Issue 61_Connect Magazine_August 2019-web

- It’s Rose of Tralee Time The lifestyle magazine for Kerry

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2019 kerry rose

Sally-Ann Leahy

Rose of Tralee Kirsten talks about her year

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

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EDITOR'S NOTE Hello, It’s August and always a wonderful month in this county with so many different festivals and events to attend and have lots of fun at.

As its festival time we caught up with our reigning Rose Of Tralee Kirsten on how her year has been, and we also had a fantastic day out and about with our local girl representing the county as Kerry Rose, Sally Anne Leahy, who hails from the lovely village of Causeway, she chats about life and likes and what she is looking forward to for festival week. We had lots of fun at our early morning photoshoot and enjoyed a chat and delicious homemade scones with herself and her dad, a very proud man in Kerry this month and he has every reason to be with a daughter like Sally-Anne . We wish her the very best in her quest to keep the crown in Kerry this year. We also have a collection of all the other roses too representing their county/country in this issue so save the pages and you can follow them on TV and choose your favourite.

July was a great month for events and we have lots of images from around the county to bring you a taste of what was happening. We had a fantastic evening of fun and entertainment at our Cocktails and Canapés in the wonderful Ashe Hotel and a huge thanks to everyone who participated and provided advice and tips on the night to our guests.

There are all the usual bits and a few new features this month too so sit back relax and enjoy your favourite read.

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

Healthy Woman Looking after your health is key to achieving a balanced happy lifestyle.

It is important to observe and listen to the messages your body sends, and respond sensitively to them.

This brings a sense of achievement and well being. It should not be difficult to enjoy natural good health. We all know that eating a healthy diet helps you feel better and gives you more energy, along with maintaining a healthy weight, keeping fit and good nutrition. Any efforts you make, quickly become apparent, and this gives you the incentive to keep up the good work.

BASIC ESSENTIALS: Vitamins, Minerals, Fibre and Water are some of the basic essentials of any balanced diet. Making sure your diet contains adequate amounts of all of them should be one of your most important priorities. If your diet is lacking in these then you may choose to supplement with some of the following: • ANTI-OXIDANTS: are especially important for health, they can help prevent free radicals (the bad guys) which may cause declining vision, wrinkling skin, poor digestion, lack of energy, worsening cardiovascular health and so on. Anti-oxidants are found in carrots, tomatoes, fruit and vegetables – especially broccoli and peppers. As well as including these in your diet, it’s worth looking at some of the excellent anti-oxidant supplements available, such as CO-ENZYME Q10 (30-60mg per day), or any of the SUPERFOODS, such as WHEATGRASS, SPIRULINA and POWERGREENS (all of which are available in powder or capsule form) • VITAMIN B: Low levels of vitamin B can lead to emotional stress, fatigue and irritability; if you supplement with these, they may help with your tolerance levels and coping capabilities.

• VITAMIN C: another powerhouse vitamin, with its antiageing and immune boosting properties. Vitamin C helps with the production of collagen, which contributes to healthy skin, nails and joints.

• CALCIUM: essential for long term bone health, there are many calcium supplements on the market, and some are combined with other nutrients for better absorption. We are always happy to advise on one to suit your specific needs.

• FIBRE: Roughage is a particularly important part of any healthy diet; it keeps your gut healthy and promotes regular bowel movements, which helps to prevent the distension and bloating that many people experience. Fibre can also give you the feeling of fullness and satisfaction that may help control your appetite, combat cravings and avoid the dreaded binges.

Foods that are rich in fibre include, whole-grains (brown rice, wholemeal pasta) dark green leafy vegetables, pulses (peas, beans and lentils). There are also some excellent fibre supplements available such as LEPICOL or PSYLLIUM HUSK – simply mix the powder with water and consume once or twice a day (it is very important to increase your water intake when taking a fibre supplement). These are just a few ideas you might find useful if your intention is to maintain or achieve “Naturally Good Health”. Call in-store and have a chat, as always we are happy to discuss your specific needs.

Until Next Time, Stay Healthy

Deirdre x

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Rose of Tralee

Klkirssatboeutnher year ta

Hi Kirsten, Can you tell us how the past few months have been? Has it been life changing?

It has indeed been a life-changing experience! It’s hard to believe that last August, I was waiting to hear if I would be accepted into WIT to start college.

The last thing I expected to hear was Dáithí Ó Sé calling out “The Waterford Rose” as being the Rose of Tralee. I’ve met so many amazing people during the past year and I’ve made some great, lasting friendships. I was selected as the Waterford Rose in April and then along with the Roses from the other counties in Ireland, we gathered at RTÉ in early July to meet Dáithí Ó Sé and we also had our first round of judging.

There were three Judges – Brian Paircéir from RTÉ and Bríd McElligott from the Institute of Technology Tralee, but my starstruck moment came when Maria Walsh walked into the room. Maria, the 2014 Rose of Tralee was one of our Judges. I watched Maria being crowned the 2014 Rose of Tralee when I was still in school but I never thought that I would ever get the opportunity to meet her. The Rose of Tralee International Festival made that possible for me! And now look at Maria…an MEP! I’ve been to some amazing places during the past number of months. Roses bring a ray of sunshine into the lives of the million people who see us on television or meet us in Tralee during the Festival

Alice O’Sullivan (1959, Dublin) and the 2018 Rose of Tralee winner Kirsten Mate Maher.

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or at our own regional event. A Rose is someone to look up to, to respect and to emulate. Each year, the Rose of Tralee International Festival works closely with a number of charitable organisations. My chosen charity for my year as the

Dress Jasmine Boutique

Waterford Rose, and now as the Rose of Tralee, is Pieta House. My 21st birthday party was a fundraiser for Pieta House and next month, my class 2018 Class of Roses and Rose Escorts will hold a New Year’s Eve Ball at the Glenroyal Hotel in Maynooth as a major fundraiser for Pieta House.

In October, I travelled to Kolkata, India where the Hope Foundation works with street and slum children in Kolkata. HOPE funds and operates over 60 projects by reaching out to those most forgotten; offering protection, healthcare, nutrition, education, rehabilitation and a family for life. It was shocking to see the scale of the poverty that these people are living with on a daily basis.

It is just really difficult to see innocent children in that kind of environment and going there has been an eye-opening experience for me. I had seen photos of places like Bhagar dump before, but nothing can really compare to seeing it for yourself.

Then, in February, a number of the 2018 Roses and Rose Escorts visited a Children’s Mental Asylum in Vesnova in Belarus and is located about 175 kilometres from Chernobyl where a

Tralee

nuclear reactor exploded in 1986.

The facility, which caters for 170 children with severe physical and intellectual disabilities is supported

by Adi Roche’s Chernobyl Children International. Teams of volunteer Irish builders have spent the past 20 years turning it from a once derelict asylum into a world class child care centre. The volunteer link-up between Chernobyl Children International and the Rose of Tralee International Festival has seen groups of “Rose” volunteers and Rose Escorts travel to Belarus every year since 2011. We spent a week using our professional skills, working alongside Vesnova’s permanent staff to stimulate the children and to support them with the

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rehabilitative work they are undertaking in a bid to improve their quality of life.

Outfit by: Punt Roma at Shaws

How do you find juggling time to try and meet all the commitments of attending events and such is it full on?

I continued working for most of the year until recently, when I decided to concentrate fully on Rose of Tralee duties by attending regional selection events as well as functions involving our lead sponsor Tipperary Crystal. I’m grateful to my former employer for giving me the space to carry out the various duties throughout the year. I loved visiting schools mostly because it brought me back to when I was their age and dreaming about becoming a Rose. There were plenty of social events too, it must be said! One of the most memorable of these was the trip to the USA in March. This included taking part in the New York St Patrick’s Day Parade along 5th Avenue – amazing! To top it all off,

I also had breakfast at New York Mayor Bill De Blassio’s house, Gracie Mansion!

Our Class of 2018 Roses and Rose Escorts have had plenty of reunion events, including the weekend in Tralee last October. Bus Éireann were very good to me in sponsoring much of my travel during the year. Kia Motors Ireland sponsored the prize of a car for the year, but I’ve only just got my provisional licence. They’ve been so patient and understanding and I’m really grateful to them for sponsoring my fantastic Kia Ceed.

