Connect Lifestyle Magazine April 2023

EDITOR'S NOTE

Hi everyone and welcome to April.

We have had a busy month with our Annual Connect Hair and Beauty Awards, it was a fantastic day and everyone had lots of fun, congrats to all our worthy winners and finalists. Its so refreshing to see so many new people coming to that industry too and setting up their own small business.

We have all the images here to view and also on our website so enjoy looking through all the glamour of the day.

We chat with Gina Groves who was our lifetime achievement award recipient and a very worthy one at that. She tells us about life, work and family. She truly is an amazing lady.

We also meet two powerful ladies taking the podcast world by storm, Caroline Lyons and Sarah Benner have created a podcast called What a Woman, and to date they have a host of amazing ladies who have chatted with the.

Lots of tips and advice for you on all topics including staying fit over easter,

So as we face into Easter weekend enjoy all the festivities with family and make sure and endulge in at least one egg.

See you all soon

Mags xx

Editor: Margaret Kissane

Office Enquiries: Cathriona Murphy

Print: Kingdom Printers

Graphic Design: Yevgen Kalynin

Editorial Contributors: 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

Despite the common belief that “most people get all the vitamins and minerals they need by eating a balanced, varied diet” the reality is that suboptimal intakes of vitamins and minerals are very common, even in people who eat well.

While healthy eating is very important, optimizing your nutritional intake with a good quality Vitamin B Complex or daily Multivitamin and Mineral formula capsule (which will contain all the essential B vitamins), can certainly help to improve your overall health and wellbeing.

B vitamins in particular can help with mood and energy because they are vital for energy production in your body and also important for your brain.

A good quality B COMPLEX formula which contain higher amounts of B vitamins can help reduce feeling of fatigue, stress, anxiety and confusion while also improving mood and general wellbeing.

If you are feeling run down, flat, stressed or fatigued consider a B COMPLEX supplement. Some formulas will have higher levels of B1, B2, B5 or B12 to meet individual needs so chat to us prior to choosing your product and we will advise which one suits your specific requirements best.

Daily supplementation of a good quality B COMPLEX can help support your central nervous system and help raise your daily tolerance and coping levels.

My personal favourite is the fabulous Irish brand MACANTA. The B COMPLEX from this range is very effective and very simple with just one capsule each morning.

Some other good quality brands include, VIRIDIAN, TERRA NOVA and SOLO, all of which you will find here in store with us.

Until next time, stay healthy Deirdre

Sunday March 26th 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 4pm with a delicious champagne reception

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.

We look forward to welcoming you all to our next awards on June 16th

KERRY LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Connect Kerry Business Development Award PETER MARK TRALEE

Connect Kerry Waxing / Threading Specialist – in association with Sean Taaffe Hair Group

NAMOI TRAVERS

PARADISE HAIR AND BEAUTY

Connect Kerry Massage specialist in association with Scotia Clinic Tralee SIOBHAN GUILBERT SERENITY SPA AT THE ROSE HOTEL

Connect Kerry Laser/Cosmetic Procedure Specialist in association with Connect Events

MONIKA BANACH, TRANSFORM BY MON AT BRUSH N BLUSH

Connect Kerry Outstanding Contribution to the Hair industry

MAEBH ENRIGHT HAIRWORKS TRALEE

Connect Kerry Years of Service to the Beauty Industry

SANJA BUNJAIC THE SPA AT AGHADOE HEIGHTS

Connect Kerry Wedding /Occasion Hair in association with K+A Cleaning Services

JOANNE LYNCH

HAIRWORKS TRALEE

Connect Kerry one to Watch in the Hair Industry

ANGEL HUSSEY PETER MARK

Connect Kerry One outstanding knowledge of chosen industry

MARIE KEANE MK BEAUTY LISTOWEL

Connect Kerry Color Technician – in Association with Rock_it_Kaftans

LORRAINE CHAWKE

SIGNATURE HAIR AND BEAUTY

Connect Kerry Cutting and Restyling Specialist – in association with John Walsh Photography

EMMA O GRADY

SEAN TAAFFE KILLARNEY

Connect Kerry One To Watch in the Beauty Industry

SKIN BEAUTY AT THE GLENEAGLE HOTEL

Connect Kerry Best Blow Dry in association with Celebration Events TINA O CONOR

ASPIRE HAIR

Connect Kerry Salon Ambience EASANNA SPA AT SHEEN FALLS

Connect Kerry Rising Star AOIFE O CONNOR

Connect Kerry Junior Hair/Beauty in association with That’s Perfect KATELYN O CONOR GIRLIES BEAUTY BALLYBUNION

Connect Kerry Counter/ Salon/Spa Manager – In Association with CHRC At the Bons Secours Tralee SHARRON O CONNOR PENINSULA SPA @DINGLE SKELLIG

Connect Kerry Team of the year BEAUTZ KILLARNEY

Connect Kerry Hair Salon of the year HAIRWORKS TRALEE

Connect Kerry Editors Choice MARY O DONNELL CHRC BONS SECOURS

Connect Kerry Beauty Salon of the year THE BEAUTY ROOMS KENMARE

Connect Kerry Holisitc Approach to the industry SHARON KINSELLA SOLE CONNECTION

Connect Kerry spa of the year in association with Kerry College of further education and training

NADUR SPA AT BALLYGARRY ESTATE HOTEL

Connect Kerry Overall Hair Individual SAMANTHA CLIFFORD VOGUE HAIR AND BEAUTY TRALEE

LISTOWEL WRITERS’ WEEK

Ireland’s Oldest Literature Festival

31st May–4th June 2023

Workshops, readings, performances, and discussions with leading writers in the beautiful town of Listowel, Co. Kerry.

