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The Business Magazine for Kerry

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Castleisland It's worth the trip

HAIRY BABY Reaping the benefits of Keeping it Irish

Celebrating 30 years

The Business Magazine For Kerry

EDITOR NOTE Welcome to our latest issue of Connect Business How are you all doing? There is no doubt about it we are certainly in strange times, and we spare a thought for all businesses but especially those who have had to close their doors again across the county due to restrictions. It’s not an easy time and we must now support local more than ever. Most of our traders in Kerry have gone on line so please when you think about shopping online look for the local business to support. C O L O U R PA L E T T E

Many restaurants are doing takeaway so go on get that bite to eat at the weekend and keep them going.

Speaking of local we continue with our ‘Welcome to our Street’ TYPOGRAPHY feature, this month we visit Castleisland and as I have said many times before in Connect, I love Castleisland, the sense of support there is outstanding, they all work together for their town, and the support we got in this feature was very encouraging and we thank you all for that. Castleisland has lots to offer and we just have a sample of what you can enjoy on a day trip to Castleisland. This is also the first issue of our partnership with Tralee Chamber Alliance to let you know what is happening in the town and any other business advice they may want to get to you, we are reaching out to chambers of Kerry, so this is an invitation to those chambers, we are here to support you and we look forward to hearing from you with all the business news for your town. Chambers have been a huge support through this pandemic so check in with your local branch and be sure you are kept up to date on all the advice to keep your door open.

NEUTRAL BLACK C

PA N T O N E 1815

PA N T O N E 7527

PA N T O N E COOL GREY 10

modern king

RIVER ISLAND HOTEL

Some great business stories this month If you have a good news story or you would like to feature your business give us a call and we can chat to you. In the meantime I will leave you with this positive thought for your business Stop being afraid of what can do wrong Start being positive about what can go right. Until next time Stay safe

Margaret x Editor: Margaret Kissane Design: Yevgen Kalynin For Advertising Enquiries: Margaret: 086 2408237 sales@connectpublications.ie For Editorial Enquiries: info@connectpublications.ie

R IVE R I S LAN D H OTE L.COM MAI N STR E ET, CASTLE I S LAN D, C O U NTY K E R RY T. (0 6 6) 7142555 | I N FO@R IVE R I S LAN D H OTE L.C O M

Hairy Baby

Reaping the benefits of Keeping it Irish by Marisa Reidy Their hilarious slogans and quirky catch phrases are known the world over, with Hairy Baby t-shirts being shipped to a staggering 90 countries in 2019. Here, company founder and Tralee man, Daragh Murphy, chats to Marisa Reidy about the extraordinary rise of his online business, the reason behind its novel name and how being a ‘culchie’ in Dublin would form the beginning of a very special story…

Tell us a little about your background - school, college etc So, I’m from Tralee, grew up there having schooled in The Green up to my Inter Cert (I’m that old!) and did my Leaving Cert in The Sem, Killarney. I didn’t have a bad Leaving Cert, wasn’t the brightest kid in class but did alright all the same.

What were your plans once finishing school/college? I didn’t have any major desire to head off to college straight after school. Most of my friends were heading off to London and I just wanted to work. I had a parttime job in Penney’s in Tralee while in school and the opportunity came up to become a trainee manager with the company so I went and did that straight after school. I stayed with them for a few years and did well making assistant manager and travelled the country working in different stores. I liked it, but the craic the lads were having over in London was too much to ignore and not long after finishing with Penney’s in 1992 I was on the plane. I had a number of different jobs in London and stayed until 1997.

Where did the idea for the t-shirt company come from... what were you working at the time?

While in London I developed a grá for music production and DJ’ing and after returning home moved to Dublin to 4

take up a course in sound engineering and music technology. I knew straight away this was what I was supposed to be doing. I finished college and started working for an audio -visual company. I loved the company and the job equally and had I not fallen into what I’m doing now with Hairy Baby I reckon I would still be doing it. The idea for Hairy Baby and the t-shirts came almost by accident through my work as a DJ on the Dublin nightclub scene. Being a Kerryman spinning records in Dublin clubs in the mid 90s certainly had its challenges, acceptance being the main one, it was a difficult scene to break into as an outsider or non-Dub, and most of my fellow DJ’s (Dubs) had a habit of referring to me as ‘the culchie’. I hated it! I hated it so much I decided the only way to challenge it was to get the word ‘culchie’ printed on a t-shirt. It proved the right thing to do as it stopped them calling me it, however little did I know what it would lead to. Pretty much immediately after printing the shirt and wearing it while DJ’ing I was approached by countless club goers all asking the same question, ‘where did you get the t-shirt? I’d definitely stumbled upon something here.