We sometimes take the Rose of Tralee for granted here in Kerry, in other counties is it very popular do you think?

I was quite surprised to see that there is more excitement about the Festival outside Kerry than in Tralee itself. It was always my dream to be a Rose because I had watched in on TV and I even knew a Waterford Rose from a few years back who encouraged me to take part.

Having attended many Rose Selections last year as the Waterford Rose and this year as the Rose of Tralee, there is huge interest and respect for the Festival. So many other towns and counties around Ireland would love to have such a high profile, televised international event such as the Rose of Tralee every year.

It’s celebrating 60 years this year, so that speaks volumes.

Above: Jasmine Boutique Tralee

Dress: Paco Boutique Tralee

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So where to next for Kirsten?

Wow…I’m not entirely sure

just yet. I want to enjoy the next couple of months and soak up the atmosphere of the Festival from a different perspective to last year. I’m so excited about returning to Tralee with my family and boyfriend. They had such a great time last year, but this year, we’ll all see it from a different perspective. I’ve really enjoyed the last couple of months getting to meet the new Roses for 2019. They are in for such a surprise when they get to Tralee. A Rose’s journey from the time

Outfit by: Punt Roma at Shaws

she’s selected is overwhelming, but when they start the Rose Tour in Kildare and then arrive in Tralee, it will simply blow them away. It’s life-changing.

Location: Ballygarry House Hotel & Spa. Photos by: John Walsh Photography.

Hair and Makeup: Sean Taaffe Group.

Jewellery by: Tipperary Crystal

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2019 kerry rose

Sally-Ann Leahy welcomes her festival family and friends to kerry Congrats on getting the honour to represent your county at the Rose of Tralee you must be thrilled to be wearing the Kerry Rose Sash for 2019, tell us a little about yourself.

I am 27 years old. I live in the small rural village of Causeway in North Kerry. I am a Home Economics teacher and Special Education Needs Co-ordinator in Méan Scoil Nua an Leith-Triúigh, in Castlegregory. I have been working there for the last six years. It was my first interview and officially, my first job! I have one brother, Kevin, who is newly married to my sisterin-law, Elaine Ryall.

Unfortunately, my mother passed away when I was only 14. I was studying for my Junior Certificate exams at the time. It was a very difficult time for us all as it was very sudden. I often say, however, it has made me who I am today. When we are faced with a difficult journey in life, it makes us stronger and more resilient. I have a wonderful father, Tim, who is my pillar of joy.

He is such a positive, inspiring and intelligent man who is constantly guiding me in the right direction.

When my mother passed away, I was also very lucky to have, who I call my second mother, Aunty Ann, by my side. She is a wonderful woman who works very hard and is a very kind person with a generous nature.

She too has helped guide me on the right path with all my decisions to date.

You are a qualified teacher, were your students delighted for you?

I believe so! When I was selected, school was finished but I was still working, supervising the state exams. When I returned to school the following week, many of the exam students were waiting inside the main door and gave me a wonderful welcome as Kerry Rose.

It brought some tears to my eye!

These are such precious moments that I will treasure forever and what makes this role more fulfilling. The Principal, Aodán MacGearailt and Deputy Principal, Aoileann Nic Gearailt had a beautiful bouquet of flowers and some very thoughtful gifts for me also. The support I have received, the cards and flowers I was given and the fabulous messages from parents of students I teach

were so thoughtful. I have been invited back to Castlegregory’s annual Summer Festival which is very special. As someone said to me recently “Castlegregory are adopting you into their village as it is like your second home”.

Has it always been a dream to represent Kerry in the Rose of Tralee?

Is it not every Kerry girls dream to be a Rose some day?! As this is the premier festival in Kerry, and Tralee is my hometown, I have grown up with this celebration all my life. As a young little girl, I remember going to the many events around Tralee for the festival. I vividly remember visiting the Brandon, as well as the Town Park, to meet all the Roses. My mother used to run around helping me to get pictures and autographs of the Roses. Now when I see other mothers doing the same for their little girls, asking me for a picture or autograph, it brings back so many treasured memories.

As a young girl watching the Rose Selection nights on TV, I loved admiring their dresses, studying their biographies on

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the paper and then selecting a few who I believe would be good ambassadors and role models for the festival.

We are very lucky to have this festival on our doorstep.

What are your plans for the coming months to prepare for the big week?

To stop eating chocolate!!! (jokes). I have a lot of events to attend throughout the next few weeks which are all very exciting. I love to keep busy and as I am off for the Summer months, so it is wonderful that I can give all my time to fulfil the duties and role as Kerry Rose. I will be visiting many boutiques and shops around Kerry to organise different outfits for all the events. This is very exciting as I love shopping and co-ordinating outfits.

It is times like these however, when my mother is sadly missed as I know she would love to be here with me doing all those girlie things!

Tell us a little bit about your involvement in Chernobyl?

It all started about three years ago when I became a volunteer with our local Chernobyl Children’s Fund which is based in Tralee. I welcomed two wonderful little boys, Vanya and David, both 9 years old, into my home for two weeks of my summer holidays. This truly was a wonderful experience. They were the best two weeks of my summer.

lives. Like many other charities, we are finding it very difficult to raise funds and get new host families.

We also provide support to the local school and hospital in the area, and to children with special needs. Two years ago, I visited this village, Kozhan, with the charity and it was very challenging to see the conditions many of these families were living in. Rather than placing a child with special needs in an institution, CCF Tralee give money to families to keep their child in their own home. This is a very important role that CCF provides as every child should have the right to grow up with their loved ones in their own home.

Last Easter during my school holidays, I also visited an orphanage to work as a volunteer with Chernobyl Children’s Trust. This was a very challenging and heart-breaking visit. I would stress that anyone who has the ability to volunteer abroad, consider helping in the orphanage. The children just need your time - to sit with them, to talk to them, to laugh and play with them, to give them a sense of love and what happiness feels like. It truly is a wonderful experience and makes you more grateful to appreciate all that

I took care of them in every way possible as I knew the circumstances they were coming from. I ensured to make it the most memorable holiday for them. We spent days at the beach, baking sweet cakes and brown bread, having water fights, horse-riding, having picnics at the park the simplest of things these boys loved. The charity also organised trips to certain places around Kerry including a visit to see Fungi, Dingle Oceanworld, Crag Caves and Kennedys Pet farm. Going for a cup of tea and choosing what bun they wanted in Brudairs cafĂŠ was such a treat for them or running around Penneys picking out clothes they liked was something they loved also. Although it was their first ever holiday (& maybe even their last), I would like to think these memories will stay with them forever.

This July, I have the opportunity once again to welcome two different boys into my home.

We also organise many fundraising events which help to bring them to Ireland for the month of July. These children get rest, recuperation and medical attention which has a very positive impact on their health and it is therefore so important as many children as possible can come. Taking a child out of the contaminated area even for a few weeks helps boost their immune system and generally instils a sense of positivity which can be lacking in many of their 14 | Connect Kerry | August 2019

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we have in our own lives.

I guess you are invited to many events and have a full schedule to attend in your role, are you juggling with the wardrobe for different looks or are you creative in that area?

I am blessed that my mother had a great sense of fashion and I have been told I inherited this from her. I love to try out new styles and I am very lucky my job allows me to do so. I love getting dressed up for events and parties. In 2016, I won best dressed lady at Killarney Races which came as a big surprise. Many shops in Kerry and Limerick have been very supportive of the outfits and I am very thankful to all these shop owners as I understand it is a lot to ask for. It is wonderful to see local shops getting behind the Kerry Rose.

What’s your little bit of advice to all the ladies arriving in Tralee very soon?

I would advise the ladies to get plenty of sleep before they arrive. Bring flats for some late night dancing. Stock up on the supplements and lozenges for the sing-song! But most importantly, to enjoy themselves on the lead up to and when they arrive in Tralee! I would also advise them to stay in Kerry for a few days after the festival to visit some of our beautiful attractions in The Kingdom, which they may not have done before. These would include a tour of the Ring of Kerry, a drive through the Gap of Dunloe, visit Fungi in Dingle, go surfing in the Maharees or for a swim in Banna beach, play a round of golf in one of our world-renowned golf courses, do a tour of Slea Head, visit the Aqua Dome, go for a walk in Ballyseedy Woods and visit some of our beautiful restaurants. As a Causeway girl, I would love to invite them to our rural village in North Kerry to experience a pint or Irish Coffee in one of local friendly pubs after the festival.