More info at writersweek.ie

Gina Groves Lifetime Achievement Recipient

By Cathriona Murphy

Here in Connect, we recently held our annual Hair and Beauty Awards where we honoured and celebrated all within the industry across the county. At the end of the night the most prestigious and highly anticipated award of the night is announced, The Lifetime Achievement Award. A noticeable silence descends on the room as Margaret begins her carefully put together speech detailing the achievements of the chosen individual. At this point some may have guessed the recipient but for Gina Groves of Nádúr Spa in Ballygarry, she had no idea it was herself. Even with the attendance of her boss and team who of course were all in on it, the shock on Gina’s face said it all. There was a look of pure unfiltered emotion as she approached the stage in a room full of her peers who were all at this point joined together in a standing ovation to watch a truly deserving recipient receive the recognition she truly deserved. When the dust settled a few days later, I caught up with Gina to talk to her about her career and receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Gina, now that you have had time to recover from the shock of Sunday night, lets give our readers an opportunity to get to know you better! Can you tell me how your career in the industry started?

For me, I actually started later in life by going to college as a mature student in Cork. I studied Sport, Leisure and Recreation Management which led me to working in Gyms and Leisure centres for a number of years. My first management roll brought me to the leisure centre in the Dingle Skellig Hotel and while I was there they built the Peninsula Spa. They approached me and asked me if I would also manage the spa, so this was a whole new area for me and I really reluctantly agreed to do it. But saying that, I found myself becoming very interested in that industry. I spent 4 years in Dingle before moving closer to home in 2005 to join The Ballygarry team. I was very lucky to be involved from the ground up of the building and development of Nádúr Spa.

How was that experience for you to be involved in such a big and prestigious project?

Working alongside Padraig and the construction team I had a huge input into the layout and look of the spa and here I am 22 years later and still there, very settled and very happy. It really was and still is my own little baby. I am incredibly lucky with Padraig in that he really does give me free reign to really run it as my own, giving me a great deal of support too. When the spa was in development stage we spent a day driving around together visiting other spa’s across the county to really just see what our future competitors where providing. It’s funny because from that road trip we actually both discovered that we had very much the same vision for Nádúr Spa which was great because we were both on the same page from that point on. Even though we hadn’t yet picked out the name Nádúr, which is Irish for nature, we both agreed that we wanted it to be very natural in everything from the products being natural and organic to the therapists themselves being approachable, down to earth and not too much stuffiness!

We wanted it to be a spa that people felt very comfortable in. So anytime really we were involved in any redevelopment of the spa, we both always had a very clear vision of what we wanted.

Your warm and approachable nature would put anyone at ease, this would be a very important quality to have for those looking to go to a spa for the first time. What would you say to someone who has never been before?

The first visit to a spa, there is always a feeling of uncertainty around their first visit but I would be hoping by the time they visit somewhere like Nádúr that they would be greeted warmly when they meet the receptionist and that would eliminate the initial nerves and anxieties. For example we do get a lot of males coming to the spa under duress, dragged in by the wives or partners! You can see on their faces that they are not comfortable at all about it so we do try to make them feel comfortable from the minute they walk in the door. From the smells to the ambience, lighting to the music and that when they start to meet the therapists that a lot of those nerves would melt away. People come here for lots of different reasons, for some people it’s a social aspect perhaps with a gathering of friends, family. Some people come because they could be going through tough or difficult times, they might be grieving or just mentally fatigued and things like that as well. Then some people come because they actually need a good rub down, we get a lot of taxi drivers, people with physical jobs that actually need that bit of physical work done on them. So people really do come in for lots of different reasons and its up to us to figure out what that reason is and to make sure that we meet their expectations.

As with all aspects of life, there are highs and then there are lows. Can you tell me how it has been for you so far?

As the saying goes, into life a little rain must fall so I always try to remember this because in all careers, no matter how carefully we plan there will always be some ups and downs along the way. It’s always easy to maintain a level of enthusiasm and optimism in your job when things are going well but it can be a little bit more difficult to maintain that when the hard times hit. When things get a little bit hard or a little bit stressful I try to lean on those I know that care, I really try not to disregard the value of the support I get from my family, friends and also my work colleagues, ultimately they are the ones that will pull you through the difficult times. With colleagues they are like a second family, we get to know each

to see each other because therapists would be inside their treatment rooms but I do find that they still have great comradeship amongst them, they are a really good team who really look after each other and stick together.

With recession and covid, I certainly feel guests are more aware of self-love and taking time out from their busy lives to indulge in some rest and relaxation which became particularly prevalent after the pandemic. I think people became more aware of the importance of their own health and not just physically but mentally too. This has definitely benefitted us as a business because we have been very busy since, that sense of guilt that people used to feel from taking time out to attend a spa has gone they nearly felt like they shouldn’t be doing it. Whereas now more people are aware just how hugely important it is to take this time.

You are very passionate about keeping Nádúr as natural as possible while consciously stocking Irish made brands, can you tell me more about that?

I also feel a sense of change in how people want to avail of local services, purchasing local products. This has led me to a new focus of trying to stock Nádúr Spa with predominantly Irish products, I am hoping by the end of the summer that we will stock all Irish products, that is something that I have always wanted to do. I even feel, when you mentioned recessions earlier, that was a huge turning point for people understanding that we had to help each other out and support each other locally to get through it. That outlook has really fed its way into the beauty industry as well. We were the very first spa in Ireland to take on Voya which is a well-known spa product from Sligo and I really found that it was important to people that it was an Irish brand. So we are shortly going to be introducing a new range called Ground Wellbeing which is actually based in Cork, it’s quite a relatively new product but I am very happy to be introducing it into Nádúr over the next few months.

While most of us retreat to the spa to relax and unwind, you are there all week long! So, in your spare time, what do you do to relax?

