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Fels Point Hotel Wins Gold Award at IASI Awards Fels Point Hotel Tralee wins a Gold Award at IASI

Stop Wishing... Start Doing

at The Sanctuary Clinic in the Square, Tralee

ADVANCED FACIAL TREATMENTS

JET PEEL FACIAL

(non-invasive deep exfoliation via micro jet technology)

Buy 4 Get 1 More! (Save €85 euro)

PRIMALUCE COSMETIC PEEL

(AHA/PHA Peel – no downtime required, course of 6 ‘shock therapy’ recommended) Buy 5 Get 1 Free (Save €90)

LIPOFIRM RADIOFREQUENCY FACIAL

(Award winning skin tightening facial treatment – For best results 8 treatments recommended) Buy 6 Get 2 Free (Save €200)

MEDICAL MICRO-NEEDLING

(wrinkle reduction, acne scarring, pigmentation, cellulite, stretch mark)

Buy 3 get 1 Free (Save between €150-€190 depending on area to be treated)

IPL PHOTO-REJUVENATION

(pigmentation, uneven skintone, skin brightening) Buy 5 Get 1 Free (Save €150)

ADVANCED BODY TREATMENTS

ENDERMOLOGIE (FDA approved treatment for permanent reduction of cellulite – 8 treatments required) Buy 7 Get 1 free (Save €80)

LIPOFIRM PLUS (inch loss, contouring, sculpting) Buy 8 Get 2 Free (Save €200)

ELLIPSE LASER FOR ONYCHOMYCOSIS (Fungal Nail Infection) Buy 4 get 1 Free (Save €100)*This offer is available from 2nd treatment onwards only

T & C’s:

To avail of any of these offers, payment is required before 29 Feb. All purchases are valid for 1 year from date of purchase and are non-transferable and non-refundable

REGULAR COLUMNS

WHAT’S ON IN

SIAMSA TIRE, HOME TO THE NATIONAL FOLK THEATRE

FRI 12TH AT 8PM LANGUAGE UNBECOMING A LADY

Myles Breen’s critically acclaimed one man show explores themes of identity and love lost and found, set to the backdrop of the music of Judy Garland, Billie Holiday and more.

TICKETS: €16/13

SAT 13TH AT 12NOON & 3PM BAKE

Bake! invites you into the action of the busy basement of the royal palace. Get stuck in, but be warned, things could get messy. Suitable for audiences 4-6yrs.

TICKETS: €6

WED 17TH AT 7PM ART FOR NEW COUNTRY: Heros and Anti-Heros

An illustrated Art Histroy Lecture with Art Historian Catherine Marshall reflecting on the development of Irish Art since the foundation of the state.

TICKETS: €5

WED 24TH & THURS 25TH AT 8PM CRISSCORSS

Zyber Theatre

Written by John Fraher, CrissCross, is set in a pub somewhere in Ireland, not very original one could say, but this is no ordinary pub.

No indeed. Strong adult themes permeate throughout the play, suitable for 12+

TICKETS: €16/14

TECHNOLOGY CORNER

with Billy O Meara (HRI Services)

Billy simpliﬁes and explains Todays Technology

Help! my WiFi is awful!

Q How can I improve the Wi-Fi signal in my home? Billy says ....

If the Wi-Fi in your house is poor you might consider a Wi-Fi range extender to push your signal that extra bit further. Or you can add Powerline adapters that use your home’s electrical wiring to create a speedy home network with added new Wi-Fi hotspots. The following options are available:

1 TP-Link TL-WA850RE 300Mbps This is designed to conveniently extend the coverage and improve the signal strength of an existing wireless network to eliminate “dead zones”. With 300Mbps wireless N speeds, Range Extender button, miniature size and wall mounting design, extending a wireless network has never been easier .The disadvantage of this is you will lose some speed while it is repeating the Wi-Fi signal.

2.Ubiquiti UniFi UAP LR 300 Mbps AP/Hotspot - Long Range with Software Control

This is designed to give you long range Wi-Fi .For example I recently installed in a house where there were stone ﬂoors and walls on three levels and it covered all of the house. The only downside is it has to cable directly to your modem. It comes with controller software so you can setup a guest account for visitors .

3.Edimax WAP1750 AC1750 Long Range Dual-Band Wall Mount PoE Access Point

This provides both simultaneous 2.4GHz (802.11n, 450Mbps speeds) and 5GHz (802.11ac, 1300Mbps speeds) wireless coverage for maximum ﬂexibility. Most WiFI access points work on 2.4Ghz frequency and on occasion you can get inteference on this band but with this access point which works on the 5Ghz band, this is less likely to happen.

HRI Services, your one stop shop for computer sales , repairs and installations Wi-Fi Access Points, Saorview TV and satellite TV in Tralee, Co Kerry. We are a professional, independent supplier of IT services based in Tralee providing a wide range of services in Munster

Contact Billy: info@hriservices.ie T: 066 7126673 / 087 8316664

www.hriservices.ie

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN TRALEE...

TRÓCAIRE THANKS KERRY PEOPLE FOR

€180,850 RAISED LAST YEAR.

Last year, The Diocese of Kerry raised €180,850 to support Trócaire’s annual Lenten campaign, which according to the charity, has supported thousands of people living in devastating poverty across the developing world.

Ash Wednesday, February 10th 2016 marks the start of the Lenten Campaign when almost one million Trócaire boxes are being delivered across the country.

Eamonn Meehan, Executive Director of Trócaire said:

“This year’s Trócaire box is a recognition of ordinary people from places like Kerry, who are doing extraordinary things in the pursuit of justice and a fairer world. Every year we receive tremendous support from Kerry’s school children, teachers, grandparents, clergy, volunteers and families. All of them have something in common. They cannot ignore poverty and they want to make a difference in whatever way they can. Together, they are fighting for justice.”

Last year, thanks to support from people in Ireland, Trócaire supported over 2.4 million people across Africa, Latin America, Asia and the Middle East. This included 45,000 poor families who got access to local resources, including land and water. Trócaire protected over 700 human rights defenders who were abused and attacked in Guatemala and over 6,000 women, who survived abuse, got healthcare, counselling and legal aid to get justice.

“Sometimes, it is easy to look at the scale of global poverty and think ‘what can I do?’ said Eamonn Meehan. “This year, our Trócaire box is dedicated to thanking people who say ‘I’ll do what I can’.”

This year is Trócaire’s 43rd Lenten campaign. The agency was founded in 1973 by the Catholic Bishops of Ireland to combat extreme poverty and injustice overseas.

Trócaire boxes are available from parishes throughout Kerry, through trocaire.org or by phoning 1850 408 408. As well as donating through the Trócaire box and trocaire.org, people can download a free Trócaire box app for their mobile phones or tablets. The app is available from the Apple App Store or Google Playstore.

TRALEE STUDENTS GOT TALENT !!!

AnCoisteCróinéara:

The pupils of Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí, Tralee, winners at the All-Ireland Final of Scléip 2016, a talent competition organized by Gael Linn for all-Irish Secondary schools nationwide. The event was held in the Clasach theatre, Clontarf, Dublin on Thursday, 4 Feabhra 2016 last, and the young actors came out tops in the Sceitse Nuachumtha ( Newly composed Sketch ) category against tough opposition, to the delight of teacher Michelle D’Altúin and supporters ! Síle Ní Dhuibhne, adjudicator ( front, right ), and Seán Ó Ceallaigh, National Schemes Manager, Gael Linn ( back, right) presented the delighted Tralee students with their prize.