When you’re not teaching and representing Kerry as a wonderful ambassador what do you do to wind down and relax?

Well, I am a very active person, so I don’t sit down much. My family often joke about me saying don’t go near Sally-Ann or you’ll get a job!!! I don’t know when I last sat down and watched TV. However, when I go on holidays I totally unwind and switch off. I am just back from a week relaxing in the sun.

I booked a trip to Spain before I was selected as Kerry Rose and it was great to have gotten the 16 | Connect Kerry | August 2019

opportunity to just unwind and relax before the craziness begins!

I am now back with a clear mind and ready for all the events that await! I also love to get outdoors, go for a walk to the beach or catch up with some friends for coffee and cake! Baking is one of my favourite pastimes also, but I often end up eating it myself, so I better be careful not to bake too much this summer or I won’t fit into my dresses!!!!

Hair: Emma Quirke Hair Make-up: Rasha at Rashas Beauty.

Wardrobe: Hannons of Castleisland Photography: John Walsh Photography Shot on location in Causeway Co Kerry

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Celia Holman Lee and Marietta Doran to judge McElligott’s Honda Ladies Day at the Listowel Harvest Racing Festival

L/R: John Galvin, Chairman, Listowel Race Company, Marietta Doran, Patrick McElligott, Declan O’Hara, and Martin Mullane from McElligott’s and Brenda Daly, Secretary / Manager Listowel Race Company. Photo: Don MacMonagle

Two of Ireland’s best known personalities - TV Stylist and business woman, Celia Holman Lee and TV Stylist and Presenter, Marietta Doran, were announced as the judges of the McElligotts Honda Ladies Day which will be held on Friday 13th of September on the penultimate day of the annual 7 day Listowel Harvest Racing Festival. One of the most popular events on the Irish racing and fashion calendar, the McElligotts Honda Best Dressed Lady will win an all new and super stylish Honda Civic for a year plus a cheque for €3,000.

This is the fourth year McElligotts Tralee and Honda Ireland have sponsored this hugely successfully fashion event which attracts over 28,000 stylish racegoers from all over Ireland and beyond. Ladies Day is one of the many highlights at the annual 7 day Listowel Harvest Racing Festival which this year runs from Sunday 8th to Saturday 14th of September 2019.

New Collections Fashion Luncheon on Sunday 29th of September at Aghadoe Heights Hotel Do YOU have a passion for fashion? Well, on Sunday the 29th of September you can exclusively preview what's new and on trend for the coming Autumn / Winter season, while also enjoying a wonderful afternoon of superb food and wines in the magnificent setting of the Aghadoe Heights Hotel & Spa in Killarney! The New Collections Fashion Luncheon in association with Kelliher's Toyota Tralee will be held on Sunday 29th of September in the Aghadoe Heights Hotel, Killarney, Co. Kerry. Produced by Orla Diffily and her team at Upfront Model Management in association with Radio Kerry, this stylish event is absolutely unmissable for everyone who loves fashion and want to see first what’s new for the Autumn / Winter season. In addition to showcasing new collections from top designers and boutiques, the afternoon will also separately focus on sustainable style and how each of us can make a difference.

Mc’ed by Elaine Kinsella from Radio Kerry, the New Collections Fashion Luncheon will commence with a ‘live from the red carpet’ - as guests arrive - followed by a champagne reception in the newly opened Terrace Bar. Guests will enjoy a sumptuous 4 course luncheon with fine wines. Hair and make up is by the multi award winning team at Sean Taaffe Group and there will also be a Best Dressed Lady and gift bags. A limited number of early bird tickets are on sale now from Eventbrite for €80 plus booking fee. There after they will be €90 plus booking fee. Early booking is advised as due to size of the venue capacity at this event is limited. Stay tuned . . . to Radio Kerry and social media for exclusive weekly reveals and lots of behind the scenes coverage of this exciting new fashion event.

For more information visit www.listowelraces.ie. #listowelraces #mcelligottshondaladiesday In addition to the all new Honda Civic with €3,000 cash for the McElligotts Honda Best Dressed Lady, there are also cash prizes for the two runners up (€1,000 and €500 respectively) the Jazziest Headpiece (€500), and Most Stylish Selfie (€300)! Celia and Marietta will personally select all the finalists who will then be interviewed on the McElligotts Honda stage located near the Old Wier (town entrance) to the course. The organisers have ensured there is ample space for everyone who wants to see all the finalists interviews on stage and the judges will announce the overall winners on this stage before the official prize presentation in the parade ring. For the full event schedule please follow @listowelraces on Facebook and Instagram.

Serious Racing. Serious Fun. Sensational Style 18 | Connect Kerry | August 2019

This September 5th, Kerry Businesswomen's Network are celebrating Kerry's Amazing Expats and Homegrown Heroes. Grab the girls and join them on Sept 5th at 7pm in the Muckross Park Hotel to recognise the achievements of two amazing Kerry women; Real Estate Icon Rosemary Heard and Fashion blogger and Influencer Erika Fox. Tickets via Eventbrite or www.kbn.ie are €25 for KBN members and €35 for non-members and include a Dingle Gin & Vodka Cocktail Reception, Canapes and Wine

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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.

means is that life is like that some days we will eat the cake, some days we will work a little bit harder, it will all balance out.

WOMAN V’S FOOD & EXERCISE

Don’t let your mind bully your body, embrace your body it’s the most amazing thing you will ever own.

Are we ever not talking about diets??

How is your relationship with food and your body? Do you constantly talk to yourself in negative terms? Constantly hop from diet to diet restricting the foods you like?

Unfortunately many women have a bad relationship with food & their body, we need to learn to Fuel & Train, not Diet & Exercie. Exercise because you love your body & mind, not because you need to punish it. In a world of instragram and facebook its hard to forget the superficial and realise your body is not just aesthetic, it has a function, it keeps you alive & performs everyday functions from allowing you to blink to running a marathon, its an amazing commodity, so cherish it.

Roz Purcell has an interesting PodCast BITEBACK, its an excellent listen for anyone trying to change their relationship with their body & food. We all deserve to be happy with our body to look in the mirror and feel happy with what we see, but we also need to come to terms with the body shape that is right for us, and that may not be the long leg size six influencer on instragram, we are all different shapes and sizes and we need to be happy with the right size and shape for us.

These podcasts are a great starting point, making you think about your body differently.

Its draining being on a constant battle with food, so start making small changes to adopt an 80/20 rule, 80% of your food should come from unprocessed wholesome sources with 20% coming from what you see as treats. Once we see that balance is key, that going over our calories one day, or having too much cake does not mean all your hard work is gone, it doesn’t write off the rest of the weeks workouts or mean you should now finish the cake and order 3 more. All it

BLISS BALLS

Prep Time 10 Mins Recipe type: Snack, Gluten Free, Vegan Serves: 12-15 balls Ingredients • (200g) Gluten Free Oats • 1 cup almonds* • ¾ cup desiccated coconut • ½ cup goji berries • 1tbsp Cacoa Powder • 1 cup (150g) condensed coconut/Almond or Oat milk ** • Coating • ¼ - ½ cup desiccated coconut Method 1. Line a baking tray with parchment paper and set aside.

2. In a high speed food processor, crush biscuits until they turn to a chunky crumb, not too fine. Pour into a large mixing bowl.

3. Add almonds to processor and pulse until all broken up, leaving a few larger pieces. Add to crushed biscuits.

4. Stir through desiccated coconut.

5. Pour in condensed coconut milk and mix thoroughly, until all dry ingredients are coated well.

6. Using your hands, pick up approx. 1 tablespoon of mixture and roll into a bowl.

7. Roll ball in coating desiccated coconut.

8. Place ball onto prepared tray. Repeat this process with remaining mixture.

9. Refrigerate balls until set, approx. 30 minutes - 1 hour.

10. Enjoy!

CORE AND BURN THE WORKOUT Beginner - 2 Rounds Intermediate - 2-4 Rounds Advanced - 5 Rounds - 20 Jumping Jacks - 20 Mountain Climbers (beginners take 30 Secs recovery) - 25 Crunches - 25 Bicycle Abs - 25 Lower Abs - 25 Med Ball Twist - 20 Secs Sprint - 30 Secs Recovery HEALTH TIP A protein Brea kfast keeps you ener gised and focused for lon ger.