I do really love the outdoors, I actually have a very passionate hobby of bee keeping which I am very lucky to enjoy with my job in Ballygarry. A few years ago the hotel introduced an Apiary and asked me to manage it so I now use bi-products from the hives to make products for the spa. It’s been really nice to be able to combine my hobby that I am most passionate about and my job.

I really love spending time with my friends, I am blessed with such a great bunch of friends and they are so funny, I get such a pick me up whenever I spend time with them. Be it a lunch or weekend away we always have a great time and it is really important to me to get this time with them.

What are your future goals and hopes withing your job?

I am very lucky with Ballygarry in that I am allowed a great degree of freedom, which involves being able to reinvent and take on new challenges so this coming year I will be spear-heading a new spa development. This should start in April all going well. That will offer our guests another additional outdoor hot tub area which will be nestled in a beautiful garden setting. There will also be outdoor shower facilities, a cold bucket shower, 2 outdoor seaweed baths and lots of outdoor loungers for our guests to enjoy. I am actually really looking forward to this because its been a while since I got stuck into a little project like this, its these little things that keep my job exciting and interesting. I am really

looking forward to working with Padraig on this one so hopefully it will be finished by the middle of the summer.

Finally, Gina, what did it feel like to be announced as The Connect Kerry Lifetime Achievement Recipient 2023?

I was truly honoured to receive the award, there is obviously shock to receiving acknowledgement and recognition of my career which for me, has been a combination of opportunity and good luck. I have been very fortunate to work with great people who share the same aspirations and passions as me which makes my life so much easier. I was worried in case it was a hint it was time for me to hang up the flip flops or retire! But I have been reassured by a lot of people that I still have many more steps to take.

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Casey Stephenson, a leading accountancy firm, is excited to announce a major rebrand to CSG as part of our ongoing commitment to provide exceptional service and support to our clients.

“As of 31st March 2023, we will be officially rebranding from Casey Stephenson to CSG, a name that reflects our core values of ambition, integrity, family, excellence, and energy, and our dedication to being the trusted business advisors of choice for clients across Ireland.

This rebrand is the culmination of months of hard work and reflects our evolution as a firm since our amalgamation of four excellent firms, Casey & Co; EFSCO Ltd; Paul F. Prendergast and PRC Accountants. Our new look and name capture the spirit of our team and our commitment to delivering innovative and personalised solutions that help our clients achieve their business goals. The rebrand was officially launched last Friday, at the Rose Hotel, Tralee where David Moran led a lively panel discussion with Gavin Caplis, Kerry Group, Ruth McCarthy, Fexco and David Clifford, Kerry GAA Senior Football Captain.

As part of our rebranding effort, we have updated our website and marketing materials to reflect our new name and brand identity. We are excited to share this new look with our clients, colleagues, and partners and look forward to continuing to serve the business community in Ireland.

Our rebranding effort represents a major milestone in our firm's evolution and reflects our commitment to providing exceptional service and support to our clients," said Chris Murray, Managing Partner at CSG.

"We are excited to unveil our new look and name and look forward to continuing to be a trusted business advisor to clients across Ireland."

At CSG, we offer a full suite of professional services, including accounting, audit, tax, and advisory, to support businesses at any stage of the lifecycle. Our expert team is dedicated to providing elite advice to clients across Ireland, and we pride ourselves on our people-led approach, building long-term relationships with clients based on trust, respect, and a deep understanding of their business needs.

L-R Úna McShane, Practice Manager, James Kelleher, Advisory Partner; David Moran; Corporate Finance Partner; Laura Dillon, Taxation Partner; Trevor McKenna, Financial Reporting & Advisory Partner

Front Row; L-R Edel Broderick, Audit Partner; Roísín Mulvihill, Audit Partner; Chris Murray; Managing Partner

CSG STRENGTHENS LEADERSHIP TEAM WITH THREE NEW PARTNERS

CSG is proud to announce the appointment of three new partners to our leadership team. Laura Dillon has been appointed as Tax Partner, while Róisín Mulvihill and Edel Broderick have been appointed as Audit Partners. They join the partnership team of Chris Murray, James Kelleher, Trevor McKenna and David Moran.

As a people-led firm, CSG is committed to providing a diverse and inclusive workplace that enables all team members to thrive and reach their full potential.

"We are proud to welcome Laura, Róisín, and Edel to our partnership and leadership team," said Chris Murray, Managing Partner at CSG. "Their exceptional skills, expertise, and experience will be instrumental in delivering top-quality accounting, audit, tax, and advisory services to our clients, and furthering our growth and success as a firm."

Previously Head of Taxation, Laura Dillon has a wealth of experience in providing tax advisory and compliance services to a range of corporate and personal tax clients. She has both practice and industry experience, having worked in KPMG and General Electric. She is an associate of Chartered Accountants Ireland and an associate of the Irish Tax Institute.

Róisín Mulvihill is an associate of Chartered Accountants Ireland and has significant experience in auditing medium and large entities across a breadth of industries. She joined the company in 2017, having previously worked in KPMG Dublin in the Auditing Department.

Edel Broderick specialises in Audit and has experience in auditing small, medium, and large companies across a number of sectors, including retail, hospitality, manufacturing, transport, and technology. Edel completed her audit training with EY before joining the auditing department in 2015. She is an associate of Chartered Accountants Ireland.

For more information about CSG and our professional services, please visit our website at csg.ie or contact us at info@csg.ie

Edel Broderick Audit Partner

Laura Dillon Taxation Partner

Roisin Mulvihill Audit Partner

Easter Breaks

By Cathriona Murphy

This Easter break, why not discover the best of what Kerry has to offer for you and your family by taking a much needed, well deserved break from home life. Get out in the fresh air in Killarney National Park or perhaps discover one of the new Greenways recently opened within the County? Whatever you choose to do, be sure to have fun doing it!