DSC4042:

Some of the cast of ‘An Coiste Cróinéara’ ( The Inquest ) from Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí, Tralee, pictured during their winning performance at the Scléip Gael Linn 2016 All-Ireland Final in Dublin recently.

TOM FROM TBS PHONES IN THE SQUARE HAS SET UP SHOP IN ROCK STREET

You would have been used to seeing Tom Berminghams pop up shop in the Square over the years .Now Tom has set up permanent residence in Rock street just up from Supervalu . He now carries the biggest range of phone covers in Tralee from Otterbox to Bear Gryls to Vibe and AMB . He also stocks a large range of phone accessories including chargers headphones adapters etc . This shop has given me more space to expand the range that I carry and we have some fabulous opening offers for February on Otterbox cases, 1916 and Conor Mc Gregor t-shirts ,beanie and SnapBack hats .Also kids Frozen and Minion t shirts are on special offer for the month . It’s great says Tom , I can now stay open all week and not be worried about the weather ! And my customers are following me up Rock street with plenty of new faces too.

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN TRALEE IN PICTURES!

ABOVE: Noelia Hartinez, and Victor Gonzdlez, Killorglin, attending the “Baby Market’ on Sunday at the Ashe Hotel, Tralee

ABOVE: Official Strike at the ITT North Campus on Wednesday in a one day strike by members of TUI. Left Mariam McGillicuddy, and Breda McElligott.

ABOVE: Music and song by Ger and John entertainersfor the dancers at Baily Mhuire on Sunday.

ABOVE: Pauline O’Sullivan, and on right Mary Martin, Tralee, enjoying the dance at Baile Mhuire, Balloonagh, on Sunday afternoon.

ABOVE: Michelle Mulvihille, Tarbert, with her sons Ty, and Noel Mulvihille, on a visit to the “Baby Market’ in the Ashe Hotel Tralee on Sunday.

ABOVE: Tralee men receive the Father James Cullen Memorial Medal and who are members of the Pioneer Total Abstinence Association. LtoR. Bill Corcoran (50 years a Pioneer) also received the Gold Pioneer Pin. Fr. Bernard Healy, who celebrated the Mass and presented the Medals and Gold Pins, Vincent O’Mahony (60 years a Pioneer) also received the Gold Pin.

ABOVE: Lectures on a one day Strike at the ITT North Campus on Wednesday.

ABOVE: Attending the afternoon dance at Baile Mhuire Balloonagh,on Sunday. LtoR. Rita Higgins, and Rose O’Connor, Tralee.

ABOVE: Jane Colintas, and on her right Rosilin Naing, Tralee, attending their staff dinner party (The Grand Hotel) on Monday night at The Ashe Hotel, Tralee.

ABOVE: Pictured at the Kerry Mom Baby/Child Fitness Group stand at the ‘Baby Market’ on Sunday at The Ashe Hotel, Tralee. LtoR. Mary O’Shea, Milltown, Patty O’Connor, Milltown, and Suzi Belcourt, Tralee.

John Buggy launches his new CD “Long Journey Home” in Benners Hotel Tralee on Friday night with his wife Ann

Ella Ní Chenchúir meets her grandmother on Grandparent day at Gaelscoil Mhic Easmainn on Friday also in pic is Ella’s dad Frank O’Connor.

PARENTS!

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS: ACCESSING HEALTH CARE ABROAD

Question

I need to get a medical procedure carried out. I have just found out that I can expect to wait over a year for the procedure in Ireland. Can I get my medical costs refunded if I travel to another country in Europe to have this procedure?

Answer

If you are entitled to public health services that are available in Ireland, you can access these services in the European Economic Area (EEA). You will be repaid the cost if you meet the requirements. This is provided for by the Cross-Border Healthcare Directive.

The Directive covers services that are publicly funded and available in Ireland. These include acute hospital services and community-based out-patient care. Other services covered include physiotherapy, ophthalmic, psychology, disability and mental health services. Occupational therapy services and dental and orthodontic services are also covered, but with some exceptions. Treatments that qualify for the Treatment Abroad Scheme (in general, treatments not available in Ireland) are not covered under the Cross-Border Healthcare Directive.

You must be referred to the health service that you require abroad in the same way that you would be referred to public health services in Ireland. This referral may be by your GP (family doctor) or public hospital consultant for example. They may also be able to tell you whether the service you require is covered by the Directive. You can also check with the National Contact Point (details below).

If the treatment involves an overnight stay in hospital, then it will need to be authorised in advance by the Health Service Executive (HSE). For other treatments, you should check whether prior authorisation is required. You pay the costs of treatment and then apply for a refund when you return to Ireland. The amount repaid is the amount that the treatment would cost in Ireland or the cost of your treatment abroad if that is less. It does not include other costs such as travel. The HSE has published refund amounts for different treatments. To get a refund of treatment costs, you and your healthcare provider abroad must complete a HSE form. You then submit it with the healthcare provider invoice and receipt.

Opening Hours: Monday - Friday 10am - 4pm Tel: 0761 07

A selection of photos of Tralee down the years taken by our very own photographer John Cleary. They can all be viewed as part of his fabulous collection Clearys Photo Archive recently released for public viewing!

EATING OUT IN TRALEE

Clounalour (opp the Train Station) Tralee

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN TRALEE...

FELS POINT HOTEL WINS GOLD AWARD

Fels Point Hotel Wins Gold Award at IASI Awards Fels Point Hotel Tralee wins a Gold Award at IASI (Irish Accommodation Services Institute) Awards on Saturday, 30th January. In order to achieve an IASI Gold Award Fels Point Hotel had to achieve a minimum score of 97% during the inspection which inspects Guest Bedrooms, public areas & bathrooms. In addition to receiving the Gold Award Fels Point hotel was also a runner up in the Supreme Award category out of all the 4 star hotels in Ireland. This is the first time the hotel has won this award, and a great achievement by Cathy Rael, Accommodation Manager, who attended the awards night and is pictured with the award. This is a great achievement for the hotel which is currently under refurbishment & will be rebranded to The Rose Hotel in April this year. Current renovations are ahead of schedule and the newly renovated Reception & Lobby will open early February and the Bar & Restaurant will be fully refurbished by mid-March. General Manager, Mark Sullivan commented “We are absolutely thrilled to have received IASI’s Gold Award, it is great recognition of the hard work and high standards that Cathy Rael and her team in the Accommodation Department constantly achieve. We are looking forward to a very exciting year as we relaunch the hotel after a significant refurbishment this Spring and bring the hotel to a four star plus experience. This award is a great start to what is looking li ke to be a fantastic year, forward bookings are very strong and we are delighted with the feedback from the local market for weddings and functions

ARE YOU UP FOR A CHALLENGE!!

HAVE YOU SIGNED UP FOR THE BANNA BEAST CHALLENGE YET?

PLACES ARE FILLING FAST – DON’T BE DISAPPOINTED BOOK NOW CALL US ON 086-832 0050 OR EMAIL thebannabeastchallenge@gmail.com VISIT OUR WEBSITE ON www.bannabeastchallenge.com IT’S GOING TO BE THE MOST FUN YOU’LL HAVE THIS YEAR!

