REGULAR COLUMNS
WHAT’S ON IN
SIAMSA TIRE, HOME TO THE NATIONAL FOLK THEATRE
Sat 11th & Sun 12th at 8pm THE SUCCESSFUL TD
By John B Keane
The Successful TD follows the trials, tribulations, misadventures and hilarious antics of TULL McADOO as he seeks re-election to the Dail in the October Elections. Starring Jon Kenny & Mary McEvoy
Tickets: €23/19.50
Wed 15th at 8pm
I HEAR YOU AND REJOICE
Loco & Reckless Productions
A tender, joy-filled account, of a most unlikely marriage... Following the sellout success of The Man In The Woman’s Shoes, Mikel Murfi returns with a new one man show.
Tickets: €17/15
Sat 18th at 8pm LINGER
Ériu Dance Company
Choreographed by Breandán de Gallaí
Powerful and tender, two dancers at opposite ends of their dancing career share a poignant duet through contemporary Irish dance. Lïnger, performed by ex-Riverdance principal Breandán de Gallaí and Nick O’Connell,
Tickets: €15/13
IN THE GALLERY
VESSELS
By Joan Coen
Artist Joan Coen explores the universal symbolism of vessels...
Admission Free Runs until March 17th
TRAVEL CORNER
IN ASSOCIATION WITH
THE PERFECT HONEYMOON
"We are getting married next year and we don't really know what to do about our Honeymoon... Have you any advice?
Michelle & Robert , Killorglin
Sandra says ....
It is difficult to research a 3 to 4 week holiday on your own in todays hectic climate, but your local travel agent will know every destination, and will have visited many of them personally, Consult your local travel agency as this will definitely save you time and money.
Choose the correct travel agent that will personally suit your needs - friendliness , eager and knowledgeable staff are 3 of the most import criteria that you should be looking out for.
A glass of champagne upon arrival and a willing to meet you on your own schedule when preparing to book your honeymoon should be top of your criteria as this is the start of the adventure
Where have you always wanted to go? The Seychelles? Write the ideas down and have fun - its a wish list, not a worry-fest! With money in the bank, a generous window for travel and ( in most cases) no kids tagging along, a honeymoon is a golden opportunityit could be decades before you get a trip like it again.
Have clear ideas on your budget and what you want so your travel agent will be able to maximise what you want and take out what you dont want. Don’t forget to leave a little room in the budget for activities (be it scuba diving, couples massage or fancy dinners). Bear in mind the average honeymoon in Ireland costs between €4,000 and €8,000 per couple.
Consider a honeymoon gift list. If you are desperate for a particular honeymoon, and your budget won't stretch to it, maybe consider a honeymoon gift list. Many travel agents offer this service, where you create your honeymoon and guests can 'contribute' to it as gifts.
Buy insurance. Chances are nothing will go wrong. But if your bags go missing, your plane is delayed or your passport drops out of your pocket on the beach you will want to be covered. Also you will need to cover those shiny new rings you are wearing!
Check the forecast! Before you book anything, check with your travel agent what the weather will be like for the time of year. You can get great deals in the Caribbean online, during hurricane season, but you might prefer not to run the risk of bad weather!
WHY NOT CALL INTO OUR HONEYMOON EXPERTS IN IVY TERRACE AND DISCUSS YOUR HONEYMOON WITH A GLASS OF CHAMPAGNE? OR MAKE AN APPOINTMENT AND WE CAN MEET YOU AFTER OFFICE HOURS IN OUR LUXURY OFFICES.
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN TRALEE...
VIVA MEXICO ! STATION HOUSE ANNOUNCE THEIR THEME NIGHT FOR APRIL!
There’s all the signs of a busy month ahead as The Station House prepare for a variety of events over the coming weeks with Paddy’s weekend just around the corner, confirmation and christening parties followed by Mother’s Day at the end of the month. “We are delighted that locals are choosing The Station House as their preferred place to hold family events such as Christenings, birthdays and confirmations and have had fantastic feedback from our customers so far”, says owner and chef Nick. Manageress Fiona has been busy teaming up with local hair and beauty salon ‘Brush N Blush’ to offer something different to customers for Mother’s
Day. “We have organised a fantastic pamper giveaway for all the mum’s that dine with us here on the weekend of Mother’s Day ... all mum’s booked in for the weekend will be automatically entered into a draw for a pamper day out for two at Brush N Blush where they will have their nails, hair and make-up done followed by a complimentary meal with prosecco at The Station House.”
The team at The Station House are also busy planning for their next big theme night at the beginning of April. With two great nights already selling out in January (Chinese Night ) and February (Spanish Night ), its believed the next
VINCENTS IN CASTLE ST... 1 YEAR OLD ON PADDYS WEEKEND!
one is going to be a Mexican night, but all will be revealed soon so watch this space!
And get ready to jump the wall!
Vincents on Castle St in Tralee are proud to announce our first birthday celebrations in store on March 16th, According to manager Sharon Farrelly “ on behalf of all my staff and volunteers I would like to say a big thank you to the people of Tralee and the surrounding areas who have kindly taken the time to donate clothes, shoes, toys and many other items to store over the past 12 months and also to thank our loyal customers who come out in all weathers to pick up a few bargains from Vincents on Castle Street. Just to give back a little on the day we are having 50% off ladies clothes, refreshments for all, face painting for the kids(young and old!)a raffle for some great prizes sponsored by local businesses and the lovely Deirdre Walsh from Radio Kerry will be presenting Talkback from the store between 1.30 and 3pm. Hope to see you @ Vincents on Castle Street! “
FINNISH TRAVEL PROFESSIONALS DINE IN FINNEGANS AND STAY IN THE ASHE AS THEY CHECK OUT TRALEE
Seven leading tour operators and travel agents from Finland have been taking part in a fact-finding visit of Kerry and Ireland over the weekend – as guests of Tourism Ireland and Fáilte Ireland. The group flew to Dublin from Helsinki with Norwegian Airlines.
The aim of the visit was to showcase the Wild Atlantic Way and to encourage the Finnish travel professionals to extend the Ireland content of their programmes or to include Ireland for the first time in their programmes. The visit was also a great opportunity to highlight ease of access from Finland to Ireland.
The group visited Kenmare, before travelling to Killarney via Molls Gap. They enjoyed a guided tour of Muckross House and Gardens in Killarney and also took in a Victorian walking tour of Tralee. They stayed at The Ashe Hotel and dined in Finnegan’s Restaurant & Wine Cellar, while in Tralee.
Aileen Hickey, Tourism Ireland’s Manager for the Nordic Region, said: “Tourism Ireland was delighted to invite this group of Finnish tour operators and travel agents to visit Kerry and Ireland. Factfinding visits like this are an
important part of our annual programme of promotions in the Nordic Region, to increase awareness of Ireland among
influential travel professionals and help secure a greater share of their business.”
Finnish tour operators and travel agents with Maarit Kärkkäinen, Tourism Ireland; and Camilla Karlsson, Norwegian Airlines, during their visit to Ireland.
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN TRALEE in pictures!
ABOVE: The Bazaar cheque 38,724.00 EURO was presented by Margaret Crean, and Fr. Piotr Delimat to Fr. Tadhg Fitzgerald PP. St. John’s Church, Tralee, on Monday night at the Pastoral Centre, for the upkeep of the three Churches in the Parish. Pictured are the Bazaar Committee, and student helpers, with Canon James Linnane, Fr. Bernard Healy C.C, and Fr. Francis Nolan C.C.
ABOVE: Kian O’Shea, 6th class Scoil Eoin, Balloonagh, was Confirmed at Our Lady and St. Brendan’s Church, Tralee, on Friday, by Bishop Ray Browne, left Stephanie and Paddy O’Shea, Dyanne and Paudie O’Shea, with their children Kian and Darragh O’Shea, Adrian and Tony Wallace, and Treacy Bulger.
ABOVE: Confirmation cermony at Our Lady and St. Brendan’s Church, Tralee, on Friday. 6th Class Scoil Eoin, Balloonagh, pictured with Bishop Ray
and teacher Mike
ABOVE: Stephen Hunt, 6th class Scoil Eoin, Balloonagh, was Confirmed at Our Lady and St. Brendan’s Church, Tralee, on Friday, by Bishop Ray Browne, and is pictured with his parents Trica and Robert Hunt, his sister Megan Hunt, and cousins Willie and Pat Sullivan.
ABOVE: Harry Meehan, 6th class Scoil Eoin, Balloonagh, was Confirmed at Our Lady and St. Brendan’s Church, Tralee, on Friday, and is pictured with his parents Geraldine and Kevin Meehan and his brother Wesley Meehan.
Thursday
ABOVE:Ruairi Halloran, 6th class Scoil Eoin, Balloonagh, was Confirmed at Our Lady and St. Brendan’s Church, Tralee, on Friday by Bishop Ray Browne, and pictured Fr. Padraig Walsh PP. with Brid and Mike Halloran and their children Ruairi and Leila.
ABOVE: Attending Na Gaeil GAA social at the Meadowlands Hotel on Saturday night, left Mary McElligott, Jacinta Bourke, and Niamh Burke, Tralee.