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

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AT MUCKROSS PARK HOTEL & SPA, KILLARNEY

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HOW I GOT HERE ....

Clarissa Michaux

Teacher of the Academy of Dance By: Mary Lucey "With thousands of students awaiting their leaving certificate results;

I interviewed someone who took a very different route to becoming a teacher. This is well worth reading for those who are wondering what future lies ahead of them and how to make their dreams come true - career wise! .. Mary Lucey" Tell us about yourself and your profession..

My name is Clarissa Michaux, Director and Principal Teacher of The Academy of Dance which is an international award winning dance school based in Kerry, offering classes in many dance genres including Classical Ballet, Tap and Modern Jazz.

How did you first get interested in Dance?

Starting dance at the young age of 2 and a half in the UK, we had Ballet classes offered in playschool. At 4 years of age, I joined the associated dance school, Tanwood as I showed a keen interest in the art form.

I was quite shy as a child so my parents believed it would help in confidence and character building, unaware that these first steps would turn into a lifetime career. These classes progressed to dancing 6 days a week in numerous dance styles before moving to Kerry at the age of 11 years. By 13, I knew this was my chosen path in life and was very fortunate to have supportive parents who took this decision seriously. Leaving school at 15 after completing my Junior cert, I went to train at The College of Dance Dublin under Joanna Banks, and within the following year I successfully auditioned for one of the most prestigious dance colleges in the world Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance in London. I trained to become a Professional Dancer for 3 years under Ross McKim. Describe what it was like to train as a Professional Dancer?

Moving to London at the age of 16 was definitely a steep learning curve; however I never felt overwhelmed, because I was there for one reason and one reason only, to train and become a professional dancer, learning from some of the world’s top dance and performance artists in their field. We trained 6 days a week, 8-12hours a day. Yes it was tough and intense at times but it was what I wanted to do and where I wanted to be, and I am lucky to have been able to continue and have a professional performance and now a teaching career, which has meant that all my dedication and commitment paid off and the dream has come true.

What do you love about Dance?

For me I love many things….

As a dancer: The pure joy which fills me when I dance. The way in which I can just live, breathe and be in the moment. The way 24 | Connect Kerry | August 2019

I feel when I dance that nothing else is real, I am just me there in that moment. Being able to fully express myself without thinking too much, as dancing does not make you stop and analyse, you just keep moving. The way I can get totally lost in movement and music.

As a Dance Teacher: Seeing the Love and Joy for dance emerge from my students. Seeing their happiness when they finally achieve something they have been working at or aiming for. Watching how their confidence within themselves develops through dance and the list goes on……..

Why and what did you need to do to qualify as a Dance Teacher?

After a Professional performance career of over 11 years, I knew that retiring from this world was coming closer. With my love, passion and joy for dance still as strong as I can remember. I wanted to pass these traits and my knowledge onto the next generation.

I struggled as a teenager in Ireland to be able to become a dancer, through lack of classes and availability of training. Now I endeavour to be part of the process to eradicate this problem by providing professional training for dancers in Ireland for the future. I achieved my dance qualifications from my vocational training at Rambert, however I have gone to become a dance teacher by undertaking my Masters in Dance in Limerick University and taking my examinations with the IDTA, RAD, UKA, AIDF, Gymnastics Ireland to name a few and I still continue to upskill myself as a teacher and professional in my field.

Do you see a future for Dance in Kerry?

Absolutely, when I stand back and look at how much the performing arts has grown and developed in Ireland and in Kerry from when I went to train professionally. The growth is huge and interest is only getting bigger. In my opinion there is a lot more to come for Dance and the Arts in Kerry. I know that from my own Dance Academy - there definitely will be many more future developments in dance going forward.

Students are currently waiting for leaving certificate results, what advice would you give them?

Stay calm; remember you have done your best. There are many paths that can be taken to get to your desired goal. You just have to believe in yourself. Take me for example, I

didn’t do a leaving cert, and now I have had a performance career in the professional dance world, have a Masters in Dance from UL and numerous other qualifications. I know firsthand the Leaving Cert will not define you as a person or the further accomplishments you will achieve. Don’t let it define your future, especially if it hasn’t worked out the way in which you hoped, be proud you had the courage to undertake it and work hard towards it, determination will get you there in the end not points.

Do you believe Dance Studies is suitable for mature students also?

Dance is suitable for everyone; it is a form of expression of oneself. If someone wants to study dance there could be many different reasons why and many different outcomes for the student after study/training.

What next for you?

This is a question that always has me in turmoil as I have many plans but choosing the right sequence in which to deliver them isn’t always straight forward! For The Academy of Dance, I plan to finalise the standards and goals that I wish my students and I to be able to achieve in the next school term, while looking forward to our next production at the end of the year.

Looking back, have you any regrets or changes you would make to your career path? Absolutely none, I would do it all again in a heartbeat….

If someone wants to become a Dancer, what advice would you give them?

Make sure they are getting correct training from a professional who is experienced and qualified in the area, if a dancer is not getting the correct training they will not even be considered in an audition process. Correct training and knowledge is needed for you to develop as a dancer. Do your research into your dance teacher, their qualifications, training, and gain an understanding into the examinations they have already undertaken.

Being a dancer is a tough career choice but inevitably rewarding, you have to maintain your determination throughout.

Your final words…

Dreams do come true you just have to work hard enough!

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In this new feature we check out what’s making the headlines in fashion health beauty and lots more.

SEMI DI LINO Creating Beautiful Hair FLORAL LIPS TEE T-SHIRTS This year’s latest craze Floral Lips Tee T-shirts, the who’s who are wearing them Bloggers are talking about them and our Own Kerry Rose is wearing one in this issue which she absolutely loves, so we thought we would check out the story of them and caught up with Gina Potter the brain behind it all.

Gina tell us a little bit about your t-shirts: “I started hand painting t-shirts as a hobby 2 years ago, which has turned into a very busy small business creating wearable art hand printed t-shirts. My artist hubby Stephen @stephenpotter15 designs the prints, which we now get hand printed. He also sells them as art prints. We collaborate on ideas which we like to think are quirky, unique & not mass produced. My tees are hand printed to order by a local print company. I now sell primarily via several stockists in UK & Ireland & also Australia.”

Do you design yourself or do you have a company doing this? My artist husband Stephen designs them. He designs what we think will be popular according to current trends.

Where can Kerry ladies access these fab pieces?

I only have one exclusive stockist in Kerry Hannons of Castleisland.

What’s next for Gina and lip-tees? We are always working on new “think outside the box” ideas that will capture people’s attention & that are not mass produced. Each t-shirt is hand printed & customers can choose which current design they like. I have a lot of repeat customers which is great.

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Semi Di Lino is natures beauty secret, we all love our 12 week blow dry and you’ve probably noticed on our social media I recently tried it, but using the correct products after your salon visit is key to keeping the formula right, on a visit to Emma Quirke hair for a completely different conversation I was introduced to the Semi Di Lino brand. This amazing duo of caring shampoo and conditioner is the secret to beautiful hair. After just 3 washes I find my hair more manageable, with increased shine and softness and Emma infuse a colour shot as she calls it to ensure longevity for your colour which is so important especially for those of us with red tones.

What makes Semi Di Lino different to other brands? * It treats your scalp while increasing shine, softness and manageability, but not only that it now contains Urban Defence Pro, * This provides extra protection against stress from pollutants and caring for your hair daily, * It nourishes the core of your hair fibre so it replenishes the hair fibre with necessary nutrients * The infused colour shot fix prolongs the beauty of your colour * Most of all its kind and gentle on the scalp Retailing at approx €30.00 for both the shampoo and conditioner this is a must on your list for your hair care. For more information Call Emma or any of her team at Emma Quirke Hair Tralee. For Beautiful looking hair.