Talk us through the early days of setting up the business.. I had moved to Cork after meeting a Cork girl who I later married (she wouldn’t move to Kerry!!) and after a job that didn’t work out found myself unemployed for the first time. The whole earlier ‘culchie’ thing and how popular it was was always in the back of my mind and I always wanted to revisit the idea and see where it could go. And now I had a reason. I decided to give it a go and spent the next year back DJ’ing and learning all I could about printing t-shirts. I converted my shed to a workshop and began printing t-shirts. The early days were so different to now. I would print the new designs I had on t-shirts and

bring them around clothes shops in Cork asking if they might take some on a sale or return basis. If any sold in a month, great, if not I’d take them back, no loss to the shop owner, big risk to me. But it paid off, the ‘Irish’ ideas I’d put on t-shirts were a hit and reorders came in quickly. The next stage was critical and I have my sister Yvonne and brother Maurice to thank. Yvonne who was a copyrighter then had helped develop the tone and feel of the brand while my brother Maurice a graphic designer created the logo and identity. They both suggested I create a website and sell the t-shirts online. This was 2005 and very early stages of Irish e-commerce.

Tell us about the company name? I had struggled to come up with a name. Catchy and unusual names for a business like ‘Hairy Baby’ weren’t the norm in 2005. I was about to register irishtees. com or something like that when my wife Deirdre had made a passing comment about the amount of hair I had as a small baby. The picture she had in her hand was one of a 6-week-old with an Elvis like quiff and she commented how I was a very ‘Hairy Baby’. I laughed, we all did and I thought what the heck, it has nothing to do with t-shirts but

it’s funny, catchy and curious. Sure why not use it, after all it wasn’t like this was going to become a proper business or anything!

always see them popping up on social media or on TV wearing a HairyBaby tee. I never get tired of seeing anyone in a HB tee - regardless of who they are though.

The company has grown significantly over the years what do you attribute that to?

You collaborated this summer with Amy Huberman on the ‘thanks a million’ campaign. Tell us how that came about and how proud you are of its success?

I think any successful business has to have something unique, that USP as they say. What Hairy Baby has had since the very beginning is its ‘ethos’ which is to stay true to our Irishness. We do uniquely Irish t-shirts - we’ve become known for it and we don’t stray from that at all. Keeping it Irish and putting it on t-shirts, that’s us. We have also designed t- shirts for brands such as Disney, Paramount Pictures, RTE and more, along with licence agreements for Father Ted, Waterford Whispers News, Zig & Zag to name a few which have all increased our profile and customer base.

How many people work with you now? We have 10 employees at the moment with most with us since the early days. It’s a great spot to work. The craic is 90.

You've had some great celebrity endorsements - how does that feel? Yes, in the age of the ‘Influencer’ it’s great that we have so many celebs who are happy to wear our shirts without us having to ask or send product to. We

We’ve linked up with Amy a few times now over the years. We’ve collaborated every year for the last three years on a t-shirt project. It’s always a ‘not-for-profit’ or chari-tee as we call it where any profits from the sale we donate to a charity. To date we’ve raised over €50,000. She’s lovely and a pleasure to work with. The ‘Thanks A Million’ project was this year’s chari-tee and was created to say ‘thanks’ or ‘thanks a million’ (to keep it Irish) to the frontline staff and was a huge success.

Presumably a lot of your customers are the Irish abroad. Where's the most far flung location you've seen your t-shirts? Anywhere there are Irish, there are Hairy Baby t-shirts. We actually did a little survey recently of countries we shipped to in the last year and a Hairy Baby shirt was sent to over 90 different countries in 2019. The most far flung or unusual I suppose was the Antartic. A lad called Dan or Dantartic, as we later called him,

sent us pictures in some HB tees. We were like, gez, we should have sent him some hoodies instead. Poor lad was frozen!