ABOVE: Cian Lawless, 6th class Scoil Eoin, Balloonagh, was Confirmed at Our Lady and St. Brendan’s Church, Tralee, on Friday, by Bishop Ray Browne, and is picured with his parents Helan and Declan Lawless, Bishop Ray Browne, and Fr. Padraig Walsh PP.
ABOVE: The Confirmation Ceremony for 6th class Scoil Eoin, Balloonagh, took place at Our Lady and St. Brendan’s Church, Tralee, on Friday pictured left Rose M ucaj, Fatmia Jorggi, Fr. Padraig Walsh PP. Orgito Jorggi, Anila Mucaj, Loran Bejko, the boy Ben Jorggi.
: Taken at Na
Saturday
ABOVE: Alus Injah, Tralee in a serious discussion with John Brassill TD and Micheál Martin TD. who were on a visit to LiDL new Store that opened on
in Tralee.
ABOVE
Gaeil GAA social at the Meadowlands Hotel on
night. Left Paudie and Rita Dineen, and Pat O’Connor, Tralee. P
Browne, Fr. Padraig Walsh PP,
O’Toole,
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN TRALEE...
MODS LAUNCH NEW COLLECTIONS THIS WEEKEND WITH 20% SALE
“Mods & Minis is excited to announce the arrival of their Spring Summer 2017 Collections. Now with more brands than ever before to compliment our ever-popular Name It Collection. New exciting lines such as Losan, Happy Calegi, Rosalita Senoritas, Mim-Pi and UBS2 are now in store. Offering a diverse selection of clothing from the wild and wacky colours of Rosalita Senoritas to the classical nautical theme of UBS.2 we have something for everybody. To celebrate the launch of these exciting new brands we will be hosting a 20% off Event in stores from Thursday the 9th to Sunday the 12th of March. Don’t miss out!
of Blennerville/Ballyard’s girls U16 relay team who won the bronze medals in the Community Games Swimming yesterday in the Complex.
45th wedding celebrations for Mary and John O’Mahoney from Leith West in Tralee with all their family daughterTrish, Matty and Caoimhe Dillon, son PJ, Caroline,John,Nicole and Jennifer O’Mahoney,daughter Sheila,Timmy,Valerie and Kayleigh Enright.
ROSE HOTEL HOSTS CONNECT KERRY HAIR AND BEAUTY AWARDS THIS SUNDAY
The inaugural Connect Kerry Hair and Beauty Awards will take place at a glamorous Ceremony this Sunday March 12th in the ball room of the Rose Hotel, Tralee, Co Kerry. MC’ed by wellknown fashionista and beauty blogger, Orlagh Winters, and Conor Halpin of Spin Southwest Radio. The event is sold out with almost 300 attending from business located all over Kerry. The Awards are organised by Margaret Kissane, Publisher & Editor of Kerry’s only monthly lifestyle glossy publication, Connect Magazine and both celebrate and recognise the brilliant talents and many successes of those working within the hair and beauty industry in Kerry. For updates on the Awards as they happen follow us on Twitter @ connect_kerry or the hashtag #ConnectKerryHB. For more information on the Connect Kerry Hair and Beauty Awards 2017 email margaret@
connectpublications.ie
There are 15 Overall Award Categories as follows
1. The Connect Kerry Make Up Artist Award
2. The Connect Kerry Wedding and Occasion Make Up Specialist Award
3. The Connect Kerry Brow / Lash Specialist Award.
4. The Connect Kerry Nail Technician Award
5. The Connect Kerry Tanning Specialist Award
6. The Connect Kerry Waxing Specialist Award
7. The Connect Kerry Wedding and Occasion Up Style Specialist Award
8. The Connect Kerry Color Technician Award
9. The Connect Kerry Men’s Stylist Award
10. The Connect Kerry Spa Therapist Facial Specialist Award
11. The Connect Kerry Junior Stylist Hair or Make up Award
12. The Connect Kerry Spa
Therapist Massage Specialist Award.
13. The Connect Kerry Salon Manager Award
14. The Connect Kerry Hair Salon of the year Award.
15. The Connect Kerry Beauty Salon of the year Award.
There will be a maximum of 10 finalists in each category and the winner will be chosen public vote. There is also have a panel of judges in the event of a tie and the overall winner will be announced at the event. There are also a number of special nonnomination awards to honour finalists in their chosen industry.
Margaret Kissane,
Publishing Editor, Connect Magazine
“The Connect Kerry Hair and Beauty Awards will honour all who work on a daily basis in salons and spas all over the county. These people deserve to be recognised and we are delighted to reward them for the work they do on a daily basis to make us all look good and feel great! It’s the first Beauty Awards of its kind in Kerry and we plan on making it an annual event”.
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN
CIARA DALY LISTOWEL AND LAVINA MURPHY , TRALEE ACHIEVE FIRST AND SECOND AT NATIONAL BEAUTY COMPETITION
The Ireland Skills National Beauty Therapy Competition was held at Kerry ETB Training Centre last Monday 28th Feb and Tues 1st March. Two Kerry women were awarded first and second place in this prestigious national competition.
Ciara Daly from Lartigue Listowel who was awarded first prize is a student at the ETB Beauty Therapy Traineeship at Kerry ETB Training Centre in Tralee. She is currently doing her work experience part of the course modules at Glamour Salon in Listowel. Ciara as the overall winner will receive a Department of Education and Skills Silver Medal of Excellence as National Champion in Beauty Therapy.
The other finalists included Lavina Murphy from Tralee who is also a student of Beauty Therapy at ETB Training Centre. She was placed second and is currently doing her work experience module at The Spa in Ballygarry House Hotel Tralee. Tara O Halloran Cronin and her judging panel, Cerena Duffy from Dun Laoghaire ETB and John Twohig representing Ireland Skills put
the competitors through their paces covering recognised tasks and skillsets in Beauty Therapy linked to standardised world skill-sets. These included Advanced Facial Treatments, Spa Body Treatments, Evening Makeup and French Nails, Hair Removal and Fantasy Makeup and Nail Treatments.
Tara said she was delighted that Kerry ETB Training Centre are asked again to host the competitions and she added, “ It’s all about recognition, we are held in very high esteem because of the standards we set and the training work we do here in Beauty Therapy. Our former trainees have achieved success in their careers in Kerry and beyond and our reputation has grown nationally and internationally”.
The annual Ireland Skills Competition is one of the most prestigious events in the crafts calendar. It attracts the best trainee crafts persons from around the country to compete for first place in Ireland and win the coveted Department of Education and Skills, Silver Medal in their respective skill areas.
A follow up stage to this
National Competition will also be held at The ETB Training Centre in Tralee in April. The three finalists in the National competition will compete again and the overall winner will represent Ireland at the World Skills Competition 2017 in Abu Dhabi later this year to compete for the International gold medal.
Nora O’Callaghan, acting Area Training manager of Kerry ETB Training Centre, said that hosting the National competitions is a great recognition for the Training Centre, “It’s a great vote of confidence in the quality of training offered by Tara and her colleagues and recognition of the high standards achieved by our successful trainees as well as demonstrating the trust Ireland Skills have in what we do at Kerry ETB Training Centre here in Tralee”.
PRES TRALEE TY GROUP REACH LAST 50 IN NATIONAL COMPETITION
The Pres Tralee TY group who have reached the last 50 teams in the SEAI ONE GOOD IDEA competition: Ciara Boyd, Blaithnaid Cotter, Rebecca Duggan and Eimear Ellard have been extremely busy running their Activity week last week in Pres Tralee and putting the finishing touches to the final project submission this week. Their project “Locally grown is Better Known” will focus on the topic of Reducing Food Miles which will be of interest and benefit to many. The girls are highlighting how easy it is for everyone to grow some herbs and vegetables themselves - no matter how little space you have. The girls carried
out lots of activities last week including visits to Spa National school and Presentation
Primary to do food tastings, activities on food miles, poster competitions and demonstrate seed planting with the students. In Pres Secondary Tralee, post-its with key messages regarding food sources and seasonality were put onto all students lockers and displays of key facts were put up in each social area with the main one in the Assembly area. While the TY Sciences classes had done lots of bulb planting last September, the project group have also begun seed planting using portable mini-greenhouses and already radishes and
chives are well germinated and being monitored carefully! All of this was being done while monitoring facebook pages etc. We wish the girls
well in their final submission - hopefully your tremendous campaign will be well rewarded!
Winner is Ciara Day Winner, Tara O’Halloran Cronin National Chief Expert Ireland Skills and Lavinia Murphy Second Runner Up
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN TRALEE...
IT TRALEE & FEXCO TO HOST UPCOMING CANTILLON CONFERENCE 2017
Ireland’s only one-day, financial technology discussion forum
The Institute of Technology Tralee in association with FEXCO will host the upcoming Cantillon Conference 2017, Ireland’s only one-day financial technology discussion forum, on Thursday 30th March. The annual conference is named after Ballyheigue native Richard Cantillon, an 18th-century banker, credited with the origin of the term entrepreneur and a pioneering economist.
