Connect Lifestyle_April_2019-Issue 57

- Style at the Hair and Beauty Awards The lifestyle magazine for Kerry

Caitríona Perry

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talks USa POLITICS & HER MOVE HOME

Pat o'neill Lifetime Achievement Award

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

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2 | Connect Kerry | April 2019

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EDITOR'S NOTE Welcome to April!

The longer evenings are here and the weather is looking lovely too.

It’s been a busy March... We had a wonderful day once again at the Rose Hotel for our Connect Kerry Hair and Beauty Awards, recognising the industry in the county. It was great fun and we are delighted to bring you a taste of the day here in this issue. Everyone partied long into the night and we look forward to seeing you all again next year.

We chat to Caitríona Perry on her move home from the USA and taking over the main news on RTE. We also get some advice on study and preparing for the dreaded state exams from the experts at Brookefield College and Hummingbird Learning Centre.

It’s no time for rest here in the office as the search for ladies to be part of our Annual Connect Kerry Women in Business Awards is now underway for the fifth year.

With lots of wonderful nominations coming in, we are still taking nominations and invite you to nominate yourself or a lady you feel worthy of nomination. We have received a lot of ladies nominating themselves this year which we are truly delighted with as it shows the pride you have in yourself and your business to take that next step. Its always a wonderful day and is already proving very popular with tickets to the gala ball being reserved already.

We have all the usual contributors with lots of advice and tips, and we are delighted to welcome a lady full of knowledge in her field to the team of contributors this month. Bernie Falvey of Ballyseedy Home and Garden will join us each month over the season to bring us some valuable advice and tips on creating the perfect look in your garden.

Enjoy your favourite monthly read.

Until next time..........

Mags x Editor: Margaret Kissane Design: Laura Hartnett Design Print: Kingdom Printers Photography: John Walsh Photography 066 7123777 Email: info@johnwalsh.ie | www.johnwalsh.ie Contributors: Marcas Mac Domhnaill, John Canty, Marisa Reidy, Caroline McEnery, Caroline Smith, Catherine Keane, Mary Lucey, Lisa Curran, Aine Fitzgerald, Dr Deirdre Fanning and Bernie Falvey Beauty Editor: Romy Birdthistle For Advertising Enquiries: Margaret: 086 2408237 sales@connectpublications.ie For Editorial Enquiries: info@connectpublications.ie Website: www.connectpublications.ie

- SPRING ALERGIES While we all welcome the longer brighter evenings and it may encourage us to enjoy a little time outdoors in the fresh air, unfortunately, it can cause misery for the 15-20% of hayfever suffers in Ireland.

Also known as Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis, hayfever is an allergic reaction to airborne substances, such as tree, flower and grass pollen that gets into the upper respiratory passages, nose, sinus, throat and also the eyes.

The pollen that enters the bloodstream through the tissue of the throat, lungs and gut, is regarded by our immune systems as foreign and potentially dangerous, so it rushes to defend it, resulting in the release of lots of histamines.

Histamine irritates the respiratory passage causing swelling and inflammation that produce typical hayfever symptoms, including itchy watery eyes, a bunged up or runny nose, frequent sneezing and coughing.

Many people take anti-histamines and other medications which offer relief, alternatively there are plenty of natural remedies available, which can help to ease the unpleasant symptoms of hayfever.

SALT PIPE – can bring wonderful relief for hayfever suffers.

It contains micron-sized particles of salt sources from the Praid mines in Romania. When these tiny salt particles are inhaled they penetrate the respiratory system to achieve beneficial effects. Safe for both adults and children, is best used for 15-25minutes daily POLLINOSAN – The anti-inflammatory and anti-histamine action of this complex usually kicks in within 20-30 minutes to ease the uncomfortable hayfever symptoms QUERCITIN – this is an ideal supplement to help combat hayfever symptoms with it’s powerful anti-viral and antihistamine properties.

EUPHRASIA – homeopathic remedy which can help with puffy, watery and streaming eyes.

HAY-BAND – Using ancient Chinese principles of acupressure the hay-band has been used for centuries to help with the symptoms of allergies including hayfever. It is drug free, fast acting and re-usable. Suitable for adults and children over 3years.

Vitamin C also helps as a natural antihistamine, so ensure you are taking 1000mg twice a day to help alleviate hayfever symptoms. Some of my personal favourite brands include MACANTA, VIRIDIAN OR SOLO.

Until next time, stay healthy.

Deirdre x

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Caitríona Perry talks USa POLITICS & HER MOVE HOME

By Marisa Reidy

always her goal, she said.

FOR four exciting years, RTE’s Washington Correspondent Caitríona Perry had one of the most sought after jobs in journalism.

Having graduated with a first class honours degree in Journalism from DCU, Caitríona got a job straight out of college with Newstalk, which at the time was a brand new radio station just going on air.

Although now happily back in Ireland fronting the Six One News, the Dubliner looks back fondly on her time Stateside, during which she brought viewers so many exciting, harrowing and memorable stories from the US. No story was more ‘seismic,’ however, than the election of Donald Trump as US President, with mum-to-be Caitríona telling CONNECT she wasn’t at all shocked at his election – and even thinks he could secure a second term!

“After a couple of years, I moved onto Today FM where I was the Courts Correspondent and Deputy Head of News for a time. Then after another few years, I was offered a job in RTE in 2007 and that’s where I’ve been working ever since,” Caitríona explained.

“While working fulltime in RTE, I went back to DCU to do a Masters Degree in International Relations and received that in 2010.”

After joining RTE, Caitríona first worked as a reporter on Morning Ireland and the News at One, and was also the editor of that programme for a time.

Then she moved into the television side of the newsroom, working as a TV news reporter for several years before becoming the Washington Correspondent in 2013.

“I applied for the job which was advertised internally - along with other talented colleagues - so I was very lucky and privileged to be chosen for the role,” Caitríona told CONNECT. “It was a standard four year posting and I was thrilled to get that job as it had been a long-term goal of mine and was an absolutely wonderful four years.”

In fact, so taken was Caitríona with the Trump phenomenon that she later recalled her experience of the campaign trail and his subsequent election in her book In America: Tales from Trump Country, which was nominated for the BGEIBAS non-fiction book of the year award.