PLENTY OF MUD, SWEAT & BEERS! WHEN: SAT APRIL 9TH FROM 12 NOON WHAT: 30 OBSTACLES ON THE BEAUTIFUL BANNA BEACH – IT WILL BE FUN, FAST & FURIOUS WHO: INDIVIDUALS, GROUPS OR AS A TEAM BUILDING EXERCISE. HOW MUCH: INDIVIDUAL REGISTRATION €35, GROUP 4-10 €30, GROUP 10+ €25. The challenge is suitable for all fitness levels and abilities as all obstacles have an alternative route. Run if you can, jog or walk if you must, crawl if you have to – the Banna Beast is suitable for all. You will receive a Banna Beast Finisher T-Shirt, a Bespoke Medal and free entry to the AFTER PARTY with BBQ at Banna Beach Resort. Why not make a night of it and stay in one of our 4 star self catering holiday homes from as little as €33 per person for 2 nights (only €199 for a group of 6). This price includes full use of Leisure Club & Gym and disco with late bar. To book your accommodation call 066-7134103 directly. Limited availability at this price so book now!

MERCY MOUNTHAWK CELEBRATE THE CHINESE NEW YEAR

Students from Mercy Mounthawk celebrate the Chinese New Year - the Year of the Monkey. Youth Social Innovators group “ Generation Integration” celebrated the festival with their displays of Chinese lanterns, dragons and Chinese messages of goodwill. Chinese is taught in Mercy Mounthawk by teacher Bernie O Shea to transition year students. “Generation Integration” sold fortune cookies to teachers and students to help raise funds for a monument they want displayed in the Town Park to welcome all cultures and creeds to the town of Tralee. This very innovative group have been working to create unity within diversity of the many cultures that are now present in the school. They want to encourage all cultures both in the town and in the school to embrace the “Green Within” while being enriched by the unique diversity of others. Student Amy Roche who is a member of the group hopes to pitch their idea to the YSI den for further funding at the end of the month.

Health

Since I entered politics in 1983, I have always given Tralee my top priority and hold a weekly clinic in the Grand Hotel, Denny Street each Monday from 4pm to 6.30pm. My wife, Mary Dowling, grew up in Tralee where her family has been in business for the past 60 years. She teaches in MounthawkSecondary School.

I have been a constant campaigner for improved services at Kerry General Hospital and played a major supportive role in getting the Community Nursing Unit for the town, a facility which I oﬃcially opened in 2014.

I campaigned for a number of years for a new A&E, a Mammography Unit, improved cardiovascular services, the extension of the Palliative Care Unit, and other services at the hospital.

Education

As a former teacher, I have a special interest in education. I am delighted to have been involved directly in the provision of a new Primary school at Blennerville, the extensions to Scoil Eoin NS, Balloonagh, CBS Primary School, and Mercy Mounthawk Secondary School. I was also honoured to have been invited to open the new extension to CBS Secondary School, The Green, Tralee. In the recent Capital Programme for School Building announced by the Government a new school will be provided for Gaelcoláiste Chiarraí in 2017. Also, at primary level, new schools will be provided for Listellick (NS) and Tralee Educate Together. The previous government had made a decision to amalgamate the Kerry Education Service with Limerick Education Service. I was central to getting the decision reversed, as it would have led to a loss of jobs in Kerry and the dismantling of what is a very successful service. I have a long association with Tralee Institute of Technology. As a member of Cabnet, I ensured that Tralee IT will be granted University status, and together with CIT in Cork, will form the new Munster Technological University once speciﬁc performance criteria have been achieved. This will be a signiﬁcant boost for Tralee and Kerry. I have worked closely with the foundation promoting the Centre of Excellence on the IT campus. This will involve an investment of €13 million, and work will commence in 2016. This government provided €7 million in the 2016 Capital Programme for the centre.

OPENING OF COMMUNITY NURSING UNIT, KGH.

“My NUMBER 1 priority is to champion your welfare and the interests of the people of Tralee. I have always worked tirelessly to promote job creation and improve the educational, health and infrastructural services in Tralee as well as promoting the Arts.”

Business and Employment

I was delighted to have played a role in JRI America locating in the Technology Park. JRI now employs 70 highly skilled individuals and will be expanding its workforce in the years ahead. I opened a 14,000 square foot oﬃce for JRI on January 11th. The IDA will also be providing an advance manufacturing unit in the technology park which will improve considerably the probability of attracting new, quality employment to Tralee. I was instrumental in having Tralee included as one of only three locations nationally for this type of facility at a cost of €20 million.

Tralee By-Pass

For years the people of Tralee have suﬀered from traﬃc congestion resulting in delayed commuting times to work.

I was delighted that work on the Tralee by-pass commenced and was completed during the present government’s time in oﬃce and that I had the honour of opening the €75 million project in August 2013 - the biggest investment in any road project to date in the county. I campaigned for the bypass for many years.

Urban Regeneration

The regeneration of the Mitchel’s district in Tralee is recognised as being one of the most successful of its kind in the country. Over €28 million has been spent on the project resulting in the improvement in the quality of life for its residents. I am conﬁdent that further funding for a scheme of 11 houses and environmental works will be provided to complete the re-generation project during 2016.

Sport Capital Programme

Since the formation of this government in 2011 various sporting organisations in Tralee have been successful in getting funding from the Sports Capital Programme. To date, Tralee sporting organisations has been allocated in excess of €850,000.

Siamsa Tire

TRALEE TOWN CENTRE WEST, URBANPROJECTDEVELOPMENT AWARDED A GRANT OF €1.5 MILLION

As Minister for Arts & Heritage and the Gaeltacht I worked very closely with the Board members and Management of Siamsa Tire to ensure its future survival, and to put it on a sustainable ﬁnancial footing.

These are just some of the many initiatives that I have both spearheaded and been associated with as a Minister over the past ﬁve years. I want to continue to work for you, the people of Tralee for another Dáil term. I can only do this with your support on election day and please continue your preference for Grace O’Donnell and Brendan Griﬃn.

Jimmy Deenihan, T.D., MINISTER FOR DIASPORA AFFAIRS

OFFICIAL OPENING TRALEE BY-PASS WITH THE ROSES

OPENING IRISH TV MUNSTER OFFICE 2015, AT TRALEE IT

VOTE NO1

Healy-Rae

Michael

Your Kerry T.D. working Locally and Nationally for you

Working With:

Danny Healy-Rae MCC: Mobile (087) 231 6055 Fax:064 663 7175

Johnny Healy-Rae MCC: Mobile (087) 235 4793

Email: johnnyhealyrae@gmail.com Fax: 064 663 7375

Oﬃce Number: 01-6183363 064 6685782 Email: Michael.healyrae@oireachtas.ie

FIANNA FÁIL WILL INCREASE THE STATE PENSION BY €30 – BRASSIL

Fianna Fáil Kerry general election candidate John Brassil has said that in Government Fianna Fáil will raise the State Pension, both the Contributory & Non-Contributory, by €30 over the lifetime of the Government.

Commenting on the issue Cllr. Brassil said: “Older people deserve a decent income in retirement and a decent standard of living. Fianna Fáil will deliver for older people and will increase the State Pension by €30. Furthermore, we will raise the Living Alone Allowance to €15. We will also abolish the waste that is Irish water, scrap water charges and abolish prescription charges which are a huge burden for older people.

“Despite their claims to have protected older people, the actions of Fine Gael and Labour tell a very different story. There has been a raft of harsh and regressive cuts and measures that have directly affected the incomes of older people in Kerry. Older people have seen a fivefold increase in prescription fees, changes to the eligibility criteria for medical cards, the axing of the telephone allowance, reductions in the vital Household Benefits Package, the abolition of the Bereavement Grant and the introduction of water charges.