This year themed Building Borderless Business the Cantillon Conference takes place at The Rose Hotel in Tralee and welcomes industry experts from companies including Indeed, SAP, DELL EMC, Accenture, Voxpro, Deloitte, Grant Thornton and FEXCO to lead discussion on the 3 key areas of; Digital Financial Technologies, Cyber Security and Digital Building Blocks. MC’d by Miriam O’Callaghan, the conference aims to draw attention to the challenges and opportunities for Irish companies, both start up and established, in the area of financial technology as well furthering the discussion around attracting
the necessary talent to support this growing sector.
The IT Tralee Cantillon Conference is an annual event and a Forum for Fresh Thinking, which challenges the status quo, pushes experts to think differently and allows its audience to really participate in debate on issues that affect the economy and the development of entrepreneurship in Ireland.
The conference brings together a host of national and international thought and business leaders, economists, journalists, academics and entrepreneurs to discuss key topics - this year ‘fintech’and how new technologies are impacting on business, policies and global sectoral trends.
Commenting on the conference Dr Oliver Murphy, President IT Tralee; “the Cantillon Conference has now become the go-to forum for the development of entrepreneurship in Ireland. The key to the event’s success is the fact that topics for discussion are topical and relevant to the strategic development of entrepreneurship and the transformation of Ireland’s economic model. In
association with FEXCO, we look forward to welcoming some of the world’s leading experts in the area of fintech to Kerry later this month to challenge and debate the future of the global financial landscape.”
Ruth McCarthy CEO FEXCO Corporate Payments added; “fintech presents a significant opportunity for the Irish economy – now more so than ever. FEXCO is excited to support and be a part of this event again in 2017, one which we believe is absolutely necessary to highlight the
opportunities around fintech, blockchain technologies and associated sectors like Cyber Security.”
IT Tralee Cantillon Conference 2017 in association with FEXCO will take place on Thursday 30th March 2017 at The Rose Hotel in Tralee. Packages are available for individual delegates and groups with prices beginning at €120. To register for the event or for more information visit www.cantillon.ie.
ANTI TRAFFICKING GIFT BOX COMES TO TRALEE
A walk-in GIFT Box is coming to Tralee as part of a nationwide tour and will be in Manor West Retail Park, Tralee on Monday and Tuesday 20 and 21 March, from 10am-7pm. Members of the public are invited to visit the large attractive looking box.
The GIFT Box aims to raise awareness about Human Trafficking. Its gift box exterior symbolises the way traffickers entice their victims with false promises, but once inside this large street sculpture you are presented with a different reality.
Its Irish tour is a joint initiative of the Loreto Sisters and APT (Act to Prevent Trafficking) with the support of the Department of Justice. It is being hosted in Tralee by the Diocese of Kerry Justice, Peace and Creation /JPIC Committee
People-trafficking is the fastest growing means by which people are enslaved, the fastest growing international crime, and one of the largest sources of income for organised crime.
In Ireland the central message of the awareness campaign of Anti Human Trafficking Unit (Department of Justice) is “Don’t Close Your Eyes to Human Trafficking”. You are encouraged to share any suspicions or information on the crime with the Gardaí who will then investigate accordingly.
The public are encouraged to visit the GIFT Box during its Tralee visit. Inside the Box, true stories of human trafficking are recounted. To protect the identity of the victims, names have been changed.
Pope Francis has stated: Every country in the world
is touched in some way by this new form of slavery, which often targets the most vulnerable members of society: women, children, the disabled, the poor and people from broken homes or other difficult situations. Even those who have no religious beliefs should be
concerned about victims of human trafficking out of pure “compassion for their suffering” and should help work to free them and soothe their wounds. For more information on The Gift Box visit: http://www. stopthetraffik.org/campaign/ giftbox
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN TRALEE...
TRALEE COMPANY TLI , AMONG 2017 DELOITTE BEST MANAGED COMPANIES AWARD WINNERS
127 companies employing almost 60,000 staff all around Ireland have been named Best Managed Companies by Deloitte at the 2017 awards ceremony in Dublin’s Convention Centre. Sixteen new winners join an existing network of companies awarded the accolade since the scheme’s establishment nine years ago. The awards, in association with Barclays Bank Ireland were attended by over 900 people from the Irish business community.
TLI Group based in Abbeydorney , Tralee was awarded Platinum Status having requalified for a seventh consecutive year.
According to TLI MD John Tuite , “We are Delighted to announce that once again we have secured a Deloitte Best Managed Companies Award for the 7th year in a row!!! This is testament to our team’s constant hard work, dedication & drive without whom what we do would not be possible. A big thank you to the team & WELL DONE!!
Earlier in the day, the companies gathered at a management symposium, where they were addressed by, among other speakers, David Carson, Deloitte’s lead partner on Brexit.
Best Managed Companies
‘Awards recognise contribution that Ireland’s innovators and entrepreneurs make to economy’
Wednesday, March 08th, 2017: Bank of Ireland Startup Awards 2017 were officially launched at an event in the Enterprise Ireland Headquarters in Dublin. The competition, now in its sixth year, recognises and rewards Irish startups for their success in business across 13 categories including digital, food and drink, retail and fintech, health & healthcare and technology.
Open to companies and organisations across all sectors, awareness for the Bank of Ireland Startup Awards continues to grow annually, with almost 680 entries received in 2016. With categories such as the ‘Food & Drink Entrepreneurial Startup’, claimed in 2016 by Waterford-based manufacturer Pip & Pear Babyfood, now sold in multiples throughout the country and Cyc-Lok who were the winner of the Sustainable Startup category went on to secure a contract with Dublin
City Council after their win. The category winners of the Bank of Ireland Startup Awards will go on to represent Ireland in the prestigious European Startup Awards which will take place later this year.
Kerry companies can enter the awards on their own behalf or can be nominated by a friend or colleague. Entries are judged in their respective region, which includes Dublin, the rest of Leinster, Munster and Connacht/Ulster. Regional finalists are then shortlisted for the national final which takes
place in Dublin in May. The competition is open to Bank of Ireland customers and nonBank of Ireland customers.
KERRY MOTOR WORKS HELP KERRY CANCER SUPPORT GROUP IN THEIR BID TO “DRIVE YOUR RECOVERY”
Kerry Motor Works help Kerry Cancer Support Group in their bid to “Drive your Recovery”
Members of Kerry Cancer Support Group-Kerry Cork Health Link Bus were presented with the keys of a 171 Ford Kuga Titanium on 08-03-2017 by Kieran Griffin of Kerry Motor Works Tralee.
The Management, Staff and Board of Directors at Kerry Cancer Support Group would like to express their sincere gratitude to Kerry Motor Works for this sponsorship and are delighted with their association with the Ford Dealer.
The vehicle will be used to complement and enhance the existing services that Kerry Cancer Support Group provide. These include the Kerry Cork Health Link Bus which transports service users from all over Kerry and parts of Cork to hospitals in Cork for their cancer treatment, delivery of awareness programmes to schools and groups in the region and provision of their emergency driving service which transports service users where no other service can help them.
Photo caption: Pictured at the 2017 Deloitte
award ceremony in Dublin’s Convention Centre
was Joe Rogers from TLI Group with Richard Howard, Partner, Deloitte.
Kieran Griffin of Kerry Motor Works, Mile Height, Tralee, hands over the keys of a new Ford Kuga Titanium to Breda Dyland of Kerry Cancer Support Group on Wednesday. Also pictured is Trish Kelly of KCSG and Dan Horan, Chairman of KCSG.
Photo by Dermot Crean
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN TRALEE...
TGIFF - THANK GOODNESS IT’S FREEBIE FRIDAY FOR PARKING IN TRALEE.
FREEBIE Friday, a new initiative from Kerry County Council aimed at bringing a new lease of life to Tralee, has been launched to encourage people to enjoy Tralee town centre on Friday evenings.
The Mayor of Tralee, Cllr Terry O’Brien, said that Kerry County Council’s initiative, which had immediate effect from Friday 3rd March, was aimed at bringing a new lease of life to Tralee on Friday evenings.
Tralee is the perfect destination for shopping trips offering a range of major brands, individual family owned stores, hundreds of dining options and FREE parking from 4pm on Fridays. Mayor Tralee, Cllr Terry O’Brien, said: “My elected colleagues and I agreed that anything which encourages more people into town or to stay longer in town is a good thing for retailers and the atmosphere in the town generally. From 4pm, no parking fees will be payable over the coming months and this will hopefully encourage shoppers and locals to park at no cost in any of the hundreds of on-street and off-street public parking spaces Tralee has to offer.”
The President of Tralee Chamber Alliance, John Drummey, said: “We welcome
the positive steps taken by Kerry County Council to help generate more activity in the town centre. There isn’t a retailer, hotelier, restaurateur, publican, or attraction provider who won’t go the extra mile to ensure that Freebie Friday achieves its goal to attract more locals and visitors into the town centre for longer. We hope that people will travel from far and wide to Tralee to start and spend their weekends with us.”
Over the coming months, Tralee Chamber Alliance, through the Tralee Offers Facebook page and Tralee. ie will highlight the many early bird menu options, special offers from retailers and details of entertainment in the town centre on Freebie Fridays.