The Rose Hotel

The Rose Hotel is perfectly situated in close proximity to the centre of Tralee town. With a luxurious décor and ambience, nestled against the scenic mountain backdrop, it is a destination that will not disappoint. For Easter, they are currently offering some wonderful packages. All packages include full Irish breakfast served in the Park Restaurant, 4-course evening meal for adults in the Park Restaurant. A Family Pass to the Aqua Dome, one of Ireland's largest indoor water worlds just a few minutes' walk from the hotel, complimentary Kids Club, (for children from 4 years+). You can also choose between a 1, 2, or 3 night stay in one of their classic bedrooms. To book be sure to call 0667191000

Kenmare Bay Hotel

The picturesque Kenmare Bay Hotel has played host to some of Kerry’s most memorable weddings, in addition to being the perfect spot for a family getaway. What better time to have a breakaway than the Easter holidays. Kenmare Bay are offering 2 Nights Bed & Breakfast Starting from €149 per person for 2 adults & up to 2 children under 12 sharing

2 Nights Bed & breakfast and 1 Dinner from €169 per person for 2 adults & up

to 2 children under 12 sharing. To avoid disappointment book now by calling +353 (0)64 6641300 or email: info@ kenmarebayhotel.com

The Ashe Hotel

Easter at The Ashe Hotel Tralee is not to be missed! The most central location in the town with the most stunning and beautiful décor, it promises to be a trip to relax and unwind and have fun with all of the family. During your stay you can enjoy a 2 or 3 night stay in their triple or family room, breakfast each morning which is freshly cooked to order. Dining credit for the duration of your stay and a free 24hr cancellation when you book direct. Prices start at €350 per room for a 2 night family break. For more information contact 0667106300 or email info@theashehotel.ie

The Meadowlands

Stay at the family Run Meadowlands Hotel, situated on beautiful private gardens and at the gateway to explore the Wild Atlantic Way. A hotel by nature, a home by heart. Book direct and save, stronger for less and activity packages can be booked directly at www.meadowlandshotel. com. Guests enjoy beautiful appointed guests rooms, delicious dining options in An Móinéar Restaurant or Johnny Franks Bar & Terrace as well as a residents lounge and library & private complimentary parking facilities.

If there is one thing we have in abundance here in Kerry, it is a wealth of strong inspirational Female role models. Often going unnoticed, remaining quietly humble in the backdrop of a county that traditionally celebrated strong male athletes, the roles are slowly starting to shift! With an exciting new podcast from Sarah Benner and Caroline Lyons, the "What a Woman Podcast" celebrates strong, independent women with stories that will inspire a generation and beyond. I caught up with Sarah and Caroline recently to find out more.

What a Woman Podcast Celebrating the Strength of Women

By Cathriona Murphy

Valuation. I worked in the Property Sector in Cork for over 10 years, when the recession hit I travelled to Australia and when I returned I started working in Sales and Marketing with a fantastic healthcare company where I have been for the last 12 years. I am happily married to a lovely Tralee man and we have a very busy house with three very outgoing, beautiful children!

Where did the idea of the podcast come from, what inspired you both to do it?

I have a young daughter and I was becoming more aware of current role models on social media and felt that the women on the podcast, should be her role models, inspiring, ambitious, resilient, strong. It is a much more pressurised world for young girls and I think it is important that they have the right role models to look up to. With the podcast we want to give these women the opportunity to speak, share their journeys and inspire us! Once you had the theme decided on and your heart set on it, what process did you go through to set it up, did you face any challenges?

Can you give our readers some background info on yourselves please?

Caroline; I'm originally from London and I moved to Tralee in July 2021 with my husband and our three young daughters aged six, nine and eleven when his job was relocated to Ireland. Before then, I'd spent twenty years working in Finance, most recently heading up the investment research for a wealth management firm in Surrey. When I left that role and moved to Ireland, I saw it as an opportunity for a change of career and to pursue something more creative that I was passionate about.

Sarah; I am from Tralee. I went to college in Limerick where I studied Property

Caroline; I absolutely love podcasts because I love the intimacy of the conversations and the fact you can listen to some of the most interesting and brightest people from anywhere in the world. I liked the idea of starting my own podcast and in my previous job, I spent years interviewing some of the top investors in the UK, so I love asking questions. Initially, I started a podcast on sea swimming, as this became a hobby and mild obsession when I first moved to Tralee and then I met Sarah and interviewed her Aunt Madeleine. It was a really inspiring and uplifting conversation and after Sarah and I hit it off, we began talking about more women like Madeleine that have been trailblazers and broken down barriers for other women and we decided to work on a podcast together focused on women with great stories that could inspire others.

Sarah; I love listening to podcasts and it was Caroline who got me into them. I do a lot of travel with my job and sometimes the journeys can be long so I find podcasts great company. Then, Caroline interviewed my aunt Madeline for a podcast she had set up. When I was listening to it, I thought the interview was really engaging. I saw a niche in the market for conversations with interesting women, that have a story to tell.

I work part time and my children are at school so I felt I was at a stage where I was looking for a change and some inspiration.

Caroline; We did throw ourselves into the deep end but I once heard someone say you should start before you're ready because that's how things get off the ground, so we just had to go for it. We already had a podcast format and I had to quickly get familiar with a better recording device as up until then, I'd been recording on my phone in the car. The social media is a job in itself and has been a steep learning curve as neither Sarah or I were that active on it before but we've brought a great girl on board to help us because it's the best way to promote the podcast. The biggest challenge was probably coming up with an original name as there are so many podcasts out there but we feel we landed on one that reflects that we want to celebrate women.