Who comes up with the slogans for your t-shirts? The ideas come from all of us really, the thing about what we do where we celebrate Irishness and Irishisms is you can pick up a funny slogan or turn of phrase standing in a queue in the Post Office. That’s where the good stuff is. The everyday sayings, the banter in the clubhouse, the slaggings, the hop ball, the craic. They can all end up on a Hairy Baby t-shirt. We also have several collaborations with Irish artists, illustrators and content developers.

What's next for you and Hairy Baby? Would you consider your own stores nationwide? We have had several Pop Up stores over the years and have recently refit our HQ building in Cork to include our own stand alone store. We would be reluctant to position ourselves permanently on the high street to be honest, now more than ever. We have captured a market online and for us this is where our main focus is. Our newest project which we launched at the start of the year is our sister business called teesiopa.com. This is a separate service where companies can get their own logo on tshirts, polos, hoodies, jackets etc. Though it’s only half a year old it’s already proving very popular and we’re eager to see where this goes.

Welcome To Our Town Sweet Castleisland

by Helen Blanchfield

It is at a certain point on the road as you journey on the N21, when the road declines as it bends, that you notice the town of Castleisland in all its splendour towards your left. The sweetest island of Kerry as it has been referred to, and as Kerry truly is the Kingdom then welcome to the gateway of the Kingdom. A busy market town of East Kerry in the Sliabh Luachra area Castleisland is richly steeped in the history of business and trade. The tradition of fair day is still strong in Castleisland. Annually on November the first the famously wide main street and mart area are a busy hive with horses of every stature ,ponies, other random farm animals ,market stalls and of course loyal traders and visitors. All that is needed is a little fine weather to complete the magical atmosphere .It makes for long lasting good memories for young and old amongst us. Long ago there were many industries carried on in Castleisland and around the town. Tannery and basket making to name two for selling on fair day. Castleisland castle was referred to in medieval times as “The castle of the island” or simply “the Island .The town grew around the noble Castle built by Geoffrey de Marisco in 1226. In later times the Desmond Fitzgerald fortress was a thriving, self-sufficient entity with a prosperous port of Tralee nearby for trade. The island was created by turning the waters of the river Maine into a moat surrounding the Castle. Stones from the Castle itself were used in the development of the town and can be seen on some shop facades of shops today. A compelling documentary 8

has been made by Robert Maguire an Archaeology graduate, with the goal to preserve the legacy and history of Castleisland Castle. Ruins can be seen if you take a stroll on the river walk .This walk is an attractive feature running from upper Main Street along the banks of the charming river Maine to Herbert Bridge on the Killarney road.

Proudly standing beside these Castle ruins is Divanes, an institution in the motoring trade in Ireland and a main Volkswagen dealer for Kerry since 1954. Seven decades of exceptional service has been provided by this family run business. The company was established by the late Stanley Divane who entered the motor trade in 1935, and has thrived ever since. The family tradition is supplying Volkswagens finest to the community and beyond. Booking a test drive or servicing can be made by phoning 066 7141253 or emailing via the company page at divanes.ie. Castleisland has an incredible and diverse culture and heritage. One of its festivals run on the October bank holiday weekend each year is the Patrick o keeffe festival. An Irish traditional music festival of national and international interest, and keeping the Sliabh Luachra traditions alive. Sliabh Luachra long acknowledged as more of a state of mind than a geographical entity in Kerry has indeed produced many a remarkable musician. O Keeffes repertoire has seeped into the collective subconscious of traditional musicians thanks to the recordings made in 1948/49 by Seamus Ennis and later on Ciaran Mac Mathuna . It seems that O Keeffe received formal tuition on the violin in his youth as he had an

understanding of the writing of music as well as playing engagingly. Patrick was born in Glountane Castleisland to Margaret O Callaghan, a fine fiddle and concertina player and John a schoolmaster at Glountane National School. He was the eldest of 8 children, and spend his formative years with the O Callaghan’s in Kiskaem. Patricks love for music in this happy period came from this house where dances were regularly held. Years later Patrick left behind his job as the schoolmaster at Glountane national school for the carefree bohemian lifestyle of a travelling fiddle master. He achieved fame in 1949 with the broadcasting of his music. Patrick’s tunes make up a huge bank played by today’s musicians and today he continues to be remembered as one of the greatest of Sliabh Luachras musicians, but also a wonderful character and storyteller. His legendary status owes much to his musical accomplishment but also to his philosophy and way of life. With the way things are today and the restrictions with gatherings surrounding Covid19 the festival may be held online but will remain to be celebrated in style by the masses of talented and free spirited musicians that descend on Castleisland October bank holiday weekend for years to come .Le cunamh De. Founded in 1993 opening night for the festival is traditionally held in the River Island hotel, to launch the singing, dancing music, poetry, cd/book launches.