“Kerry County Council and its elected members are always looking for new ways to generate activity and business in Tralee town centre and this
is a gesture on the part of the Council towards achieving that aim. I hope people embrace the opportunity to get their weekends off to a great start by coming into or staying on in town – and to linger longer in Tralee,” said Mayor Terry O’Brien.
For more information about Freebie Friday, please contact Kerry County Council on 0667121111 or Tralee Chamber Alliance on 066-7121472.
MENTAL HEALTH WEEK 2017 AT PRES TRALEE
Mental Health Week 2017 is taking place in Presentation Secondary School Tralee from Monday 6th of March to Friday 10th. An excellent and diverse range of diverse of activities will be taking place for all year groups during the week – all coordinated by the Student Representative Council.
School Principal, Mary O’Keeffe and Head girls, Aoife O’Sullivan and Katie Ahern of 6th Year, addressed the school on Monday morning to launch the week’s activities and to encourage everyone to participate fully in the week.
As well as lots of Art displays, thoughts of the day over the intercom, Zumba and the very popular “Smile” zone, a new activity this year is the “One Good Adult Tree” in the Assembly area that allows each student to acknowledge and celebrate the adults who mean a lot to them in their lives by placing a coloured card with a name and description of why the person is so important to the student on a branch of the tree on display in the Assembly area. Speakers during the week included Nikki Bradley who made a presentation “Tough as Nails” in relation to her experiences with Ewings disease and Astrid Longhurst who spoke about Body Confidence.
Head Girls Katie Ahern and Aoife O’Sullivan with speaker Nikki Bradley
They are bringing back the Nokia 3310
Billy says: For those of you that remember the Nokia 3310 and how it was the best mobile phone for its time, it’s coming back with new features. It will feature the same iconic design however it won’t be quite as heavy, there will be a colour screen however it won’t be highresolution. The battery is capable of 75 hours of talk time and 720 hours of stand-by. The Nokia 3310 will also feature the classic snake game popular in the old Nokia models. We might have access to the internet now but back then we had snake, which took up more of people’s time than Googling things.
Premier League gets Kodi piracy court order
Billy says: In the UK the Premier League has secured an order to help battle the video streaming sites. Until now, it could only go after individual video streams which were relatively easy to re-establish at different links. A spokesman said it could now target pirates in a precise manner. Accessing premium paid-for content without a subscription is considered by the industry as unlawful access, although streaming something online, rather than downloading a file, is likely to be exempt from copyright laws. Kodi has become very popular for watching movies and TV Shows on demand, It can be installed on your desktop, android Phone, Tablet or set top box.
The More you tell the more you sell!!!
VERDI’S LA TRAVIATA TO BE SCREENED LIVE THIS SATURDAY AT TRALEE OMNIPLEX
Classical Arts Ireland is proud to present The Metropolitan Opera’s live broadcast of Verdi’s “La Traviata” on Saturday 11th March at 5.55pm to Tralee Omniplex , one of 30 exclusive venues across Ireland. Sonya Yoncheva reprises her widely praised interpretation of the heroine Violetta Valéry in Verdi’s La Traviata, with
Michael Fabiano as her lover, Alfredo, and Thomas Hampson in one of his most acclaimed Met roles as Alfredo’s protective father, Giorgio Germont. San Francisco Opera Music Director Nicola Luisotti conducts.
PRESS QUOTES:
“A soprano grows into her stardom… It was a revelation to hear Ms. Yoncheva’s
voice… She sounded wonderful throughout… Her voice was suffused with warmth.” – The New York Times “Traviata shines anew at the Met with Yoncheva and Fabiano… A memorable operatic outing.” – The Huffington Post
For more information see www.classicalartsireland.
DONT FORGET THIS SAT NIGHT... ANOTHER
”ABSOLUTE
After a great response to the previous “ABSOLUTE 8O’S NIGHTS in the Brogue ,This Sat night Feb 25th , its going to happen again !! Yes , the Brogue Inn is playing host to ANOTHER late night “ Absolute Eighties” session with well -known local DJ Chris Shortt .”We wanted to try something a little bit different , as we are now having entertainment up to 7 nights a week in the Brogue “ says Fiona Kirby . . According to Chris , “these nights really rock .....People who I haven’t seen in years come
com or find us on Facebook and Twitter. or contact Tralee Omniplex directly
80’S NIGHT“ WITH CHRIS SHORTT
out purely to hear the great songs of the 80’s .... ....we are talking Bob Marley , The Police , Deacon Blue , Simple Minds , Dire Straits , Abba , the list goes on ...Remember MT USA with Fab Vinny ...we are talking Michael Jackson , Van Halen, The Pointer Sisters , Starship , The Eagles , Fleetwood mac.
Chris really knows his music , he has been the Rose Ball DJ for many many years now “ says Kevin Cotter .from the Brogue ..”.it only makes sense to have someone who knows the 80’s music back to front
entertaining our customers rather than having someone working from a Playlist !”
So remember THIS Sat March 11th is “ABSOLUTE 80’S NIGHT with Chris Shortt in the Brogue
TBS STORE IN ROCK ST NOW SELL GIFT VOUCHERS
To celebrate the launch of his new range of gift Vouchers , Tom from TBS Store in Rock St , is giving away plenty of FREE Gift vouchers worth €10 each for the month of March
! Simply spend €30 or more in this great little store anytime in March and Tom will give you one of his TBS Gift Vouchers worth €10 !
According to Tom , “we have introduced some new product lines in the past few months and I want to launch them ...so what better way than doing a Gift Voucher promotion . As well as Gift Vouchers , we are now selling Costume Jewellery , Premiership Club phone covers such as Liverpool and Man United , All iPhone and iPad accessories as well as a new range of T-Shirts “ So give TBS in Rock St a call (Just up from Supervalu) and get your hands of one of those FREE Gift Vouchers ...Hurry says Tom , he only has a limited number available .
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS: PART-TIME WORK AND PRSI
Question:
I work part-time in a local restaurant from Thursday to Saturday. The number of shifts I work can vary depending on the time of year. How does this parttime arrangement affect my social insurance (PRSI) contributions?
Answer:
The number of social insurance contributions you make can affect your eligibility for the range of social insurance benefits that are available.
It is called Pay Related Social Insurance (PRSI) because the amount of social insurance you pay depends on your earnings and the type of work you do.
In general, you pay a PRSI contribution in respect of each PRSI contribution week in which you work. The PRSI contribution week starts on the first day of January every year. Because this may fall on any day of the week, the PRSI contribution week may differ from the working week. You must be working on at least one day in each PRSI contribution week in order to pay a contribution.
In 2017, the first of January fell on a Sunday. This means that each PRSI contribution week this year runs from Sunday to Saturday.
As your part-time work arrangement requires that you work part of every week between Sunday and Saturday, you will have your full 52 PRSI contributions for 2017. Even if, due to the seasonal nature of your work, your working days were reduced to one or two of those days per week, you would still have your full contributions.
However, if your work pattern was to change to the same days for one week on, one week off, you would only get 26 weeks of contributions in 2017. Further information is available from the Citizens Information Centre below.
Opening Hours: Monday - Friday 10am - 4pm Tel: 0761 07 7860
Bexblah Beauty
This page is sponsored by Munster Robes & Kitchens
HELLO MY BEAUTIFUL FRIENDS! I HOPE YOU’RE HAVING AN AMAZING WEEK!
I have been having a really big makeup and skincare moment at the moment, I’m really looking after my skin and loving makeup(as per usual). So this week I said I would update you all on my current absolute favourite products! All these products get 10/10 from me and I 100% recommend them.
SKINCARE MAKEUP
Clarisonic Mia2
– I got my Clarisonic in December and honestly, I don’t know how I ever cleaned my face without it! If you don’t know, the Clarisonic is a device that you use to cleanse your face, it cleanses your face 6 times better than your own hands. My skin has been so much clearer and I definitely have less texture. I use mine twice a day, morning and evening. When you start using it at first you will get whats called a ‘detox breakout’ which is when your skin brings all the badness to the top but with continued use, the Clarisonic will clear it.
FACE
Kat Von D Lock-it Tattoo Foundation – This foundation was my absolute ride or die when I lived in California a few years ago. I loved it but I couldn’t get it here… UNTIL NOW!! If you didn’t know, KatVonD Beauty is launching in Debenhams stores in Cork, Belfast and Dublin this month and has already launched online. I know my shade from being matched in Sephora, but you can use Findation.com to find yours. This foundation is full coverage but absolutely not heavy or cakey or dry on the skin, which is what I love.
Collection Concealer – This concealer has held a strong place in my everyday makeup bag for a while now. It’s so good for the under eyes and does not cake or crease. It’s also like €5.
Becca Cosmetics X Jaclyn Hill Champagne Pop Highlighter – My favourite highlighter just arrived back into my life. I ran out of this a few months ago and just got a new one and remembered why I was SO obsessed. I will try and not drop and smash this one.
Advanced Genifique Mask
I’ve already mentioned this before but this mask… I AM OBSESSED. This is a sheet mask that gives your skin a new lease of life! It makes my skin look hydrated, glowy, fresh and just simply amazing. I use the mask every 2nd or 3rd week when I feel my skin looks dull and meh and then my face is happy again.