“It is a myth pedalled by the Government that older people have been protected. Older people across Kerry know that that is simply not true. No amount of spin can take away from the fact that under Fine Gael and Labour the rate of deprivation for those aged 65 and over has increased from 9.5% in 2009 to 14.3% in 2014. In Government Fianna Fáil will put an end to Fine Gael’s and Labour’s agenda to target those who have the least to give. Fianna Fáil will deliver for older people in Kerry. We will create a fairer society and we will ensure that under our watch older people are given the resources that they need to live full and independent lives. It’s time we established a threshold of decency in our society.”

JUST POLITICS

DONAL CORCORAN: RENUA IRELAND CANDIDATE FOR THE KERRY CONSTITUENCY

Donal Corcoran is 48 and lives in Tralee.

Donal is presently a Stonemasonry Instructor with the Kerry Education and Training Board based in Tralee and has been involved in the construction industry for a number of years.

He successfully ran his own business for a number of years employing and training a great number of local people.

Donal is involved with a number of community groups and is the Treasurer of the Kerry Renewable Energy Co-Operative.

Donal is also a volunteer for the Tralee Chamber Alliance Tourist Kiosk and for Tralee Tidy Towns.

Donal is a member of Austin Stacks Hurling and Football Club and has acted as trainer and mentor to under-age football teams in the past.

Donal holds a LLM in Law (General) and a LLB in Law and European Studies from the University of Limerick.

Donal also holds a Foundation Diploma in Training and Education from the National University of Ireland, Galway. Donal’s main local policies are:

• Increasing employment in Kerry by supporting Small and Medium Sized Business and removing discrimination between PAYE and Self-Employed workers

• Improving the roads and access to the county

• Prioritising home-care for the elderly

• Developing tourism further by opening up Greenways such as the old Tralee to Fenit rail line

• Developing renewable energy projects such as extending the coverage of the Heat Transfer Station in Tralee

• Protecting people in their homes by providing more Garda resources and harsher sentencing

• Revitalising rural communities by investing in villages These are also part of RENUA Ireland’s policies to REWARD WORK and REBUILD TRUST

DEIDRE CLUNE MEP SUPPORTS GRACE ON HER CAMPAIGN TRAIL

Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune speaks about the value of Kerry airport and the importance of maintaining investment in services in Kerry.

Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune, a member of the EU transport committee has spoken about the importance of investing in Kerry airport to continue to drive tourism and inward investment into Kerry. On a visit to the county on Tuesday last, February 9th, she also described how important it is that we invest in facilities like Baile Mhuire in Tralee, which she described as a vital piece of community infrastructure in Tralee.

The Ireland South MEP was in Kerry to canvass support for Tralee woman and Fine Gael general election candidate Grace O Donnell. Clune told students of Presentation Secondary school in Tralee that women would have found it difficult to get on the ticket before gender quotas were introduced but that the quotas are having a generally positive impact in getting more women involved in politics.

Bexblah Beauty

This page is sponsored by Munster Robes & Kitchens

Hello my beautiful friends, hope you’re all having a great weekend.

With this weekend being Valentines I said I’d talk about some cute DIY last minute gifts to make that special someone.

If you’re single, take a look at my most recent post on Bexblah.com for tips on how to rock Valentine’s Day like the strong independent woman/man that you are! Back to makeup and other non love related goodness next week!

1. JAR OF LOVE - This one has to be my favourite, it’s simple yet time consuming but very effective. Get a glass jar, it doesn’t have to be anything fancy you can literally use an old pasta sauce jar just make sure it’s clean and doesn’t smell funny! When you’ve got your clean jar get some paper, it can be any paper you want, coloured, plain, whatever. Then comes the time consuming part, you’re going to fill the jar with little notes. These can be anything, funny quotes, date ideas, reasons why you love him/her, song lyrics, get creative! Once you’re done, decorate the jar however you see fit. You’ve just created an adorable gift that will always be guaranteed to make your special someone smile.

2. DATE CALENDAR - Another fab idea to show you care. A date calendar for every month of the next year. It’s easy to make and shows that you care and also that you don’t see yourself and your guy/gal splitting anytime soon. Get two a4 pieces of card(so that it’s more sturdy) and on each piece of cards you’re going to have 6 months of the year. You can use smaller pieces of card or paper for the months and create a opening shutter effect. Inside each month write a different date idea, it can be anything you want, Disney movie day, water fight, camping, dinner on you, bowling, road trip, etc. Then at the beginning of each month you can open the little door of the month and you have the month to go on that date. You could also do this in a key ring style, it’s completely up to you!

3. VOUCHER BOOK - Think of the things he/she loves to do and write them all down in vouchers with little expiry dates for each voucher. A voucher could be “You get to choose the movie”, “dinner on me”, “get out of an argument free”, “1hr of sky sports complain free” you get the idea... You can make the vouchers as PG or non PG as you wish... A good way to earn some brownie points.

If you’re not the creative type hopefully this little list helps you out and makes you look totally adorable and thoughtful, just make sure they don’t read this page!

So that’s it for this week! I hope you all enjoyed my current mascara favourites. 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. Rebecca

Robes

Easter Camps

Where Children will Achieve a HigherStandard of Swimming

This is a great opportunity for your Child to Learn to Swim or Improve their Swimming Ability. Giving your Child the Lifetime. Skill of Swimming which will help develop their Social Skills, Give them Con dence and may even Save their Lives.

CLASS DATES

Commencing Saturday March 26th to Friday April 1st (inclusive) 7 x 45mins and 1 Hour 30

Minute Classes

Level 1 & 2: €30.00 per Chil

Level 3 & 4: €40.00 per Child

Classes for Children between the Ages of 5 to 15 Years

Please Note: This is a Training Course for I.T.T. College StudentsBooking Opens at 8.00am on Monday March 7th 2016 BOOKINGS ARE TAKEN ON A FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED BASIS PLACES ARE VERY LIMITED SO BOOK EARLY ON OPENING DAY - Places Reserved to 3 Children per Booking Only PAYMENT IN FULL REQUIRED UPON BOOKING

Please Note: Credit Card Booking Open 10.00am March 7th 2016 Contact us on: 066 7126442

Clounalour, Oakpark, Tralee, Co. Kerry

Bexblah Fitness!

HELLO MY STRONG FRIENDS. HOPE YOU’RE ALL HAVING A GREAT WEEK.

Since last week was all about food and macros, this week I said I would focus on two very important subjects. Taking rest days and not relying on the scales.

TAKING REST DAYS:

When you’re new to the gym or an exercise program, it’s easy to go all out and say you’re going to go to the gym everyday, sometimes twice a day. But if you do that and don’t take rest days, you will more than likely burn out or give up.

When you’re new to regular exercise, start small and build it from there. Start with 3 days, then build if slowly to 5/6 depending on what suits you and your goals.

I myself started with 3 days a few weeks ago and now I’m up on 6 days a week. But if my body is extra tight or sore for some reason I will do 5 instead. As we work out, we place greater strain on our muscles, tendons, ligaments, bones and joints. Our immune system is activated when there are muscle tears or joint strains, but if the body doesn’t come out of continual practice, this system doesn’t have the time to catch up and start patching everything back up. Thus, if you’re building muscle, you should take a day off from lifting the same region so the body has time to repair the muscles you’re working. If you don’t, you will be more prone to injury. I just find it’s best to listen to my body, if I feel too sore or stiff to workout, I will either do a low impact cardio or take a rest day.