The River Island hotel is an ideal base to explore the Kingdom of Kerry and their guest’s health and safety is paramount in these times. They have adapted a policy called here for you to ensure your stay or visit is as enjoyable as possible. Special offers for autumn available, or surprise a friend or loved one with a gift voucher. Contact River Island hotel at 0667142555 or info@riverislandhotel.com.

Castleisland is accurately considered “The Fashion capital of Kerry” boasting many fashion stores, accessory, and shoe boutiques. With award winning shops supplying top labels Castleisland can be your one stop destination to find everything you require. Take a break whilst shopping to enjoy the many restaurants at your disposal and enjoy free parking too. Hannons of Castleisland is a third generation family run business since 1939 first started by their grandmother, and as the saying goes” Is always worth travelling to”. New to Hannons for this autumn /winter are the fantastic range of wrendale gifts. Wrendale designs created by Hannah Dale are high quality stylish gifts that are totally unique and with great prices to suit everyone’s pocket. With gift ideas for Christmas such as toys ,notebooks ,bags ,scarfs ,slippers ,candles ,soaps, with nature and wild animal themes to name a selection. This exciting range is new in store and can also be purchased online also. Gifts can be wrapped beautifully and posted on your behalf .As regularly seen on RTEs today show Jill tells me about the new revamped direction for the latest fashions from Hannons. “We are going away from occasion wear to the exciting ranges that are smart casual.” Quality clothing available with great pricing in sizing from 8 up to 24 inclusive. Contact hannonsfashionshop@gmail.com .visit 30 main street Castleisland phone 0667141238 or check out exciting new autumn collections arriving daily online.

Also traditionally a family run business at 72 Main Street and formally Tangney’s drapery shop is David Costello footwear.Experts in men’s, women’s and children’s shoes they stock a great selection of well-known brands including a wide fitting variety. A winter range now includes new stocks of bags and shoes, and an introduction to the sale of safety 10

boots in store .Also new in Costello’s is their range of medical footwear, for more information Contact 066 7141356 from 9.30am to 6pm Monday to Saturday.

At Jackie Reidy Fashions Castleisland call in to check out the expanding supply of ladies and men’s fashions. These include leading labels, workwear, and from casual wear to suits, in all price ranges. Jackie’s is a one stop shop, and he now supplies footwear and wellingtons. Christmas stock is arriving daily. Jackie Reidy’s at the centre of town was formally Hannons from 1971 and Jackie took the reins in 2005.Great banter always ensues when you visit.

Mary personally chooses with the customer in mind and ensures her collections are for all tastes. For a comfortable, personal experience shop at Le femme 88 main Street Castleisland .Stocking latest designs from both home and abroad, expertise and tips are given to valued customers by the staff in store. Shop online @ wwwlafemmecastleisland.ie. Castleisland the East Kerry town with the Stacks Mountains to the west defining the beginning of the vale of Tralee has land for pasture stock. Since 1846 a mill has stood at Tonbwee, built by lord baron Ventry as a flour mill. Today Castleisland has a very busy farmer owned Co-operative mart selling livestock for farmers all over Kerry and surrounding counties. Castleisland railway station opened on the 30th of August back in 1875 for the transport of goods, cattle and commercial travel. Like many towns in Ireland, it closed for passenger traffic in 1947, goods traffic 1975, and altogether in 1977. There are many landmarks of significant importance in Castleisland and its hinterland, that draw us a picture of how the town has grown throughout the years in times of peace and prosperity, and indeed in times where the opposite is a fact. If Castleisland could tell its own tale we would hear of a time where the streets

presented a mass of uneven rock resembling a quarry not a road. Stories of moonlighting, mass rocks, land league, penal laws, landlordism. Echoes of accounts from the workhouse or fever hospital. What a rarefied experience it must have been when The Liberator Daniel O Connell stopped to a large crowd gathered in Castleisland on his way home by carriage to Derrynane. Castle Lighting and Interiors Killarney road are Irelands largest showroom, lighting homes, hotels and businesses all over the country. A family run business for 34 years, Castle Lighting has the largest selection of lighting on display in one showroom. Lights from Spain, Holland, Germany, Italy and more are all available. A very personal service is given catering for everyone’s needs and pockets as well as being experts in LED lighting. Large selections of table lamps, standard lamps can be seen in store.