Sarah; Neither myself nor Caroline are very present on social media. In this day and age it is imperative to have a strong social media presence so it’s been a steep learning curve. We have recently employed a fabulous girl, to look after that so that has been a huge help.

How has the response and reactions been locally and with family too?

Caroline; It's been a really positive response so far and lots of local people and friends have said fair play for giving something new a go and putting ourselves out there and hopefully we might inspire others to take on a new challenge, as I believe it's never too late in your life to do that. Friends and family have been really impressed by the line-up of guests and we ourselves have been delighted to have such a variety of interesting women with different backgrounds to take part.

Jacqui Hurley being the first female broadcaster on Sunday Sport; or Louise Galvin returning to elite sport after having a baby and Elaine Burrows overcoming her fear of wearing a swimming costume after having children and going on to swim channels. We also wanted to find great role models for our young daughters, as there is so much pressure on them, especially on social media and we want to open their eyes to what is possible in the real world. One of the guests on our wish list was Joanne O' Riordan, a journalist and activist who is only one of seven people in the world living with a rare physical disability known as Total Amelia and she will be joining us on Season Two out in April, so we're extremely excited to share that conversation.

Sarah; When I am looking for a guest, firstly, we want them to have an interesting story, provide inspiration with a ‘cando’ mentality and ideally be open about their story. All the women on the podcast have been on our wish list. I have always been blown away by Joanne o Riordan, who we are thrilled to be interviewing next week and another upcoming guest I am really excited about meeting is crime correspondent Nicola Tallant! They really are the calibre of guest we are looking for.

When hosting a podcast you often have to cover some difficult material, how have you learned to navigate that and guide your guests through it?

each passing series. To be fair, Caroline is very experienced, she has a lovely way of making the guests feel at ease during the interview. It is working very well so far and we are only going to get better. I would be very much a people person so hopefully together we are a good team.

What response have you gotten from potential guests when you tell them it’s all about inspirational, strong women? Has this been a barrier at any time so far? (I ask this for example, elaine is extremely humble and often doesn’t recognise her story as inspirational but I am in awe of her!)

Sarah; The response has been fantastic! I have received great encouragement and feedback from friends. My Mother and Aunts, have been so encouraging and never hesitant to critique the work! My daughter has also taken a huge interest in the podcast which ultimately was the goal!

When it came to choosing guests, what qualities are you looking for within each of them and do you have a wish list of who you would like to speak with?

Caroline; All of the guests we've had so far have been more than I would have wished for in a first series and that has been down to Sarah doing a brilliant job of bringing them on board. We wanted to find women from different backgrounds but where they've had experiences that have broken down barriers for other women or where they have gone beyond what they thought was possible for themselves. For example,

Caroline; We do take the responsibility of covering difficult subjects seriously, so its important to do lots of research beforehand to understand the material and what the guest is comfortable discussing. We will often brief the guest with questions ahead of the interview and we try make it a relaxed, safe space so that guests feel at ease during the conversation. The most important thing is to be a good, empathetic listener and take the cue from the guest if we need to move on from something.

Sarah; We have had plenty of correspondence before we meet the guests, so far we are still very much learning and hopefully we will fine tune our skills with

Caroline; So far, all of the guests have been excited by the concept of a podcast that celebrates Irish women that have empowering stories and they like the fact we want to have real conversations, not just something superficial. I still think as women, we can find it hard to celebrate our own achievements, so there is definitely an element of some potential guests feeling flattered and questioning if their story is comparable to someone else's but we want this podcast to encourage women to have more confidence in themselves to tell their story as that helps to empower the listeners too.

Sarah; The opposite! The response has been amazing, I think women are delighted to celebrate and inspire others. These women have faced plenty of challenges and have had to push themselves in the face of adversity. They are managing families, careers, disabilities, illness and sometimes grief. They are very happy to discuss their stories of challenges, determination and success.

Given the history in Ireland of Female oppression, how does it feel for you both to give this voice and this platform to so many?

Caroline; We're very proud to be working on a project that can celebrate women and show how far we've come but that can also highlight what we still have the potential to achieve. Although we have

Caroline Reidy HR Suite

Jacqui Hurley

Sports broadcaster

Helen Murphy Model and Fashion Blogger (Diva's Diary )

come a long way in this country in terms of greater equality for women, there is still a long way to go in other parts of the world which is why it's so important to continue giving a voice to women and anyone from a minority that suffers from discrimination. Sarah; We feel it’s necessary to be celebrating women, our achievements and the achievement of the unsung heroes on whose shoulders we stand. It is about time the female of the species gets its due recognition!

With everything there is highs and then there are lows. What has been each of your most memorable, enjoyable moments and the ones that were a bit more difficult?

Caroline; It's been a privilege to sit down with all the guests and hear their story, so the interviews have been really enjoyable. We recently spoke to some of the pupils at Presentation Secondary School, Tralee, for International Women's Day and it was lovely to be a part of that event and talk to the girls about the women we've interviewed, like Carol Brick, founder of HerMoney, who is a former pupil, to show them what is possible for their futures and not to worry about setbacks along the way. The more stressful times have been when the technology fails during an interview

which has led to some heart pounding moments but I'm learning to keep calm and learn from each experience because it's only through mistakes that you can improve.

Sarah; The highs are definitely being in the company of these women, we take great lessons from their stories.

Finally, What are your goals for the future of the podcast?

Caroline; We hope to continue to grow the audience as ultimately what gives me the most satisfaction is hearing from people that they really enjoyed an episode

and they took something helpful from it. In time, we hope to use any platform we have to continue to break down barriers for women or for minority groups to help make a positive difference out in the wider community.

Sarah; Ideally, we hope to continue to interview many inspirational women, increase our listenership and ideally broaden our discussions. We would love to get a female brand to do a collaboration with. We are currently in talks with a few brands which we are very excited about.