DONT RELY 100% ON THE SCALES.

What if I told you that this girl is 2 pounds heavier in the picture on the right. But she looks leaner, why is she heavier? Because the scales isn’t always a direct indication of how healthy you are or how lean you are. Obviously in some cases, people need to lose some weight initially, but sometimes focusing on the scales can do more harm than good, it can leave you disheartened and wondering why you’ve gained one measly pound or why the number hasn’t gone down. Within my first 10 days of going back to the gym and eating right I lost 7 pounds, I know that’s not 7 pounds of fat, some of that was water weight that I was holding onto. So instead of focusing on the number on the scales it’s better to focus on your measurements, fat percentage and how your clothes are fitting you! Of course you can weigh yourself every now and again, but don’t rely on it.

By the way the girl in the picture is Siobhan, or more popularly known as OHFitness on Instagram, she’s Irish too!

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN TRALEE...

KERRY GROUP SUPPORTING THE IRISH

WHEELCHAIR ASSOCIATION IN KERRY

On behalf of Kerry Group, Frank Hayes, Director of Corporate Affairs presents a cheque for €50,000 to Kathleen McLoughlin, CEO of Irish Wheelchair Association (IWA) and Terry O’Brien, IWA Service Coordinator Kerry. The funds will be immediately invested into a state of the art Resource and Outreach Centre which the Association intends to officially open in Killarney in 2016.

Kathleen McLoughlin, CEO of Irish Wheelchair Association (IWA) is delighted to accept a generous donation of €50,000, from Kerry Group last Wednesday, 10th February 2016 in the Fels Hotel, Tralee towards a new Resource and Outreach Centre. The new IWA centre which is currently under construction will provide essential services to people with disabilities from a modern, high spec, accessible facility located at the Reeks Development, Killarney.

IWA is deeply rooted in communities throughout Kerry and already provides supports and services from locations in Tralee and Listowel. The Association hopes to expand its high quality services to the people of Killarney and in doing so, continue to support and promote independence, dignity and enhance quality of life for people with disabilities and others with reduced mobility living in Kerry. The Centre will also be available to other community and voluntary groups located in the area.

Kerry Group has a proud record of supporting community initiatives and charitable causes. Right through its history from its origins in the co-operative sector in Ireland, the Group has committed significant financial resources and considerable management/employee time in assisting development of facilities, amenities and charitable projects in the communities where it operates.

DARAGH WANTS TO BRING YOUR HOUSE TO LONDON!

If you are ever selling a property , whether a house or a commercial building , you always believe that you can get a better price for it , (or rather your Auctioneer can !) Or that he can get you more buyers (or even one !) interested in the property .

Well Daly O Sé Property Partners in Denny Street are going one step further . They are offering to bring your Irish property to the well renowned London Mayfair Property Exhibition on Saturday 5th March .

“There is strong interest from the UK and further afield in Irish Property right now “ says Daragh O Sé . We always get enquiries online , over the phone and through our Property Partner colleagues . So it makes sense to bring our clients properties (and potential clients ) to one of the biggest shows in the UK . Simply contact us with your details and we will exhibit and showcase your property to a much larger audience which hopefully could result in a Sale . Daragh can be contacted at Property Partners Denny St , Tralee 066-7127644

STAS KNOWS HIS WORK IS HELPING PEOPLE FIGHT THE BAD WEATHER !!

The weather has been pretty poor since last November “ says Stass Goreansky , owner of the Salt Rooms in Market Lane , Tralee This really puts even more pressure on people who have breathing problems such as Sinusitis , Asthma , Throat issues or even suffer from a lot of colds . The damp in the air doesn’t help matters . I was delighted to receive recently some great feedback from people who have visited me and have seen a change already in their day to day suffering of these ailments “ “After Suffering from Sinusitis for years I paid a visit to the Salt rooms in Tralee..And Hey presto with just 5 sessions I feel so much better I can sleep with out waking up during the night . I have 5 more sessions to go and then I should be OK.Yippee no more Blocked Nose. I would recommend it .”

Jackie

“I just want to say how brilliant this is and it really works .I would definitely recommend it. I haven’t had tonsillitis in a year and a half and next to no colds or flu ( I used to get loads of them) I really feel great thanks. Noranne

its the weekend of love , Valentines day is upon us. Its all about showing your loved one how special they are to you . Well what better way than cooking for them and of course finishing the meal off with a stunning dessert and of course it has to be chocolate.

CHOCOLATE-COOKIE CRUNCH TRIFLE

Any kind of cookie works as a layer in this decadent and super-chocolaty trifle

INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups cream

• 2 cups milk

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1/4 cup cornstarch

• 1/4 cup cocoa powder

• 2 large eggs

• 6 ounce bittersweet chocolate, coarsely chopped (1 1/2 cups)

• 1 tablespoon butter

• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt

• Whipped cream

• 1. 2 cups cream, chilled

• 2. 1/2 cup icing’ sugar

• 3. 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

• 4. Pinch of sea salt

• 5. 4 cups coarsely chopped crunchy cookies, such as Oreos, Thin Mints, shortbread, biscotti,

1. Make the Pudding In a medium saucepan, combine 1 3/4 cups of the cream with the milk and granulated sugar and bring to a bare simmer over moderately low heat, stirring occasionally, about 12 minutes. Meanwhile, sift the cornstarch and cocoa powder into a medium bowl, then whisk in the eggs and the remaining 1/4 cup of cream to form a smooth paste. Gradually whisk 1 cup of the hot milk into the cornstarch mixture, then scrape the mixture into the saucepan and cook over moderately low heat, stirring constantly, until the pudding is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 30 minutes.

2. Put the chopped chocolate in a heatproof medium bowl and set a fine sieve over it. Strain the pudding over the chocolate and let stand for 3 minutes. Whisk until smooth, then whisk in the butter and salt. Press a sheet of cling film directly on the surface of the pudding and refrigerate until chilled, about 3 hours.

3. Make the Whipped Cream In a medium bowl, using a hand mixer, beat the cream with the icing sugar, vanilla and salt until firm, about 5 minutes.

4. In a trifle bowl, make 4 layers each of the pudding, whipped cream and crushed cookies. Serve

HAZELNUT-AND-CHOCOLATE MERINGUE CAKE

INGREDIENTS

• 1 1/2 cups hazelnuts (7 ounces)

• 6 large egg whites, at room temperature

• Pinch of salt

• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

• 1/2 teaspoon pure almond extract

• 1 cup mini chocolate chips (6 ounces)

• 6 ounces bittersweet chocolate, melted and cooled

• 3 cups cream

• 1/4 cup icing sugar

• Chocolate shavings, for garnish

Preheat the oven to 180 and line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper. Draw two 8-inch rounds on one sheet of the parchment and one 8-inch round on the other

1. Spread the hazelnuts on a third baking sheet and toast for 12 to 14 minutes, until browned. Let cool slightly, then transfer to a towel and rub to remove the skins. Chop the nuts. Lower the oven temperature to 120.

2. In the bowl of a standing electric mixer fitted with the whisk, beat the egg whites with the salt at medium-high speed until soft peaks form. Gradually beat in the granulated sugar at high speed until stiff. Beat in the vanilla and almond extracts. Fold in the hazelnuts and chocolate chips. Pour the melted chocolate down the side of the bowl and gently fold until the meringue is lightly marbled.

