MEGA JANUARY SALE
Wishing You a Very Happy Christmas and a Prosperous New Year Chris & Colette
To our Advertisers, Readers Families and Friends
A saying that I often quote in conversations comes to mind as I'm writing my 'regular' Christmas musings in our final issue of 2022... that saying is' The one constant in life is that there is no constant in life ' or in other words as penned by the artist Joan Armatrading in her song 'Drop the Pilot' ...'Changes ..there's always changes '. And its so true for 2022...Sadly , two of the people that we always gave thanks to in the past for their help in producing the Tralee Advertiser every week have since passed away in the last number of months ...Joe Hanley, the Intrepid Popular Camera man...aka The Happy Snapper and Padraig 'The Voice ' Harnett, our sports reporter whose knowledge was uncontested in this field, I'd align him with the great Jimmy Magee!
Normally, we'd be planning to meet up for our annual Christmas coffee but sadly no more...How things change! And so has our town of Tralee, more new business opened up ...more on the way for 2023... a few gone... for various reasons
Looking forward to the New Year more than ever!!!
but one always has to look forward (for thats where we're going to spend the rest of our life! not in the past ).
The new Greenway is certainly going to breath life into the greater Tralee area and beyond, and the Island of Geese has already hosted successful events, yup this change lark is good ... Don't get me wrong, we have to mind the house, but hey, a lot of us have been there before so our experience is vital in helping manage any adverse situations.
Tralee's biggest strength is its people, and we have a lot more to look forward to rather than be afraid of.
At this time of year, as throughout the year, we urge you sincerely to support our advertisers, and all local businesses, to buy local, because that’s where a lot of our livelihoods come from - the local economy.
If it does well, we all do well! A big thank you to our contributors, who help keep us fresh, current and topical, Miriam’s Legal Corner, Billy from HRI in Tech Corner, Nathan, David & Colette in Tralee Chamber Alliance. Our photographers both the public
and the professionals, John and Martin Cleary & Dominic Walsh.
Our back-room team, The Keanes & Co at Kingdom Printers and Rafal, our excellent creative hard-working graphic designer from Expose Design, who both ensure we deliver an excellent publication EVERY week! To all our advertisers and the businesses who help distribute the Tralee Advertiser every Friday!!" And to everybody else who send us in photos, articles, poems, stories and so much more, a big thank you. Keep doing it…
We really do appreciate it.
We are looking forward to a little break now…
We start all over again in January 2023 ...Looking forward to it!
Merry Christmas!
Chris & Colette Shortt
Shop Local, Spend Local, It really makes a difference!
DANCE CLASSES
Ukraine Professor Addresses MTU Students
Final year degree Early Childhood Education students at MTU Kerry campus were addressed by Prof. Olena Marina of Kyiv National Linguistic University, Ukraine on the topic of languages in the Ukraine when she visited MTU this week (Tuesday 6th December).
“Students in this BA (Honours) degree study a course on bilingualism and multilingualism in early education, as they train to work in pre-schools or primary schools”, explains Professor Muiris Ó Laoire who delivers the module. “As future teachers in pre-schools and primary schools they will work with children from the Ukraine and it’s very good for them to know about these children’s linguistic and cultural background and the education system there.
” Professor Marina’s showcased language practices in the Ukrainian education system and referred to the current Ukrainian students' integration into the Irish system of education.
Budding Actor Klaudio Dema from Tralee will be coming your way in 2023. Watch this space!!!
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN TRALEE
Photos by John Cleary
ABOVE: Enjoying the Bon Secours Hospital Tralee, Christmas party at the Rose Hotel Tralee, on Saturday night, from left Eilish O'Leary, Kilcummin, Debbie O'Sullivan, Ballylongford, Eadoin Hillard, Annascaul, Miriam Moloney, Listowel and Maura Kelliher, Ballyvourney.
in pictures!
ABOVE: Helping you with your shopping at Teach an tSolais Christmas Fair Ashe Street, Tralee, on Saturday, from left Karol Kirby, Tralee, Kate Flavey, Abbeydorney and Margaret Groves, Ballymacelligott.