PROVIDING FOR YOUR BUSINESS.

By Cathriona Murphy

Monika, can you tell us what different types of procedures you currently provide in terms of permanent makeup?

Powder Brows(shaded technique), Nano Brows (hairstroke technique), Lip Blush, and Eyeliner

With so many different options for eyebrows, can you explain in detail please what each treatment entails and the differences?

Having learned all recent techniques of Permanent Make Up I’m able to provide the best way of creating brows for each customer. I can mix and match techniques for the best outcome without brows looking fake or tattooed. My aim is always for a natural effect. Powder Brows technique is natural shading that creates full brow. Nano Brows are hairstroke brows that looking like natural brow hair blended in with your own brows and combination brows are my favourite when hairstrokes and shading are mixed together. I just love the versatility of it.

Sometimes the term permanent can be scary to new clients, what would you say to someone considering having a permanent procedure?

If I’m discussing a Permanent Make Up treatment with a potential customer, I’m just showing them my genuine work. I think this is the best and most honest way if your work can speak for itself. I’m always posting videos of my work because you can’t doctor or photoshop them. I’m also advising everyone to check out Permanent Make Up Artist abilities and your expectations by simply getting Henna Brows done first and if you happy with shape and overall outcome you forming client-therapist trust then.

Following on from that question, tattoos can be painful on the body so can you tell our readers how permanent makeup compares pain wise to body tattoos?

Semi-Permanent form of make-up I provide is far apart from getting tattoo. There’s no pain, no blood, no skin damage. Tattoo artists are working on deeper level of skin and procedure is done permanently. With brows if you won’t upkeep them by getting them topped up once a year or less they’ll just fade away without trace after 1 to 3 years (all depending on skin age and condition).

We spend a fortune on lipsticks that promise to remain for hours upon hours but sometimes just don’t last as long as promised, what are the benefits of permanent lip colour and how many shades can your clients choose from?

As we get older our skin loses elasticity and when it comes to lips, our natural lip pigment intensity just goes down. Lip Blush helps maintain natural lip shape and accent outline and it’s a fantastic alternative to Lip fillers as it makes lips looking bigger. There's endless palettes of colours available. From prominent reds to different shades of pink or peach colours. For a natural, classic look there’s plenty of trendy nudes as well.

Is there a maintenance/upkeep of these procedures to consider when having them done?

There’s no maintenance or upkeep required apart from touch up session once a year or less when they start to fade away but that’s the beauty of it- ability to adjust brow shape to forever changing face. Other than that it’ll save you a fortune on monthly brow appointments. And every day you basically “wake up with make-up”.

If a client is interested in these procedures, can they book a consultation and if yes, what would a consult entail?

I’m always advising to do consultation before actual procedure. You are getting to meet me and form an opinion of me and if you trust me with such an important thing as your face. Im able to explain everything and put you at ease. Im always projecting future brows on each customer so they are able to see my vision and be able to put their input om it.

You also provide training programs, would you like to tell us more about these?

I got qualified as an educator and trainer. At the moment I’m offering Brow Stylist courses and they are very popular. Brow Stylist are for people with experience in beauty industry or without any as well. I’m in process of accrediting myself with AIT so I’ll be providing basic and masterclass courses in Permanent Make up as well.

Finally, is there any new services coming this year to your salon

If there’s any new services coming into salon this year it’ll be latest developments in Permanent Make up and skincare always staying on top with latest technologies and techniques so you’ll be always seeing me upskilling and upgrading so you have best possible treatments available here with me. Other than that I’ll be concentrating on my future Academy and my own unique style of training I’m developing myself choosing completely different direction that is used at the moment so watch this space...

Nora's Kitchen Recipes

Keeping you Slim for Spring

HERB AND TOMATO SOUP

Tangy tomatoes and delicate herbs make this soup a slimming sensation.

2½ Syns per serving | 1 hour 10 minutes | Serves 4

Ingredients

• 3 x 400g cans chopped tomatoes

• 4 spring onions, chopped

• 1 stalk lemongrass, finely chopped

• 2 garlic cloves, crushed

• 1cm piece fresh root ginger, peeled and chopped

• 1 level tbsp honey

• 275ml hot chicken stock

• 150ml dry white wine

• Juice and grated zest of 1 unwaxed lemon

• 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint

• 2 tbsp chopped fresh coriander

• Sprigs of coriander, to serve

Method

1. Put the canned tomatoes and their juice, the spring onions, lemongrass, garlic and ginger in a large non-stick saucepan and heat through gently. Add the honey and simmer over a low heat for about 10 minutes, until the mixture reduces and thickens a little.

2. Add the chicken stock, white wine, lemon juice and zest and the chopped herbs. Simmer for 30 minutes.

3. Strain the soup through a sieve into a large bowl, pressing the tomatoes down with a spoon to release their juices. Discard anything left in the sieve.

4.Season to taste and serve hot, with the coriander sprinkled over. Alternatively, cool, then cover and chill.

SPRING SALMON PARCELS

Unwrap these flavoursome parcels at the table... they smell divine! 50 minutes | Makes 4

Ingredients

• 400g baby new potatoes, thinly sliced

• 2 x 300g packs stir-fry vegetables with broccoli, edamame beans, carrots and cabbage

• 4 skinless and boneless salmon fillets

• Handful fresh coriander leaves, roughly chopped, reserving some to serve

• 180ml dry white wine

Method

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C/160°C fan/gas 4. Boil the potato slices in a medium pan for 3-5 minutes, or until just tender. Drain well. Tear off 8 squares of baking paper (about 35cm x 35cm) and layer 2 pieces on top of each other so you have 4 double-thickness squares.