3. Spread the meringue in the drawn circles and bake for 2 hours and 30 minutes, until crisp; rotate the pans halfway through baking. Turn off the oven, leave the door ajar and let the meringues cool completely.

4. In the bowl of the standing mixer, beat the cream with the icing sugar until firm. Remove the meringues from the parchment paper. Spread the whipped cream on the layers and stack them. Refrigerate or freeze the cake overnight. Cut into wedges and serve at room temperature. Garnish with chocolate shavings before serving

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

LAUGHTER ....THE BEST MEDICINE !

A MAN IS DISPLEASED WITH THE SOUP HE HAS ORDERED IN A RESTAURANT

So he calls for the waiter, and says to the waiter,” Waiter, could you please come over and taste my soup?”

To which the waiter replies,”Why, sir? Is it too sour? I could add some sugar to it if you want.”

“Just come and taste it.”

“Why? Has it turned cold? I could get it heated for you.”

“Please just come and taste it.”

“But why, sir? Is the soup too sour? I could serve you a new bowl if you want.”

“No, it’s not that. Just please come over and taste it.”

The waiter reluctantly agrees and walks over to the man’s table, but finds he cannot drink the soup.

“But sir, how can I drink the soup if there’s no spoon?”

“Exactly.”

80-YEAR-OLD GUY GOES TO SEE A DOCTOR FOR A CHECK-UP

80-years-old guy goes to see a doctor for a routine check-up. After the doctor asks about his health, he replies “I am feeling great, I have got married to a 25-year-old girl 2 months ago, and now she is pregnant”

After the doctor thinks a bit, he replies to the guy “I will tell you a story.”

“There was a man who likes hunting. Everyday he picks his rifle and goes hunting. But, one day he accidentally picked his umbrella instead of the rifle. While walking through the trees, he saw a deer just across the way . He positioned his umbrella, aimed at the deer, and bang ! The dear is dead on the ground.”

The guy is surprised. He interrupts the doctor: “No way, this is impossible, someone else must have taken a shot on the deer.” Doctor: “Absolutely!!!”

THE ELDERLY MAN GOES TO VISIT A PHYSICIAN FOR A CHECK-UP

The doctor notices that his hands are shaking like leaves in the wind.

”You must drink a lot,” says the doctor.

”No, I don’t,” says the old guy, ”I spill most of it.”

IF YOUR WIFE IS SHOUTING AT THE FRONT DOOR AND

YOUR

DOG IS BARKING AT THE BACK DOOR, WHO DO YOU LET IN FIRST?

The dog, of course. At least he’ll shut up after you let him in.

TWO KIDS ARE OUTSIDE WAITING FOR SANTA...

Two kids are outside waiting for Santa... Suddenly the sleigh comes whipping through the air, flying directly towards them. They watch as it zig zags through the air, while Santa sits in fear, unable to move. The sleigh comes down with a loud crash into the father’s outhouse at the back of the property. Santa rolls out, stumbles to the reindeer, and screams, “DAMMIT RUDOLPH! I SAID THE SCHMIDT HOUSE!”

MY WIFE RECENTLY STARTED SNORING, SO I DECIDED TO USE EARPLUGS.

but I can only get one in before she wakes up, turns out she doesn’t like it when I shove earplugs in her nose.

HOW DO YOU KNOW YOUR GIRLFRIEND’S GETTING FAT?

She fits in your wife’s clothes.

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN TRALEE...

PARTY SEASON STARTS AT THE MEADOWLANDS HOTEL, AND MUSIC ON SATURDAY NIGHTS!

To kick off the season the hotel has arranged Martin Williams on February 13th and Tony Buckley on February 20th, both guaranteed to be entertaining evenings!

Party in Style at the Meadowlands Hotel! With a newly renovated bar and restaurant, the Meadowlands Hotel is looking forward to welcoming your party! From intimate family gatherings to large events and socials, the Meadowlands has the perfect venue for you.

Johnny Franks Bar & Lounge offers semi private areas for finger food, barbecue, buffet & casual dining for parties 20- 120 guests. Entertainment can be arranged for individual parties .

An Móinéar Restaurant is perfect for a finer dining experience with a secluded balcony for parties up to 40 guests. The relaxed and contemporary atmosphere is perfect for an intimate evening for two or small gathering of friends. The restaurant can also be reserved privately for parties of 70-110 guests.

For larger events and socials, the Meadowlands’ An Meitheal Ballroom, which is located in a private area of the hotel with its own courtyard, is the perfect venue! The ballroom caters for up to 200 guests for dining or 300 guests for theatre style or casual events. For more information or to reserve your party contact their event team on 066-718 0444 or info@meadowlandshotel.com.

NETWORK IRELAND APPOINTS TRALEE BUSINESSWOMAN AS NATIONAL PRESIDENT

Kerry businesswoman Deirdre Waldron has been appointed President of Network Ireland for 2016. Deirdre is a partner at Fuzion, a Marketing, PR and Design Communications agency which she founded in 2000 with her husband Greg Canty. Fuzion has offices in both Cork and Dublin and Deirdre divides herself between both offices.

Deirdre’s theme for her Presidency is ‘Fueling Ambition’. This is a “call to action” for 2016, for all eight branches of Network Ireland and the over 500 members.

On her appointment Deirdre stated: “As professional women from all walks of life, I believe we need to get far more ambitious for ourselves, to challenge ourselves and each other. We bring so much to the table and this is starting to be recognised, but we have a role to play to make sure our voice is heard loud and clear in our organisations, in our business communities, our regions and nationally.”

ROUNDYS BAR, THE ONLY PUB IN KERRY SERVING UP THE AWARD WINNING

BEER -MCGARGLES IPA

More than 60 exhibitors from 20 counties across Ireland, alongside six international breweries and distilleries, showcased their finest brews to a crowd of over 8,000 craft beverage fans over the weekend.

Top brewers from around the world competed for gold, silver and bronze medals in eight different categories of beer, to be voted the best examples of each style in their category. The highlight of the event was the prestigious Dublin Craft Beer Cup competition, which received hundreds of entries from Irish and International breweries. After two days of blind tasting by a panel of independent industry veterans, the winner was announced as McGargles Francis’ Big Bangin IPA, an American style IPA brewed in Ireland by Kildare based brewery, Rye River Brewing Company. The beer is brewed using only traditional floor malted Maris Otter barley and hopped to hell with tropical aromatic varieties like Mosaic and Simcoe. Stewart Lyons of Roundys says “we are delighted to stock this award winning craft beer in Tralee...I dont believe that anyone else is stocking it in Kerry so its a bit of uniqueness for us that really goes with the uniqueness that is Roundys , “ Roundys Bar , Milk Market Lane , (opp . The Ashe Hotel )

TRALEE BY NIGHT...

BRICKS N’ MORTAR...

CAHERNANE HOUSE HOTEL IN KERRY FOR €3M

CBRE and local agent Tom Spillane & Co are seeking more than €3m for the Cahernane House Hotel in Kerry. The hotel on Muckross Road near Killarney is said to be an “exceptionally well located hotel in a stunning picturesque setting only 2 km from Killarney town centre”.

“With a tree lined avenue entrance the hotel is situated on its own private grounds which extend to 2.65 ha (6.5 acres) and overlooks Killarney National Park and lakes. The hotel is on the popular Muckross Road and walking distance from the town,” CBRE said.