ABOVE: Celebrating the Bon Secours Hospital Christmas Party on Saturday night at the Rose Hotel, from left Anne O'Regan, Tralee, Cecelia Lawlor, Ardfert, Rose O'Sullivan, Tralee and Katie Reidy, Castlemaine.
ABOVE: Attending the Bon Secours Hospital Christmas Party at the Rose Hotel Tralee on Saturday night, from left Jennifer Shields, Gneeveguilla, Mary Harmon, AnneMarie Griffin and Karen Dillon, Tralee, Michelle Reidy, Ballyheigue, Catherine Judge Murphy and Helena Kenny, Scartaglin.
ABOVE: Phil and Deirdre Casey, Tralee, attending the Christmas Concert' 'O Holy Night' with the Kerry Choral Union and Duhallow Choral Society at St. John's Church, Tralee, on Sunday night.
ABOVE: Pictured at the Bon Secours Hospital Tralee, Christmas party on Saturday night at the Rose Hotel, from left Leila Leahy, Tralee, Cara Flahive, Ballyheigue and Yvonne Doherty, Curraheen.
ABOVE: Diane Bambury, Listowel and Graine Doyle, Dublin, pictured at the Bon Secours Hospital Christmas Party at the Rose Hotel Tralee, on Saturday night.
ABOVE: Christmas colours as Colette Price making a sale to Rev. Phyllis Jones, at the Christmas Fair at Teach as tSolais on Saturday.
ABOVE: Guess his name and win a prize pictured at the Christmas Fair by Tralee, Ballymacelligott and Ballyseedy parishes on Saturday at Teach an tSolais beside St. John's Church,Ashe Street Tralee,from left Alison McEvoy and Rosie Giles, both from Tralee.
ABOVE: Megan O'Neill, Guest Soprano, Killarney, Co Kerry, 'O Holy Night' a Christmas Concert with The Kerry Choral Union and Duhallow Choral Society in St. John's Church Tralee, Co Kerry on Sunday night.
ABOVE: Cheers Ladies; pictured at their Bon Secours Hospital Tralee Christmas party in the Rose Hotel Tralee on Saturday night, from left Marie Sheehan, Kilflynn, Marie Clifford, Caragh Lake, Ciara Stack, Listowel, Mary Murphy, Fenit, Mary Diggin, Causeway and Margaret Hanafin, The Spa.
CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR
Norma's busy week officially opening 4 new housing developments!
“It was a privilege to officially open the most beautiful and modern four housing developments at Croogorts, Ballyrickard, Rahoonane and Lohercannon, Tralee. Congratulations to Kerry County Council, the building contractors and all involved in delivering these impressive housing developments. Thank you too to Billy Leen, sculptor, for such magnificent stonework as always. A special word of thanks also to my Cabinet colleague, Minister Darragh O'Brien T.D and the Department of Housing for this multi-million euro investment to resource the delivery of 120 state-of-the-art properties. Wishing all the residents every joy and blessing as they celebrate their first Christmas in their new homes.”
What A Christmas Fair!
Home baking, jams, floral displays, silent auctions, a water or wine conundrum!!! and much, much more. Great fun
a lovely unusual Invite from
for a great cause!
Invite : Hi everyone, You are invited drive by, to come and see our amazing Winter Wonderland Display in aid of St. Vincent De Paul , donations of essential non-perishable goods and toys wrapped and labelled with the age suitability are most welcome . We hope that our lights inspire happiness and a sharing of the Christmas Spirit with everyone that enjoys them . Call Susan on 086-8153757 or Helena & Katie on 066-7189964 or pop in to Mounthawk Montessori & Busy Bees Nursery Childcare. Eircode V92Y424, https://www.facebook.com/svptralee/ All donations will be collected by Paddy Kevane President and Junior Locke , SVDP, on Tuesday Dec 20th during our Christmas Sing-a-long at 11am . Thank You.
NEWS Enjoy FREE PARKING in Tralee Over
Why its Christmas at the Ashe!
Walk through a welcoming festive arch, greeted by Christmas Trees and Twinkling lights and festive cheer it’s Christmas at The Ashe Hotel!
Celebrate the festive season in glamour and decadence at The Ashe Hotel with their festive dining available until the 23rd December. Indulge in the culinary delights of the season while celebrating with friends, family and colleagues.