Nana Beas Café and gift store is indeed a treasure and pleasure to visit. Nanas is a beautiful legacy to Shirley’s mom and Beas granddaughters that remember her fondly as a great friend, a second mother and a wonderful listener. “Nana looked after and helped rear the 3 of us while mam and dad got their business Castleisland Lighting off the ground. With the homemade dinners and desserts we were spoiled rotten” says Trish. She was an outstanding woman whom we greatly loved and admired”. Nana Beas legacy is that customers feel as cared for as we were while you are here.” In a timeframe where Nana Beas are having to change direction to provide their customers with the ultimately best service, Wood fired pizzas are now on the take away menu. Our ability to travel being restricted these days let Nanas bring you to places like Brooklyn, Barcelona, Berlin or Buenos Aires which are the names of their fabulous Pizzas. Take your taste buds on a well-deserved trip. New to the popular menu this week is the Neapolitan pizza, and available 7 days a week.

Brownes Agri, steel and Builder provider Cahereens Castleisland pride themselves in providing top quality, value and service as your local supplier of home, agri and building supplies. Topline Brownes staff have extensive knowledge and experienced advice on steel, agriculture, building materials, home improvements and DIY. The team can also provide services such as delivery, paint mixing, key cutting, and free quotations. Brownes is an integral part of Castleisland business, and values an excellent relationship with the local community .The store was in Killarney road originally with its own bakery on site ,and formally known as Brownes cash stores. Phone 0667141560 Monday to Saturday 8am to 6 pm.

Mc Elligotts Castleisland is one of the longest established businesses in Kerry, having been formed in 1870. Continuing to prosper 150 years later Mark Mc Elligott tells connect “A sense of tradition matters ,as does ensuring customers continue to receive a top class service. The fifth generation family business continues to develop into one of the largest suppliers of furniture, bathroom ware, tiles, stoves, and plumbing products in Munster. “We are proud and conscious of the family link and we are proud to open our second store in Deer Park Killarney “says Mark. Exceptional products, unbeatable prices and an ability to source everything you need to finish your home is a hallmark of what McElligotts do. Striving for excellence is another trait that Mark explains to be essential over the years. Aspiring to supply customers with products that create a happy, cosy, functional home.” We promise you won’t be disappointed” Mark said. Castleisland belonged to the barony of Trughanacmy back in the late 1800s, the pronunciation of which doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue. It derives from the 12

Irish for “The people of Ciar” the pre Gaelic tribe who lived in the area. Today Castleisland is twinned with the French town of Bannalec and the community immerses itself in other areas of Arts appreciation. Each March the Kerry Drama festival at the Ivy leaf Arts centre produce a week long programme of plays. Other notable festivals include the Castleisland races. The oldest recorded horse/pony meeting in Ireland established in 1859. The Arts festival in August celebrates the life and talent of local artist and sculptor Mike Kenny. The church in Castleisland St Stephens and John was designed by the famous architect Pugin . The pillars in the church are made from red marble found at Lisheenbawn. A famous son of Castleisland is the brilliant sports journalist Con Houlihan, considered one of Ireland’s finest writers he is fondly remembered in his native town. A bronze bust of Houlihan was unveiled in 2004 .Over a career that spanned 60 years he left behind a legacy of immense sports journalism. As part of the Con Houlihan trail launched in 2017 by Castleisland chamber alliance, no less than fifteen plaques along the route of some of his favourite spots in the town contain some of Cons most memorable quotes. One example pertaining to his love for Rugby. “I was never capped for Ireland but I was Knee –capped playing for Castleisland. In Castleisland I’d like to be remembered as a rugby player if I am remembered at all.” Con once remarked that it’s “not so much a town as a street between two fields”. The history of Rugby in Castleisland and nearby village of Currow and its stars, is an article in its own right .Other sporting clubs such as Desmonds GAA ,St Marys basketball club, Castleisland AFC ,Castleisland golf ,pitch and putt club have had more than their fair share of success over the years. The Riocht grounds are located at Crageens Castleisland where visitors and members enjoy a welcoming environment for every fitness level. The Riocht offers a 400m tartan athletics track. The only of its kind in Kerry. Galvins optometrists 86 main street Castleisland cater

for both adults and children’s eye care needs. Offering eye examinations, lens fittings, after care, approved driving tests, visual field examinations, and diabetic screening. The practice stocks a large range of frames ranging from low budget to designer. Appointments can be made by phoning 0667143584 or emailing info@galvinoptometrists.com