Taking us back to the beginning of her career, Caitríona explained that like most people going into secondary school and college, she had many part-time jobs – from bag-packing in a supermarket to working on a deli counter to waitressing. However, from an early age, becoming a journalist was 4 | Connect Kerry | April 2019

Asked if she could pick any highlights from her time in Washington – apart from, of course, the election of Donald Trump - Caitríona said it was next to impossible to choose, given how many amazing experiences she has had.

“It would be hard to pick out individual highs and challenges because I did so much and covered so many stories. It’s always hard, as a human being, to cover tragedy and I had a lot of really heart-breaking stories during my time, including mass shootings, which is not something we would have in Ireland,” Caitríona admitted.

But the highlight of her time in the US, she says, was definitely the 2016 Presidential campaign trail.

“Criss-crossing the country and meeting all sorts of interesting people, and all of the various candidates, and going into the White House Press Briefing Room of course never gets old,” she remembered fondly.

This period was undoubtedly one of the most historic and memorable in US political

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history, with many people there, and across the globe, still finding it difficult to believe that Donald Trump got elected. But having been at the coal face of the entire campaign, Caitríona had a first-hand insight into Trump’s popularity and appeal - and wasn’t at all surprised when he was elected.

“I wasn’t shocked at his election and I remember in the days coming up to the election, reporting across all the RTE platforms that the election was actually too close to call – even when others were saying it would be a Clinton victory,” Caitríona recalled.

“Through my travels in the US I had seen a swell of support for Donald Trump, and a clear lack of support for Hillary Clinton in certain areas that were supposed to be Democratic strongholds (something Caitríona focuses on in her book.) President Trump tapped into something that was going on in the US in 2015/2016 and he had a message that resonated with voters.”

Although as a journalist Caitríona has to be objective and without bias – so never gives her personal opinions on anything political she can see why people voted for Trump. She even tells CONNECT that she believes he could be re-elected for a second term!

stint – and despite it being very difficult to leave a job she loved and which brought so many opportunities, she is now very happy to be back in front of the cameras at RTE HQ. “It was very difficult for me to leave Washington DC as I had put down roots there and really loved it. It’s a great city and although I worked ridiculously long hours, I really loved it,” she said.

“But the RTE Washington Correspondent post is a four year posting and you know that when you apply for the job. The four years does go by very quickly.

My boss, Jon Williams, the Managing Director of RTE News and Current Affairs offered me the role as co-anchor of the Six One News and although it is something completely different to how I’ve spent the rest of my career, it seemed like a new and interesting challenge. Of course it’s also a great opportunity to be the person who, along with my friend and colleague Keelin Shanley, gets to bring the news to the nation every evening.”

And being back in Ireland with family and friends also gives her more time to enjoy the things she loves...

“I am very sporty so I love running, swimming, kickboxing and any kind of outdoor activity really. I also love cooking and it’s a great pleasure to rustle up a tasty meal and then have some friends over to enjoy eating it. I also love movies so I try to get to the cinema whenever I can,” she said.

And she prepares to welcome her first child later this year – a subject she says she never likes to discuss in interviews – Caitríona will certainly have her hands full in the meantime, as the Brexit fiasco escalates.

“I think now, as we are facing into the unknown with Brexit, it’s probably the biggest story most journalists will cover as the impact on our country will be dramatic and yet we don’t know just what the impact will be. There is uncertainty at every corner and it is far from over,” she said.

“From the perspective of those people who voted for President Trump, he is doing a good job for them,” she says. “If you look down his list of campaign promises, he has delivered on many of them and although his favourability rating is low, it is fairly constant and all other things being equal, he stands a good chance of being re-elected in 2020.

“I do think the election of Donald Trump was quite seismic, as was the first year of his Presidency that I reported on, as he threw out the rule book on how to run a country and has consistently done things his way.”

Of course one encounter between Caitríona and President Trump made international headlines – when during a phone call with Taoiseach Leo Varadkar in front of the world’s press, he signalled her out and invited her to the front of the room.

Describing the whole situation as ‘bizarre,’ Caitríona still can’t believe the fuss that was made of it.

“This was a short encounter that turned into an international viral moment that is there on YouTube for everyone to see. I think I’ll be asked about it for the rest of my life, regardless of everything else I’ve done in my career,” she said.

When taking the Washington Correspondent job in 2013, Caitríona knew it was only ever going to be for a four year 6 | Connect Kerry | April 2019

For more of Caitriona’s memories and exploits from the US Presidential Campaign, her book - In America: Tales from Trump Country - is now available at all good bookstores.

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Celebrating the Hair and Beauty Industry in Kerry

Connect Kerry

Connect Kerry

Make-Up Artist of the year

Best use of social media

in association with Sanctuary Beauty Academy

House of Glamour

Vicky O'Sullivan Touched by Tori

Tralee

A great day was had as always at the annual Connect Hair and Beauty Awards held recently at the Rose Hotel Tralee.

As always the industry was well represented from around the county and as well as the category awards which were chosen by the public vote there were a number of honorary awards to recognise different levels of service to the industry and other achievements.

Labhaoise O'Connor from Brush n Blush Salon Tralee and Amy Taaffe from the Sean Taaffe Hair and Beauty Group were honoured on the day for their ‘Daily Performance in the Salon’. We in Connect like to recognise those making a difference in the industry and these two ladies definitely are and have proved beyond all doubt that they have the ability to do anything showing that a disability is only a disability if you let it be. We were thrilled to honour these amazing ladies and I’m sure their families and co-workers are very proud and it was evident on the day with the standing ovation they received from a room full of people.

Connect Kerry Wedding

Connect Kerry

and Occasion Make-up specialist

Best Start up Individual

in association with Kerry College of Further Education

Lesley Dennehy

Eveleen O'Connell

Serenity Beauty, Listowel

Hairworks Hair and Beauty

Other worthy winners on the day- included our Lifetime Achievement Recipient Pat O Neill, Pat is renowned for his artistic and creative styles and of course as an award winning Hair Stylist he has travelled the world to make brides look amazing on their special day, with over 30years service under his belt he was a very worthy recipient and it’s safe to say he got the surprise of his life and never expected the accolade.

A fantastic day was had and we look forward to doing it all over again next year.

IMAGES BY JOHN WALSH PHOTOGRAPHY

Connect Kerry

Connect Kerry

Brow /Lash Specialist

Excellence in Customer Service

in association with Elemis Beauty

Rasha Amin

Rasha's Beauty

Crona Barry

Roses Hair Salon, Ballybunion

Connect Kerry

Connect Kerry

Connect Kerry

Connect Kerry

Nail Technician

Outstanding Contribution to the Beauty Industry

Kerry Waxing / Threading Specialist in association with

Business Development award

Ansanga Spa

Laura Hartnett Design

The Lake Hotel

in association with Nails by Daniela

Claire O'Sullivan Crazed Nails Tralee

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at the Brehon Hotel

Saba Balal

Ballybeg Hair and Beauty

Cathriona Delahunty

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Connect Kerry

Connect Kerry

Wedding Hair Specialist

Outstanding Contribution to the Hair Industry

in association with John Walsh Photography

Cathriona Rohan

Amy O'Hara

Vogue Hair & Beauty, Tralee

Connect Kerry

Connect Kerry

Colour Technician

Years of Service to the Beauty Industry

in association with Hennessey Hair and Beauty

Sheila Mc Quinn

Orla Dooley

Nature’s Way Beauty

Cathrionas Hair & Beauty

Connect Kerry

Connect Kerry

Occasion Hair Specialist

Years of service to the Hair Industry

in association with Sean Taaffe Education

Katie Gibbons Roberts

Emma Enright

Patrick’s Hair Group Tralee

Ballyduff

Connect Kerry

Connect Kerry

Cutting and Restyling Specialist

One to watch in the Hair industry

in association with South Kerry Skillnet

Marion O'Shea

Marion’s Hair Studio, Milltown

Tara O'Sullivan

Hair by Tara at the Glampod

Connect Kerry

Connect Kerry

Connect Kerry

Connect Kerry

Facial Specialist

One to watch in the Beauty Industry

Cosmetic Procedure in association with Kerry Motor Works

Outstanding Knowledge of chosen industry

in association with Bio Force Medical and Dental Clinic

Edita Lucan

The Beauty Boutique

DR Susan Crean

Mary O'Hara

Killarney

McDomhanaill Dental, Tralee

Connect Kerry

Connect Kerry

Connect Kerry

Male Grooming

Daily Performance in the Salon Award x 2 awards

Best Spa 2019

Salon Design

in association with Expose Design

Pure Beauty Salon

Nadur Spa

in association with Beardsmith

James Sheehan

James Barbershop, Killorglin

Amy Taaffe

Sean Taaffe Group

Labhaoise O'Connor 10 | Connect Kerry | April 2019

Brush and Blush

Serenity Spa

at the Rose Hotel, Tralee

the Glampod

Connect Kerry Dingle

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Connect Kerry

Connect Kerry

Tanning Specialist

Salon Ambience Award

in association with That’s Perfect

Ballybeg Hair and Beauty

Rebecca O'Connor The Glampod, Tralee

Connect Kerry Kerry Counter/ Salon/ Spa Manager in association with

Nicola Carroll

Kayleigh Murphy

in association with Connect Business Club

Zara Lee O'Shea

Image Hair Salon, Tralee

Beauty at the Hair Lounge Tralee

Connect Kerry

Massage Specialist

Rising Star Award

Leonie Guinane

in association with The Scotia Clinic

Lauren O'Sullivan

Connect Kerry

Hair Salon of the year

Editor’s Choice

Carrie Anne Boylan

Hairworks Hair and Beauty

Connect Kerry Lifetime Achievement Award Pat O Neill - The Style Suite at the Brehon Hotel 12 | Connect Kerry | April 2019

in association with Connect Business Club

Connect Kerry

Connect Kerry Tracey Grimes Hair and Extensions Listowel.

Junior Make-up Specialist

Connect Kerry

Sean Taaffe Hair Group

in association with Cathrionas Hair Group

Connect Kerry

Junior Hair Specialist

Overall Beauty Individual Beauty at Catriona’s

Nora’s Slimming World

Connect Kerry

Cecilia Coffey

Inishfallon Beauty Rooms at the Great Southern Hotel Killarney

Make-up by Lauren

Connect Kerry

Connect Kerry

Beauty Salon of the year

Overall Hair Individual

in association with Expose Beauty Tralee

Nicolas Haven Tralee

Emma Quirke

Emma Quirke Hair

Connect Kerry Team of the year - Brush n Blush

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Glitz and Glamour at the Connect Kerry

Hair and Beauty Awards

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By: Jack Joy

With tickets to an evening music event at the INEC, a friend and I decided to make a full day trip to Killarney. Arriving in Killarney that morning, we stopped in town for a coffee and a snack. After a quick stroll around town, Petit Delice Café at the top of High Street caught our eye.

As we entered the café we were drawn to the various pastries and cakes on display.

We were welcomed by a friendly staff member who took our order and we moved into the next room to take our seats.

The café’s interior had a unique coffeethemed look to it. Giant South American style coffee bags adorned the café’s brick walls while the tables and chairs we sat at looked to be furnished from salvaged wooden coffee crates. I opted for a raspberry Danish style pastry and an americano while my friend chose a cappuccino and a dark chocolate ‘golf-ball’ sweet to satisfy his more modest appetite. With only a couple of other customers present that morning, the café was the perfect place for our early pit-stop. Both of our orders were extremely satisfactory and I was particularly happy with my raspberry pastry, the likes of which I had not sampled before, which was the perfect treat to accompany my coffee.

As we made our way back on to the street outside the sun began to appear and we agreed that our next destination should be Killarney National Park. Being the early season, the park was relatively quiet and we had many of the pathways to ourselves. We stopped to admire the majestic view of the lake and mountains overlooked by Muckross House and made our way to the top of Torc Waterfall to admire the beautiful sights. Our hike up Torc left us questioning our fitness and with a growing hunger we turned our minds towards our next meal. We headed for our lunch at the nearby Muckross Garden Restaurant.

The restaurant operated on a canteen style basis with customers having the opportunity to see the dishes on display before choosing between a variety of options. Unfortunately, all seats and tables outside were occupied but we were content sitting by a large window/conservatory area in the restaurant which allowed us to enjoy the Springtime sun from the comfort of our table. We both chose to go for one of the dishes of the day, a Lasagne Bolognaise, which was generously served with mash, carrots, dumpling and bacon

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infused cabbage while we stuck with drinking water to quench our Torc-induced thirsts. Staff members were friendly and polite and our meals were the perfect antidote to our rumbling stomachs, both filling and flavoursome.

After a pleasant afternoon in Muckross, we were keen to take in more of Killarney’s charm. We returned to town and after parking up, we made the easy decision to take in the nearby Killarney House and Gardens. We were intrigued by the history of the house and Killarney’s natural beauty was obvious yet again as we walked the gardens. Despite our surroundings, our appetites could not be kept at bay as evening arrived and we headed back into town for an early dinner.

We took the brief walk back into town and as we wandered down New Street we came upon the Caragh Restaurant. While Killarney’s streets were growing busy outside, the small restaurant had yet to become too crowded and we were quickly seated by a welcoming waitress. We scanned our early menus and after quickly deciding on our dishes of choice we took in the restaurants interesting décor. Pictures and maps of Killarney were displayed underneath our glass topped table while chandeliers crafted from a variety of illuminated gin bottles hung from the ceiling above us. We did not have to wait long for our dishes to arrive and we tucked straight in. I ordered the restaurant’s Beef Burger served with onion rings, fries and salad on the side while my friend chose the vegetarian-friendly Tagliatelli with mushroom sauce and garlic bread. Sampling both dishes, each was simply fantastic, both delicious and well presented, while service was prompt and staff were eager to make sure our meal went well. Our dinner time experience at Caragh Restaurant was the perfect start to our evening.

As our thoughts turned to the night ahead, we agreed that our Taste of Killarney had added greatly to a wonderful day out in Kerry’s capital of tourism.

Supported by Taste Kerry Taste Kerry is an organisation that promotes food and drink in Kerry. While promoting food tourism and encouraging new visitors to the Kingdom, Taste Kerry also adopts a distinctively original approach by bringing together all aspects of the food industry to encourage inter-county trade and promotion of food tourism across the county. if you would like to know more about us check out our website www.tastekerry.ie

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Getting serious about studying It is that time of the year again when students have to get serious about their studies. Students who are preparing for Leaving and Junior Certificate have lots of revision to do over the next few months. At Brookfield College help is at hand in the form of intensive revision courses during the Easter break. According to principal Elisha Dowling “this is our 31st year providing Easter Revision Courses and the experience we have built up is invaluable. Students are always amazed at the amount of quality revision we do in one week.” There will be over 30 courses on offer in total.

There is also the option to book in for supervised study the second week of the Easter holidays. “We provide an environment which is conducive to productive study. By the end of the week students are delighted to have over 32 hours quality work done” Brookfield College also runs intensive one day courses for Art History, Organic Chemistry and Agricultural Science. “We are also enrolling students for our full time 5th and 6th year programmes for next September so it is a very busy time of year.”

Brookfield College have recently launched a new updated website where it is possible to view and book courses online. Go to www.brookfieldcollege.ie

Effective Study Tips for the Final Weeks

Elaine Sparling is the CEO of the award winning Hummingbird Learning Centre®. Based in Tralee Co Kerry and Adare, Co Limerick she works with clients on a one to one basis and can be contacted on 087-2996054 or through their website www.hummingbirdlearning. com. In addition to their core 10 session programs, they also have a 4 session one to one Study Skills Program called Study Success for second and third level students. Call now for more information

EFFECTIVE STUDY TIPS FOR THE FINAL WEEKS There is a limited amount of study time left, so use it wisely.

Calculate your study time available & divide it up appropriately Don’t allocate the same amount of time to every subject. Identify those that require more study than others and divide up your time appropriately.

If there are concepts that you don’t understand, seek help immediately.

Using valuable time hoping to work it out by yourself will take time and ultimately cost you. Make strategic decisions. If by now you don’t fully 20 | Connect Kerry | April 2019

understand something, perhaps decide to accept the level of knowledge that you do have and stop spending time on it. Instead spend that time on a potentially more profitable part of the same subject.

Get Exercise Exercise looks like a massive distraction, but that very distraction permits the brain to work on retaining what was studied. It gets oxygen pumped into the body and brain keeping us alert. The endorphins released during exercise are vital to help relieve the anxiety and stress that accompanies exam time.

Sample papers There is a limit to the questions that can be asked on a subject, so sample papers become your best friend. They show you exactly the type of question to expect. Read suggested answers if possible. Seeing how others approach answering the same questions can be eye-opening.

Choose your study area with care Find the place that works for you. If you are losing focus, then maybe a change in scenery will help. Llibraries are brilliant as are after-school / weekend study halls. But they don’t suit everyone.

With the right attitude and equipment, anywhere

can work as a study place – just don’t choose it because all the gang will be there.

Zone Out To an extent, zone out (a bit, not completely) from what friends, parents & teachers are saying. Not so much the message, rather the way it is delivered.

While the intended outcome can be the same, the words used can be framed in either a positive or negative way.

If framed negatively, the opposite of what was intended may happen. So, if someone is always talking negatively stay out of their way!

Believe in yourself!

You have the work done! You cannot control what questions are going to come up, but you know that they are going to be based what you have studied. So, go into that exam and believe in yourself.

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Choosing the correct venue for that

Family Gathering Just like the weather no two families are the same, one family might plan a massive reunion in order to catch up after 10 years apart; another might schedule gatherings every six months, despite living in the same town and seeing each other constantly.

Organizing a family reunion has many purposes that are unique to each family. What all families can agree on, however, is that a family reunion provides an excellent opportunity to leave home and make memories in a new place – together.

Each family has its own mix of reasons for planning a get together, it may be planned to coincide with a major family milestone, like a big birthday or wedding anniversary, maybe a christening to celebrate a new arrival, or maybe just for no reason families come together to give younger kids in the family a chance to meet and get to know their cousins, aunts, uncles and other relatives, and for anyone else who is new to the family – like new spouses – to meet the extended group. Those are big, meaningful reasons to have these events.

But for some families, a reunion is just a great excuse to take a wonderful few hours to catch up with everyone and choosing the right venue for it is so important.

We are blessed in Kerry that we have such a selection of fantastic establishments who are only two delighted to look after you for your family gathering

What to think about when choosing the venue 1. Location has got to be the priority when choosing your venue somewhere convenient to guests attending 2. Menu options/choices to suit all depending on your group.

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3. Facilities if you have younger members that need entertaining.

4. Ensure that you have discussed with management the availability of the room for your party and how long you have it for so there is no confusion on the day 5. Is there music or other entertainment and venue decoration included or do you need to provide your own.

Once you have ticked the above boxes all that’s left really is for you to sit back relax and celebrate with your loved ones, just one more tip really... say thank you to the venue staff, they work so hard and sometimes get left out they are there for us for joyous occasions and some sad ones too so it’s only right to give them the respect and appreciation they deserve for making our event wonderful.

Enjoy

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Family Holidays and Breaks Family holidays and breaks like everything in life will change as your kids get older and so when considering a family break the most important thing to consider is the members of the family, what to do where to go and what the best value is. * Food choices- something to feed everyone * Is it entertaining, is there lots to do for the kids and will mum and dad get some quality time too * Travelling distance this is one of the most important things to consider as travelling with kids can be hard work * Plan b‌ if the break is weather dependant and the weather in Ireland is so unpredictable a plan b is always needed.

Family holidays don’t have to be pool or beach reliant there are lots of many great sights to see in our own county, Dingle Killarney, the ring of Kerry are just a few to name but all in all there are lots to see and do around our county and with some amazing family friendly hotels across the county who would want to travel a distance.

So go enjoy and no matter what the weather create some wonderful memories to cherish for a lifetime.

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Keeping Abreast of the Situation...

Catherine’s Fashion Fix

By Catherine Keane

Boobs! The bane of so many women’s lives. Most of us either have too much and want less. Or don’t have enough and want more! Either way, dressing to suit your own shape does not need to be hard work. Firstly, it's important to be honest about how you feel about your bust size.

Are you proud of your breasts or are you trying to play them down? This obviously affects your clothing choices.

For most big-chested women, boobs are a way of life and cannot be wished away.

They require a commitment to a sturdy bra that gives serious support. They can cause serious back ache, and drive many women to breast reductions for medical reasons. However, if you are very well endowed and want to downplay your bust then here are some tips to follow: • A good bra is essential.

Always choose a good bra that supports your breasts and lifts them up bringing more attention to your waist.

• Best to avoid ruffles, frills, pockets and gathers from shoulder to bust.

• V-necklines are your best friend, although you don’t want it too low or show any cleavage. Scoop, sweetheart and square necklines also work. They will focus on your exposed skin and not so much your breasts.

• Avoid baggy tops or ill fitting clothes.

Tops and dresses should be fitted and show a clear waist definition.

• Chose shift dresses over fitted ones, which can make you look top-heavy.

Dresses with A-line or fit-and-flare skirts, balance out a larger chest.

• The wrap dress is a busty girl’s best friend. Wrap dresses will not only make your boobs look smaller but they will make them look more shapely too as the wrap is going to give definition to the waist area.

• Avoid double breasted coats and blazers. These will make you look broader and add more volume to your chest. Instead lean towards single breasted coats and blazers with a deeper neckline.

• Accessories can work well.

Jewellery always helps to 28 | Connect Kerry | April 2019

distract from a larger bust. Wear larger scale pieces to draw attention away from your bust up towards your face.

However if the motto “If you’ve got it, flaunt it” works for you and you are proud of your big bust and like to show it off then here are some tips on what to wear to enhance your bust:

• High and turtle necks cover a vast area and leave little skin on show therefore drawing your eye to the bust area.

• Deep V and cowl necklines cut low with cleavage will focus the attention on your bust.

• Halter necks are the ultimate bombshell look (think Marilyn Monroe).

• Adding a pendant between breasts will focus the attention on them.

• Ruching will make an already large bust look fuller.

• A high waistline will emphasize your breasts more.

• Wear large prints and bright colours on top.

If dressing for a small bust sometimes leaves you feeling disheartened you’re not alone!

Are there times when you have wished for more curves? Don’t despair as there are lots of tips on how to dress when you have a small bust: • Choose the right underwear.

There’s no shame in adding a bit of padding if that’s what you want to do. You can effectively add a cup size or two whenever you want to.

• Just because you don’t have the curves that you would like doesn’t

mean you can’t create the illusion of curves.

You can wear flounces and frills, pockets and extra volume in a way which someone with a larger bust is not able to.

• Wear double breasted blazers to add extra width to your top half.

• Play up another part of your body.

If you’re not keen on drawing attention to your lack of cleavage, how about showing off your back instead?

• Baring your shoulders is another way to show off the parts of your body you do like.

• Wearing strips with thicker bands will create the illusion of curves.

• Wear whatever you like as having a small bust actually gives you a lot of freedom.

So whatever your size remember that bust size should not compromise your confidence or style!

Catherine x For all your fashion questions email: info@connectpublications.ie

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Connect Kerry | April 2019 | 29

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Exercise and Wellness Hi all, Áine of AfitBody Gym here again to tackle all your questions in regards to exercise and wellness. You have been asking about warm ups, So here it is guys there is no right or wrong way to do this, just move, and start off gently. it just needs to feel right for your body, the warm up is there to gently prepare your body for the work out ahead, so just move gently and build the effort up. Use Upper Body and Lower body rotations and bring your body temperature, heart rate & mobility up gradually again simply prepare your body for the challenge ahead. Check out our Warm up Routine 3-6 Minutes of work, if you need more take more time.

Warming up is crucial to your workout. Its preparing the body for the challenge ahead. It should gently warm the body up, raising body temp, making you feel more supple & loosen out any areas you are tight in 3-6 Minutes depending on how the Body feels. #Listen to your body.

NOW LET’S TALK ABOUT FAT... not all fats are created equal. Good fats play a huge part in our general wellbeing and should be included in your diet. Good fats or essential Fatty Acids can be found in the following *Avocados *Peanuts & Nut Butters *Sunflower Seeds *Olive Oil *Cheese *Dark Chocolate *Whole Eggs *Salmon or Oily Fish It is trans fats we need to avoid i don’t really need to list where these can be found, unfortunately everywhere! So try Swap some of your food choices for healthier options Perfect example Good Food Swap.. mayonnaise for avocado I have this with clients a lot, they LOVE mayonnaise.. I would love to eliminate this food from existence but anyway . . . The constant argument . . . their sandwhich is too dry without it.. but they won’t have avocado as they have heard its high in fat . . .

Let’s compare . . .

• 1 Tablespoon Mayonaise - 100 calories: 0g Carbs: 11g Fat: 0g Protein • 1 Tablespoon Avocado – 50 Calories: 3g Carbs: 5g Fat: 1g Protein So dump the mayonnaise buy the avocado and enjoy the benefits of good fats in your diet.

Oh and with trans fats ... just throwing this in there.....

CADBURY'S CREME EGG EASTER EGG - 926 calories…… OMG 30 | Connect Kerry | April 2019

So choose your egg wisely guys…and remember enjoy it, savour it.... you don’t need to eat it all at once... but don’t be afraid to have it , it’s from the easter bunny after all!

Maybe try our peanut Butter slice, add some chocolate chips if you feel you need that chocolate kick.

ABS LIKE SLABS!!! - NO EQUIPMENT NEEDED

BEGINNER 20 SECS WORK 10 SECS REST INTERMEDIATE 30 SECS WORK 15 SECS REST ADVANCED 40 SECS WORK 20 SECS REST

*Workout Not Suitable for any Clients with Diatasis Recti This Month we have given you a body weight only Abs & Core routine, this can be done at home, added to the two previous workouts or after your run/Walk/Cycle to add in tummy work to your routine.

Abs however are made in the kitchen as well as the gym it is really 80% diet when it comes to chiselled abs. You simply cannot out exercise a bad diet. Remember last month’s mantra.

BURNING MORE THAN YOUR EATING = WEIGHTLOSS PEANUT BUTTER SLICE Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups of rice puffs, 1 tbsp coconut oil, 2 tbsp honey, 6 tbsp peanut butter.

Method: 1. Heat the honey and coconut oil in a pot. 2.

Once the honey has melted, add the peanut butter. 3. Simmer until it's all smoothly mixed together. 4. Mix the rice puffs with the peanut butter mixture. 5. Place into a lined, small, square baking tray and press down firmly. 6. Place in the fridge for 20-30min. 7. Using a warm knife, cut into squares.

Tips and hints: Store in the fridge or it'll melt. Measurements are rough, i wasnt too precise. Rice puffs are from the health store, Rice Krispies are perfect too, they are natural with no nasties added. Im not saying this is 100% healthy but its a good clean treat! Enjoy!

If you have any questions for Aine email us at info@connectpublications.ie

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Love your Garden this Summer The evenings are now longer and the weather is getting better so as we look out longingly at our gardens and wonder what can we do to give that extra bit of brightness, we have enlisted the help of the experts for this one, Bernie Falvey is joining us to give us some insights to the perfect garden. Bernie has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to all things flowers and suitable plants, and would be delighted to chat to you on creating your perfect look for summer.

She is available at Ballyseedy Home and Gardens and she also tells us if you would like to bring a picture of your garden to her she will give you her personal advice on what suits best. In the meantime she will be joining us for the rest of the season so if you have any gardening queries contact us and we will pass them on.

BY: BERNIE FALVEY. CEO BALLYSEEDY

This month we look at Patios and plants that suit best for patio & container Planting Our patios, decks and outdoor spaces are becoming more and more an extension of our homes, and, just like indoors, we like to decorate the areas we spend a lot of time in so that they look good and feel inviting. A really great way to do this is on a patio with larger potted plants, such as evergreen shrubs, standards and even hardy perennials that will look spectacular throughout the year.

We've put together a list of some of our plants available from Ballyseedy, or your local garden centre, to include suitable plants that will grow really well in pots and containers, in a variety of shapes and sizes to suit all areas and budgets too.

Skimmia japonica, Phormiums, Agapanthus blue storm, Camelias, Carex evergold, Miscanthus sinensis, Hydrangea in different varieties and of course large topiary plants such as Buxus ball, spirals and pyramids. Taxus baccata and large specimen conifers give

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HOME & GARDEN, TRALEE

great structure to your pots and planters and also look fantastic when underplanted with a variety of alpines, herbaceous plants, cottage garden plants and seasonal bedding. Again, these are all available from Ballyseedy or your local garden centre at this time of year.

Fragrant planting in your containers create a cosy and cottage style feel whilst also giving wonderful aromas around the garden. After all, a garden should engage all of your senses. Texture, colour and seasonality are all important concepts, but scent is often overlooked when designing and planning a garden. Fragrance adds an extra layer of richness to your pots and garden even if you don’t have a huge area to work with. You can still indulge in the luxury of scented plants, by placing them where they will be most appreciated such as in containers near your front door, along walkways where you'll brush by them and release their fragrant sweetness, or near windows where you can pick up their scent.

Try adding a few of these fragrant favourites to enhance your garden's personality. You won’t be disappointed!

Until next month

Happy Gardening

Have you got a gardening question email: info@connectpublications.ie

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Blooming Wine

for Easter

It is Spring time, we finally sense the temperature rising, flowers are blooming, plants and trees and fruits are also starting to grow. We are leaving behind the winter and it's cold weather so it is time to raise our glass to celebrate the occasion.

Every season is more inclined to a different wine variety and style. As winter is prone to warmer, richer and spicy wines, Spring has a preference for floral and fruity wines to match the weather and the characteristics of the season.

They tend to have medium to low acidity, medium body, fruity character and medium to high alcohol content.

SO HERE IS A SMALL SELECTION OF WINE VARIETIES TO TRY OUT IN EASTER: TORRONTES: This Argentinian wine variety is a must to try when it comes to floral and fruity wines. The best region for it is the high altitude valley of Cafayate in the Salta region. It has a very good structure and balance. Young and fresh with aromas and flavours of jasmine, honeysuckle and lime zest.

GEWURZTRAMINER: A variety quite difficult to pronounce but very easy to drink!! It is one of the 4 Grand Cru grapes of Alsace on the foothills of the Alps. Another great aromatic grape variety that shows aromas of lychee, lilies and rose petals along with beautiful flavours of grapefruit, passion fruit and stone fruits.

VIOGNIER: A French variety usually grown in the Rhone Valley and Languedoc regions. It is a quite fragant and powerful white that is becoming very popular with Chardonnay drinkers for having the fruity character but adding also a more floral and perfumed nose. Aromas of apricots, pears and herbs like chamomile, lavender and thyme.

Lovely texture on the palate, medium to high body and low acidity.

These wines will also compliment a wide variety of food from grilled fish and white meats to grilled vegetables, anti-pastas and cheeseboards. So for your next spring picnic make sure you bring along one of these floral, fruity wines to chill and enjoy the mild weather!!!

Alberto Mendoza TERRA GOURMET FOODS AND WINES LTD. Monavalley Industrial State. Tralee Phone: 066 7144914

Happy April Lovely Readers, I am just about recovering from The Wonderful Connect Kerry Hair and Beauty Awards held in March in The Rose Hotel.

What an event .... Glitz, Glamour, very tasty food and lots of fun! When our editor Margaret runs an event it is second to none.

By now thoughts are turning to communions, confirmations and weddings. As i have mentioned on numerous occasions you can get away with smart casual for confirmation but lo and behold you go casual for communion ....

A smart jump suit is bang on style this season team it up with strappy sandals and an oversize bag (lots of oversized bags in stock at the moment).

If like me you have a favourite outfit that just makes you feel like you can take on the world or in my case makes you feel 5ft 10ins, it is easy to change it up by adding some statement jewellery pieces which we also have in stock at the moment. Please feel free to drop in and whatever occasion or event you have coming up we will do our very best to make you feel and look perfect!

Hope ye are all keeping happy and smiling!

Until next month Be kind to everyone

Carmel xx

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Light Bites….

As the weather is getting better and there's a stretch in our days it's great to knock out a few easy dishes and get on with life. I've included a dessert that's really handy to store in the freezer. I would slice it and wrap individually so when there's a special occasion or family gathering you can indulge without missing out.

Salmon & Dill Scrambled Eggs

(Serves 4) 6 large eggs, A few sprigs of fresh dill, finely chopped, 12 cherry tomatoes, halved, 8 slices of wholemeal bread (from a small 400g loaf ), 8 tsp quark, plain, 250g pack smoked salmon, 140g mushrooms, thinly sliced Lightly whisk the eggs with the dill and season to taste.

Preheat a non-stick frying pan. Add the cherry tomatoes and mushrooms and cook for 2-3 minutes to soften. Add the egg mixture and continue to cook slowly until the eggs are scrambled to your liking. Meanwhile, toast the bread slices.

Spread the quark onto the toast, then spoon over the tomato and mushroom scrambled eggs. Arrange the smoked salmon on top and serve.

Baked Cod with Red Pesto

(Serves 1) Spread a frozen cod fillet with 2tsp of reduced sugar red pesto*.

Bake in a foil parcel at 200 for 15 mins until cooked through.Serve with boiled or steamed potatoes, roasted mixed peppers (roast with a few pumps of garlic frylite and a twist of black pepper.

Chicken Caesar Burger with Coleslaw (Serves 4) 2 cooked, cooled and shredded chicken breasts, 1 crushed garlic clove, juice of 1 Lemon, 2 tbsp of fresh flat leaf parsley, 200g of fat free greek style yoghurt, 30g of finely grated parmesan cheese, 150g each of red and white shredded cabbage. 1 cos lettuce shredded. 2 sliced tomatoes, 1/2 onion finely sliced into rings. 1 Irwins Roll/Ballymore Crust Thin* Heat oven to 150 Wrap the chicken in foil in a single layer sprinkle it with a small splash of water, fold over and place in the oven to keep warm for 10 mins. After 5 mins add the rolls to the oven to warm. In the interim combine the garlic, lemon juice, parsley, yoghurt and 20g of the parmesan cheese* in a large bowl. Put a quarter of the mixture in a separate small bowl and set aside. Add the cabbage and carrot to the remaining yoghurt mixture in the large bowl, toss to coat and set aside. Layer each of the warmed rolls with lettuce, tomato, hot chicken, onion a little of the reserved yoghurt mix and a sprinkle of parmesan*. Top with the bun lid, serve with the coleslaw and a salad (optional).

Fish Medley with Vegetables (Serves 1) Put 200g of mixed white fish and prawns in a foil parcel.

Squeeze over the juice of 1 lemon, a twist of black pepper and some chopped chives, give a pump or two of Sussed Rapeseed Oil*. Bake for 15 mins at 180. Serve with stir fried vegetables.

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Bangers and Mash (Serves 1) Boil a peeled and chunked sweet potato. Drain and mash it with 1tbsp of wholegrain mustard*, chopped flatleaf parsley, a finely sliced spring onion and some black pepper. Serve with 2 grilled vegetarian sausages such as Linda McCartney Sausages*. Steamed greens and carrots.

Egg Roll (Serves 1) Fill a Pure Bred Roll* or a 60g wholemeal bread roll with a diced hard boiled egg mixed with 1 tbsp lighter than light mayonnaise* and some cress. Follow with an apple or pear.

Tuna and Sweetcorn Toastie

(Serves 4) 2 cans of no drain tuna in brine or spring water, Small can of sweet corn, 200g of fat free greek style yoghurt, 2 spring onions finely slices, zest of 1 lemon, 4 tbsp of fresh coriander. 8 slices of bread from a 400g loaf* 1 garlic clove crushed.

Combine tuna and sweet corn in a bowl with half the yoghurt and spring onions, lemon zest, coriander and black pepper.

Heat sandwich maker or griddle pan, add 1/4 of the mixture to a slice of bread. Top with another bread slice and spray with a pump of Sussed Rapeseed Oil* Toast lightly until golden brown. Serve with a salad.

Chocolate and raspberry yogurt loaf (Serves 6) 3 eggs, A few drops of vanilla essence, 6 tbsp artificial sweetener*, 3 level tbsp caster sugar*, 75g selfraising flour*, 2 level tbsp cocoa powder*, 275g raspberries, 200g pot Strawberry Müllerlight Yogurt*, 250g pot quark Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F/Gas 4. Line a 7in/18cm square swiss roll tin. Place the eggs, vanilla essence, sweetener* and sugar* in a bowl and whisk until pale and frothy. Sieve over the flour* and cocoa* and fold in. Spoon the mixture into the prepared tin, smooth the top and bake for 10-12 minutes until firm and springy. Set aside to cool, then cut into 2 slices.

2. Mix the raspberries with the yogurt and quark. Line a small loaf tin with cling film. Place a slice of sponge in the base, spoon in the yogurt mixture and top with the remaining sponge. Cover with cling film and freeze for 3-4 hours or until firm.

3. Remove from the tin, place on a plate and stand at room temperature for 30-40 minutes before serving. This loaf can be frozen for up to 1 month. *denotes syn value or healthy extra.

Check your app or ask in group for assistance.

Nora’s Slimming World Tralee takes place every Wednesday 9:30 a.m, 11:30 a.m, 3:30 p.m, 5:30 p.m & 7:30 p.m.

Search: Noras Slimming World Tralee on facebook or foodoptimisingninja on instagram.

Contact Nora: 087-2489838

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st. Michaels college, listowel

celebrates 140 years pictures courtesy of John Kelliher photography

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Self-Regulated Wellbeing ... CONTINUED

Last month I wrote about self-regulated wellbeing, and what it means. I also mentioned that learning how to achieve it can be complicated, and somebody asked me to say more about that. While self-regulation specifically relates to being able to understand and manage one’s thoughts, feelings and action, it relies on a number of factors. One is the idea of insight. This means gaining an understanding of why and under what circumstances we respond in particular ways. For instance, if you are a person who finds it very difficult to say no to a request or demand, it will be useful for you to understand why that is the case. Does it have to do with specific experiences where you weren’t allowed to say no? Was approval or affection withheld from you if you weren’t agreeable? Were you afraid that people wouldn’t like you or be your friend unless you were acquiescent? A second factor is that of agency. This means having the ability to direct your actions and behaviour in an independent way, free from both conscious and unconscious influences or, at least, with an awareness of them. This requires a lot of critical thinking, where we realistically evaluate such things as social expectations or family culture, and their impact on our sense of self. A third factor is self-efficacy. This is more than self-esteem, which has to do with the value you place on yourself. It also implies that you believe yourself to be capable of meeting challenges and succeeding in tasks. Developing self-efficacy means that we learn to trust our future selves to handle whatever comes our way, and it is critical in dealing with anxiety. I will write more about this next month.

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

PEARLY WHITES AN DR MARCAS MAC DOMHNAILL

Fáilte Romhaibh, Many patients wonder about the types of fillings that they have in their teeth. Dentists are frequently asked about this by patients and some patients are unaware of the recent law changes regarding fillings.

The Minamata Convention is an agreement which many countries, including Ireland, have signed up to, which will reduce the number of amalgam fillings provided by dentists. The agreement will reduce the amount of environmental contamination, by mercury, which can be caused when placing or removing an amalgam metal filling.

Since 1st July, 2018, dental amalgam (mercury containing) fillings, are no longer allowed for children of 15 years old or younger, pregnant or breastfeeding women (unless on the grounds of a specific medical need). It is still allowed in all other categories of patients.

White (composite) fillings, as well as porcelain and gold are also used to fill cavities in teeth. It is worth discussing these options with your dentist when your old amalgam fillings need to be replaced.

Beir Bua. Dr. Marcas Mac Domhnaill.

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

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CHANGING THE CONVERSATION

AT KBN INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY EVENT On International Women’s Day March 8th 2019 Kerry Businesswomen’s Network brought two amazing Irish women to Kerry to speak exclusively for KBN. Actress and author Pauline McLynn and rally legend and motor sport pioneer Rosemary Smith inspired and had us in stitches in equal measure!

Guests on the night were treated to the inspiring story of motor sport pioneer, Rosemary Smith – a woman who broke through the gender barrier to compete in, and win, some of the world’s most iconic rallies. In 2017, aged 79, Rosemary became the oldest person to drive a Renault Sports Formula One team car.

“Rosemary’s defiance of gender and age stereotyping, made for a fascinating, timely and truly inspirational story.” Elin summed up. Joining Rosemary was actress and author Pauline McLynn, who has worked with all major Irish theatre companies including the Abbey, the Gate and Rough Magic. Pauline is probably best known for her role on TV as Mrs Doyle in Father Ted, while she also appeared as Amy Huberman’s mother in Comedy Central’s Threesome. Pauline has also written 8 adult novels and two books for younger readers.

Karie O'Toole, Elaine Kinsella, Pauline Mc Smith, Elin Sorensen, Helen Bur Lynn, Rosemary ns, Orla Diffily

Yvonne O'Sullivan, Tara O'Donoghue, Kayleigh Breen, Cathy Troth

MIchelle O'Connor Flynn, Helen Burns, Claire O'Loughlin

Christine Grand Juan, Elin Sorensen, Delphine Grand Juan, Orla Diffily

Pauline McLynn, Elin Sorensen, Niki McCarthy, Colette Sorensen, Brid O'Donoghue

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SHOULD I FORM A COMPANY? BY: John Canty Most business initially set up as sole trades but as they develop it usually leads to the simple question about forming a company.

MAIN ADVANTAGES OF COMPANIES • Limited Liability • Corporate Structure • 12.5% Corporation Tax Rate • Potential Tax Savings • High Risk industries/ sectors • More Flexible Pension Options MAIN DISADVANTAGES OF COMPANIES • Higher Cost and Compliance • Limited Liability doesn’t usually extend to bank debt • Lower Corporation tax rate of 12.5% only applies if profits left in company • Certain information available to public

WHAT DO I RECOMMEND? Business should incorporate once well establish and generating strong profits. Surplus cash funds are usually a good indicator that it is the right time.

In high risk business or sectors companies should always be used from start.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? Companies are relatively cheap to form costing less than €500 in most cases.

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