Dine in relaxed elegance of Alfie’s Lounge, where you can soak up the festive atmosphere while enjoying the lavish comfort, quality service and delicious food. Enjoy live music on Saturday nights during December and DJ nightly from the 27th – 31st of December.
This Women’s Christmas, Friday the 6th January bring the women in your life together for a celebratory evening of delicious dining and live music in Alfie’s Lounge. Bookings are now open.
Looking for Christmas Gift ideasSpoil your loved ones with the gift of glamour and style with a Christmas
Gift Voucher from The Ashe Hotel. Treat friends and family with a stay in our contemporary and awardwinning accommodation in the heart of Kerry’s capital. The perfect base to explore all that our stunning county has to offer.
Treat your loved ones to a delicious Dining Experience or elegant Vintage Afternoon Tea in Alfie’s Lounge. Where they will enjoy lovingly made food sourced from local suppliers in a cosy and relaxing space to unwind and dine.
Alternatively, create a bespoke gift by choosing a monetary Gift Voucher to create their own experience. Christmas Gift Vouchers give you even more choice and flexibility – the ideal present for a loved one, friend or colleague and you’re also supporting a local business.
The Ashe Hotel Gift Voucher makes the perfect gift this Christmas!
If you would like to purchase a voucher or to make a dining reservation please call 066 710
A Christmas Message from Kingdom Memorials
"We would like to thank all our customers throughout the year, we appreciate all the support we get from the people of Kerry, their families and loved ones ." says Anne Treacy , "We will continue to provide only the highest quality of service & craftmanship on a personal level! Alan is 7th generation Stone Sculptor so you know you are in good hands when you call in to meet us ! " Kingdom Memorials are available until Friday Dec 23rd at 1pm for granite lanterns and grave accessories, which are always proving to be very popular at this time of year , for people wishing to remember those passed . We would like to wish everyone a very happy & peaceful Christmas and wish good health for 2023" Alan, Ann & Jason
6300, email info@theashehotel.ie or visit www.theashehotel.ie/giftvouchers .
Christmas Coffee Morning In Aid Of Irish Motor Disease Association (Imnda)
Total Cleaning in the Horan Centre are hosting this lovely Christmas Event
NEWS Enjoy FREE PARKING in Tralee Over
Huge building project for Moyderwell Mercy Primary School announced!
Minister for Education and Kerry T.D Norma Foley has announced initial project approval for a multi-million euro building project for Moyderwell Mercy Primary School, Tralee. This significant building project will provide state of the art facilities including four mainstream classrooms as well as a two classroom base for students with special educational needs.
One Special Education Teaching room is also being provided for along with reconfiguration works to existing classrooms in the school. Minister Foley said: “I am delighted to join the school community at Moyderwell today. This exciting new
development is an endorsement of the school community at Moyderwell for their tireless commitment, passion and endeavour to educating the young people of Tralee and surrounding areas. I now look forward to work commencing as expeditiously as possible.
Chairperson of the Board of Management Cllr. Jim Finucane said: “We are delighted to receive initial project approval from Minister Foley and cannot wait for work to start on this ambitious new school building project so that our students can experience these wonderful new facilities.”
Scoil Eoin's Christmas Concert 2022
Scoil Eoin welcomed back the Christmas concert after a break of 2 years last weekend . This year’s performances showcased a variety of shows from Junior Infants to 5th highlighting the wide range of talent of the students and teachers in Scoil Eoin. The Concert took place in the Sports Hall. And many popular themes were in evidence on the night such as Christmas Carols , Annie , Mamma Mia and so much more ! A raffle took place on the nights with large hampers, items of jewellery and vouchers and many more spot prizes won . All money raised will be used to improve school facilities and resources.
Enjoy FREE PARKING in
I am making my way through menopause and my upper arms are getting very loose and wobbly. I am a regular gym goer but nothing I am doing seems to be helping my arms. Is this due to menopause and what can I do to improve the situation? Sue.
Hi Sue,
Menopause is associated with a natural decline in oestrogen which increases visceral fat mass and decreases bone mass density, muscle mass and strength.