WINDOW DRESSING

by Marissa Carter If eyes are the windows to the soul then brows are the Window Dressing. Carter Beauty by Marissa Carter Window Dressing combines four great brow products including two powders, a pencil and a fibre gel. There’s no excuse for your brows not to be on fleek with this great value combo. At only €9.95 it’s a must for your beauty bag.

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Connect Kerry | August 2019 | 29

In this new feature we check out what’s making the headlines in fashion health beauty and lots more.

THE EYE DOCaTreOusRable hot

The Eye Doctor is recommended by is eye compress and Eye Doctor helps relieve and various e Th s. haritis, Sore Eyes ep Dr Hilary Jone Bl e, as se Di e Dry Ey the symptoms of s. on iti nd eye co mask in the mply heat the eye Si : or ct Do e Ey e sed eyes.

How to use Th and place over clo microwave or oven tting it on your e Doctor before pu wrist. If you feel Ey e Th of re tu ra Check the tempe heated mask to the inside of your e sten the strap eyes by touching th 2 minutes to cool and repeat test.Fa minutes.

10 to it is too hot, wait 1 d adjust. Sit back and relax for 7 to an ad he ur yo around AND KILLORGLIN PTICIANS TRALEE O Y NE NG TA AT AVAILABLE

PEARLY WHITES AN DR MARCAS MAC DOMHNAILL

Patients often have queries about congenitally absent teeth.

Congenitally missing teeth (CMT), or as usually called hypodontia, is highly prevalent in the population and can be very expensive to remedy. Up to 20% of adults are missing one or two teeth congenitally according to the National Foundation for Ectodermal Dysplasias (NFED). It is very important to diagnose absent teeth as soon as possible as it is much easier to rectify the dentition in younger patients. Many people only find out about absent teeth when a radiograph (x-ray) is taken. Wisdom teeth are often congenitally absent. You can have one tooth missing or several can be missing. It is also common to see some incisor (front) teeth missing.

This would obviously have an impact on orthodontic treatment to straighten teeth and give a pleasing aesthetic effect. Absent teeth can have a genetic link and often runs in certain families. It is important to diagnose and treat this condition as gaps in the dentition can lead to several problems. Other teeth can tilt and move out of position, making them more prone to tooth decay and gum disease. Spacing of teeth can also occur. Prostheses, e.g. dentures, bridges and implants, are often used to fill in these gaps and specialist treatment may sometimes be necessary to oversee the treatment. As always, an early diagnosis gives the best results! Beir bua.

Dr. Marcas Mac Domhnaill.

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

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ZIAJA COCOA BUTTER BODY LOTION

Smoothing body lot organic cocoa butter ion with fo use to keep skin r everyday nourished and nurtu hydrated, red.

The cocoa butter gently moisturises, improves skin elasti cit tone. It also has UV ray y and skin properties which prev protection ent the skin from drying out an d used daily it improves the supp during and after preg leness of stretching skin na smell and comforts th ncy. Leaves a beautiful e skin. €5.99/400ml.

AVAILABLE IN PHAR MACIES COUNTY W IDE

Protecting Investment

One of the biggest mistakes people make in a relationship is not acknowledging when it has problems. You can end up staying with somebody who you shouldn’t be with, because you don’t want to waste the time you’ve already invested in it. This is called protecting the investment, and it can be likened to throwing good money after bad.

If you have spent time in a relationship that just isn’t working out, there is no value to spending more time in it. Some people feel that they don’t want to waste the time they’ve already spent, and that if they keep at it, maybe it will work out. However, it may be that you will just end up wasting more time, and it will be more difficult to leave. Perhaps you will start a family together in the hope that things will improve, and that creates further stresses and difficulties.

There can also be a tendency with this mindset just to ignore problems and hope that they’ll resolve themselves. This is avoidant behaviour, and won’t ultimately solve anything. Get some help, address the problems between you, or let the relationship go.

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

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Connect | Lifestyle

Get Ready to Look Smokin’ this Festival Season!

Catherine’s Fashion Fix .... By Catherine Keane

With festival season well underway, it's time to dig out your mud-splattered tent, buy lashings of glitter and start planning some killer looks. Festival style is all about individuality, eccentricity, and letting your wild flag fly. Festival fashion was once a case of simply squeezing into a pair of denim shorts, throwing on a crop top and splashing some glitter on your cheekbones. However, over the year’s festival dressing has become synonymous with “more is more” with stunning co-ords, sequin bodysuits, tasselled hot pants and, well, lots of things you would probably never wear in your daily life. Figuring out your personal festival style can be a challenge especially when anything goes.

Well this year it is all about neon, hiking and cowboy boots, cycling shorts, sports sunglasses and harness chest bags.

The western trend is still dominating the footwear game this year. So be ready to bring a bit of the ‘Old West’ into your wardrobe, because cowboy boots are what everyone’s wearing this season. There’s no outfit these boots won’t look great with as cowboy boots go with everything.

Whether it’s jeans, denim cut-offs or a floral spring dress, you can never go wrong with them.

The resurgence of retro tie-dye and animal prints are making an appearance on the festival scene this year with snake print been the animal print to take the forefront.

A sturdy black boot is nothing new in our festival wardrobe but, this year, your trusty Doc Martins will be overridden by chunky hiking boots. The spring/ summer 2019 catwalks bought the hiking boot back from the depths of fashion faux pas territory, making them very popular for festival season 2019.

From plain black to coloured laces and

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varying adornments, there are tonnes of styles to choose from.

Cycling shorts are another big trend that has reappeared this year, after they became something that you don’t just wear to exercise. Cycling shorts are big this festival season and you either love them or you hate them. You can now get cycling shorts in pretty much any print, colour or material.

These are a comfy and stylish alternative to the denim shorts and can easily be worn with crop tops, an oversized t-shirt or jacket for a look that is both comfy and stylish.

The 1980s Neon trend has made a massive comeback this year and if there’s one place where neon is a must, it has to be at a festival this summer. Whether you kill two trends in one with some neon cycling shorts or keep it a little more subtle with some neon socks the choice is yours. Hues of pink, orange, yellow and a large dash of lime are everywhere this festival season. Wearing neon can obviously be a bold statement, but with the range of neon items available at the moment you could subtly bring some neon in to your outfit, or go full on. If nothing else, it will prove very useful for finding your friends in the crowds.

Bumbags managed to make a successful return on the fashion scene last year so this year there was no surprise when the musthave hands-free bag for 2019 was the harness.

Festival season is full of fun, sun and amazing fashion. So, I hope this helps when choosing which outfit’s you are going to be wearing over the summer ahead. Enjoy the festival season!

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

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Local Hair Stylist nine years Styling Models at Rose Fashion Event One of the fashion highlights of the year in Kerry is the very popular Rose of Tralee Fashion Show. It provides the ladies of Kerry with a sneak preview of what’s to come for the autumn and it’s always a great ladies night out.

As with all events there is a lot of hard work going on behind the scenes and Celia Holman Lee main organiser ensures nothing is left to chance with top models featuring and showcasing top boutiques from all over Munster.

We are delighted to catch up with one local lady who has been creating luscious looks for the models for many years. Cathriona Rohan Local Business Lady now operating 3 successful salons in the county is the creative hair director for the models at the show. Now in her ninth year we ask her what’s the secret to the success behind it all Preparation is key Cathriona tells us.

‘4 to 6 weeks before the show we have

a discussion with Celia regarding styles; these are decided from s/s fashion week styles from designers. We then have a session where our styling team have a training day in salon to go over styles and have them down to perfection to avoid any unnecessary confusion on the day’.

‘Each stylist is assisted by an apprentice on the day, we have 32 models Celia herself and any entertainers participating in the show to style. Styling begins at 11.30am with just a 1 hour break its all systems go for the day. and then we’re back to fix up any last minute touch ups, by 7pm all hair has to be perfect and ready for lights and action on the runway.

Cathriona It’s a lot of hard work tell us why do you do it every year? It’s an Honor to style for the Rose Fashion Show and Celia, working with Celia now for 9 years is always a pleasure, she is a lady to deal with and has an amazing team whom we are proud to be part of.