Whyte’s Centra is a busy convenience shop popular with regular customers and visitors to the town alike. A full range of services includes lotto, bill pay, hot food, and off licence. Jim manager at Whyte’s praises the great crew of regular staff that provide great customer service in a covid safe and friendly manner. For convenient shopping that is great value visit Whyte’s centra. A wonderful new service and incredible asset to the town of Castleisland is Willow Brooke care centre. Windmill healthcare is pleased to announce the opening of their beautiful new care centre this month. It is purpose built and consists of 74 beds that will provide a wonderful service to the local community. The range of care consists of Rehab and complex care, dementia care, residential care and respite care of residents, with a holistic family orientated approach. Supporting residents to lead fulfilling lives in a safe environment is key to the ethos of Willow Brooke. Windmill healthcare will provide a dedicated team of staff to care compassionately for each individual and their unique needs. For enquiries regarding bookings or recruitment visit www.windmillhealthcare.ie It is easy to be impressed with all that Castleisland has to offer, and it is important now more than ever to support local businesses. Castleisland itself has an engaging sense of pride and community extending a warm welcome to all. Sweet Castleisland, so dear to me In that green valley, id long to be Down by the Maine, I’d love to roam In Castleisland my home sweet home. From the song written by the late Michael Barry late of Manchester, and 20 church St Castleisland.

Mid or Lower Back Pain. Nearly everyone has been exposed to, or knows of someone who has back pain, discomfort and dysfunction. Its causes can be structural and/ or mechanical, with a small percentage deemed as red flags related to a systemic cause. Regardless of the cause it can often be frightening and worrying especially when it effects work, social life and family life. There may be associated signs and symptoms such as stiffness, pain on sudden movements, trigger point referral, and/ or neurological related deficits. Severity and duration can vary, lasting for a few weeks, a few months or years. Many people will identify with a combination of the following typical signs and symptoms such as sleep disturbance, morning stiffness or evening time pain and stiffness, worse after activity or worse when resting or sitting long periods. These can often appear confusing and are exacerbated by stress, anxiety, and anger. It can be difficult to make sense of the whys’ and hows’ of the pain and its pattern. Ultimately, once correctly diagnosed there should be no reason why someone should have continued back discomfort no matter what age. There is no easy fix or magic injection with back related injuries and can take time to begin to resolve. A combination of modalities are needed which range from physiotherapy, dry needling, soft tissue treatment, assessing and improving functional movements and resistance training. Education on the whys’ and whats’ of back pain is hugely important especially when it has been there for quite a long time as it influences a person physically, mentally and socially. Fear avoidance and kinesiophobia are surprisingly common especially with chronic pain and it's integral to address these by encouraging normal movement patterns and creating a positive environment. What is important to remember is that the spine, just like the rest of the body, is designed to move and to be worked. Wear and tear is normal and progressive changes are expected as we age. With activity normal muscle and bone function and health will be preserved. If any of the above sounds familiar and you need more information or assistance just call or email Julia Buest or Ger Keane at 087 7564844 / email gerkeanept@me.com 14

CARA CREDIT UNION NOW OFFERING A FULL-SERVICE CURRENT ACCOUNT Cara Credit Union is just about to celebrate the 1st birthday of their Current Account with a globally accepted Mastercard Debit Card. You can use your Current Account and Debit Card for Contactless Payments, Standing Orders, Direct Debits, and the option of an Overdraft facility.