Laura Mercier Translucent Setting Powder – I’ve mentioned this a few times but I literally don’t do my makeup without it. It doesn’t cake, crease or dry out the skin and it keeps that makeup in place! Also a jar of it lasts MONTHS.
LIPS
Mac Lip Liner in Whirl & Dior Lip Maximiser Gloss – I put these together because they are my current go to lip combo. The whirl adds a bit of nude colour to my lips and the lip max, well that gives me the perfect glossy pout!
So that’s it for this week! Hope you all enjoyed this week’s light hearted post! Have a great weekend and I’ll be back here next week with more beauty related goodness! If you want to contact me for an event, collaboration or just to say hi you can email me at Bexblahbeauty@gmail.com or through any social media, FACEBOOK: Bexblah Beauty, TWITTER: @Bexblah, INSTAGRAM: @Bexblah.
BEXBLAHFITNESS!
HELLO MY STRONG FRIENDS! HOPE YOU’RE ALL HAVING A GREAT WEEK. THIS WEEK I’LL BE TALKING ABOUT ABS
TIPS FOR FLAT ABS
So many people want that washboard flat stomach. The frustrating reality is that the midsection is one of the trickiest areas to tone. That’s why even people dedicated to regular exercise often can’t iron out their abs quickly, it takes time.
Whole-Body Exercise
When it comes to abdominal strength, you shouldn’t train the body in isolation. People have this misconception that the best way to strengthen the abs is to get on the floor and do a thousand crunches, If we could spot reduce, our jaws would be hollow, we probably work the jaw muscle in talking and eating more than any other, and none of us have hollow jaws.
You have to see the abs as a 360-degree core, you want to develop strength and flexibility around that core.
The best exercises for toning your abs are actually ones like squats and deadlifts as they target the entire body.
Diet and Digestion
If you have abdominal fat you can have great ab strength and great posture, but you won’t have a flat abdominal or a sixpack. You have to change your diet and increase your energy output. In other words, eat the right foods and move more. You need to burn off more calories than you take in to reduce body fat. Unfortunately for many people, the abdominals are a place where
fat tends to accumulate. If you have a high sugar and salt diet, you will more than likely hold fat around your midsection.
Don’t eliminate Carbs. So many people, especially females, think any form of carbs are the devil. WRONG. If carbs are too low for too long of a time, your energy levels will drop, cravings will become extremely intense, and your resting metabolic rate will plummet which means you will burn LESS calories. You can eat carbs, they’re very important for energy. Just be sure they aren’t high in salt or sugar!
Take Things Slow
There are no fast fixes. Even the promised quick fixes end up being temporary. It’s a goal. You have to plan on a slow and steady progression. Most people will experience set backs, roadblocks, and utter frustration along the way. Rewards come with time and consistency.
Don’t drink your calories. Before you do a single tummy crunch, think about what you’re putting into your body. Most drinks like, coke, some
coffees, even juices contain around 200 calories. Those are EMPTY calories that have little to no nutritional value. So skip the high sugar and calorie dense drinks in favour of better hydration, like mixed fruit juice with no sugar added, or water with a squeeze of lemon.
TRALEE ADVERTISER
HEALTHY RECIPES
for 2017
Food, Glorious Food!
This week , we have a couple of hearty dishes that are full of flavour. Its hard to beat a good Stew and especially when they taste even better the following day! So make sure you make enough. One of the best things about making a tasty Stew is that you get to use , and certainly should use , cuts of meat that you normally dont try such as Beef Cheek, Brisket, Ribs, Lamb Shank ,Beef Shin and more . These are generally cheaper to buy but as the stews are generally slow-cooked , the flavours and textures are amazing. So here we go with my big bowls of soul food.
SHORT RIB STEW
Short ribs, a marbled cut that turns fabulously succulent and tender when slow-simmered
INGREDIENTS
• 3 1/2 pounds boneless beef short ribs, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
• 1/4 cup flour
• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 cups dry red wine
• 3 cups veal or chicken stock
• 6 carrots, cut into 1/2-inch dice
• 1 1/2 pounds potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch dice
• 3 medium parsnips, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch dice
• 1 large onion, cut into 1-inch dice
• 1/2 pound cremini mushrooms, quartered
• 1 tablespoon thyme leaves, chopped
• 8 sage leaves, coarsely chopped
• sea salt and freshly ground pepper
METHOD
In a large bowl, toss the short ribs with the flour. In a large enameled cast-iron casserole, heat the oil. Working in batches, cook the short ribs over moderately high heat until browned all over, about 6 minutes per batch. Discard the oil Return the meat and any juices to the casserole. Add the wine and boil until reduced by half, 8 minutes. Add the stock and bring to a simmer. Cover and cook over low heat until the meat is tender, 2 hours Skim any fat from the stew. Stir in the carrots, potatoes, parsnips, onion, mushrooms, thyme and sage. Cover and simmer over low heat until the vegetables are tender, about 35 minutes. Season with salt and pepper and serve
HAM HOCK AND CHIC PEA STEW
INGREDIENTS
• 8 cups hot water
• 4 smoked ham hocks (2 1/2 pounds)
• 1 1/2 cups dried chickpeas, soaked overnight and drained
• 3 large carrots, cut into 2-inch lengths
• 1 medium onion, cut into 1-inch dice
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 thyme sprigs
• Three medium potatoes, peeled and quartered
• 1/2 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley
METHOD
Combine the water, ham hocks, chickpeas, carrots, bay leaves and thyme sprigs. Cover and cook on high for 1 hour and 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, Add the potatoes, cover and cook on low for 1 hour and 45 minutes, until the chickpeas, ham hocks and potatoes are tender. Transfer the ham hocks to a large plate. Discard the bay leaves and thyme sprigs. When the hocks are cool enough to handle, remove the meat and coarsely chop it. Return the ham to the soup. Using a paring knife, cut the carrots in the cooker into bite-size pieces. Transfer the potatoes to a bowl and mash to a puree. Stir the mashed potatoes into the soup along with the parsley. Season with salt and pepper and serve
Let me know if you enjoyed them and we will continue our healthy eating next week and remember to send your questions to: askchefnoel@hotmail.com
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN TRALEE...
KERRY ETB TRAINING FAIR IS HAPPENING THIS MONTH
Kerry ETB is delighted to announce the 2017 Further Education and Training Fair, which will take place on Wednesday 22 March, from 10am to 6pm at the Brandon Hotel, Tralee, with a range of talks, workshops and numerous skill demonstrations.
The public are invited to this free event with a variety of interactive skill demonstrations ranging from stonecutting, to 3D printing that can make prototypes, culinary arts, tour guiding, hairdressing, beauty, healthcare and childcare, animal grooming, photography, TV, film and radio production, wind turbine maintenance, fibre optic installation, motor mechanics, CAD, administration and finance.
There are a number of free workshops for anyone who has always wanted to try creative writing, make a garden out of a pallet or learn to be a more effective communicator. The day will have a special focus on finance and supports available to learners, from how to apply for a SUSI grant, to the Back to Education Allowance,
financial management, as well as academic and personal supports available including adult guidance and the community based mental health Peer Support Network.
This Further Education and Training (FET) Fair will be of interest to jobseekers, second chance learners, school leavers, employers, parents, guidance counsellors and anyone interested in lifelong learning. Schools are invited in the morning, while the focus from lunchtime onwards is for adults and employers.
It will be possible for 3 lucky people to update their ICT tools with a Samsung Galaxy A7” tab thanks to the kind sponsorship of Hugh Culloty’s in Tralee. These tabs will be very helpful to anyone returning to learning so keep an eye out for competitions on the Kerry ETB FET Fair Facebook page, on Spin SW, Radio Kerry and at the event day.
This event aims to bring together the work of all centres and showcase to the public what is available to people interested in getting more skills for work, life, family and
community.
Given the recovering economy in Ireland this year there are talks on Apprenticeships for both employers and those considering this ‘earn as you learn’ pathway to a national craft qualification. On the day, the public can talk to instructors from the plumbing, electrical, fitting, carpentry and joinery, motor, stonecutting and metal fabrication Apprenticeships, all of which are delivered in Kerry by the ETB Training Centre.
The door is open to any employer who wants to come
on the day and discuss options for future staff training for business and industry, from the small trader to large factory. Also for employers there will be a Skills for Work section on Kerry ETB courses that offer free training to staff in companies who need basic education for their work roles.
Some of the workshops must be pre-booked, although they are free, due to the limited number of places. More information is available on the Kerry ETB website and on the Facebook event page Kerry ETB FET Fair.
ST PATS WIN FIRST ROUND OF SCOR NA BPAISTI
The Tralee /St Brendan’s Board first round of Scor Na bPaisti took place last Friday evening st Scoil Mhic Easmainn ... and what a feast of talent was served up to an absolutely packed to capacity auditorium ... In what was one of the biggest and best nights entertainment in the Scor calendar to date ...
A total of 5 clubs performed , Tralee Parnells, Austin Stacks, Na Gaeil, Churchill, and St Pat’s in a variety of disciplines from Rince Foirne , Sean Nos Dancing and Group Music to Solo Singing, Recitation ,Ballad Group and Leiriu .....all providing a night to savour of talent of the highest standard ....