The four star hotel is described as providing guests with “the best of old world character and modern hotel luxury in a scenic setting”. The hotel includes 38 bedrooms located in the original house and a more recent addition linked with glazed double height conservatory.

Adjacent to the hotel is a two storey stone façade former Managers House which would suit conversion to self catering use subject to planning The hotel is being sold on behalf of the Browne Family.

SUGAR DOLLS TO EXPAND

Sugar Dolls Nail and Beauty bars has expanded its operations in Dublin with a second store acquired in the Blanchardstown Centre and a flagship unit on Henry Street. Both of these opened just before Christmas.

The chain also has outlets in the Pavilions Shopping Centre in Swords and Liffey Valley. Simon Plunkett of CBRE, who is acting for Sugar Dolls, says the chain is looking for further stores and its priority is to secure units in Cork and Galway over the short to medium term.

LIFFEY VALLEY

PLANS MAJOR

EXTENSION AND ICE RINK

The owners of Liffey Valley shopping centre in west Dublin have submitted a planning application for a major extension of the complex to include an ice skating arena and up to 60 new shops.The application, devised by the centre’s manager and co-owner, Hines Ireland, also seeks permission for 1,800 car parking spaces, as well as the development of a major plaza under a glazed canopy.The ice skating arena will be of “Olympic” standard, according to Hines, and will have capacity for 2,500 spectators and be capable of hosting ice-skating competitions, ice hockey matches and live entertainment performances. The level of investment in the proposed extension was not revealed, but it is understood to be in excess of the €28 million spent on an extension at the west end of the centre that is currently being built, due for completion later this year. The latest extension application includes new retail space of about 22,000 sq metres, with the potential for a new anchor tenant-type store as well as a large number of new smaller shops and food outlets.“ The company’s research suggests that if all planned extensions in west Dublin shopping centres were completed, it would increase the available retail space by 12 per cent in the next five years. “Customer spend and population growth will outstrip this, so we are making this application now as economic growth accelerates to avoid the kind of lack of supply we are currently seeing in office and residential markets.” Karen O’Sullivan, the president of the Ice Skating Association of Ireland, said the proposed new arena would be “the permanent home” of the sport in Ireland and would help develop Irish skaters as competitors on the international stage. Hines, as the centre’s manager, submitted the application of behalf of itself and the centre’s co-owners, Grosvenor Group and a HSBC fund.

BRICKS N’ MORTAR...

TORQUING CARS!

NEW MERCEDES E-CLASS REVEALED

Mercedes opens the Detroit motor show with a new version of its E-class executive saloon. It might have conservative looks, but the technology has taken a leap forward

In a fast changing and jittery world, it can be nice to find something that hasn’t changed much at all. And certainly Mercedes-Benz’s new, 10th-generation E-class saloon looks very similar to its predecessor. But then why mess with a winning formula?

The E-class defines Mercedes like the 3-series does BMW. It carries more advanced technology than the flagship S-class, makes more profit than the smaller, cheaper C-class and is an exemplar of the Stuttgart firm’s engineering-led ethos

We got to see the car at a glitzy cocktail party on the eve of the show. A sneak look at the spec sheet reveals that under the surface, the new E-class is packed with new stuff, including a replacement for Mercedes’ frugal-but-clattery 2.1-litre diesel engine. The new E220d uses an all-aluminium, 1,950cc, 195bhp unit capable of emissions of 102g/km. It’s joined by the carry-over 184bhp/132g/km 2.0-litre petrol in the E200, plus a 258bhp/133g/ km 3.0-litre diesel and the new E350e plug-in hybrid, which has a combined output of 279bhp and official CO2 emissions of just 49g/km. All the cars at launch will use Mercedes’s excellent nine-speed automatic gearbox and will be rear-wheel drive. Conventional teel suspension is further developed for better ride quality and comes with a variety of ride heights and stiffness, and there’s the option of Mercedes’ new multi-chamber air suspension. Dimensions are slightly tweaked, with the new car 43mm longer than its predecessor. Meanwhile, new LED active headlamps automatically shield other road users from glare, and there are optional “stardust-effect” rear LED lamps. Inside, there’s a complete rework, with new seats and an allnew dashboard design that thankfully brings to an end the German practise of just shoving a tablet-style screen into the middle of the dash. Two screens are joined and provide the driver’s instrument binnacle and the satnav and entertainment screen. There are new touch-sensitive controls and a touch pad, but not touchscreens as Mercedes doesn’t think them safe. The E-class will also park itself remotely when the space is tight and there’s a new mobilephone supported car-to-car communications system, which warns of hazards ahead. The rest of the kit list is lengthy, but inductive mobile-phone charging, use of a smartphone as a key and LED interior lamps are on there. There’s also newly developed side airbags, which inflate before impact to move passengers away from the side of the car, and an extraordinary system which plays a note through the car’s speakers to stimulate the acoustic reflex in the inner ear to protect the delicate parts of ear from the noise of a crash. Er, like wow! We’ll drive this new E-class in March and you can buy it in late spring.(DAILY TELEGRAPH)

THE DRINKS ARE ON ME! ROLLS-ROYCE RELEASES A LIMITED EDITION £26,000 COCKTAIL-MAKING HAMPER THAT COSTS MORE THAN A BMW

Feeling parched? Want to whip up a quick cocktail?This hand-built hamper has everything you’ll need to mix up your own drink, but it will cost you more than a BMW 3 Series. That’s because this is the Rolls-Royce of cocktail hampers, created by the luxury car maker themselves.

And if you’re thinking about getting someone a last-minute stocking filler, you better move fast — only 15 will be made. The price: £26,366.

According to Rolls-Royce, the hamper itself takes eight weeks to make and is meticulously hand-crafted from American walnut wood and the same leather with which the manufacturer adorns its car interiors.

And that’s not just any leather; Rolls-Royce won’t use female cowhides because of stretchmarks from pregnancy. and all the bulls have to be sourced from high altitude locations so the skin hasn’t been pierced by mosquito bites. Before piecing together the set, the Goodwood-based brand consulted with experts from Dorchester Collection’s London Hotels to ensure the hamper was kitted out with everything you’d need to stir-up your own cocktail. The price tag is the equivalent of 1,300 £20 cocktails at the Ritz.

MOTORING QUESTIONS WITH HONEST JOHN (DAILY TELEGRAPH )

CANVASSING OPINION

Q: My art dealer wife is seeking to replace her Mitsubishi Space Star – her third – with something that offers the same sort of flexible boot space and ease of loading. What would you recommend? ML

A: By the sounds of things, she needs an MPV, and I’d try the Citroën C4 Picasso (no pun intended). A tall, compact SUV such as the Skoda Yeti may also be just the job. HJ

SMALL TALK

Q: I want to buy a small van for short delivery runs. So why do almost all vans have diesel engines? Do they not have potentially troublesome particulate filters? RM

A: Yes, they have DPFs. You can get 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engines in small Ford vans and VW will soon sell a petrol Caddy. HJ

VALENTINE’S WEEKEND

BATTLE OF THE LADIES:

Tralee’s Team Garveys welcome Castleislands Team American Style Den Joes to the Mounthawk Gym on Friday night at 8.30pm with a win very important to both sides. Tipoff is at 8.30pm in what promises to be a cracker. The top 6 in the Women’s Division 1 sees Team Garvey’s in 6th place, the final play-off place, with 25 points from 13 games. They have a 3 point lead and a game in hand over Marble City Hawks in 7th place. So it looks like the two play-off spots for the Kerry sides are secured but both will want to finish as high as possible. At present Team Den Joes American Style have 26 from 12 games played so a win in Tralee would move them into 4th place. However if Garvey’s can get a home win they will move above Team Den Joes. It does look like NUIG will top the table after the League phase with the second spot being fought out by the James Fleming coached Fr Mathews and Ulster Rockets. Second spot is vital as it give the team a semi-final spot with the teams finishing 3rd to 6th inclusive playing in a quarter finals round where 3rd plays 6th and 4th plays 5th. New coach sees improvement but not a win: With Liam Culloty taking over from Mark Bernsen in mid-season it certainly disrupted Team Garvey momentum. However the side show good improvement despite losing 63-74 away to Ulster Rockets. There was only a point between the sides after the first 10 minutes with the home side leading 16-15 and they had opened the gap to 4 at the break 35-31.