I am very proud of my own team who

do an amazing job each year and this year the task of co coordinating the daytime back stage preparations are in the capable hands of Maire Johnson and Orla Dooley senior stylists with our group. The night time head stylist is Grace Comerford again another amazing senior stylist within our team, it’s such a lovely day we really enjoy it, the models are a lovely team of girls whom we consider our friends at this stage,

Judges & Prizes Announced for

Marymount Charity Raceday

Cork Racecourse will welcome a stellar lineup of racing and fashion in the coming weeks - all in the name of charity as the Mallow track gears up for its raceday in aid of Marymount University Hospital and Hospice on Saturday, August 17th.

While the horses battle it out for first place on the track, racegoers will be putting their most fashionable foot forward in the best dressed competition as they bid to win one of the coveted prizes on offer from Louis Copeland & Sons, Lennon Courtney and Lee Travel.

In order to impress in the fashion stakes, racegoers will be hoping the expert panel of judges like what they see which includes award-winning stylist, author & fashion editor Annmarie O’Connor, Louis Copeland of the renowned brand Louis Copeland & Sons and presenter, broadcaster and fashion designer Brendan Courtney of Lennon Courtney.

Irish powerhouse fashion label Lennon Courtney will sponsor the best dressed lady competition on the day which will 34 | Connect Kerry | August 2019

see many vying for the fantastic prize. The lucky winner will receive the rare opportunity of a oneon-one styling session with none other than Brendan Courtney, as well as a €200 voucher to spend on Lennon Courtney in Dunnes Stores.

Sponsoring the best dressed man competition is tailor to the stars Louis Copeland & Sons. The winner will receive a made to measure suit from the renowned brand which is soon to open the doors of its first Cork store in the coming weeks.

The most stylish couple on the day will also see their fashion efforts rewarded with a fantastic prize sponsored by award-winning travel agent Lee Travel.

The most stylish couple will win flights to London with a hotel stay and two champagne London Eye tickets.

All proceeds from August 17th will go directly to Marymount’s specialist community palliative care services. This vital service offers support to people

Ready to race! From left: Author & fashion editor Annmarie O’Connor, Rosemary O’Connell of Lee Travel, Graham Lynch, Marketing Exe cutive with Marymount University Hospital & Hospice and Lydia Madigan of Lee Travel. Pic: Brian Lougheed

who are living at home with a serious illness in Cork City and County and is completely free of charge, running seven days a week. As a result, Marymount heavily relies on donations to maintain these vital services that their palliative care nurses offer.

To purchase tickets, visit www.corkracecourse.ie

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Rose of Tralee INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL

Karen Cashman Abu Dhabi

Orlรกgh McClinton Antrim

Kayla Gray Arizona

Tanya Stanley Boston & New England

Shana Pembroke Chicago

Victoria O'Connell Clare

Stephanie McCarthy Cork

Chloe Kennedy Donegal

Laura Vines Dublin

ร rla McDaid Galway

Beatrice Beiderwieden Germany

Sally-Ann Leahy Kerry

Emer Fogarty Kildare

Clodagh Cassin Kilkenny

Sarah Bergin Laois

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Roses 2019

SinĂŠad Flanagan Limerick

Laura Kennedy London

Marie Brady Longford

Nicole Loughlin Mayo

Meghan Byrne Meath

Jordan Balfry Melbourne

Elena Evangelou New York

Sinead Rose Stayton New Zealand

Danielle Goebel Ohio

Kathleen Zuk Ottawa

Brooklynn Quinn San Francisco

Simone Hendrick Buchanan South Australia

Cat McWhirter South Carolina

Rebecca Mazza Sydney

Molly Eastman Washington D.C.

Sarah O'Shea Western Canada

Emma Byrne Wexford Connect Kerry | August 2019 | 37

Connect | Lifestyle

Hello Connect Readers, Here we are bang in the month of Festivals, Rose Ball, Fashion shows, Rose Selections, Races, and the dreaded Leaving Cert results. Here at That’s Perfect we cater for all of the mentioned events ….. We have the Accessories to put the finishing touches to any outfit, be it dressy or casual and for the Leaving Cert Results... we will provide a hug, a word of encouragement or a listening ear to anybody who wants or needs one and if none of the above work! we will provide the “never fail Cadburys Flake”.

I am going to concentrate this month on Evening Bags, Occasion Bags, Dressy Bags, whatever name you like to call them.

We have an amazing selection in stock at the moment.

Many moons ago it was almost a crime if you didn’t have a matching bag for every pair of shoes you owned but thankfully it is not so any more. Lets be brutally honest people don’t have as much disposal income available for accessories anymore but does this mean we have to compromise on style absolutely not.

The Rose of Tralee festival is on later in the month and there are at least 4 very dressy events, The Rose Ball, Fashion Show and the 2 nights of selection and my advice to anyone that has to attend some or all of them “what a tough life ye have“ say I sarcastically. My advice would be to invest in a Silver bag, a black bag and either a gold or rose gold bag, with these colours in your wardrobe there isn’t a anything that you wouldn’t be able to match up. I have included some images of bags in stock but we have almost 200 bags in stock, please call in and have a browse.

Must sign off now as I must get prepared in case they need a stand in Rose or maybe with my lack of height a Rose Bud !!!!

Keep smiling

Carmel xx

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Recovery Haven Kerry Gala Ball 2019 Photographs by: Jim Sheehy

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165 Birthday Celebrations th

for the Great Southern Killarney

This July Great Southern Killarney celebrated an historic milestone as the hotel turns 165 years. Celebrations commenced with a summer garden party held for all staff.

The day’s activities culminated with the cutting of a giant 165 shaped cake baked by the hotel’s head chef, which was enjoyed by guests and staff alike in the hotel’s gardens.

As part of the celebrations, the team unveiled a new history wall which brings guests through the fascinating journey of the hotel from its opening in 1854 right through to present day. As part of this special anniversary, there will be a host of events throughout the year to mark the occasion.

At the unveiling of the hotel’s history wall, Joe Scally stated: ‘For all of us involved at Great Southern, past and present, we are so proud to be part of such an incredible piece of history in the town of Killarney.

Through the highs and lows since the birth of Irish tourism, Great Southern has been to the fore, from accommodating some of the world’s most famous faces to incarcerating unfortunate unwilling guests, Great Southern has an incredible history and we are honoured to be today’s generation of leaders and to turn the next page on this hotel’s great history.’

Built in 1854 with the remit to ‘take the guest’s breath away’, Great Southern Killarney still stands proudly as Killarney’s Premier Historic Hotel. Killarney is the proud birthplace of

Irish tourism and Great Southern Killarney has been a focal point of the bustling tourist town since its opening, welcoming guests from all across the globe. Great Southern is part of Hayfield Family Collection, owned and led by the Scally family along with Hayfield Manor in Cork and Killarney Royal.

Great Southern Killarney recently joined the international luxury brand, Preferred Hotels & Resort Collection, to continue its legacy of international attracting visitors to Killarney.

refurbishment of the Sean Taaffe Flagship salon After 7 months of refurbishment the Sean Taaffe Flagship salon at the Courtyard Lewis road in Killarney is opening its doors properly. The new salon will include a Nespresso coffee dock which will serve both clients and members of the public and a retail area to browse through with ranges including morrocan oil, Joico, AlfaParf, GHD, Colour Wow and many more. The men’s zone st4men has had a complete makeover too with awesome new chrome chairs and a new waiting area.

The top Kerry hairdressing company have also just launched their own professional tools range this week. The group which are well known within the industry for their cutting edge education launched the first products in the range, precision hairdressing scissors and cutting combs, MD Sean Taaffe said ‘we are delighted to launch our new range, it all started with people continually asking when we were teaching seminars where they could get the tools we used and then 42 | Connect Kerry | August 2019

having difficulty sourcing so we saw a niche in the market‘, the new equipment will be available from sean taaffe education www.seantaaffe. com and also on Facebook shop.

Sean Taffe is also celebrating 30 years in the business! "That went quick!" So says Sean Taaffe 30 years of looking after the locks of the people of Kerry and beyond, the brand has grown from strength to strength and has an incredible team of over 60 people ranging from hair to beauty Makeup and nails. The group put huge focus on ongoing education and training and this is what taaffe attributes the success of the brand to ‘it’s easy for a company to get on top, but to stay on top is always going to be the toughest job as there is only one way to go, the team at sean taaffe understand their mission to provide bespoke hairdressing services at a consistently high standard and they know that it is client satisfaction that is the key to the salons success.

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By: Jack Joy

Thousands of visitors descend on the town of Tralee for the annual Rose of Tralee International Festival each and every August. As ever, local businesses are key to the success of the festival, especially the restaurants, cafes and eateries which play a major part in ensuring visitors to Tralee enjoy their stay.

In anticipation of the festival we paid a visit to Tralee in order to recommend some of our favourite places around town.

We began our Tralee trip at The Roast House Restaurant and Café, located on Denny Street, the spacious café was busy with customers enjoying their breakfasts. We sat ourselves on a high table, and began browsing our menus and a welcoming staff member soon took our orders. Our dishes arrived without delay and I eagerly tucked into my order of a Mini Irish Breakfast.

Featuring tasty, locally sourced pudding, bacon, beans and egg served with toast, the hearty dish ensured I would be more than ready for the day ahead. My companion treated himself to a dish of homemade buttermilk pancakes, served with maple syrup, also adding the option of a serving of bacon, the meal went down more than well, disappearing soon after it arrived at our table. Both meals were served with tea and we decided upon our next move as we finished our hot drinks. Our breakfast at The Roast House Restaurant ensured our day in Tralee began in the perfect manner.

After a magnificent breakfast we took a stroll around town, the streets busy with people going about their business in and out of Tralee’s many shops and stores. We paid a visit to Kerry County Museum, at the Ashe Memorial Hall on Denny Street.

We took a tour of the many fascinating exhibitions on display, admiring ancient artefacts, learning of Tom Crean’s travels and going back in time to Medieval Tralee. A fascinating and informative experience all round, our hunger for knowledge had been satisfied but our hunger for food had begun to grow.

We set off back into town to find some lunch.

Alfie’s Bar and Restaurant of The Ashe Hotel provided us the excellent setting in which to spend our lunch. Situated on

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Maine Street in the centre of Tralee, the bar had a luxurious feel to it with an interesting interior, and we sat in a comfortable booth and were soon served with menus from a hospitable waitress. Scanning our lunchtime menus, a number of interesting dishes caught our eye and we took some time to make up our minds, my friend ordering a Cajun Chicken Toscanna Wrap while I finally settled on a Szechuan Salt’N’Pepper Stir fry with Chicken, opting for a jug of water to accompany our meal.

The premises was not too busy for lunch, allowing us to take in the pleasant outdoor dining area as well as the well-stocked bar while we waited for our dishes to arrive.

Without much delay our food was brought to our table and we were both immediately taken aback by the generous serving sizes of our meals, even more content when we began to tuck into our tasty dishes. Both meals well-presented, my friends wrap containing mozzarella, red pepper, spinach and a basil pesto mayonnaise along with the Cajun chicken was served with a side of nachos and was said to be heavenly, while my Szechuan Stir Fry comprising of a variety of healthy veg such as peppers, beans and scallions along with chicken and noodles was the perfect blend of spice and flavour. Our meal in Alfie’s at the Ashe was the perfect lunchtime pick-me-up.

Madden’s Café, situated on Milk Market Lane, offers something different for visitors to Tralee.

While an excellent café in its own right, it also doubles as a hub of arts and culture in Tralee, its owners keen to promote a growing arts scene in Tralee. From the moment we approached Madden’s we were intrigued, greeted on the street outside by Margaret, the cafes very own Yorkshire terrier, eager to persuade us to come in. Inside we were welcomed by a friendly lady who took

our orders and we took a seat outside in the cafes’ beautiful courtyard, filled with flowers and colour, we soaked up some summer sunshine from our rustic table. Our order soon arrived, my companion treating themselves to a hot chocolate with coconut milk, said to taste like ‘real chocolate’, they raved about this drink for some time after. I had a cappuccino and we both tucked into some mouth-watering marshmallow and chocolate biscuits. Our brief trip to Maddens was a relaxing and wholesome experience, away from the hustle and bustle of the shopping streets close by where we could also admire the works of local artists on display.

Ugly Mug Coffee Shop, on Edward Street, offered another unique dining experience. We stopped by the colourful café in mid-afternoon and took a table by the wall with comfy seating, taking in the appealingly quirky interior of the cafe. Ordering a hot drink each, a latte and an americano, I also enjoyed one of the cafes many cakes and treats on offer, a deliciously rich dark chocolate brownie, served with cream, a wonderful supplement to my coffee. Just off the busy Castle street, the café is perfectly situated to offer a retreat to stressed-out shoppers and weary sightseers to refuel and rejuvenate in a calm setting, made even more so by the lovely staff who put us at ease from the moment we entered.

We emerged reenergised after our pit-stop at Ugly Mug Coffee Shop.

Tralee Town Park was our next port of call. We followed the many pathways around the park admiring the beautiful flowers and well-kept greens, visiting the famous Rose Garden, containing over 35 different varieties of roses as well as a statue commemorating the original Rose of Tralee, Mary O’Connor, whom that famous song was written about all those years ago. Wandering around the park was a great way to unwind but we soon worked up an appetite from all our walking and decided to go in search of a restaurant worthy of concluding our brilliant day in Tralee.

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

Il Pomo Doro on Prince’s Street was our dinner destination of choice. We were soon seated in the restaurant, scanning the many Italian and Mediterranean style dishes available on our menus. Although the cosy but bright restaurant was busy for the evening, the staff were talkative and efficient and had soon taken our orders. Already a fan of Italian food, I began with a bruschetta starter, which I found refreshing yet flavoursome while my friend chose the breaded brie option which also went down a treat. We were soon beginning our main courses, a delicious looking Penne Arrabiata pasta dish, with tomato sauce, onions and chilli for my companion, who commented on the excellent flavours present in the dish while I opted for a Pizza Caprese, topped with tomato, pesto and garlic, my pizza was comparable to some of the most excellent I have had the pleasure of trying, the quality ingredients used to make the pizza evident from the first bite.

We enjoyed our dinner at leisure and concluded our meal with a final coffee each, one regular, one Baileys, extremely content with our evening’s dining. The great atmosphere inside the old-style restaurant, coupled with the quality dishes on offer created the perfect evening dining experience with which to end our survey of Tralee’s dining establishments.

While the Rose of Tralee Festival will draw huge crowds to the town, Tralee’s thriving food scene will ensure that visitors enjoy a wonderful stay by the Strand of the Lee.

TASTE KERRY SUPPORTING TRALEE'S FOODIE AMBITIONS Taste Kerry are delighted to see Tralee shortedlisted for this years Foodie Destinations, it is testament to the hard work and dedication of the towns eateries and pubs in raising awareness of the whole County's developing food culture. Foodie Destinations is an initiative by the Restaurants Association of Ireland which celebrates Ireland’s unique and wonderful food offerings and encourages local food tourism initiatives The winner will be a destination that actively promotes itself through joint promotional activities such as food festivals, gourmet trails or farmers’ markets as well as great dining experiences for locals and visitors alike. They will have established a local producer/supplier network which is utilised and promoted by local businesses.

There are 10 finalists, chosen from the applicants, who will receive a visit from the judges. Online voting also takes place which counts for 30% of the overall score.

Tralee has everything going for it at the moment in the area of food tourism with everything from fishing to agriculture, food producers of all sorts, cheesemakers to bakers, farmers market to wonderfull food experiences in the towns vibrant Bars Restaurants and Hotels. Public voting runs till August 20th and TasteKerry will be encouraging everyone to vote for Tralee through a series of social media videos showcasing this vibrancy. Vote today www.foodiedestinations.com

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Nora's Slimming World Chocolately Coconut Overnight Oats 40g of Porridge Oats* 5g of Carob/Cocao Powder* 30-50ml of Milk 150g of Fat Free Greek Style Yoghurt Frozen Berries of your choice.