Winners on the night were:
Rince Foirne : Churchill; Sean Nos Dancing : Tralee Parnells; Solo Singing:Na Gaeil; Recitation : Tralee Parnells ;Leiriu: St Pat’s ; Ballad Group:St Pat’s; Group Music: St Pat’s
St Pat’s were deserving overall club winners on the night and were presented with the Siobhan Cotter Perpetual Shield much to their delight
A big Thank You to the organisers, mentors , judges , wonderful Bean An Ti and especially the clubs who participated all of which contributed to making it such a successful and enjoyable evening for everyone who attended .... All winners now go forward to the Semi Final
on next Saturday March 11th in Scoil Mhuire Gan Smal in Castleisland at 3.00 pm and we would like to wish
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN TRALEE...
‘TOP KERRY V DUBLIN ‘ DJS TO HEADLINE THE ABBEY ON PADDY’S WEEKEND.
The holiday weekend kicks off on Thursday 16th March , Paddys Eve and sees one of Irelands biggest urban DJ’s.. Ahmed (SPIN FM) headline room 1 in The Abbey Inn while its house and techno time in room 2, where you can see Jonno & Timmy Gibson with support from Cian Siels and Luke Reidy
Then on SATURDAY 18th March, we have a massive DJ Competition between Kerry and Dublin ...
WITH IRISH DJ ICON MARK KAVANAGH (CLUBMIX,THE STAR) joined by Dave De Valera and Eoin Smith from Dublin take on Kerry legends PAUDI CRONIN (FRESH N FUNKY,HORANS) & STACKY(JANUS) & DOLLOR with support from BOOGIEBLOCK SEAN FLANAGAN & KIERAN REGAN
IT promises to be one heck of a weekend in Tralee!
DOORS OPEN AT 10pm EACH NIGHT
Tralee by Night...
LAUGHTER ....THE BEST MEDICINE !
A COP PULLED A CAR OVER FOR SPEEDING
When the Cop asked the driver why he was traveling 95mph, the driver answered that he was a juggler on his way to do a show for a birthday party and didn’t want to be late. The Cop told the driver he was fascinated by juggling, and if the driver would do a little juggling for him that he wouldn’t give him a ticket. The driver told the Cop that he had sent all of his equipment on ahead and didn’t have anything to juggle. The Cop told him that he had some flares in the trunk of his patrol car, and asked if he could juggle them. The juggler stated that he could, so the Cop got three flares, lit them and handed them to the juggler. While the man was doing his juggling act, a car pulled in behind the patrol car. A drunk got out, watched the performance briefly, went over to the patrol car, opened the rear door and got in. The Cop observed him doing this, and went over to the patrol car, opened the door and asked the drunk what he thought he was doing. The drunk replied, “You might as well haul my butt to jail, cause there’s NO way I’ll pass that test.”
FIFTY DOLLARS
Morris and his wife Esther went to the state fair every year, and every year Morris would say, “Esther, I’d like to ride in that helicopter”.
Esther always replied, “I know Morris, but that helicopter ride is 50 dollars -- and 50 dollars is 50 dollars”.
One year Esther and Morris went to the fair, and Morris said, “Esther, I’m 85 years old. If I don’t ride that helicopter, I might never get another chance.”
Esther replied, “Morris that helicopter is 50 dollars -- and 50 dollars is 50 dollars”.
The pilot overheard the couple and said, “Folks I’ll make you a deal. I’ll take the both of you for a ride. If you can stay quiet for the entire ride and not say a word I won’t charge you! But if you say one word, it’s 50 dollars.”
Morris and Esther agreed and up they went. The pilot did all kinds of fancy maneuvers, but not a word was heard. He did his daredevil tricks over and over again, but still not a word. When they landed, the pilot turned to Morris and said, “By golly, I did everything I could to get you
to yell out, but you didn’t. I’m impressed!”
Morris replied, “Well, to tell you the truth, I almost said something when Esther fell out, but you know -- 50 dollars is 50 dollars.”
THE TEACHER GAVE HER FIFTH GRADE CLASS AN ASSIGNMENT: GET THEIR PARENTS TO TELL THEM A STORY WITH
A MORAL AT THE END OF IT.
The next day, the kids came back and, one by one, began to tell their stories. There were all the regular types of stuff: spilled milk and pennies saved. But then the teacher realized, much to her dismay, that she had missed Janie. “Janie, do you have a story to share?”
“Yes, ma’am. My daddy told me a story about my Mommy. She was a Marine pilot in Desert Storm, and her plane got hit. She had to bail out over enemy territory, and all she had was a flask of whiskey, a pistol, and a survival knife. She drank the whiskey on the way down so the bottle wouldn’t break, and then her parachute landed her right in the middle of 20 Iraqi troops. She shot 15 of them with the pistol, until she ran out of bullets, killed four more with the knife, until the blade broke, and then she killed the last Iraqi with her bare hands.”
“Good Heavens,” said the horrified teacher. “What did your Daddy tell you was the moral to this horrible story?”
“Stay away from Mommy when she’s been drinking.”
DID
YOU
A PILOT IS MAKING AN ANNOUNCEMENT TO HIS PASSENGERS
We got some good news, and some bad news. The good news is you guys will be on TV tonight!”
HEAR ABOUT
THE
CROSS-EYED TEACHER WHO LOST HER JOB?
She couldn’t control her pupils Know any funny Jokes? Share with us - send them to
TORQUING CARS!
IRISH PEOPLE ARE BUYING LOTS MORE HYBRIDS, BUT SMALL DIESEL ON THE GO TOO
We’re buying far more hybrid cars this year as the genre becomes increasingly accepted while diesel comes under pressure.
New figures from Toyota - the biggest seller of hybrids here - show a leap in buying such cars. But don’t write diesel off yet. Nissan, for one, are readying for the April arrival of their new Micra supermini with a 1.5-litre diesel complementing its petrol line-up. The diesel version in the radically-changed car will cost from €19,650. However, hybrid buying is where a lot of the new action is this year. Toyota tell us that more than 1,300 hybrids have been sold so far in 2017. They claim that diesel’s market share has fallen from 71pc to 66pc. And, not surprisingly, petrol hybrids are outselling electric vehicles by 12 to 1. Overall hybrid sales are up 128pc in 2017 compared with the corresponding period for last year. It is interesting to see that 70pc of people who opted for a new C-HR crossover from Toyota have ordered a hybrid. And two-in-five (40pc) Auris, and 35pc of Yaris, buyers also took the hybrid route. (Indo Motoring)
MICHAEL J FOX RECEIVES STANDING OVATION AS HE ARRIVES ON OSCARS STAGE IN DELOREAN
Back To The Future star Michael J Fox received a standing ovation from the Oscars audience when he arrived on stage at the awards in replica of 80’s film’s iconic time-travelling DeLorean. His appearance was preceded by a filmed clip in which Seth Rogen delivered a scatter-gun monologue about his love of Back To The Future, saying: “What’s brilliant about this movie was, What if you went to high school with your parents? “Michael J. Fox is acting shocked the entire movie and he’s outrageously funny. They really capture future clothing pretty well. Because if you saw, like, Tilda Swinton wearing that exact outfit you would not think it was weird. For me it was the baseline of classic cinema.”
As the clip drew to a close the camera returned to the Dolby Theatre, with the DeLoran centre stage. Rogen and Fox climbed out of the car’s gull-wing doors to rapturous applause, prompting Rogen to joke: “I’m going to pretend half that applause is for me, even though I know, deep down, it is not.”
“Some of it was for you,” conceded Fox, before Rogen continued: “I’m at the Oscars with Michael J Fox, a DeLorean, while wearing future-shoes. All I have to do is sing ‘The Schuyler Sisters’ from Hamilton in front of the world, and I will have completed my entire bucket list.” And he proceeded to do just that - after which the pair presented the Oscar for Best Editing to Hacksaw Ridge.
THERE’S
NO ENGINE, NO GEARS AND YOU CAN’T ACTUALLY OWN ONE. BUT IS THIS SLEEK LITTLE CAR THE SHAPE OF MOTORING TO COME?
Right, fingers on buzzers, here’s your starter for ten on the morning Becks does Desert Island Discs (75th anniversary and all that, today on Radio 4). What do the following products have in common: the Venner parking meter (1958), the Kodak Brownie 44A camera (1959), the Kenwood Mini Mixer (1972), the Adshel park bench (1972), the InterCity 125 (1976), and the type 3 Anglepoise lamp (2002)? Answer: they were all designed by the same bloke – Sir Kenneth Grange.
You may know him if, like me, you had the immense pleasure of listening to him as one of Kirsty Young’s pre-Beckham castaways a couple of weeks ago.
Sir Kenneth is one of those fantastically upstanding gentlemen of a certain age (87 if you’re interested; not that you can tell from his crystal-clear voice and pin-sharp enunciation) who renders other, less upstanding gentlemen of another age (ie, me) insanely jealous and inadequate with his amazing tales of trailblazing derring-do from the golden age of real achievements. Right, fingers on buzzers, here’s your starter for ten on the morning Becks does Desert Island Discs (75th anniversary and all that, today on Radio 4).