2. Divide the potato slices and stir-fry vegetables between the baking paper squares. Put the salmon on top and scatter over the coriander. Season lightly, then drizzle 3 tbsp wine and 1 tbsp water over each piece of salmon.

3. Bring 2 opposite edges of the paper together over the salmon, roll down to enclose the filling, then roll up the other edges to make a parcel. Tie with string, then transfer to a baking tray. Repeat to make 4 parcels.

Contact NORA on 087 2489838

Manor Retail & Leisure Park, Tralee Insta: norabutlermindbodycoaching

4. Bake for 20 minutes. Open one parcel and cut through the centre of the salmon – the flakes should be pale pink all the way through. If not, re-wrap, tie and return to the oven for 5 minutes, or until cooked.

5. Transfer each parcel to a plate. Untie the string, garnish with the reserved coriander and serve.

Ask the Pharmacist

In this edition of Ask The Pharmacist, Mounthawk Allcare Pharmacy's Pat Harmon explains how to manage the symptoms of urinary tract infections.

"Urinary tract infections are some of the most common infections that we see inside in community pharmacy. The incidence is higher in women than in men, and previous infection increases the prevalence of them going forward. The urinary tract has many distinct parts eg the kidney, bladder and urethra. For people who have infections of the kidney or the ureter this is classified as an upper kidney infection. These generally can be more serious and will always necessitate a visit to your GP for antibiotics. Those with an infection of the bladder or urethra are said to be suffering from a lower urinary tract infection and these can often be managed over the counter.

Men can also develop UTIs but it is generally rare and will always warrant further investigation. Infection of the prostate gland is often the causative factor and this can be very painful and progress quite rapidly. A male patient experiencing symptoms of a UTI will always need to attend his GP to clear the infection.

The symptoms of UTIs are varied but generally one or more of the following will be present:

• Pain or a burning sensation when urinating (this is called Dysuria)

• Increased urge to urinate but when you attempt to go it stings and very little or no urine at all comes out (this is called Frequency)

•The urine may appear cloudy and have an unusual odour. Occasionally there will be spots of blood visible in the urine and this will always necessitate a trip to your GP •Pain in the lower back with associated fever. This is generally a symptom of an upper UTI and is more serious than an infection of the lower urinary tract and will be harder to treat. Sometimes this nonspecific symptom can be mistaken for something else so it's important to always look at the body as a whole when discussing symptoms.

Luckily in the pharmacy setting we have a variety of products available to help manage the symptoms of UTIs so that they don't progress to something more serious.

The most popular product we sell is called Cystopurin. This is a sachet that is dissolved in water and taken three times

daily for two days. The active ingredient is potassium citrate and it has the effect of neutralising the acid in urine that can make it so painful to pass. This works very well for mild cases of cystitis and is generally the first product we will recommend to someone with mild symptoms of cystitis. We will also recommend combining this with increased fluid intake as a way of naturally flushing out toxins from the bladder. Cranberry juice is anecdotally recommended for treating and preventing cystitis and we are big advocates of its use. For those who do not like the taste of cranberry juice we sell cranberry extract in pill form and this will have the same effect. Utipro Plus AF capsules are a relatively new treatment for acute uncomplicated cystitis and have been proven to reduce the need for antibiotics. These should be taken at the first onset of symptoms for best affect. We have received excellent feedback on this product and think it is a handy product to keep in the medicine cabinet for those who are prone to recurrent cystitis.

If in any doubt that you may have a UTI come into us and we will be happy to steer you in the right direction. We sell very affordable home test kits that will tell you if you have a urine infection or not. As discussed mild cases of cystitis can be managed over the counter and paracetamol or ibuprofen can be taken to provide pain relief. More severe cases will require you to visit your GP. There are a range of antibiotics available to treat these infections and sometimes the GP will order sensitivity tests to make sure that they prescribe the right one for you. Unfortunately antibiotic resistance is on the rise and people will sometimes have to try more than one medication to eradicate the infection.

As has been explained urinary tract infection are common and have some general defining symptoms that can help in making a diagnosis. For certain populations, eg men, pregnant women, elderly people etc we always refer to the GP as the complications of untreated infection can be severe. However we will always endeavour to help anyone who comes to us and if we can't we will refer to someone who can. I hope you found this article useful and as always we are available in store to answer any questions you may have. Thank you for reading these articles and I hope you found their content informative and of some use."

Pearly Whites

by Dr. Marcas Mac Domhnaill

The digital age is changing the way we live and work, whether we like it or not. This is the same for dentistry in the ways that we examine patients, diagnose problems and in the provision of treatment.

The advent of digital radiography (x-rays) has made the diagnosis of dental decay, fractures, micro -cracks and dental infection much easier. It allows the dentist to show the images to the patient on a screen so that they understand the issues involved. Images can be enlarged to pin-point problem areas. Small x-rays take only a fraction of a second and a full mouth radiograph takes only twelve seconds. The images are developed immediately within a matter of seconds. This is a huge advantage over pre-digital x-rays as they were slow to be developed. The digital x-ray is also a great way to educate patients in good oral hygiene as food traps etc. can easily be identified on the image, when damage to the teeth and gums has occurred. Images can also be e-mailed to patients and specialists if required.

Monitoring dental health of a patient has been made much easier with intra-oral cameras and scanners. Digital photographs can easily show broken teeth and fillings. They can also show inflammation of the gums and swellings or colour changes in the mouth. They are very useful in monitoring gum recession. Indeed, many dental problems do not cause any initial pain or discomfort in the mouth but may be detected with digital photography. An example of this would be red or white patches increasing in size in the mouth which could indicate mouth cancer.

Digital scanners are now becoming very popular in the provision of dentistry. Teeth and gums can be scanned with a hand-held camera. The image can then be viewed on a computer screen. The images can be enlarged and rotated for easier viewing by the patient. Scanners can be used in monitoring gum recession and tooth wear, planning orthodontic treatments to move teeth and also to make crowns, bridges, dentures etc. Scanners can also be used to give a simulation version of a proposed dental treatment. This would give an image of the proposed treatment and allow the patient to see what their teeth might look like post-treatment. This is very useful in orthodontics and smile make-overs. These digital tools help both patient and dentist to find the best treatment outcome for the patient. It is often only when a patient understands the problem and the treatment options proposed that they can make an informed decision on their dental treatment. Remember, your dentist is always happy to explain your treatment options to you.

Beir bua agus beannacht.

How to stay healthy over Easter

Easter is a time to enjoy with family and friends, but it can also be a challenging time for those who are trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle. With all the chocolate bunnies and other sweet treats, it's easy to give in to temptation and forget about our fitness goals. But with a little bit of mindfulness and moderation, it's possible to enjoy Easter while still staying on track with our health and fitness goals.

Mindful Eating One of the biggest challenges during Easter is resisting the temptation of all the sweet treats. However, with some mindful eating practices, it's possible to enjoy the holiday treats without overindulging.

Here are some tips: Portion Control: Rather than depriving yourself of Easter treats altogether, try to limit your portions. Take a small piece of chocolate rather than a whole bar, or split a dessert with a friend or family member.

Avoiding Temptations: Keep the Easter treats out of sight and out of mind. Store them away in a cupboard or drawer so you're not constantly reminded of them.

Healthy Easter Treats: There are plenty of healthy Easter treats that are just as delicious as the traditional ones. Opt for dark chocolate, fresh fruit, or homemade desserts made with natural sweeteners.

Exercise Routine Staying active during Easter is important to burn off those extra calories and maintain our fitness goals. Here are some ideas for Easter-themed workouts and outdoor activities: Easter-themed Workouts: Get creative with your workouts by incorporating Outdoor Activities:

Take advantage of the spring weather and go for a hike, bike ride, or have an Easter egg hunt with the family. These activities will not only help you burn calories but also allow you to spend quality time with loved ones.

Staying Mindful Maintaining a healthy lifestyle during Easter is not just about what you eat and how you exercise. It's also important to stay mindful and manage your stress levels. Here are some tips:

Stress Management: Easter can be a stressful time for some, with family gatherings and expectations. Take some time for yourself to relax and destress. Practice deep breathing, meditation, or yoga. Getting Enough Sleep: Adequate sleep is essential for a healthy lifestyle. Make sure you're getting enough rest during the Easter holiday. Stick to a consistent sleep schedule and avoid overindulging in alcohol, which can disrupt sleep.

Staying healthy and losing weight during Easter may seem like a daunting task, but it's possible with a little bit of mindfulness and moderation. By practicing portion control, incorporating Easter-themed workouts and outdoor activities, and staying mindful and managing stress levels, you can enjoy the holiday while staying on track with your health and fitness goals. Remember, it's all about balance and making small, sustainable changes to your lifestyle.

Changes to the Temporary Business Energy Support Scheme (TBESS)

Other changes are proposed but are subject to State aid approval, as follows:

• Extension of the scheme to 31 May 2023

• Reduction of energy costs threshold from 50% to 30%, with effec t from 1 September 2022

• An increase in the payment from 40% to 50% of eligible costs from 1 March 2023

• Extension of time limit for all claims to 31 July 2023

Claims can continue to be made for the September 2022 to February 2023 claim periods and Revenue will advise when claims can be made for the March 2023 claim period.

The scheme has been enhanced with:

• An extension to 30 April 2023 and

• An increase in the monthly limit on payments for claim periods from 1 March 2023

o €15,000 from €10,000 per qualifying business and

o €45,000 from €30,000 where the business operates across multiple locations

As always if there is anyone heading to communions, confirmations, weddings or any events and you are unsure of how to accessorize your outfit call in or message me on our Facebook Page, Contact me on 087 6675926 and I will do my best to sort you out. Putting the finishing touches to an outfit can be very stressful for some people but I am doing it for 38 years and I love it but put me in a kitchen to cook even the most basic of meals and I panic no word of a lie.

Hi Connect Kerry Readers,

I hope ye are all doing well and ye all survived Jan, Feb and March .....In the World of retail (Accessories that is) they are probably the 3 months that very little is happening, its in between seasons and peoples spending power has taken a hit at Christmas so I must say we here at That’s Perfect always look forward to April. We are getting new stock in every few days and with that comes excitement and a new energy to the shop floor. I will include some photos of our Spring/ Summer 2023 range with this piece . With every change of season comes trends but the old reliable cross body bag , the bag with lots of pockets and the bag that takes everything (ie kitchen sink) will always hold pride of place in our shop . Scarfs are a big hit again this season and in the next few weeks I will be going on line demonstrating different ways of wearing different styles of scarfs.

As I sign off this month I need to thank all of the Connect Readers who were in contact with both Margaret (Editor) and myself with lovely messages of support . My beautiful Mammy , Aunt to Margaret grew her Angel Wings unexpectedly . Mammy loved reading the Connect each month cover to cover and took great pride in telling the neighbours “ thats my nieces magazine and my daughter writes a small piece in it too”. We will miss her comments going forward but lets hope there is wifi in Heaven and she gets to read this online.

Until next month, Keep smiling and above all

We would like to wish all our members, supporters, sponsors and friends a Very Happy Easter.

Members and Volunteers at the International Women’s Day lunch at Ballyseedy Garden Centre.

Forthcoming events for April 2023

6 April, Fashion Show, Ashe Hotel, 7.30p.m.

13 April, Still Life Sketching with Rachel Willett

20 April, Qigong, Tai Chi Meditation with Pauline Russell

27 April, Speed Meeting with Sheila Martin