2.5g Dessicated Coconut* Place porridge oats in a bowl, add in the carob/cocao powder and give them a stir. Then add in the yoghurt and loosen with the milk. I simply top this with the frozen berries and sprinkle over the dessicated coconut for a guilt free bowl of gorgeousness. You can for go the dessicated coconut and swap the fat free greek style yoghurt for a fat free coconut yoghurt* if you don't have any or want to reduce the syn values.

Jacket Potatoes or Sandwich Filling Ideas Ready in 10 mins. Serves 4 Ham and Pineapple 200g Lean Ham (All visible fat removed) 225g Fresh Pineapple Diced 8 Level Tbsp of Lighter than Light Mayonaisse* 140g of Fat Free Fromage Frais 4 Spring Onions Finely Sliced Fresh Ground Black Pepper

Mix the Ham, Pineapple, Mayo, Fromage Frais together and scatter over the spring onions, season and leave to chill in the fridge until ready to use.

Coronation Chicken

Ready in 10 mins Serves 4 2 Large Cooked Chicken Breasts cut into bite sized chunks 1 Red Pepper, Diced 1 Ripe Mango, peeled and diced Zest and Juice of a Lime 3 Spring Onions Handful of chopped coriander 2 level tbsp of Mango chutney 2 tsp of curry powder 200g fat free natural fromage frais 6 level tssp extra light mayonaisse salt and fresh ground black pepper Put Chicken, Mango, lime zest and juice into a bowl and add the chutney curry powder, fat free fromage frais, and the mayonaise into a bowl leave to chill until ready to use.

Smoked Salmon and Dill Pate with Crudities Serves 4 125g Smoked Salmon

48 | Connect Kerry | August 2019

250g of Quark 1 tbsp of lemon juice Pinch of Cayenne Pepper Fresh Ground Black Pepper 1 tbsp of fresh Dill, Plus Extra to garnish.

Vegetable Crudities, such a cucumber, carrot and celery batons.

Put the smoked salmon into a food processor with the quark, lemon juice and cayenne papper and whizz until smooth.

Transfer to a bowl and stir in the fresh ground black pepper and dill. Scatter over the extra dill and chill until needed. Serve with your favourite crudities and salad vegatables.

Chicken, Corn and Blackbean Salad

Serves 4 Ready in 30 mins.

1 red pepper, deseeded and diced.

1 small red onion, diced finely 4 Tomatoes halved, deseede and roughly chopped 3 cooked skinless and boneless chicken breasts, cut into bite sized pieces 400g can of black beans, drained and rinsed 340g can of sweetcorn, drained and rinsed Dressing: 4 tbsp of vinagrette 1 tsp of sweetner Pinch of cayenne pepper Handful of fresh coriander Fresh ground black pepper 1 Lemon or 1 Lime.

Put Pepper, Onion, tomatoes and chicken in a large bowl, add the black beans and sweetcorn, toss everything together and tip into a bowl.To make the dressing put the vinagrette, sweenter, cayenne pepper, coriander and seasoning into a screw top jar. Thickly slice the lemon or lime, squeeze in the juice and throw in a couple of the squeezed slices. Shake well. When you are ready to eat, drizzle over the dressing into the salad and toss well to serve.

Blueberry, Lime and Prosecco Jellies

185g of blueberries (option to add extra to serve) 6 sheets of leaf gelatine 250ml of made up low calorie/no added sugar summer fruits cordial Juice of 2 limes 2 tsp of sweetner 125ml of Prosecco* Chilled Mint Leaves, to decorate Divide the blueberries between four 150ml moulds or dessert glasses and chill. Soak the gelatine sheets in cold water for 4-5 minutes until softened. Squeese out any

excess water and put the sheets into a bowl over a pan of simmering water along with the coridal, lime juice and sweetner. Heat until the sweetner and gelatine have dissolved, then set aside to cool. Put the cordial mixture into a jug, add the Prosecco and pour over the blueberries. Chill for at least 4 hours or until set. When ready to consume, dip the moulds briefly in hot water. Press a serving plate against the top of each mould, shake slightly and flip over to turn out. Decorate with mint leaves and serve with extra blueberries if you like.

Chocolate Banana Tiramisu

Serves 4 Ready in 25 plus Chilling.

200g quark 200g fat free fromage frais 1 tsp of vanilla extract 2 tbsp of sweetner* 150ml of cooled strong coffee made up, 12 sponge fingers*, broken into chunks 4 ripe bananas, sliced 2 level tsp of cocoa or carob* powder to dust.

Beat the quark, fromage frais and vanilla extract in a bowl, then add the sweetner and stir well. Pour the colled coffee into a shallow bowl. Dip the sponge fingers briefly into the coffee and use half of them to add a layer to four individual dessert bowls. Top with half of the quark mixture and add a layer using all the sliced banana.

Add another layer using the remaining sponge fingfers and top with the rest of the quark mixture. Cover and chill for 3-4 hours.

Dust with the cocoa powder to serve. *Denotes healthy extra choice allowance or syn. Check your App or ask your consultant.

Nora’s Slimming World Tralee Nora's Slimming World Tralee takes place every Wednesday in the Meadowlands Hotel, Oakpark, Tralee. Group Times: 9;30, 11;30, 3:30, 5:30 & 7:30.

For further information please contact me on 087-2489838 Instagram for Slimming World Ideas search norabutlersw www.norasslimmingworld.com

Connect | Women in Business AWARDS|C SPECIAL Advertising onnect

INCOME TAX PAYMENT OPTIONS BY: John Canty As the income tax deadline edges closer, many are looking at their finances and evaluating how they are going to pay their income Tax bill.

TAX DEADLINE Tax returns are due on, or before the 31st October, although there is an extension until the 12th November for those who pay and file on ROS(online).

PRELIMINARY TAX In addition to the balance of tax for 2018, Preliminary Tax for 2019 is due. Preliminary Tax for most businesses will be based on 100% of 2018 liability.

SINGLE PAYMENT Obviously this is the easiest way, by making one payment for any tax due, provided adequate financial resources are available.

DIRECT DEBIT OPTION Tax payers are allowed to pay their Preliminary Tax by monthly direct debit. This would then leave only the balance of 2019 tax due in October. Although with only 5 Months left in year, splitting the payment over a number of months may still be more manageable.

BANK LOAN/ FINANCE For many years it was the norm for tax payers to take out a loan in order to pay their tax.

Usually over a term of 9 to 11 months; thus allowing more time to taxpayers.

Banks are generally offering these facilities to most tax payers.

JOHN’S ADVICE: - Make sure to file your return on time as failure to do so will result in 10% surcharge.

- Where funds are tight, make sure to pay 2018 tax first and then preliminary tax.

- Make payment online using ROS - this is most efficient way to make payments.

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Photographs by: Don MacMonagle

Sinead McCarthy, General Manager, The Brehon Hotel, Mark Rogers, judge, Maria Vaughan, Macroom, (Best Hat), Faith Amond, Carlow, 'Best Dressed Lady, Johnny Greene, Killarney, Best Dressed Man Clementine Mac Niece, judge, Sean McDermott, The Gleneagle Group and Fiona O'Connor, The Gleneagle Group.

Kim Kennedy, Tadhg Fleming, Chris Sugrue, Grainne Crowley and Maureen Fleming

Judges Mark Rogers and Clementine Mac Niece pictured with Michelle O'Brien, Maura O'Brien, Lisa, Catherine and Geoorgia O'Brien from Kenmareat

Becky o'Sullivan, Glengarriffe, Cliodhna Bantry, Valerie O'Shea, Glengarriffe and Maria Garcia, Bantry, Cork.

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Blair Garmon, Zack Birdthistle, Karina Mulchinock, Derek and Evelyn Twiss, Abode, Fossa Killarney, Kerry o"Sullivan, Rochelle Lucey, Conor Hennigan and John Mulhern, Kerry Airport.

Rachel Lynch, Ardfert, Amanda Cronin, Aghadoe and Marie Conway Killarney

Liz Maher, finalist and Faith Amond, Carlow Best Dressed Lady at the Killarney Apres Races party in The Brehon Hotel

Derek Twiss and friends at the Killarney Apres Races party in The Brehon Hotel, Killarney

Stephen and Rose Murphy and Sean O'Donoghue, Killarney

Emer and Charlene Brosnan, Killarney