- Hair and Beauty Tips for Summer The lifestyle magazine for Kerry
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PLEASE TAKE ME JULY 2019
TRIONA MCCARTHY
fashion & beauty guru and media star FREE MONTHLY MAGAZINE ....Made in Kerry, for Kerry
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EDITOR'S NOTE Hello and welcome to July, It’s been a busy month with our Annual Women in Business Awards and what a night. We have all the fun of the night featured in this issue so enjoy reading it. We caught up with the fabulous Triona McCarthy, she talks life, love, work and her family. She also gives us her top tips for looking after your skin in the sun and includes a few must haves for your makeup bag this season. More delicious recipes to stay on track with your weight management and of course Aine has all the best advice in exercise through the summer. Don’t forget we have our Annual Cocktails and Canapés night on Friday July 26th, its always a great night of advice, fashion and lots more ... tickets now available.
Let’s Talk Menopause Menopause is a normal condition that women experience as they age. The term Menopause can describe any of the changes a woman goes through either just before or after she stops menstruating, marking the end of her reproductive period. During this time it is important to focus on your diet and ensure you are including plenty of green leafy vegetables, nuts and seeds. These contain lots of minerals such as calcium and magnesium for bone health. Also include plenty of orange, red and purple fruits (especially berries) that are rich in vitamin C which can help maintain collagen levels and support more mature skin and bone health. With the right diet and the correct nutritional supplements you can start to manage your symptoms rather than let your symptoms manage you! Along with flushes and night sweats some of the other symptoms that women may experience include, mood swings, hair loss or thinning, low energy levels, low libido and of course the bones need to be looked after. Severity of symptoms may vary from woman to woman but there are some excellent natural remedies available, just a question of finding the right one for you, (With our help of course!)
If you’re thinking of upgrading the car we have advice on the best finance from your local credit union. All that and all the usual tips and regulars, Enjoy the sun, Until next month,
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 Front Cover Image by: Kip Carroll
SOME OF THE MORE SUCCESSFUL REMEDIES WE RECOMMEND ARE: • SAGE: may help with hot flushes and night sweats. • AGNUS CASTUS: This herb is an adaptogenic and has a balancing effect on the body and hormones. • MENOMIN: This is your all in one peri-menopause and beyond multivitamin helps to regulate hormonal activity, maintain mucous membranes and helps reduce tiredness and fatigue. Simply take 2 capsules daily. • VALERIAN: has a sedative effect on the body so if disturbed sleep (waking with night sweats) is leaving you feeling drained try taking this. Also useful if anxiety is an issue for you. It is also vitally important to maintain the correct balance of essential vitamins and minerals during this time, such as B VITAMINS, CALCIUM, MAGNESIUM, ESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDS and VITAMIN C. There are some excellent multivitamin complexes available which have been specially formulated for use during and after the menopause. There are also some homeopathic remedies available in store which can help with hormonal changes. Until next time, stay healthy.
Deirdre x
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TRIONA MCCARTHY
fashion & beauty guru and media star By Marisa Reidy SHE has so many strings to her bow that it’s actually quite difficult to find an adequate description of TV star and journalist, Triona McCarthy, but one thing for certain is that she is one of the loveliest ladies in the fashion and beauty industry. A fashion blogger, TV and social media star, beauty expert and newspaper columnist, you kinda have to wonder where she finds the time for it all – and that’s on top of her number one job: being a wife and mum of two small children, Maxi and Mini. Triona is your quintessential ‘open book’ and it’s probably her straight talking and oftentimes hilarious honesty that endears her to her tens of thousands of followers. She’s a breath of fresh air, in fact, and not one bit shy to share with CONNECT that she once got expelled from boarding school in Cork months before her Leaving Cert after sneaking out to a Jerry Fish gig in the city with her boyfriend.
She laughs when she talks about having to sit her final exams in another school and says that she never fails to remind the ‘Emotional Fish’ front man that he was the reason she got kicked out of school. “I’m not sure many people know that story to be honest, but yea it’s true. I had been suspended so many times but managed to bluff my way back in, but this particular night was the last straw,” she said. Triona – who was just this month announced as the Women’s Way Media Mum of the Year – has a fascinating story to tell, beginning with her setting off to London with her boyfriend just shy of 17th her birthday, thinking she had the world at her feet! Back then she was determined to become a make-up artist, having dreamt that it would be her ticket to marrying her then idol Rob Lowe. Alas, the career was short-lived (and she never managed to catch Rob’s eye), with Triona openly admitting that she was the ‘worst make-up artist ever’ “I studied as a make-up artist at Bronwyn Conroy Beauty School but while I was good at the theory, I was the worst make-up artist ever,” Triona joked. “I knew I had to get a job once I qualified and so I worked in a beauty salon in Bandon for a while, but it didn’t take long to figure out how bad I was. In the end they just had me cleaning the sun beds and making tea.” But while there, Triona decided to turn her hand to writing about beauty and submitted an article to The Southern Star Newspaper, which was a huge hit
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and in a way forged what went on to become a very successful career in print journalism. Triona is now a regular columnist for The Sunday Independent’s Life Magazine and is also the resident beauty guru on the massively popular Virgin Media TV show Expose. Her love of fashion was developed very early on, when after trying her hand at make-up artistry, she got a job with Brown Thomas in Galway as assistant window display artist – which prompted her to go on to study fashion at the Barbara Bourke College. She went on to run a successful market store in Dublin city centre, where she sold vintage and preowned clothes and met with some pretty impressive clients, including Hollywood actress Catherine Zeta Jones! “I did that for two years and met some amazing people popping in and out of the boutique, which if I’m honest was a stall really at the back of St Stephen’s Green,” Triona laughs. “But it was a huge stepping stone for me as from there I went on to become the youngest ever manager of Brown Thomas’ flagship store in
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Dublin at the age of just 21.” That job offered her some amazing opportunities, followed by an even more exciting role with Khan Boutique in Dublin where she was their chief buyer, jetting off to Milan, London and New York to source new lines. It was a bit of a whirlwind for Triona after that, with her name being recognised by more and more industry bigwigs, leading to more guest TV appearances and writing opportunities. Now, Triona enjoys a massive following and is lucky to be regarded as one of the country’s leading beauty and fashion experts. Her acclaim means that exciting collaborative opportunities are always arriving on her desk, and the likes of Cheryl Cole and Gweneth Paltrow are seeking her out to help promote their new ventures over here. She was also the only Irish journalist selected to cover the Victoria Secret’s fashion show in Paris two years ago. Not bad going for a farmer’s daughter from Schull, she says!
are responsible for their own health and well being so what I would say to women of all ages is please, please be self aware.”
Asked what it is that she thinks makes her so relatable and sees her following and reputation continue to grow, Triona says it’s that what you see is what you get and nothing is fake.
Triona also says that she loves to give back when and where she can and is privileged to be an ambassador for the Cope Foundation, which aims to enhance and support the lives of people with intellectual disabilities and/or autism.
“The thing about me is that I am 100% real. I will never put my name to something I don’t believe in or can’t stand over and I have honestly turned down loads of collaboration opportunities because of that,” she said. “A lot of people used to look to celebrities for inspiration in the past but now, thankfully, they want it ‘real’. People see me as the girl – well mum now – next door and they can relate to that, which is what is most important to me. I never had a plan, so I never know what’s around the corner, but I will turn my hand to anything and work hard and that definitely shows in what I do.” One message that Triona always tries to get across whenever the opportunity arises is the importance of women’s health. Triona lost her sister Tricia to cancer 10 years ago, when she was just 26 years old, and says her death has prompted her to shout from the rooftops about women looking after themselves. “She died at just 26 years of age from breast cancer and although in her case, she was misdiagnosed, I can’t stress how important it is for women to go with their gut and get a second and even third opinion if you feel something isn’t right. Women 6 | Connect Kerry | July 2019
In fact the Di Bi Milano and Alfaparf ambassador is hosting an ‘Afternoon Trí’ event at the Celtic Ross Hotel in Rosscarbery for the foundation on July 14th, offering ladies an opportunity to get together and indulge in some delicious afternoon tea treats while also availing of some beauty tips and products. “I fully believe in Karma and giving back, so when I get the opportunity to do something like this for the Cope Foundation I’m honoured to do it,” she says. Asked if there were any new and exciting projects in the pipeline, Triona told Connect that she has a number of exciting interviews lined with none other than Gweneth Paltrow, Belinda Carlisle and Ruth Pointer of the Pointer Sisters fame. Then, after a few weeks at home in West Cork this summer, fashion week season kicks off, which will see her jet off to Milan and New York for some more front row magic! Definitely not bad going for a farmer’s daughter from Schull.
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Summer
Hair & Beauty
We are all waiting with bated breath for the sunshine but with that sunshine comes its own problems especially for our hair and our skin, we asked Hair Expert Sean Taaffe for his top tips for Summer hair and Beauty Expert Triona McCarthy for her top Beauty Tips for Summer.