Wobbly upper arms are those aps of skin that hang down and swing along with every arm movement, also known as bingo wings. This can happen to anyone of any gender. However, since men have an average of 10 to 15 percent more muscle mass, bingo wings primarily a ect women starting at a younger age.
Bingo wings can be helped with a skin tightening treatment at the CHRC in the Bon Secours Hospital Tralee. It is F.D.A. approved, painless and non-surgical with zero downtime. This procedure is powered by innovation which rejuvenates the appearance of the skin safely and comfortably by heating the tissue under the skin’s surface. This triggers the natural production of collagen and elastin, the key building blocks of healthy, tight and youthful skin. The result is an e ortlessly tighter and smoother looking skin.
Mary O Donnell, Brand Representative
clearypresspix@gmail.com
New mental health assessment room opened by HSE Kerry Mental Health Services
Cork Kerry Community Healthcare Mental Health Services have opened a new mental health assessment room within the emergency department of University Hospital Kerry.
The assessment room will be a confidential and therapeutic setting for anyone presenting to UHK in a mental health crisis.
The room is a joint initiative between CKCH Mental Health Services and healthcare professionals from UHK. It creates a separate, calm space which will be used by Clinical Nurse Specialists in Self Harm who already provide a seven-day service (from 8am to 8am), offering a rapid response to people presenting to Emergency Departments with self-harm and suicidal ideation. The room will also be used by the psychiatric doctor on call to assess patients presenting to ED with a mental health emergency. Twenty-four hour mental health assessment is provided by consultant psychiatrists and non consultant hospital doctors within
the department.
Dr Maura Young Executive Clinical Director Kerry Mental Health Service said:
“I am delighted that people presenting to University Hospital Kerry in a mental health crisis can now meet with mental health professionals in a confidential and therapeutic setting. It is my hope that the new mental health assessment room will improve the experience and will benefit all those who access the service in the Emergency Department in University Hospital Kerry.”
Declan Cronin Acting Area Director of Nursing said:
“The scope of clinical care programme is embedded into everyday clinical practice so that every individual who presents to the Emergency Department, following self-harm, or with suicide-related ideation, will receive a timely, expert assessment of their needs, and is connected to appropriate next care.
That the individual and their family are valued and supported, by staff who themselves are valued and supported. Having this facility in UHK ED Department will ensure that Kerry Mental Health Services and University Hospital Kerry are
(pic by Domnick Walsh)
ALL I WANT FOR Christmas
ABBAESQUE THUR 29TH DEC TICKETS FROM €22.90
MACK FLEETWOOD THUR 29TH DEC TICKETS FROM €29.50
GINA AND THE CHAMPIONS SAT 7TH JAN TICKETS FROM €22.90
SHIRLEY VALENTINE SUN 29TH JAN TICKETS FROM €27.90 SISTER ACT THE MUSICAL 31ST JAN - 4TH FEB TICKETS FROM €44.05 ONE NIGHT OF ADELE BANK HOLIDAY MON 6TH FEB TICKETS FROM €27.90 THE MARTY PARTY FRI 10TH FEB TICKETS FROM €30.00
CONOR SKETCHES LIVE SUN 19TH FEB TICKETS FROM €33.50
NEWS Enjoy FREE PARKING in Tralee
Heat or eat – ‘Impossible choices’ for people in need this Christmas...SVP
On the launch of their Annual Car Draw, St. Vincent De Paul (SVP) South-West says they are facing their most demanding Christmas and winter period in several decades as vulnerable people are being forced to choose between heating their homes or feeding themselves or their families this year. With the cost-of-living crisis deepening, the charity is reporting that more people than ever are seeking help in the run up to the festive and winter season, with 1,150 calls for help per week (a 30% increase on last year).
This is expected to reach a peak of 1,400 calls per week in December as the Society has revealed significant numbers of people in Cork and Kerry are reaching out to them seeking assistance as they struggle to cope with sky-high energy costs, increased prices for fuel and dramatic rises in the price of food. The charity has also revealed that the most significant increase in calls this year is coming from lower-income earners in full-time employment.
Speaking at the launch of the SVP South-West Annual Car Draw, SVP South-West’s Regional Co-ordinator Gerry Garvey said the charity is gearing up for one of the most difficult periods for the South-West region in many years. We have received an unprecedented number of calls for this time of year and from all walks of life, including but not limited to pensioners and social welfare parents, carers and those on disability payments, and those on lower-paid employment.
Energy costs are the primary concern for callers, with SVP providing fuel assistance to families and vulnerable individuals in Cork and Kerry during the winter months. The price of a bag of coal has almost doubled this year – it may even increase again,
and this has really put a strain on our reserve funds for the year.” Mr. Garvey said.
“The overriding theme we are seeing this year is that, in addition to struggling and vulnerable people, the cost-of-living crisis is pushing fulltime lower income workers further into poverty.
80% of SVP’s core fundraising is now conducted during the October to December period, with traditional church collections only permitted to resume this year post pandemic. The key fundraising drive for SVP South-West across Cork and Kerry is the Annual Car Draw which has again been extended to Kerry this year and funds generated there will be used to support people in need in Kerry. We would also like to say a special thank you to the Cavanagh family / The Tomar Trust who again donated a brand-new Ford Focus for the draw this year.
Regional President Paddy O’Flynn said
“The public has always been extremely generous to St Vincent De Paul’s South-West region of Cork and Kerry. Last year, we were blown away by the support we received during such a difficult time. We appreciate that this Christmas is going to be more challenging for many people across all walks of life. However, we are deeply concerned about the impact of the cost of living and the pressure it has placed on our core services.
The numbers of people who require our assistance this year is unprecedented, people are being forced to make an impossible choice this Christmas – heat or eat, and the funds raised from the Annual Car Draw this year are vital to us to enable us to help as many people as possible.”
“While we are not a homeless charity, we also do a lot of work behind the scenes to prevent people from losing their homes. We also act as a “last-resort” for people in third level education and provide funding and bursaries to approx. 190 students from socially disadvantaged background who would not be in a position to attend college if they did not receive funding from the Society, and we have been receiving more calls from students this year seeking our assistance.” he continued:
“It has been another exceptionally challenging year for SVP South-West but particularly for the families and individuals we support. We depend on the generosity of our many donors and we’re asking them to support us once again, if at all possible, in the coming weeks. In addition to supporting families, in the run up to and throughout the festive period, the charity continues to provide up to 4,530 homes across Cork and Kerry with regular coal deliveries throughout the winter and are delivering approx. 350 food hampers every week to families in need through the SVP Cork and Kerry Hamper Projects.
The Annual SVP South-West Car Draw 2022 is a key fundraising event for the region, with tickets and free post return envelopes delivered to every household in Cork and Kerry and the added option of buying tickets online. Donations are also welcome through both channels. Tickets for the raffle cost 5 each and can be purchased online at the following link: www.galabid.com/ SVPcardraw Alternatively, freepost SVP envelopes can be returned in or dropped into the SVP Regional Office at Ozanam House, 2 Tuckey Street, Cork or Unit 2 Monavalley Business Park, Tralee, Co Kerry. The final date for entries will be 12 noon on Friday 6th January 2023. The draw will take on January 11th at CAB Motors, Cork with the Lord Mayor in attendance where the winners will be announced. Details of the winners will be published on www.SVP.ie on Saturday 14th May and in the Irish Examiner with the event streamed later on social media.
A 2023 FORD FOCUS TITANIUM IN AID OF SVP
(Please return your purchased tickets and your donation by 12 noon on Friday 6th January, 2023)
Course cost €280
Joes book has to have a 2nd Print run!
A Kerry publication has gone to a second print run as it continues to be sought after in bookshops in Kerry, Cork and Limerick. ‘Once Upon a Road’ by Lyreacrompane native, Joe Harrington, was launched just over a month ago and its 364 full colour pages and 315 images tells the story of the very first butter road from Kerry to the Cork Butter Market built as a sixty mile long turnpike/toll road under an act of Parliament of 1747 by a Kerry man, John Murphy.
‘Once Upon a Road‘ dips into the local history of the townlands, towns, villages, and settlements through which the road passes. Every mile on ‘The Road John Murphy Made’ has a story to tell and along the road we will meet Whiteboys and Hedge Schoolmasters, Freedom Fighters and Moonlighters, Famines and Natural Disasters, Mass Rocks and Wedge Tombs, Bronze age hoards and Bog Butter, Lost Estates and Evicted Tenants. ‘Once Upon a Road’ is a story of many stories and is available in Polymath and O’Mahony’s in Tralee.