What do the following products have in common: the Venner parking meter (1958), the Kodak Brownie 44A camera (1959), the Kenwood Mini Mixer (1972), the Adshel park bench (1972), the InterCity 125 (1976), and the type 3 Anglepoise lamp (2002)? Answer: they were all designed by the same bloke – Sir Kenneth Grange. You may know him if, like me, you had the immense pleasure of listening to him as one of Kirsty Young’s pre-Beckham castaways a couple of weeks ago.
FAI NATIONAl P.R.O. OF THE YEAR
WARRIORS PRESENT AND TIGERS PAST LEAD TO EXCITING TIME ON THE HARDWOOD:
Garvey’s Tralee Warriors 68-61 Griffiths Swords Thunder
From a purely sporting point of view the most important thing in the packed Complex last Saturday was for Tralee Warriors to continue their unbeaten run as the push for a top two spot intensifies. By making the top 2 these clubs avoid a potential banana skin quarter final against a Division 1 side. And they did that defeating one of their main rivals Griffiths Swords Thunder, who themselves will also be in the play-offs. The home side won a cracker 68-61 in a game that was in the melting pot until the last minute. Coach Mark Bernsen summed it up perfectly when he said afterwards that it was “two good teams fighting for every possession, every dribble, every shot and every rebound. It was a hard fought game”. There was no easy basket and that pressure probably did lead to some poor offensive decisions but the game never lacked a huge intensity that kept the huge crowd on the edge of their seats.
The Warriors started well and an 8-0 run saw them lead 17-8 with Donaghy, Pantovic and O’Sullivan doing well under both boards. But a Swords comeback led by a player with a big name in basketball –Isaac Westbrooks – left only point between the sides at the end of the first quarter 20-19.
A tight second quarter saw the home side open a 6 point lead with Pemberton leading the way but again Swords responded to tie the game 29 all. However for the last 5 minutes of the half it was all Warriors who scored 10 without reply.
It looked good for Warriors as they gap went out to 44-29 before Swords picked up the pace and led by Westbrooks, Coombes and Baltimore they clawed it back to 45-42.
Warriors, and particularly Pemberton, were always able to get the big scores when needed and again had the gap out to 8 points 60-52. Donaghy being in foul trouble didn’t help and their taking the ball into traffic saw the Dublin side again narrow the gap to a basket. They missed a lay-up to level matters and when Pemberton’s huge three pointed
flew into the net the game was almost safe. Westbrooks hit another three but Ryan Leonard and Pemberton closed out the win from the free throw line.
Top Scorers for Warriors: Trae Pemberton 25, Goran Pantovic 12, Ryan Leonard 10
Warriors next game is away to League leaders Templeogue as the battle to finish in the Top 2, and avoid having to play a quarter final, will go down to the wire. The Templeogue are billing this as the biggest game in their history as they can win the League section with a win but for Warriors if they can extend the winning streak to 12 games second place would be secured.
Tigers Past: The presentation of the Tralee Tigers 1996 SuperLeague winning team at half time certainly brought back memories of the halcyon days of basketball. Names like Ricordo Leoanrd, Vinny Murphy, Maurice Casey, John Teehan and Kevin O’Sullivan with coaches Timmy McCarthy and Gearoid Carey were all present to take the acknowledgement of the crowd. With connections to the present day Warriors include Leonard now being assistant coach and Garvey’s the sponsors then and now SuperLeague basketball was then and is now an integral part of Tralee’s sporting landscape. Bernard O’Byrne, basketball’s Chief Executive, was a delighted spectator on the night saying that night like this are what basketball are all about and are what he wants all SuperLeague games to be like. Tralee Warriors have certainly excelled in their first season both on and off the court. The razzamatazz of the pre-game and half time, the commentary and the stewarding of the huge crowds has been a credit to the army of volunteers with the club. The past was bright in Tralee with Tigers and now the present is equally as exciting with Warriors.
AND 3 RECEIVE IRISH CALL-UPS: With the basketball public still basking from last Saturday’s night game more good news came this week with the call up of three players from the town to the Irish Senior Men’s squad of 20. Warriors Ryan Leonard has been in great form and is a hugely exciting prospect which probably means he will be in a US College next season.
Cian O’Sullivan is already playing in the US with a scholarship to La Salle University and is being talked about as another huge talent that can go a long way in the game. The most newsworthy and interesting call –up is for Kieran Donaghy. His form on the court this season certainly merits his callup. In his excellent book, a must read if you have not already done so, Star speaks of being in awe of that 1996 Tigers team and being in the gym as a 13 year old. He has certainly been good for basketball and basketball good for him in the intervening 20 years. So hopefully Kieran can pull on another green jersey the Irish one, allowing for his football commitments.
SPORT’S STARS RESPONSIBILITIES TO YOUNG FANS:
Speaking of Kieran Donaghy’s book one of the things he talks about is the positive affect the Tigers had on him as young teenager. He said that the fact that they acknowledged him, let him shoot hoops with them after training and made him feel special made him feel great in front of his peers. This is something that Donaghy now talks to his Warriors teammates about and they are now seeing this from the reaction when they go to the schools or meet the young fans down town.
We are very lucky in Kerry that our sports stars in general have no airs and graces and treat their young fans wonderfully. It is a responsibility that all sports persons much keep in mind. Those young fans are the sports stars of the future. And so the circle of sport continues.
ST BRENDAN’S NEWS:
In the Ladies Division 2 game St Brendan’s were 53-44 winners over Kenmare Kestrels. The opening exchanges were tight with the home side leading 12-8 at the end of the first quarter. By the half there was still nothing between the sides with the Tralee side just ahead 23-21. St Brendan’s did the damage in the third quarter and lead 34-23 and held on in the fourth quarter to take the win. Claire O’Sullivan top scored for the St Brendan’s with 15 followed by Katie Costello on 12 and Eimear Quaid on 9.
In a busy week for the club St
Brendan’s defeated St Bridget’s 2725 in Leestrand Boys u12 Division 2. In the u14 Division 3 it was St Brendan’s 29-35 Kestrels while in the u16 Division 3 St Brendan’s went down 35-37 to St Mary’s. The u12 Division 2 game saw Kestrels win by 3 25-22 while in the Academy Boys Pool 1 it was 33-27 to St Joseph’s. There were wins for St Brendan’s in the Boys u14 Division 1, Division 3 and u16 Division 1 while the u12’s lost out in the Plate final 29-26. Also going down were the u16 Division 3 Boys.
HISTORY MADE AT THE KINGDOM GREYHOUND STADIUM!
History was made last Saturday at The Kingdom Greyhound Stadium, with the first ever morning SIS broadcast from an Irish track to betting shops across the UK and Ireland. This development follows on from the existing successful evening broadcasts from The Kingdom Greyhound Stadium. The inaugural race was broadcast at 9:11am with the race being won by the favourite Millridge Magic owned by Donal O’Mahony. General Manger Declan Dowling reported “Even though the weather was atrocious, there was a fantastic atmosphere at the track this morning as owners & trainers played their part in making history for Irish Greyhound racing. It is testament to the team here in the Kingdom that we have delivered this first ever morning meeting live broadcast via partners SIS”
RACING THIS WEEKEND:
Racing at the Track begins at 7.42pm on Friday night while the second SIS meeting of the week off from 9.11am on Saturday morning. On Saturday night the Spa National School’s fundraising night takes place as they look to put interactive Whiteboards into every classroom. Gates open at 6.30pm with lots of entertainment on and off the track.
The Quilter and Edwards Vets Coursing Bred Stake for 24 novice coursing bred greyhounds over 325yds starts on Sat March 11th and the Track is taking entries for the John & Mary Killeacle Dowling Memorial A1 570 for 36 current A1 greyhounds starting on Friday March 28th plus the O’Neill’s Dog Food Mini Open A0 525 for 12/18 Current A0 Greyhounds starting Friday March 31st.
TRALEE BC RIDERS ON THE BROADFORD PODIUM:
Following on from the excitement of the season’s opening Lacey Cup the action last weekend was in Broadford for the Michael Sheils Race.
It was a good day out for Kerry riders and Tralee Bicycle Club riders in particular. Ex Olympian Cathal Moynihan, who was 7th in the Lacey Cup, took the overall honours in a sprint finish.
Oisin Smailes from the same Tralee club was the first Junior home. In the first round of the O’Sullivan Cycles Munster Women’s League, also held in Broadford both Tralee
with “The Voice” Pat Harnett
TALKING SPORT WITH THE TRALEE ADVERTISER
BC riders did very well to finish well inside he top 10. Ciara Tierney was 5th and Suzanne O’Sullivan one place further back in 6th. There next round is in Dungarvan on March 26th.
AGE NO BARRIER TO BREAKING NATIONAL RECORDS:
Tralee Harriers Patsy O’Connor has been a permanent fixture on the Masters Track and Field Circuit for a number of years and once again is breaking National records. He took part in the over 60 Shot Putt at the Championships in Nenagh and with his first throw set a new record of 13.8m – well ahead of the 12.12 meters that was the previous record.
The Club was thrilled with the Kerry Athletics Awards for 7 members who all enjoyed the gala celebrations.
This Saturday it’s the Kerry Development Sports Hall Games in Milltown and is open to children aged from u9’s to u12’s. This is always a hugely enjoyable days competition.
Tralee Harriers are looking for volunteers to steward the Tralee Marathon and if you are interested check out the Tralee International Marathon Facebook page.
ST BRENDAN’S OAKPARK COMMUNITY GAMES NEWS:
The club had a very successful in the pool at the County swimming finals with many medal winners and a number going on to represent the club in the National Finals in May. The club thanks all the Kingdom Swimming Club officials and the staff of the Tralee Sports Complex for their work on the event.
The Girls winners were u8 freestyle Lainey Costello, u10 backstroke Aisling O’Connell, u14 breaststroke Sara Lucid, the u16 freestyle medley squad – Ellie Stack, Niamh O’Mahony, Jessica Agbaih, Sara Lucid and Laura O’Halloran.
The Boys winners were u10 backstroke Darragh Morris, u10 freestyle Jack Costello, u12 breaststroke Pater Doyle, u14 freestyle Jack Doyle and u16 backstroke Darragh Masterson. Well done also to all those who medalled and got certs.
Tag Rugby: The club wishes the u11 and u14 tag rugby teams all the best this Sunday when the tag rugby begins at 10am in the IT North Campus.
The following Sunday it’s the cross country and mixed distances in Beaufort from 11am.
TRALEE /ST BRENDAN’S BOARD SCOR NA BPAISTI RESULTS:
The Tralee /St Brendan’s Board Scor Na bPaisti competition took place last weekend in front of a packed hall. 5 clubs took part –Tralee Parnells, Austin Stacks, Na Gaeil, Churchill and St Pats in a variety of disciplines.
The winners on the night were Figure Dancing – Churchill, Sean Nos Dancing- Tralee Parnells, Solo Singing –Na Gaeil, Recitation –Tralee Parnells, Leiru, Ballad Group and Group Music to St Pats. St Pats were the overall club winners on the night and a
delighted group picked up the Siobhan Cotter Perpetual Shield. The winners are in action this weekend in the semi-finals in Scoil Mhuire Gan Smal Castleisland from 3pm.
TRALEE TOWN BOARD NEWS:
The Tralee Town Board welcomes the Galway Hurling team, management and supporters to Tralee as they take on Kerry in Austin Stack Park at 2pm.
The Lee Strand Senior League was hit by weather for the second week running due to the weather. This will be re-scheduled at a later date.
The D&E Stove and Tiling Minor League has also been hit by the weather and a number of back games will be played over the coming days. The Board thanks the clubs for their understanding. The Goal Keeping Course continues each Wednesday night at one of the local club venues.
U14 League: The Board will run a number of rounds of this competition over the next few weeks as clubs are looking for competitive games. Clubs are asked to email their starting 15 to Fionnan Fitzgerald, Town Board Secretary.
The Board congratulates the Tralee players on the Kerry senior team who won in Roscommon.
PARNELLS NEWS:
The club wants to thank all those who took part in the St Brendan’s Region of Scor na bPaisti. The club was represented in 5 competitions with Alisha Daughton (storytelling) and Caoimhe Lyons (Sean Nos Dancing) progressing to the regional competitions this weekend.
The club also wants to thank all those who were involved in coaching the performers and also all the parents.
March: The club is calling all members and supporters to march with Parnells in the 2017 St Patrick’s Day Parade where the theme is A Celebration of Tralee Sport.
Launch Night: The Tralee Parnells 2017 Official Launch will take place on April 7th at the Caherslee Road GAA grounds. The u6’s will also begin training from this date.
Easter Camp: This will take place from Tuesday 11th to Thursday 13th from 10am to 1pm at Caherslee each day. It is open to children’s from 7 to 14 years of age with the cost of e25 and the camp is open for members and nonmembers.
Camogie: The club camogie girls born 2001-2007 has moved outdoors and will take place in the Green’s Astro turf on Friday’s from 8 to 9pm.
KERRY CAMOGIE NEWS:
The Senior camogie team are in action again in the Littlewoods National Camogie League Division 3 this Sunday, March 12th, when they go to Roscommon in the latest Division 3 encounter.
The Minors are also on the road as they head to the new GAA development at Abbotstown this Saturday, March 11th. They take
part in the u18 Strike for Glory National competition alongside Monaghan, Donegal, Wicklow and Mayo. The top 3 teams go straight to the semi-finals with 4th and 5th playing a quarter final first.
Causeway Camogie News: Training for 5 to 11’s takes place in the Sports Hall on Fridays from 6.30pm to 7.30pm. The u12’s to u14’s train on the Astro Turf on Tuesday and Fridays from 6 to 7pm.
Coaching Workshop: This will take place in the CBS Hall at The Green takes place on Monday March 27th for those working with u6’s to u16’s.
Table Quiz: The Kerry County Board Table quiz takes place in Flahives Bar Ballyheigue on Friday March 24th at 9pm. Table of 4 cost e20 and all are welcome.
NORTH KERRY
HURLING BOARD DRAWS:
The draws for the North Kerry Hurling Board Rhyno Mills Competitions took place at their recent meeting.
In the Senior Hurling Championships the ¼ finals are Abbeydorney v Lixnaw, Kilmoyley v Crotta O’Neills, Ballyduff v Casueway and St Brendan’s v Ballyheigue.
The Intermediate Draws are Lady’s Walk v Kilmoyley in the Preliminary Round with the ¼ finals being Crotta v Austin Stacks, Lixnaw v the Winners of the Prelim Round, Ballyheigue v St Brendan’s and Abbeydorney v Causeway.
The Senior, Intermediate and Minor League draws were also made with details available from the NKHB Officers.
ST PAT’S NEWS:
There was no winner of the Lotto from the numbers drawn 2,4,5,22 with the next Jackpot being e4,100 with the draw in Keane’s Bar on Sunday night. The club continues to celebrate the 20th anniversary with special promotions.
The Dingle Way Challenge takes place on June 4th with more details to follow.
Juvenile Academy: The Players of Week were: Bruce McMillan (u6’s), Sam Jones (u8’s) and Kayla O’Connor (u10’s).
The u12’s are training hard and looking forward to their trip to Croke Park in a few weeks while the u14’s are playing Rahillys in the Town League at 4pm this Sunday and the u16’s play on Saturday the 18th v Ardfert.
Football for the u10 and u12 girls begins soon and girls from u9’s to u12’s are invited.
The Minors were involved in a cracker against in Brosna against a Knocknagoshel/Brosna selection. It ended in a draw 3-09 to 2-12.
The Senior Ladies are away to Beale this Sunday in the Ladies Senior County League.
The Seniors St Brendan’s League game against Ardfert was called off. They are due to play this Sunday against John Mitchels are 3.30pm.
BALLYMAC NOTES:
The Senior game versus Kerins O’Rahillys was cancelled due to the weather. They are due to face
Dromid Pearses at home on Sunday March 19th at 2pm in the County League.
The Minors defeated Churchill 2-7 to 0-09 in their first County League game last weekend. They led 1-5 to 4 points at the break. Tom Brick and Dara Chawke got the goals. There was no winner of the Lotto from the numbers drawn 3,5,23 and 26.
The Coiste Na Nog academy training was postponed last Sunday due to the weather and will start this Sunday at 11am at the Main Pitch for the u8’s and u10’s. The u6’s are still indoors in St Brendan’s Hall.
Handball: Well done to Cian Counihan and Danny Riordan who defeated Shane and Fiachra Hayes 21-7, 13-21, 21-12 and are into the Munster final. Daire Keane is set to take on Caolan McCarton in the All Ireland semi-final in Kingscourt. The clubs thanks all involved who took part in Scor.
STACKS JUVENILE NEWS:
There is a new training venue for the u6/8/10’s as they move to The Green CBS Astro and Hall. The u6’s are first into action at 10am while the u12’s train as usual in Connolly Park.
The u14’s train in Connolly Park from 4 to 5.30pm every Sunday and did very well when defeating Corofin of Clare in a challenge match at the IT last Sunday. The u16’s and u16 A’s continue their build up to the upcoming Leagues. Sadly there was no success for the clubs players on the Green CBS team as they lost out in the Frewen Cup semi-final. The club plans to have 100 youngsters in the St Patricks Day Parade to mark the centenary of the club.
Well done to all who took part in Scor and all those who helped get the performers ready.
KERINS O’RAHILLYS NEWS:
The Seniors game was amongst the many called off due to the weather. The opening game of the County League will see the seniors travel to Dingle on Saturday March 18th at 2pm – this is brought forward from the following day due to the many sporting events on the 19th! The Minors had to give up home advantage and travel to take on the Kilgarvan / Tousist / Templenoe combination in Division 2 of the League and well beaten in the end. They take on Cordal/Scart in their next game.
All the clubs teams train at their normal times so please contact your coaches with any questions. Lotto: There was no winner of the Lotto from the numbers drawn 2,18,29 and 31 with the next jackpot being e6.500.
MIRACLE PRAYERS