Hair Tips by Sean Taaffe
One of the most important words to remember In relation to summer hair is hydration! We all know it’s important to keep our bodies hydrated but not everyone knows that hair gets dehydrated very quickly during summer or in visits to the sun, I’d recommend a spray in leave in conditioner in your must haves, spray in because it will be weightless rather than a creme. Choose your shampoo and conditioner wisely, always work with your primary issue and by that I mean if your hair is dry and your colour fades quickly treat the condition because of the condition improves the colour retention will too. Getting the right Style for summer... This is the third season in the lob the long bob however it has evolved each year it started being short at the back and long in the front whereas this season it’s very much dead straight all round. If you have long hair consider leaving the area around the sides and front a little longer in summer to allow for ease in tying it back. Summer crops - There is a surge of people taking the plunge and going for short crops that are incredibly stylish and super easy to style and manage, summer is an excellent time If you’re contemplating this kind of change. If you are going away Do bring your products with you, the hard water in most sun locations coupled with chlorine from the pool and sea water rages havoc with our hair not to mind being without your go to products. All that being said summer holidays is a great opportunity to leave the straightener and hot tools off for a little while and give the hair a break pop on a hair mask In the morning and have your hair wet look for the day super sexy and nourishing your hair at the same time. Enjoy the sun!
Sean
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Beauty Tips
by Triona McCarthy
TROPIC LIKE IT”S HOT! With brighter days about, it’s time to liven up your makeup collection to blast you right into summer. As summer is a time or fun with the days hot and the nights hotter, it’s a great time to go for bright, fresh, PROTECTED skin. Shiseido's UV Lip Color Splash Broad Spectrum SPF 30, comes in bright pops of colours to perk up your pout. The innovative lipstick provides the lips with protection against the sun whilst adding a transparent layer of subtle colour. The special Clear Defense Technology provides invisible sunscreen agents that won't leave white marks. Incredibly water resistant and provides a clear, glossy finish. Eucerin’s Hyaluron-Filler CC cream, €38.40, is a particular fave of mine as being a woman of a certain age, I need all the help I can get and this day cream contains Hyaluronic Acid to plump out any lines while Saponin support my skin’s own production of Hyaluronic Acid while colour pigments even out skin imperfections. Best of all it has SPF 15 (with UVA filters) to help protect the skin from the sun’s damaging effects I use it on its own on days when I’m don’t want to do a full face of make up for la ight, everyday coverage but mainly I love it as a primer to create an even base before applying make-up TOP TIP Apply in circular motions: to stimulate blood flow in your skin and for better more even coverage I ALWAYS have a can of DiBi Milano's MULTIACTION BODY SUN PROTECTION SPF 30 in my bag as the velvety sunscreen protect from UVA and UVB rays and infrared damage along with skincare benefits as it is rich in active ingredients that help to fight skin aging, with a toning, firming and elasticizing action. I even use it over my make up on days when I need a top up of sunscreen as it feels so comfortable yet it's fast-absorbing texture glides perfectly over the skin. Keep your skin protected through the sun.. the sun may not be here with you always your skin will.....
Triona x
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Hi Lovely Readers, Well exams are over and the school holidays have begun so let the summer well and truly begin. Here at That's Perfect we are all excited Paul has just returned from a buying trip and I challenge any of our Connect readers not to find a bag in the super selection he got. "I have too many bags said no woman ever" and that is so so true ..... We have in stock at the moment bags to suit every budget starting at â‚Ź25.00 right up to â‚Ź60.00, and lots of different styles and sizes. To some people even a small bag is a burden to carry . Customers buying bags can be put into types Type A: bag almost as small as wallet Type B: decent size clutch holds phone, keys, small purse and tube of lippy. Type C: cross body bag about size of A4 sheet to carry large wallet, large phone, diary, make up bag and keys. Type D: bag with lots of pockets and zips to carry large wallet, change purse, phone, diary, make up, reusable carrier bag for shopping, bottle of water etc And finally Type E: I am in type E ( maybe the reason my back isn't 100%, that and my love of heels)... The bag for Type E is the large but stylish bag that Ryan air would charge to take on your flight in this bag you could put large wallet, phone and phone charger, iPad and iPad charger, make up, hair brush, deodorant, diary, bottle of water and piece of fruit and whatever else you would need..... I suppose what I am trying to say is whatever floats your boat and whatever your choice in bags we should able to help you. Before I sign off can I just say thanks to Margaret for an amazing night at the awards so so proud of her well done Until next month Keep smiling and be nice to each other
Carmel xx
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PEARLY WHITES AN DR MARCAS MAC DOMHNAILL
Túis maith, leath na hOibre! A good start is half the work! Many parents are unsure of how to care for the teeth of their young children, especially if it is their first child. Within the past decade the decay rate in the under 5 age group has increased significantly. Children should have their first dental visit before they reach their first birthday. This is the best time to check their first teeth and advise parents on how to clean them. Early detection of problems can also make dental treatment much easier in the long-term. Dental decay can set in at an early age. Common pitfalls that should be avoided are giving juice to children in bottles at night. The baby teeth should be brushed twice a day, once they appear. By the time the child is two or three years old, many problems may be too big to fix, leading to the removal of baby teeth. This often needs referral to a specialist for a general anaesthetic. Regular dental check-ups in the early years can save a lot of grief. Check out www.brushmyteeth.ie Beir Bua.
Dr. Marcas Mac Domhnaill. BDS (NUI), DIP Cons Sed (TCD) Mac Domhnaill Dental, Denny Street, Tralee, Co. Kerry
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Know your Dealbreakers
There should be dealbreakers in every relationship. These are the behaviours, actions or attitudes that are unacceptable and intolerable, and you should know yours. What are the things that would make you walk away from a relationship? Violence, for one. Infidelity, for another. Lying, dishonesty, disrespect…know what your line is, and draw it firmly. It is worth having a discussion early on in the relationship, so that both of you understand what is expected and what is unacceptable. Then if your partner engages in that behaviour, at least he knows the consequences. A point worth making is that sometimes, if we’re not clear, the line can be eroded. He may not actually hit you, but he might do something that makes you afraid that he will, such as punching a wall. Gradually, threatening behaviour can escalate to where you are in fear, but he never “actually” hits you. Don’t make the mistake of thinking that this is not violence – aggressive behaviour that creates fear in you IS violence. The disrespectful behaviour can also start off ambiguously. He may “jokingly” use derogatory language towards you, or make fun of you and then laugh it off. This tests your boundaries, and can quickly become quite serious. Does he make hurtful remarks about your appearance, or compare you to other women? Does he criticize your work, your driving, your friends? Be aware that this is a warning sign, and consider showing him the door.
Caroline Smith, Psychotherapy Counselling www.carolinesmith.ie | 087 6444837
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By: Jack Joy Dingle has always been one of Ireland’s tourist hotspots, the west Kerry town perfectly situated amongst some of the most stunning scenery in Ireland. As well as the countless scenic views, stopping by on a summer day trip, I discovered Dingle, with many fantastic eateries, also offers some incredible food experiences. As I arrived in Dingle in the early afternoon, it was clear that the town was in peak season, with throngs of people walking up and down the streets and boats filled with Fungie sightseers moving in and out of the Harbour. Although I was eager to begin exploring Dingle, after an hour or so drive, a coffee and a snack was highest on my list of priorities. After taking a gentle stroll around town I settled on The Bean in Dingle Café, located on Green Street. The café was relatively quiet in the late afternoon and there was a relaxed atmosphere within. Taking a table by the cafes street window after ordering a much-craved coffee from a friendly staff member, I took in the modern décor of the cosy yet bright café. I ordered a generous slice of banana and fudge bread from the variety of baked goods on display to accompany my freshly brewed latte, the flavoured bread proving both tasty and filling, pairing perfectly with my re-energising latte. A truly laid-back lunch, I enjoyed my meal at leisure as I watched people go by on the street outside. The Bean in Dingle offered a truly wholesome lunchtime experience. After finishing my leisurely lunch, it was finally time to begin exploring. I wandered in a loop around town, bringing me to Dingle Harbour, where I sat for a while taking in the fabulous views in the refreshing sea air. In anticipation of my trip to Dingle I had booked a place on a tour of the Dingle Distillery, one of the town’s main attractions, and with my appointment fast approaching I made my way out to the Brewery, located no more than a 10-minute walk outside Dingle. Both entertaining and informative, the Distillery tour was fascinating and walking among the distillation process with our knowledgeable tour guide made for a very worthwhile experience, while samples of the Dingle distillery’s range of gin, whiskey and vodka was definitely a bonus! While following the tour I had a more extensive knowledge of the brewing process, I also had a growing appetite, and I took the short walk back into town in search of a dinner. I soon came across Harrington’s Family Restaurant on Strand Street. Extremely busy, it was clear that the place was a hit with tourists and locals alike, and sighting a free table, I followed the crowd into the restaurant, placing my order at the counter and taking my seat in wait of my dinner. The colourful restaurant offered a variety of locally sourced produce and drinks on 14 | Connect Kerry | July 2019
its menu and I could not pass up on the opportunity to sample the restaurant’s fresh cod, cooked in a batter and served with homemade chips, while for dessert I ordered a unique dish which I could not wait to sample, a Deep-Fried Mars Bar, one of many candy bars offered as a deep fried option on the restaurant menu. The staff were friendly and helpful and although the restaurant was very busy, my order arrived promptly without much delay. My fish and chips were delicious, the batter on the fresh cod perfectly light and not taking away from the delicious fresh cod. Table servings of tartar sauce and lemon were perfect accompaniments to the fish along with the serving of crisp homemade French-fries. Chatting to the elderly gentleman sitting on the table adjacent to me, who also happened to have ordered Cod and chips, we both agreed that it was some of the best fish and chips we had ever tasted. My dessert arrived at my table just as I was polishing off my fish and chips and I was eager to get stuck into my Deep-Fried Mars Bar, coated in batter and served with chocolate and strawberry sauce with a serving of vanilla ice cream. I cut into the battered treat and the chocolate oozed out from within. A mouth-watering dessert, and a chocolate lovers dream, the crisp batter offered a perfect contrast to the chewy sweet chocolate and caramel interior. Needless to say, my dessert did not last long. An excellent dinner served up by Harringtons Family Restaurant left me fulfilled and fuelled for further exploration of Dingle’s surroundings. I decided to hop back in the car and take in some west Kerry scenery. I took the 15-minute drive out west to Brandon Creek, the site where St. Brendan was said to have taken sail to the ‘New World’ of America, hundreds of years ago. The creek offered a beautiful sight for the eyes and the sight of a single rowing boat rocking up and down in the dark waves of the North Atlantic Ocean between the Brandon creek was a striking sight, with many sightseers stopping to take a photos of the sight and admire the nearby sculpture of St. Brendan while an information board was available to inform anyone curious as to the history of the site. I admired this breathtaking spot for some time until evening began to draw, jumping back in my car and heading back to Dingle for the last time. I ventured back to Dingle, eager to try out one more treat which Dingle offered. Although still content from my hearty dinner, a local business, Murphy’s Ice Cream situated on Strand Street, had caught my eye earlier in the day and I had decided to try treat myself before I left for home. I was greeted by a couple of welcoming staff members on entering who provided samples and advice when attempting to choose from the many locally sourced, organic ice creams on offer. I settled on a medium serving of ice cream, consisting of a large scoop of raspberry sorbet and another large scoop of brown-bread ice cream and my order did not disappoint, the two tasty flavours combining to what one staff member likened to an icecream jam sandwich. I took a short walk back to the harbour where I sat and enjoyed my ice-cream as the sun set on Dingle, soaking in the sea views once again ahead of my drive home.
As I headed home over the Connor Pass and admired the wonderful West Kerry Scenery for one last time, I couldn’t help but feel that my wonderful Taste of Dingle, featuring some phenomenal food experiences, only further enhanced the beautiful surroundings of the storied town.
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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Slimmer for Summer… Get summer ready with some great tasting and fabulously filling food.
Sweet & Sour Crispy Chicken Fakeaway Quorn Crispy Nuggets* Jar of Uncle Bens No Added Sugar Sweet and Sour* Bag of Frozen Oriental Stir Fry Veg Handful of Frozen Pineapple Pieces Boiled Rice or Microwave Rice Pouch of your choice* Somedays we don't have time to be cooking and this has become an unsung hero dish in my home...Freezer hero standy ingredients that we can throw together in a flash and create a fabulous fakeaway dinner. Place your required amount of Quorn Nuggets on a baking tray or place in your airfryer. Place a wok on a medium heat on hob and add in the bag of frozen oriental veg and the frozen pineapple chunks in, this will take approx 8 mins to heat through. Once heated add in the jar of sauce. You will get three very decent portions that work out relatively low in syns if you are following Slimming World its an absolute try!
Tortilla Salad Bowl Place a Weight Watchers Wrap into an oven proof bowl folding it to fit into the bowl. What you want here is that this will become the holder for your salad once toasted. Spray the wrap with some low calorie spray oil I normally do a combination of coconut, chilli and garlic frylite here! Place it into the oven for abour 8 -10 minutes. Remove from bowl and now it should have retained the shape of a bowl and you can also pop it back into the oven on its own to give it a final crisp. Remove once more and now you can add in any toppings or prepared salad of your choice. I normally add in a rainbow salad of shredded carrot, baby gem lettuce, red onion, cherry tomatoes or a ripened vine tomato, spring onion, cucumber, and baby corn. You can add protein of your choice and top it with 40g of Reduced Fat Cheddar Cheese*.
Chicken Burger 2 * 60g Wholemeal Buns* 2 Chicken Breasts Covered in Clingfilm and flattened with a rolling pin 6 Slices of Aldi Cheese Emporium Light Slices* 4 Bacon Medallions Trimmed 1 Ripe Plum Tomato Sliced Baby Gem Lettuce Slice Half a Carrot Grated 4 White Cabbage Leaves Sliced Finely 2 Tbsp of Light Mayonaisse* 16 | Connect Kerry | July 2019
Lemon Juice 2 Tbsp Sprinkle of Salt and Fresh Ground Pepper Spray Oil
Method: Spray Pan with Oil. Cook Chicken for around 6-7 mins on each side. Whilst Chicken is cooking make up the coleslaw by adding 1tbsp of the mayo to the carrot and cabbage and mix well, leave aside for a min or so. Add a twist of fresh ground black pepper to 1 tsbp of light mayonaise and mix well. Cook the bacon in the frying pan and pop your buns into the toaster. To assemble the burgers, Place a slice of cheese in the heel of each bun, follow by a slice of bacon, lettuce, 1 chicken breast piece, tomatoe slice, another slice of cheese, a dab of pepper mayonaise, some coleslaw and top with the other side of the bun...utter gutter, proper messy grub, but an epic feed well worth a few syns on this for sure. Alternative topping: Lettuce, Pineapple, Tomato Slice, Gherkins, Black Pepper Mayo, Cheese Slices*
Cheeseburger Pasta I've made this a few times lately this is an absolutely unreal dish, I love burgers, I love pasta, is there a happily ever after? Yes, this is a definite must try. If you are following a gluten free diet just swap the pasta and stock cube for the gluten free alternative. This takes 40 mins but its worth it and I always have leftovers so its a win win! I use a wok for doing this dish as its quite big in volume. I serve it with a huge side salad on the plate for portion control. 500g of Minced Beef, Large White Onion, 950ml of Chicken Stock, Tin of Tomatoes, 2 Tbsp of Tomato Puree, 2 tsp of paprika, 1 tsp of Onion Salt, 1 tsp of Garlic Powder, 1 tsp of Mustard Powder and let it absorb but just for a half a min. Then add in your Tin of Tomatoes, Pinch of sweetner, 1 tbsp of Worcestershire Sauce, in 250g of Dried Pasta, 2-3 chopped pickles or Gherkins. 120g Reduced Fat Cheddar Cheese. Fresh Parsley. Spray wok with spray oil. Brown 500g Lean Minced Beef and drain it. Pop back in the wok and add in chopped onion for 2-3 mins. Add in 2 tbsp of Tomato Puree, the spices, and let it absorb but just for a half a min. Then add in your Tin of Tomatoes, Pinch of sweetner, 1 tbsp of Worcestershire Sauce, Pinch of Salt and Pepper and stir well. Mix in the Pasta of your choice. Stir it to coat the pasta and add in the Chicken Stock. Bring this to the boil. Stirring occaisionally. Place lid on the work and let it all simmer down for about 10-12mins. The pasta should be almost cooked at this stage. Remove the lid
and add in 80g of Reduced Fat Cheddar Cheese, Reserve about 10g per serving to garnish the dish with. Add in 3-4 diced pickles or Gherkins at this point leaving them cook for about 5 mins. The dish should be velvety smooth by now. Serve in a bowl top with the remaining cheese and freshly chopped parsley.
Chicken Tikka Masala Made this a few weeks ago, yes I admit a little effort but its seriously so so good, you can increase the quantities and freeze this sauce also. 1 large white onion chopped roughly 6 cloves of garlic Thumb size root ginger Sussed spray oil* 1 tsp each of cumin, cinnamon, ground coriander, garam masala and turmeric. ½ tsp of chilli powder Tin of Tomatoes 4 chicken breasts diced 2tbsp of chopped almonds* 1 tbsp of desiccated coconut* 4 tbsp of fat free greek style yoghurt Fresh ground black pepper 2 cups of cooked brown rice. Small bunch of fresh coriander Fry onion, ginger and garlic with a little water and whizz in a blender until smooth. Place the mix in a large saucepan over a medium heat and fry for about 5mins until it deepens in colour. Add all the other spices and stir for a min follow with the tinned tomatoes. Add in the chicken breast pieces and stir well and leave the pot on the hob on the lowest heat setting for 2 hours. When the chicken is cooked and tender add the almonds* and the desiccated coconut*and the fat free Greek style yoghurt. Season with fresh ground black pepper. Serve with brown rice scattered the dish with the fresh chopped coriander. *denotes syn values or healthy extra choice, check your app or ask in group for values.
Nora’s Slimming World Tralee takes place every Wednesday at the Meadowlands Hotel, Tralee. 9:30am, 11:30am, 3:30pm, 5:30 pm & 7:30 pm. Search: Noras Slimming World Tralee on facebook or @NoraButlerSW on instagram. Contact Nora: 087-2489838
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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.
FEMALES AT THE BAR! AND ROCKING IT !
I for one am so happy to see this change in female training habits, Strenght Training is finally growing in the female world! YIPPPEEE. We are slowly but surely losing the notion that.. “weights make you bulky” .. No my dear muffins do that ;-) More and more women are seeing the mental, health and physical benefits of consistent weight training.
THIS IS YOUR CHALLENGE FOR THIS MONTH
• If your already weight training talk to a trainer about a new programme mix things up challenge yourself • If you are new to weights set yourself the goal of learning correct technique for the following movements • Squat • Deadlift • Overhead Press Feel Free to contact me if you have any questions
We scream about wanting to be lean, be toned, shapely, no bulges etc.. and yet women can be obsessed with cardio. Strenght training improves lean muscle and burns fat. We should all be doing it. Im not saying don’t do cardio, I’m saying balance is key. Combine cardio & strength training and mostly enjoy and savour it, it is your time for you.
TRAINING & YOUR MENSTRUAL CYCLE However we are a hormonally afflicted race, Your cycle and hormone levels can impact your training and how you feel training, so for all you gym bunnies there has been research done into the female menstrual cycle and strength training, so if you are lifting weights and feel your strength dip from time to time this might be why. There is a system of training there to work with your cycle and your hormone levels.
So if you are looking to start a new block of strength work, and need to mix things up maybe look at this for 1-3 months and see how you feel. Keeping it very simple to begin. Week 1-2 Follicular Phase – This is when you are at your strongest. During this phase maximise your strength lift heavy. Incorporate technical more complicated movements, Workout harder and Frequently. Recovery is better at this time also. Week 1 reps 1-20, week 2 reps 6-20 Week 3-4 Luteal Phase – Keep Protein intake high during this phase, recovery is slower take longer rest periods between sets and increase rest days. Lighten the Weight and the volume of sets. Concentrate on simpler movements and technique Week 3 reps 10-20, week 4 de-load week reps 12-20 We can also cycle our nutrition to optimise our hormones at this time, we can use a process called seed cycling. This is a process of using different seeds at different stages of your cycle to help alleviate PMS and to promote healthy hormonal balance. Sprinkle them on breakfast cereals, soups salad etc Week 1-2 Follicular Phase – Pumpkin Seed & FlaxSeed Week 3-4 Luteal Phase – Sunflower seeds & Seasame seeds
We are a wonderful mix of complex & Unique.. Embrace it 20 | Connect Kerry | July 2019
FITNESS CHALLENGE JULY
Jump out of bed and MOVE – do the following movements every morning for July • 10 Squats • 10 Press Ups HEALTH TIP • 30 Seconds Plank Start the day w ith a cup Again this Month we have given of warm water and a you a Full body routine, this time slice of lemon . adding a extra challenge 500 Reps in Total. Maybe time yourself and do it again at the end of the month see if there has been any improvement. The squats & Lunges these can be done free weight or you can increase the intensity by adding weight with kettlebells or dumbbells. Engage the core throughout the workout and be mindful of your movements. Form over speed
THE WORKOUT 50 reps per Movement Beginners 20 reps - 200 max Intermediate - 30 reps - 300 max - 500 Rep Challenge - Squats - Tricep Dips - Box Jumos or Step Ups - Crunches
- Press Ups - Reverse Lunges - Mountain Climbers - Bicycle Abs - Shoulder Press - Burpees *Complete all reps before moving to next exercise
If you have any questions for Aine email us at info@connectpublications.ie
Connect Kerry | July 2019 | 21
Top Tips for July in the Garden..
BY: BERNIE FALVEY.
CEO BALLYSEEDY HOME & GARDEN, TRALEE
Early July is a good time to trim back and really put some shape on your topiary plants and hedges. Always use a clean sharp pair of shears and try do it during a spell of dry weather. A neat and tidy hedge is a wonderful frame for any garden and looks great when maintained properly. For those with box hedging edging used as a topiary feature, bed or path, you should consider using a good liquid feed such as Brandon seaweed to keep your hedge healthy. It is best applied on a dry day in the morning or evening. Now is a good time to clip all hedging to keep it in great shape for the rest of summer. Pots, containers and hanging baskets will require constant attention, particularly if we are lucky enough to have a run of good weather. They should be watered regularly and should be fed every two weeks with a liquid fertiliser again using the Brandon range that we sell at Ballyseedy. This will ensure strong growth and vibrant colour. It is very important that all containers are watered even if it is raining as containers may not get water in sheltered areas. Don’t forget that your pot or container plants also need dead-heading to promote repeat flowering. Dahlia, geranium, pelargonium, osteospermum and calendula are excellent examples of how regular dead-heading promotes re-flowering and prolongs the bloom time throughout the summer. Don’t forget your rose shrubs when dead-heading; ensure you remove the flowers that are gone off by cutting down to the next leaf junction thus ensuring a well-shaped shrub. Your pots and containers still need
22 | Connect Kerry | July 2019
a careful eye with regular watering and feeding. Bedding plants such as surfinia, petunia or pansies can become leggy over the growing period. These can be “shortened” which simply explained means cutting back the over-long stems to an area of new growth closer to the base of the plant. This will encourage new growth and a new crop of flowers. With your beds, borders and containers well taken care of, don’t forget the hard surfaces in your garden or outdoor space. Make sure to treat the wood on your shed, fence, decking or timber furniture. Any treatment is best done when the wood is dry and make sure it gets at least 6hrs drying time if possible. The treatment will protect it during the worst of next winter’s weather, extending the life of your fence, furniture or shed. If weeds have become a problem on your patio or paths, treat the area immediately with Westland Resolva Weedkiller for hard areas. Do remember if treating weeds in a lawn to ensure you choose a lawn appropriate weedkiller such as Resolva Lawn Weedkiller. Happy Gardening..
Bernie Falvey CEO Ballyseedy Home & Garden
Have you got a gardening question email: info@connectpublications.ie
Meet Kerry's Leading Business Women 2019
Popular Family Business recognised for 99 years service to the county
Dr Mary McCaffrey winner of the Connect Kerry
Lifetime Achievement Award Connect Kerry | July 2019 | 23
C Connect onnect | |L Wifestyle omen in Business AWARDS SPECIAL
24 | Connect Kerry | July 2019
Connect | Women in BusinessAAWARDS dvertising SPECIAL |Connect
Connect Kerry
Women in Business Awards 2019 Thank you all for being part of our recent awards. It was wonderful to recognise the work of some amazing women in business across the county. As always, there was a huge response when we opened the application process. Congratulations to you all. It is a wonderful opportunity to profile these people who work hard each day and contribute in a large way to our economy and we are delighted to include our overall award recipients here with a little bit about the business they represent Our judges Jim Breen, Helen O'Sullivan Murphy and Nathan McDonnell had the unenviable task none of us would like but they put a lot of work into it all, made great decisions and recognised everyone for what they do.
Our award sponsors that assisted in making this event possible, without their support we would not be able to deliver the event we have, so we would encourage you all to support these people when going about your business in the county. To Mark and the amazing team at the Rose Hotel for the support and professionalism always shown to us it’s a pleasure to hold an event there. We truly believe all our finalists are all winners in their chosen career, this event was created to recognise Women in Business, and it’s about people like these ladies making a difference in the workplace We hope you will enjoy this special memory of the night we have put together so until we do it all again next year,
Margaret
Locally Based International Charity
Benefits from Local Business’s Good Luck Local business people Tim and Theresa Kelliher of Kellihers Toyota, Tralee, have chosen to donate the fantastic prize they won recently at the Connect Kerry Women in Business Awards to local based International charity Action Lesotho. The Tralee based Charity, operated completely in Ireland by volunteers, links the community in Ireland with a small impoverished community in Lesotho. It focuses on alleviating extreme poverty and malnutrition, particularly in babies and young children. The overall aim is to develop self-sufficient, sustainable projects and is headed up here in Kerry by local businessman Paul Hanrahan. The prize the Kellihers won is an amazing garden furniture set and was donated by Ballyseedy Garden Centre. It can be seen fully assembled on display at Ballyseedy. Speaking after receiving the good news Paul said “Action Lesotho are thrilled to benefit from such a fabulous prize and we can’t thank the Kellihers enough for their kindness and generosity”. But there is another twist in the tale of this good fortune. As Paul was trying to plan how best to raffle the prize to raise much needed funds for the charity, he contacted the supplier of the prize Nathan McDonnell, MD of Ballyseedy Home and Garden Centre. Nathan has kindly made a cash donation equal to the cost of the Garden Set to Action Lesotho, and he will now run a competition on his Facebook page, with links to Kellihers Toyota, Connect Kerry and Action Lesotho Facebook pages, giving the general public a chance to win this at no extra cost. All they are asked to do is like and share the pages of Kellihers, Ballyseedy, Connect Kerry or Action Lesotho and they are in with a chance of having a fabulous garden set, valued at €1,000, for those lovely summer evenings. Check out the above pages for all the details and get liking and sharing. You could win this wonderful prize, and at the same time help those most in need in the world.
Connect Kerry | July 2019 | 25
Connect | Women in Business AWARDS SPECIAL
Women in Business Award Winners 2019 Business Woman in Health and Wellness in association with Nora’s Slimming World - Majella Quinlan Duignan Nutrifit for Women Majella from Nutrifit for Women. I have been in in the fitness /wellness industry for over 20 years-and I am very proud that we have survived, thrived and evolved in that time. We are a Wellness Centre, where our approach is holistic, science based and endorsed by our colleagues. Our exercise programme is challenging (Resistance Training) yet kind to the body and it is suitable to women of all ages and levels of fitness and we are highly recommended by the medical professionals and our peers.. We advise our clients on how to eat depending on age, medical conditions (Artrithis, Diabetes, Cholesterol, Cancer, Depression, Thyroid, Hormonal State...etc.). The latter has lead to my clients calling me the 'Menopause Mentor' due to my extensive research in this area. We have evolved with the times but have always stayed true to our roots...my teachings are based on Science and realising we are all different and unique and as we age we need a different way of eating to deal with the different version of ourselves we are dealing with!!! I am a real woman, helping others in the best way I know how, through both knowledge and experience and I believe that is our USP ....and all under one roof!!
The Connect Kerry Entrepreneur of the year - Maeve Frawley The Arena Fitness Maeve has an established and successful career in the fitness industry for the past 19 years and is the sole proprietor of two gyms. The Arena Tralee is situated in what used to be Fabrik nightclub in Tralee town and the Arena, Newcastle West, Co. Limerick. Both facilities offer gym memberships in state of the art environments, personal training and fitness classes from highly qualified trainers. Maeve is a graduate of the Institute of Technology Tralee, with an honours degree in Health, Fitness and Leisure Studies. Also, she holds a Master’s Degree in Exercise and Nutrition Science from the University of Chester.Maeve is a full-time lecturer in H,F &L I.T. Tralee, for the past 12 years. She works as a personal trainer and group fitness instructor. Since 1999, she has been teaching classes including Body Conditioning, Bootcamp and Kicksanity, which is her own unique style of fitness class derived from her experience in martial arts. She is also qualified as a pre and post natal exercise specialist.
Business Woman in the Business of Marketing Events and PR in association with John Drummey Communications – Marisa Reidy Recovery Haven PR & Marketing Manager, Marisa is responsible for promoting and publicising all events, classes, courses, services etc. at the main house in Tralee and the outreach services in Killarney and Killorglin. She is also responsible for raising awareness of Recovery Haven Kerry to a broader audience; through various social media and main stream media channels is also head of fundraising at the charity, which means coming up with new and exciting ways to generate income. Because all services are free of charge, and no government funding is received they need €150,000 annually to keep the doors open. 26 | Connect Kerry | July 2019
The Connect Kerry Business Development award - Magdalena Serafin Bio Force Wellness Managing Director of Bio-Force Medical & Dental Clinics Kerry and Limerick. I opened my business in 2009 and my aim was to create a medical centre that combines modern medicine with a holistic approach, as more people are now open to alternatives these days. With a brave step I made this decision and with huge success in Tralee this gave me an idea to start up also in Limerick in 2014, both clinics have a wide range of services of dental, gynaecology, dermatology, aesthetic medicine, dietician nutritionist clinic, physiotherapy, cosmetic, natural medicine and massage therapy through this we have a variety of clients of any age & gender who we provide an outstanding positive service too.
Business Woman in Business Services in association with Irish Drain Services - Patricia Casey - Absolute Safety Matters ltd. As a progressive Health and Safety Consultant Patricia Casey set up business in 2005 serving the Food, Education and Construction industry in Kerry. The business enjoyed strong growth and now operates across all business sectors from Metal Fabrication, Wood Technology, Healthcare, Hospitality, Education, Construction, Offices and much more and employs a highly skilled team of professionals to manage the health & safety issues of hundreds of Munster based businesses. Clients effectively have a OneStop-Health and Safety-Shop – their business is always safe and legally compliant; staff are properly trained by our expert team and those on a service package don’t need to employ a dedicated health and safety professional. Our recipe for success: is using industry experts and specialist software to highlight and promote health and safety issues for businesses.
The Connect Kerry Social Media Award – Katie Hartnett - The Zip Yard Tralee I am currently the Store Manager on Zipyyard Tralee. As part of this role I am also the Front of House and the face of Tralee Zipyard. I am currently successfully managing a team of 4 staff members. I have always had a keen interest in management and this was evident as I received a promotion in my previous employment which assisted me in securing the managerial position I am currently in. As well as an interest in management I also have a love for fashion therefore when this opportunity arouse I was more than happy to avail of the challenge ahead and dealing with our customers every day.
Connect | Women in Business AWARDS SPECIAL
Connect Kerry | July 2019 | 27
Connect | Women in Business AWARDS SPECIAL
Business Woman in Education and Childcare and training in association with – That’s perfect Laura McKenna Blennerville Community Playschool I am the manager and room leader of Blennerville Community Playschool. We pride ourselves on our high-quality, child-led, play-based curriculum which fosters emotional well-being and a love of learning. I have an Honours Degree in Early Childhood Education and am finishing further training through Mary Immaculate College which will empower our service further to support every child’s individual strengths, abilities and needs so that they can reach their full potential in life. Since adopting this role, I have expanded our service to include an afterschool service. I am also a Certified Practitioner in Therapeutic Play Skills with Play Therapy Ireland, the Academy of Play and Child Psychotherapy and NUI, Galway and will soon be delivering a therapeutic play service to all children who may be experiencing social, emotional, behaviour or mental health problems.
Connect Kerry Rising Star Award Denise Hanbidge - Dees Delightful Bakes I set up Dees Delightful Bakes in January 2016. I make cakes/cupcakes for all occasions like baby showers, christenings, birthdays, graduations, engagements, weddings, retirements etc. I love a challenge and enjoy creating a cake that represents the person its intended for, it’s a great way to celebrate their character! Since setting up my business I have raised much needed funds every year for several worthy charities. I appreciate all the support I receive and am grateful to those who support my local business. I’m looking forward to what the future holds and creating more delicious cakes for new and regular customers.
Business Woman in Fashion Retail in association with Hannons Fashions Eileen Whelan - Paco I started in retail almost 20 yrs ago I have always loved the challenge of bringing a store up to its full potential which the team and I are very proud of. We have built up a great customer base and a fantastic atmosphere in store. On this journey we started doing our charity coffee mornings / fashion shows. These mornings not only raise awareness and funds for the charity but have brought our Tralee store in to one of the top stores in the company of which the team and I are very proud. I also do regular videos highlighting what I feel is the ideal look for you.
The Connect Kerry Specialist In her business Award – Maria Leydon, Children’s Services - Manager Enable Ireland Kerry Services With a background in General and Paediatric nursing I worked as a Quality Improvement Officer to childcare workers in the counties of Kerry and Clare before joining Enable Ireland Disability Services as Children’s Services Manager in Kerry in 2008. Following the Progressing Disability Model of Service Enable Ireland is the lead agency for Kerry Intervention & Disability Services Tralee which provides services for children and young adults with disability or complex needs. Managing a multidiscipline team my role is to coordinate and develop services, provide staff development and support, identify training needs, facilitate staff training and liaise with service users and service stake holders.
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Business Woman in Retail or Consumer Business in association with Kellihers Toyota - Belinda Broderick - Belinda’s Puppy Salon I’m the owner of Belinda’s puppy salon. I have loved all animals all my life I really enjoy their company and taking care of people’s dogs and puppies while they go on holidays, My job consists of first meeting customers then minding their dogs, walking them, playing with them every day. I take great care of everyone’s dog just like my own and I love to spoil them totally with lots of toys, my kennels are so bright and friendly it’s the next best thing from home so my customers tell me. They even have a warm stove in it when the weather is cold, I’ve build my kennels up from scratch all by myself, it took me two years to have it up and running and I’m very proud of the way the business is today it’s growing each year and I’m proud of all the people in Tralee for helping me get where I am today.
The Connect Kerry years of Service to her chosen Industry Award – Ann O'Dowd - Naionra Aine Preschool Ann worked in the crèche in RTE, many years ago where she was very highly regarded. She introduced the children to Irish, together with a huge emphasis on social integration. She has achieved a degree in early childhood care and education and puts her knowledge to excellent use.Her vibrant personality, together with a true empathy for children have made her a resounding success since her return to Tralee more than a quarter of a century ago. Her preschool has expanded. She now employs eight in childcare. The preschool sparks the imagination of all children lucky enough to be enrolled there. There is an outdoor garden, where children can set their own plants and watch them grow. To visit Ann’s Naionra is to experience life once again through the eyes of a child.
Business Woman in Creative Design in association with Expose Design Michelle Keane - Mibeau Interiors Michelle is the design mind behind the award-winning mibeau Interiors brand with over 25 years Experience. Michelle has always had a relentless passion for design and a keen eye for colour and has become one of the most celebrated names in the interior design industry. Her knack for freshening-up tired interiors, adding a luxury but attainable look to any style of interior, coupled with her portfolio of home and commercial renovations projects have made her a renowned force in the interior world. Together with her dedicated team, they can recreate any space and elevate the look and feel in a cost-effective and effortless way. ON Dec 8th - 2016 mibeau launched their business online, since the launch mibeau Interiors has secured the Ralph Lauren Home Range as their only online presence in Ireland. Keane has been the recipient of many awards including being a finalist in the Smirnoff Young Designer of the Year Award 1994, Trinity College. She was awarded a Post Graduate Scholarship from the Scottish College of Textiles in Galashields. She is passionate about making her design ethos accessible to everyone by lecturing part-time in Interior Design & giving Design Master Classes on Interior Design.
Connect | Women in Business AWARDS SPECIAL
Connect Kerry | July 2019 | 29
Connect | Women in Business AWARDS SPECIAL
The Connect Kerry Media Support to Women in Business Mary Mullins Radio Kerry I’m a blow in to Kerry but I think I could be considered a Kerrywoman at this stage, having moved here in 2007! I’m originally from Co Roscommon, but when I was six my parents left farming to open a dry cleaners in Co Offaly. I started working in my local radio station when I was in secondary school, and then studied media in university. I’m a journalist in Radio Kerry and present the In Business show, through which I meet so many amazing business people. 2019 has been a busy year personally – between my boyfriend of five years, Colm Gallagher proposing in March, to buying a house!
Business Woman in Food Production in association with O'Sullivan’s Bakery – Eileen Ashe - Ashe's Annascaul Black Pudding Co. Ashe's Annascaul Black Pudding Co. produces an artisan range of black & white puddings, sausages, sausage rolls & rashers. This black pudding has been made on their premises for 103 years & new products have been added through the years. The fourth generation of their family is now involved in this business. they retail their products in our own shop in Annascaul and across sixty other shops & restaurants nationwide. The ethos is to provide a high quality range of products to our customers. using local and Irish ingredients as much as possible.
Connect Kerry National Business Women of the year Award – Clair Kelly and Jo Arbon - The Busy Botanist Jo and Clair set up the Busy Botanist in 2017. The girls are long time friends, passionate herbalists and health enthusiasts based in Cromane, Co. Kerry. They have created a range of naturally caffeine free herbal teas packed full of flavour that improve your health and wellbeing one cup at a time. Whatever your needs, we have you covered. From soothing teas for digestion and relieving stress, through to helping you battle against colds and allergies. And they taste great. The unique blends empower the consumer to make an informed purchasing decision, so they can benefit from a proactive and preventative health care lifestyle. Now on the shelves of Aldi these ladies are definitely going global.
New Business Award in association with Kerry Businesswomen’s Network Helena Bradley - Baby Sensory Kerry/ Limerick As a mother of 3 young children Helena has always had a passion to work with babies and children generally. After spending 8 years working in a crèche, she decided she wanted to do something a little different but still wanted to work with babies. After finishing further training in the UK 2 years ago, she branched out and started up her new venture in Baby Sensory and loves every aspect of her work. It's so enjoyable seeing the babies grow and develop weekly. The time flies watching the very young babies (often only 3 weeks) grow into independent little wobblers at the age of 13 months. She says I feel very privileged to enjoy this journey with the baby's parents or guardians. It can be both special and emotional. I am honoured, as I feel my job is summed up in the expression “Do what you love and you'll never work a day in your life"
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Connect Kerry Home Based Business Paula Duggan - Balance Nutrition Online weight loss coaching is my primary service; however, I also offer face to face Nutrition & Weight Loss Coaching. My approach is realistic & sustainable so people can change their behaviours for good. I am very passionate about educating people, I don’t just want people to achieve their weight loss target, and I care about HOW they achieve it and whether they learn the skills to maintain it themselves. I offer both group & private courses. I educate, support, motivate and hopefully inspire people. I also offer corporate/workplace nutrition talks, healthy eating talks in schools and I run my own nutrition events. I love all of it!!
Outstanding Manager Award in association with Ballyseedy Home and Garden Niamh Quirke - The Scotia Clinic Niamh joined The Scotia Clinic nine years ago as Medical Secretary and over this time has grown into the role of Healthcare Assistant and now heads up our clinic as Practice Manager for the past three years.Niamh is exceptional in her role. She is responsible for the day to day running of the clinic, taking personal care of patients, staff & tenants alike. In addition to her administration role she also assists with weekly patient clinics. She continually innovates & explores new opportunities to grow patient services and during this time has overseen the enhancement of fertility services, shared care IVF and the introduction of surrogacy services with Dr Mary McCaffrey and the Scotia Clinic team.
The Connect Kerry Family Business Award – Tracy Kennedy - Kennedys Pet Farm The business is family owned for 30 years and as a mother of 2 young children, Tracy has excelled at the challenges facing an independently owned business. Tracy strives to ensure that the standards in the farm are consistently at the highest level, whilst making sure that business grows every year, both in terms of customer experience and as a viable business. Year on year, she has made sensible investment in the business, leading to steady growth and an increase in staff numbers also. She has the canny ability to identify niche areas for development, creating invaluable assets for her sustainable business. Tracy is a fine example of sound business mind, with the ability to confidently execute sustainable growth projects within the business.
Community Champion Award in association with Radio Kerry - Susan Lawlor - State of Mind Mental Health I am a mental health advocate because I believe that by talking about mental health daily, we will normalise it. By changing conversations together, we can change lives. If one life is saved, then it is a job well done. A successful scholar and graduate of NUI Maynooth Currently, in the process of completing a Master’s (Hons) degree in Psychotherapy and Counselling. Over a decade of experience raising awareness of mental fitness. Awarded in 2009 for voluntary research work in the Centre for Recovery and Social Inclusion (CRSI), Cork and continues to raise awareness of mental fitness in a voluntary capacity through State of Mind Ireland delivering training programs to thousands of people across Ireland and the UK. Current Guinness World Record Holder with State of Mind Sport UK for the World’s Largest Mental Health Awareness Lesson. Currently, implementing a Mental Fitness and Wellbeing Project for Young People with the Kerins O’Rahilly’s GAA Club as part of the Master’s degree program, one of the first of its kind in the hope of rolling the initiative across the entire GAA.
Connect | Women in Business AWARDS SPECIAL
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Connect | Women in Business AWARDS SPECIAL
The Connect Kerry Team LeaderAine McGill - O Sheas Arro Caherciveen I am the manager at O'Shea's Arro Home & Garden Cahersiveen .We are Situated 3 miles outside Cahersiveen. I have been working with O'Shea's for 19 Years and have held the position as manager for 7 Years. In My Role as manager there is a lot of variety in each day from greeting the customers and advising them on the vast variety of products we stock, Administration duties, debtors control, payroll, Social media pages, merchandising and stock ordering and control.Being the only Female in the business i get great support from my work colleagues and we really have a fantastic team here.
Young Business Woman award in association with Bank of Ireland Amy Smith - Tralee Pottery Club Based in a permanent and fully equipped studio, Amy creates works and teaches pottery to diverse groups of young kids, teenagers and mature adults of all abilities with an emphasis on participant’s creativity, relaxation, self-realization and bringing the artist out in each individual. She visits schools and groups all over Kerry in towns and rural communities. Offering her studio space for birthday parties and special events including summer camps, Easter camps, halloween camps and school holiday camps. She has included Adult students in craft fairs for them to experience selling their beautiful handmade creations.
The Connect Kerry Mission Possible Award - Louise Quill I set up the Tír Na nÓg organisation in 2007 after a previous visit to Kilimanjaro left me saddened at the lack of facilities and care being given to the orphaned and abandoned children in the area. I saw a huge need and a sense of responsibility to do something to right these wrongs. Thirteen years later, Tír na nÓg both houses and educates over 230 children on a daily basis. Our aim over the next two years is to build new children’s home and drop in centre for street children and to add an extension to our existing school which will consist of a new Kindergarten, library, computer room and dining hall. Tír Na nÓg currently employs 24 local Tanzanian people and with our future building projects we hope to create even more employment in the area. We deal with children that have suffered terrible traumas in their young lives and our facility is there to provide these children with a safe, secure and loving environment in which to grow.
Business Woman in the Medical Profession in association with Kerry College of Further Education Mairead O'Sullivan - Kerry Breast Feeding Support Group. As an RGN, Neonatal Specialist Nurse & Lactation Consultant I have more than 12 years’ experience in helping mothers establish effective Breastmilk Production & Breastfeeding the smallest & sickest babies in the hospital setting in UK & Kerry. In July 2018 I established my Private Practice "Kerry Breastfeeding Support". Aiming to help with a variety of Breastfeeding issues. I Provide Group & one to one, Breastfeeding Preparation classes for Couples along with Home visit & Phone Consultations after babies delivery. I cover all lactation issues including painful or poor latch, establishing exclusive feeding post discharge from neo, along with long-term issues poor milk transfer/supply or infants with poor weight gain. I've also experience in accessing and referring infants with tongue ties. I believe preparation guidance & Professional Support skills are key to mothers achieving her Breastfeeding goals. I travel throughout the county of Kerry. In my Practice "Every drop Counts". 32 | Connect Kerry | July 2019
The Connect Kerry Reader’s Choice Award – Triona Bowler - John Ross Jewellers Triona has spent the last twenty-five years of her working life dedicated to excellence in customer service. Through her sales role at John Ross Jewellers, she has dealt with customers from far and wide with good humour, kindness, and compassion and product knowledge. Always up for fun and enjoyment, Triona brings her own unique sparkle to John Ross Jewellers very day. She loves fashion and always seeks to discover new and exciting product ranges for the shop. She came to John Ross Jewellers in 1993 and has been there ever since.
Business women in Technology and Design in association with EF SIGNS Jessica Dennison - Dennison Design Jessica set up Dennison Design with Tessa Dennison in 2012 and the last seven years has seen the business go from strength to strength thanks to her dedication and the incredible attention to detail that she delivers to every project she undertakes. Jessica brings a modern approach to the team at Dennison Design and specializes in web design and photography – capturing food, interiors and corporate profiles for our clients.
The Connect Kerry Further Training Support to Women in Business – Aoife O Reilly and Mairead O Sullivan - South Kerry Development Partnership/South Kerry Skillnet As manager of South Kerry Skillnet Aoife supports the learning and development needs of businesses by sourcing subsidised quality training and facilitating regional networking. Aoife is passionate about lifelong learning and has undertaken a strategic approach to learning and development activities in Kerry and this has been vital to the growth of the network and her creativeness has seen the network run successful networking events as well as collaborating with other organisations and industries in the region. Mairead is the SICAP Education & Training officer for South Kerry Development Partnership responsible for co-ordinating the educational needs for those living in South Kerry to progress into Further Education and Training and Employment. Mairead is successful in enhancing opportunities for the people she supports by taking a holistic view of the needs of the individual and working with them to put supports in place to meet these needs. Mairead provides self-development programmes, family programmes and in-school supports to those she works with, linking with local businesses to help assess their work force requirements with a particular focus on wellbeing.
The Connect Kerry Best Business for 2019 - Clarie Cronin Kelly - Leahys Pharmacy Oakpark and Ballinorig. Claire is an inspirational business woman having grown her business over the years. She started out as a pharmacist working for Mary Leahy and years later bought the business she now has two premises running concurrently, one in Oakpark and one in Ballinorig. She introduced and successfully operates a prescription-delivery service for those unable to travel to the pharmacy and an app to order/reorder prescriptions. She has introduced a robotic dispensing service to ensure accuracy and best practice in her work.
Connect | Women in Business AWARDS SPECIAL
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Connect | Women in Business AWARDS SPECIAL
The Connect Kerry Customer Service Award Aisling Foley - The Rose Hotel Sales & marketing manager in The Rose Hotel. Her role is a proactive one within a busy sales team, on a daily basis Aisling is reaching out to the national association market trying to generate new business for the hotel and selling Tralee as an ideal destination to hold a national conference or event. First and foremost, its destination selling, highlighting the attractions, amenities, ease of access that Tralee has to offer. The role also covers key account management of corporate clients and acquiring new accounts.
The Connect Kerry One to Watch – Mary Thea Brosnan - Kerry Kefer Milk Kefir has had such a powerful impact on my life since I started making it for myself that I wanted to share its benefits with as many people as possible. Having had a diagnosis of Irritable Bowel Syndrome 7 years ago, I was always searching for ways to help manage my IBS symptoms and ease my digestion. I knew so many other people must be facing similar digestive issues on a daily basis so I set up Kerry Kefir to spread and share kefir love. My goal is to continue making kefir the traditional way, using live kefir grains, so that everybody can benefit from a natural homemade kefir.The future of Kerry Kefir is bright and exciting.
The Connect Kerry Editor’s ChoiceNorma Doran - Dorans Pharmacy, Listowel I am passionate about making a difference in the lives of people. I think that the biggest strength that I bring to this company is to realise that I am only one person and that I cannot achieve my goals without the team I have with me. I am extremely lucky to be surrounded by a team of girls that are as enthusiastic about our pharmacy and the service it provides as I am. Looking after my customer in a friendly, professional and respectful manner is what I demand of myself every day and equally demand the same from my team. Day to day we meet with people that are challenged with health, social and other issues and I am very aware of the fact that I may often be the first point of contact for many people on journeys of happiness and sadness and I believe and know that my ability to connect with people and lend them support make a big difference in their lives. I own the business but I also and possibly more importantly work day to day as the supervising pharmacist in Doran’s pharmacy, Listowel
Connect Kerry Innovation Award Jasmin Stallard, New Wave Adventure Therapy Jasmin played integral part of the development of the New Wave Adventure Therapy strategy and business model, and she continues to show creativity, intelligence, flexibility and resolve in her approach to running the company. She works closely with clients and their families, guardians, social workers, funding providers and suppliers. Her ability to get the message across and to understand and interpret the needs of the clients, families and organisations that we work with, is remarkable. Jasmin is involved not only in the everyday running of New Wave; marketing, referrals, report writing, risk assessments, finance and administration, (the list goes on!) but also contributes her expertise in programme design, curriculum development, and experiential learning approaches. She always strives to find ways to work more efficiently and is an excellent problem-solver, which are so important in any new business. 34 | Connect Kerry | July 2019
The Connect Kerry Most inspirational Business Woman Helen Burns Action Coach Helen is a multi-award winning business coach. She has a wealth of business related qualifications and experience, together with a strong business acumen and a passion for coaching business owners and their teams to reach their full potential. Helen is a licensed business coach with ActionCOACH, (formerly Action International) the world’s No. 1 Business Coaching team. Helen has over 20 years’ experience in business operations and a solid understanding of the different areas that need improving in small to medium sized enterprises, her target market sector. Since qualifying as an Action Coach she has worked with many sectors including Construction, Hospitality, IT, Agricultural, Retail, Arts, Finance, Education, Manufacturing and the Legal and Medical Professions. She is the recipient of many national awards.
Ann Caball and Maurice Laide of Caballs Bridge Street, Ann was awarded the recognition of service to the county for her business contribution and that of the Caball family to the town for the past 99 years, as Ann retires this year we felt it was only fitting to pay tribute to the work and support she and her extended family have been to the town and the county through this time and we wish her well in her retirement. Caballs Toymaster has been a recognised business in the town for over 99 years and now the end of the line for the family business. It’s time to close the doors. It’s with a heavy heart Ann has made her decision but feels it’s something she needs to do, being the last in the line and having no one to pass on to it was a decision she didn’t take lightly but one she had to do, she has given years to the business and now it’s time for herself and her husband to take time to do things and enjoy her retirement And so as she closes the door for the final time we all in Kerry bid a final and sad farewell to what has been a part of all of our childhoods, so many memories were made in Caballs and ones we will all cherish for our lifetime, but like all good things it’s time to let go and say good bye and all that’s left for us is to wish Ann a very happy retirement and every good wish to the wonderful staff that were such a part of this great legacy our town has had all these years. Enjoy every minute Ann and stay in touch.
Connect | Women in Business AWARDS SPECIAL
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Connect | Women in Business AWARDS SPECIAL
Dr Mary McCaffrey winner of the Connect Kerry
Lifetime Achievement Award Upon graduating from UCC in 1984 with the medical degree I worked so hard for in my hand, the real work of training on the wards began. The workload was huge - 80 hours on the trot were not unusual but this allowed us to learn so much. I very quickly fell in love with Obstetrics and Gynaecology and knew that was where I would spend my career. My first job was in Saint Finbarr’s Hospital in Cork. It was small, very personal and I can still remember the first delivery & Caesarean Section. While it’s a priviledge to be part of such a happy time in people’s lives St. Finbarr’s was also the hospital where the unmarried mothers from Bessboro came to have their babies. I would have witnessed hundreds of adoptions; that was how it was back then. Women’s healthcare was very conservative in my early career. Some consultants would not allow us prescribe contraception, there were no epidurals and husbands (partners was a word unheard of!) were not even allowed into deliveries. They just dropped their wives to the labour wards and disappeared. Moving to Northwick Park Hospital in Harrow in 1991 was a massive culture shock where I saw a new way of providing women’s healthcare. The multicultural case mix brought so many challenges - we had a large Jewish population and the immigration of refugees from Somalia and Sudan was just starting. Respect for their cultural beliefs in relation to women was something I had to learn very quickly.
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I saw Female Genital Mutilation for the first time. I was fortunate to be given free rein by my consultant to set up a clinic for women with FGM. Through this I made a presentation to a subcommittee in the House of Lords to secure funding for the clinic. This was the first FGM clinic in the world. Based on the services we delivered and we were invited to Sweden and North America to train their staff in practices. That is one thing I will be forever proud of. Living and working in London enabled me to see more liberal approach to caring for women’s health - contraception, menopause and fertility and IVF. While there I trained as a Forensic Examiner in Sexual Assault – something I brought back with me to Kerry but sadly the services are no longer offered within the county. Following a post as Assistant Master at the Rotunda Hospital I took up post in Kerry in 1998.
Connect | Women in Business AWARDS SPECIAL
I have had a fulfilling 21 years in Kerry where all my previous experiences have enabled me to bring innovation in healthcare to the women of Kerry. I opened The Scotia Clinic which provides me with great scope for introducing new services. Our private maternity care, satellite IVF care and, more recently, our ultrasound services are what I really enjoy. In recent years the overwhelming amount of bureaucracy makes our work within the HSE very challenging and curtails the time we spend with our patients. Exhaustion and burnout among healthcare staff is a universal problem. Nurses and other staff leaving the service and we are losing a huge range of skillsets. When I see international best practice on this issue I feel that we have things to learn, we are just not proactive here in supporting our healthcare staff.
technology such as SKYPE and IT allow us to liaise with clinics anywhere in the world. By going abroad to meetings I can keep up to date and stay ahead with new tests and services. Living in Kerry allows me to have lots of outdoor time to relax & unwind. We have two big Saint Bernards and we know most beaches around Tralee. I love cooking and food and to balance that out I have gym work to destress. Getting the Lifetime Achievement Award stunned me completely. I truly didn’t see that coming.
Even after 21 years and despite being outside a major city, I never stop looking at new services to enhance what we deliver here in Kerry. Modern
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Connect | Women in Business AWARDS SPECIAL
Glitz and Glam at the Connect Kerry
Women in Business Awards 2019
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Connect | Women in Business AWARDS SPECIAL
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Connect | Women in Business AWARDS SPECIAL
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Connect | Women in Business AWARDS|C SPECIAL Advertising onnect
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Connect | Lifestyle
REVENUE AUDIT BY: John Canty
The mere mention of Revenue Audits is often enough to make most wake up in cold sweats in the middle of the night. Why did they pick me?, What did I do wrong?, How much will I owe? WHO IS SELECTED? Although some Revenue Audits are still random, the majority are now based on a Risk Evaluation Analysis and Profiling (REAP) system. It allows Revenue to analyse data across individuals, companies, business and sectors, identifying inconsistencies. In addition Revenue often targets specific sectors, at present construction is coming back under review.
review of information prior to the audit and if necessary make a voluntary disclosure of any errors at the start of audit.
ASSURANCE CHECK These are not Revenue Audits and happen very frequently to allow Revenue to try explaining inconsistencies without the need for a full audit. Take these seriously as there is a reason Revenue has selected you. In absence of proper response it is likely to lead to a full audit.
RECOMMENDATION: Filing tax returns on time consistently reduces Risk so stay compliant even when you cannot pay liabilities.
REVENUE AUDIT Essentially if you are fully compliant you have nothing to worry about but be careful. Although revenue audits are for specific periods they can be extended. Do a
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NB: Penalties and interest will be applied to any underpayment of tax. Penalties are much higher when errors are not disclosed.
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Connect | Lifestyle
Preparing for those new wheels Bridget Walsh has worked in Kelleher’s for 30 years as head of administration and finance. Buying a car is a big decision and now with so many different options to choose from it can be difficult to decide so we caught up with Bridget to get some advice for those of you looking at changing the car, but not sure what to choose, we find out about the Hybrid collection. FIRST QUESTION AND ONE THAT IMMEDIATELY SPRINGS TO MIND DO YOU HAVE TO RE-CHARGE A HYBRID? No, absolutely not, the engine does all of that for you. You just sit back and enjoy the ride. WHAT MODELS ARE AVAILABLE IN HBYRID IN THE CURRENT TOYOTA LINE UP There’s a fantastic variety of Hybrid models available this year, the Yaris, Prius and the popular C-HR and of course we have the new Corolla, Rav4 and the iconic Camry just landed and that is creating massive interest far and wide -ALL available in hybrid. CAN YOU TELL ME BRIEFLY HOW HYBRID WORKS Hybrid cars have 2 engines, one normal petrol, one battery powered electric. To drive simply put your right foot on brake, press starter button, select drive and away you go. You either accelerate or brake and that’s it. When lightly applying the accelerator, the electric motor drives the car and when you apply the accelerator more heavily the petrol engine kicks in and drives the car. Due to constant switching from petrol to electric all hybrids are automatic. Aside from that the car drives and behaves in the same way as a traditional car except it is quieter, smoother. AND WHAT ABOUT THE ALL IMPORTANT SAVINGS Firstly the fuel savings are substantial as a hybrid can achieve up to 85 mpg and .Motor Tax is of course also substantially less and that gap between taxing a conventional car and a hybrid car is likely to widen greatly in the years to come not to mind the all-important resale value. Finally at Toyota we are firm
believers in protecting our town, county, country and planet for our children’s children and beyond and to do that we need to produce and use cars that are far more protective of the environment. Hybrids do exactly that. SOUNDS LIKE THE FUTURE OF MOTORING ? And that’s just for starters. The real beauty of hybrid having experienced the technology I absolutely fell in love with It the drive, the automatic gearbox, the silence, the relaxation -it’s like something I have never driven before WHAT ABOUT WARRANTY AND SERVICING While the car comes with a 3 yr. warranty the hybrid system is guaranteed for 15 YEARS and servicing costs are less than diesel engine cars and while we are selling and repairing hybrid cars for approximately 17 yrs. we have never replaced a hybrid system due to normal wear and tear AND FINALLY WHAT OFFERS ARE AVAILABLE ON TOYOTA HYBRIDS FOR 2019 Aside from our extended 15 warranty(on the hybrid system and battery) we are also offering our famous Trade in Trade up bonus on selected Hybrids and all Hybrids come with 3 years free servicing Tom O’Connor, Jack Watkinson, Kieran Evans and Niall Sheehan are the lads to talk to in Kellihers -they’ll cut you a super deal.
Finance made easy Want to own your Car from Day one but don’t know where to start with so many choices out there. Are you in the market for a new or pre-loved car? Make sure to check out your local credit union for a great value car loan with flexible repayments to suit you. Speaking to Helen Courtney Power, Chapter 23 Kerry and West Limerick Credit Unions “When looking for a car, people not only want value for money in the vehicle they are purchasing in terms of price and specification, but they want value for money in how they finance that car too. Last year, we saw renewed interest in credit union car loans because of their affordability, ease of access, simplicity and their value”. The key difference between a credit union loan and dealer finance is that you own the vehicle Day 1 with a credit union loan. With PCP/Hire Purchase, you are effectively renting the car as you don’t own it until the final repayment is made. With PCP/Dealer Finance there may be deposits required at the start, balloon payments at the end, mileage restrictions, wear and tear, these restrictions do not apply in the credit union. Credit Unions also offer free Loan Protection and Life Savings Insurance so in the event of death your loan is cleared (terms 46 | Connect Kerry | July 2019
and conditions do apply). With dealer finance, there is no such protection. With a credit union loan, there are no fees, and no charges and you also have the flexibility of clearing your loan early without any penalty. The advice from the local credit union is to do your research when considering car finance. Many local credit unions offer special or discounted car loan rates so it’s worth doing the leg work before your drive away in your new car. For further information on loan rates credit unions strongly encourage you to contact them and lend your support to your local community.
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