Reopen as
1st & Monday 2nd January 2023
on Tuesday 3rd January 2023 {8am to 5.30pm}
WHAT IS THE BEST CHRISTMAS PRESENT IN THE WORLD?
A broken drum – you just can’t beat it
TODAY I SAW AN AD THAT SAID “RADIO FOR SALE, €1, VOLUME KNOB STUCK ON FULL.”
I thought, “I can’t turn that down.”
THE LOCAL BAR WAS SO SURE THAT ITS OWNER WAS THE STRONGEST MAN AROUND...
that it offered a standing $1,000 bet that no could beat him. The challenge was that the owner would squeeze a lemon until all the juice ran out into a beer glass, then hand the lemon to the customer. Anyone who could squeeze even one more drop out of the lemon would win the money. Over the years many people had tried this, truck drivers, weightlifters and all had failed. Then one day this frail little fella with heavy rimmed spectacles came into the bar and asked if he could try the challenge. After the laughter had subsided the owner said that it was only fair that the man be given a chance at the bet, so he picked up a lemon and started squeezing. Once he was done he handed the remains to the little man who promptly squeezed out 4 more drops of juice onto the bar.
Everyone looked on in amazement as the owner handed over the prize and asked, “What do you do for a living that has given you such strength? Are you a lumberjack, weightlifter, what?” “No” the man replied, “I work for the IRS.”
A DRUNK WAKES UP IN JAIL, “WHY AM I HERE OFFICER?”
“For drinking.” replies the cop. “Great” says the man. “When do we start?”
I WAS STANDING NEXT TO THIS BLOKE IN THE CHANGING ROOM AT MY LOCAL
GYM YESTERDAY WHEN A MOBILE
PHONE RINGS.
He was getting dry so he puts it on loudspeaker. I thought straightaway wot a smug bastard!
MAN: “Hello”
WOMAN: “Honey, it’s me. Are you at the gym?”
MAN: “Yes”
WOMAN: “I am at the Metro Centre now and found this beautiful leather coat.
It’ s only £1,000. Is it OK if I buy it?”
MAN: “Sure, ..go ahead if you like it that much.”
WOMAN: “I also stopped by the Mercedes dealership and saw the new 2021 models. I saw one I really liked.”
MAN: “How much?”
WOMAN: “£90,000”
MAN: “OK, but for that price I want it with all the options.”
WOMAN: “Great! Oh, and one more thing .... The house I wanted last year is back on the market. They’re asking £950,000”.
MAN: “Well, then go ahead and give them an offer of £900,000. They will probably take it. If not, we can go the extra 50 thousand.
WOMAN: “OK. I’ll see you later! I love you so much!!”
MAN: “Bye! I love you, too.”
The man hangs up. The other men in the locker room are staring at him in astonishment, mouths agape.....He smiles and asks: “Anyone know who this bloody phone belongs to?”
Spotted on the Street
Brenda gets official recognition
Well Known Tralee Lady Brenda Houlihan gets her official Fundraiser recognition letter from the Irish Kidney Association as well as being presented with a Gift Voucher for herself . Brenda raised over €2000 in vital funds recently selling 140 tickets and 21 books for the IKA Association .
Charlie and Jaycee looking good at The Ashe Hotel
The Fires are blazing in the Grand!
Fitzgibbons Interiors in Manor pull out all the Christmas decorating stops!
Jane & Maurice signing their new book " The Big House ' at O Mahonys Bookshop recently
Mercy Mounthawk Students plant over 150 trees on Bracker O Regan Road last weekend in conjunction with Tralee Tidy Towns
We wish all our Customers a Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year. Thank you for your business this past
Mon Dec 19th to Fri Dec 23rd ...........................................8am to 6pm
Dec 24, 25, 26 , 27th ...................................................................CLOSED
Wed Dec 28th to Fri Dec 30th ...........................................9am to 5pm Sat Dec 31, Sun Jan 1 Mon Jan 2nd..........................................CLOSED
NORMAL HOURS RESUME FROM TUE JAN 3RD