With Rheanne O’Shea, Sinead Mackessy, Laura Hoffman and Amy Fleming on the mark Team Garvey’s stayed in touch. However the Ulster side hit a purple patch and opened a 13 point gap at one stage. Imperials lost Deirdre Geaney to injury and while Deirdre Kearney and Cassandra Buckley created openings these were spurned.

However Garvey’s did very well to rally, led by Buckley and O’Shea, and they tightened their defence and hit big baskets to bring the gap down to 3 points with just 3 minutes remaining. However they just ran out of steam and the home side took the points. But there was plenty for Liam Culloty to be happy about as they enter the business end of the season. Team: Sinead Mackessy 14, Rheanne O Shea 17, Amy Fitzgerald 16, Cassandra Buckley 7, Laura Hoffman 3, Deirdre Geaney 4, Deirdre Kearney 2, Caoimhe Teahan, Rebecca Ryan. Come along and support the girls: All involved with Team Garvey’s are looking for a big crowd to come along on Friday night to Mounthawk Gym at 8.30pm for a vital game in the basketball season.

MORE SILVERWARE FOR ST BRENDAN’S: With the Men’s Intermediate Cup in the cabinet St Brendan’s Basketball club added another trophy with the Boy’s Under 12 Cup. They won a tight encounter 34-30 over Currow’s St Bridget’s in the Pres Gym in Killarney. Eddie Sheehy and Jack Doyle helped the

Tralee side into a 12-8 lead at the end of the first quarter but St Bridget’s took over in the second quarter and led 18-16 at the break. The game remained tight and after the third quarter St Brendan’s led by 2. Donal O’Sullivan and Eddie Sheehy led a strong defensive unit that helped St Brendan’s just pull away and win by 4.

Donal O’Sullivan accepted the KABB Cup amid great celebrations for the squad and coaches Tony Griffin and Pa Carey. Team: Donal O’Sullivan (C), Dean Farrell, Tom Flavin, Coren Hughes, Simon Carey, Cillian Litchfield, Eddie Sheehy, Jack Doyle, Cian Griffin, Andrew Wallace, Jack Doyle.

Boys 14 Division 1: St Brendan’s defeated KCYMS 38-30 in the u14 County League. The Tralee boys were down 1 at the half 14-15 thanks to good scores from Tadgh Reen, Jimi O’Sullivan and Rap Bulvydas. Bulvydas then took over and hit a superb 22 points out of 24 to set up the win. This sees St Brendan’s keep up the pressure on leaders St Mary’s who they play this Sunday.

In other results St Brendan’s Ladies have lost out on a place in the Division 2 Cup final going down 44-53 to Glenbeigh Falcons while in the Boys u16 Division 3 it finished St Brendan’s 25-39 Tralee Tigers.

TRALEE TIGERS NOTES:

The Tralee Tigers u16 boys played away to St Brendan’s and following a fast paced match the Tigers held on to win 39-25 while the Academy boys took on TK Bobcats and were the stronger on the day winning 24-8.

The u12 Boys travelled to Castleisland to take on a tough St Mary’s squad. Tigers scored with seconds to spare to send the game to extra time where the Tralee side pulled ahead to win 32-28 following a cracking game by both sides. The Tigers u14 Boys took on Glenbeigh in the KABB Division 3 Plate Final played in Killarney. The Tralee boys played well throughout the game and finished on a high winning 54-45. The club is proud of the whole squad and the coaches.

BEST OF LUCK TO MERCY MOUNTHAWK:

Mercy Mounthawk will have played in the U19 Boys Colleges ¼ Final by the time we go to print. They are up against Patrician College Newbridge in the National Basketball arena. The semi-final were due to be played on Thursday afternoon and if the qualify they will be in an All Ireland final on Wednesday February 24th.

COLD NO DETERRENT TO SWIMMERS:

While last Sunday morning was dark, wet and cold it couldn’t deter the hardy members of the Tralee Bay Swimming Club who took to the waters off Fenit for their weekly swim. 19 swimmers went into the water which was at 5.9c – the coldest morning since last year but as it should be for February.

MOTHERS AND OTHERS HIT THE ROAD:

The ‘Mothers and Others’ women’s group from Blennerville are on a mission to raise money for the Kerry Hospice by running the Dublin Mini Marathon on June 6th. Andrea O’Donoghue is one of the leaders of the group as her father passed away after a brave battle with cancer in 2014.

The Kerry Hospice is well on the way to completing its new building on the grounds of the Kerry General Hospital costing up to e6.2 million. At the moment 40 ladies have signed up with the Mothers and Others group and are looking for sponsorship with opportunities for local businesses to have their logo’s on their tee shirts for the run.

GMHD GETS UNDERWAY AT THE TRACK: Racing is back on Tuesday nights at the Kingdom Greyhound Stadium with the action getting underway usually at 6.58pm with a 10 race programme the norm.

On Friday night the race to one of the biggest and most coveted prizes in greyhound racing in the country gets underway with the first round of the GMHD .ie Insurances Killarney Juvenile Classic. There is a winner’s prize of e15,000 for this event and will again attract the cream of the juvenile racers. Presentations will also be made to all the Kerry coursing winners who enjoyed a very successful meeting in Clomnel. Starting on February 19th it’s the Con and Annie Kirby Memorial Trial Stake for January whelps and later. For all coursing bred dogs the Tobar na Malt Unraced stake starts on Saturday April 2nd. Entries are also being taken for the Novice 750 yard races to be run once field is filled.

JOHN MITCHELS NEWS:

Membership: Those who have not paid their dues are asked to do so to club registrar George Lowe who is available Monday and Wednesday evenings between 7 and 8pm at the Ballyseedy Complex. Separate Juvenile Registration days will be announced in the coming weeks.

Senior Fixtures: The Seniors are away to Austin Stacks in the Coiste Tra Li League on February 13th at 6.30pm and are at home to Ardfert on February 14th in the St Brendan’s League. The Minors are due to play St Pats this Saturday. Under age: Following a meeting of the County Board the u14 Ladies will be in Division 3 with the full fixture list to be announced. Plans are underway for the u14 Girls Feile which is coming to Kerry in June for the first time since 1994.

The u12’s will begin their North Kerry Ladies Division 2 campaign away to Na Gaeil on Sunday March 6th.

Juvenile training has begun at the Mitchels Centre of Excellence on Sunday’s for the younger stars.

Lotto: There was no winner from the numbers drawn 11,17,19 and 23rd and the next Jackpot will be e2000.

STACKS JUVENILE NOTES: