started was very different to the way I write now. The stories are real but the way I have learned to convey the messages has radically Changed as songs overtime take new forms and new meanings. Writing lyrics in my favourite thing to do. They may not be perfect but it’s all me and it’s vulnerable. I’ve written with some amazing people over the last 2 years and I’m so excited to see how people react to this new matured and edgier side of my music.

Where can people follow your journey and make contact regarding performing or lessons?

You can reach my email gerohanlonmusic@gmail.com if you want to contact me for gigs or lessons or Tralee Vocal academy.

If you want to support my music you can follow my Spotify at “Ger” or my social medias (tiktok/insta) @gerohanlo

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