Members at Cara Credit Union in Tralee, Castleisland and Killorglin can open a Current Account online or in their local Credit Union offices. This is good news for Credit Union members and for consumers in general who have limited choice at present. Credit Unions are seen to offer something different to the major banks in terms of their personal touch and are considered trustworthy. The Current Account has simple and transparent pricing. A low monthly fee of €4.00 applies and that covers unlimited euro point of sale and contactless transactions, unlimited mobile and online banking and unlimited standing orders and direct debit processing and up to five euro ATM withdrawals per month. Pa Laide, CEO of Cara Credit Union said: “October 16th last year was a watershed moment in the credit unions history. Our very successful Current Account means credit union members with savings and loans are now able to get a competitive Current Account from their trusted Credit Union, and they will no longer need to go to a bank to get this service. We are now able to provide our members with a real choice for their day-to-day financial needs. And this service, is accessible globally and digitally, enabling us to become even more relevant to our members in the ever-increasing digital world. Covid has shown our agility, members can now carry out most if not all of their transaction online and over the phone. In coming months we plan to further expand our suite of products. So watch this space” Information on the Cara Current Account is available on www.caracreditunion.ie or call 066 712 2373

Harnessing Solar Power Renewable energy is hot right now and Dingle based company, Solar Beo, continue to lead the way in Solar Photovoltaic energy solutions, providing eco-friendly, 100% renewable power to domestic and business customers throughout Kerry and the southwest. The family run company, with over 30 years’ experience in electrical contracting, moved into the energy sector in 2019 and continues to expand and evolve as new products and technologies become available. “Harnessing solar energy is one of the fastest growing areas of the renewable sector,” Cian O'Murchu of Solar Beo told Connect. “We offer a free site consultation, visiting any site and recommending an optimum package for the client’s needs based on their budget, usage and roof space.” Currently, an SEAI Government grant of up to €3,000 is available for installing a Solar PV system. Solar Beo will take clients though all the necessary paper work for that as well as providing a full tutorial once the system is up and running, allowing the customer to track the rate of energy generated, used and the savings made.

“This gives customers the breakdown of what exactly their system does and produces at any given time. We also sync the system to their phone so they can see the live data and what their panels are producing and using,” Cian added. For more information, TEL: 0669151045. Mobile 0876263698 / 0872869954. Email: info@solarbeo.ie. Visit: 16

Driftwood Eire Reclaiming, up-cycling, repurposing. We’re all familiar with those terms. Disposable products are out, hand-crafted goods are in, which is great news for Fiona Alsema from Driftwood Eire, who makes charming, often playful works of art using materials she finds strewn around Kerry beaches. Originally from Holland, she creates her gorgeous, oneoff pieces from driftwood, sea shells, stones and sea glass. What started out as a hobby has evolved into a little cottage industry, ideally suited to market on Instagram and Facebook. With some pieces starting at less than €15, they hit the perfect price base too. “As a single mum of four, finding something I could do from home really appealed to me. I’ve always been artistic and I love creating things from nothing, from things people overlook. I’m inspired by the beauty of the landscape and how the sea shapes the things it touches. I started putting my work on Facebook and my business grew from there.” “I was commissioned to create a replica of a house in the UK. From that, I got an another order to do a house for a woman in Wicklow.” With December around the corner, Fiona plans to make more of her popular driftwood Christmas trees, surely the most eco-friendly Christmas tree you can buy. For now though, she’s busy finishing one or two things before she starts producing for the Christmas market in earnest. What are Fiona’s goals for her business in the future? “Ideally, I would love to run workshops for children, teaching them how to forage for material and showing them how to turn it into something unique and very beautiful.” Check out Fiona’s delightful work on Instagram @driftwoodEire or on Facebook

Service First.

Susan Crean Dental and Facial Aesthetics Delights In Denny Street Dr Susan Crean is a woman on a mission. Her aim is to create the most dynamically progressive dental practice in Kerry; a centre of excellence featuring state-of-the -art technology where patients can avail of an unrivalled list of treatments, including digital smile design, cosmetic dentistry, implant restoration and facial aesthetic procedures, all under the one, luxurious roof. So far so good. Her new premises at 12 Denny Street, Tralee’s beautiful Georgian quarter, provides the deluxe setting while she and her team provides the exceptionally professional and committed service that led her patients to nominate her for the Irish Dentistry Awards 2020, in which she reached the final. “It was really great to get the recognition.” She says modestly. “And if my patients are happy, I’m happy, “ “One of the areas we are really focused on is making patients feel relaxed, especially now with Covid. We have virus killers and fogging in the surgery so everything is completely clean. We want to dispel the dread associated with a visit to the dentist. When patients feel comfortable that’s good for prevention. If people come to us early and regularly, we can catch a lot of issues before they become problems .”

Delia O Donoghue Ceramics C a s t le is la n d re c e n t ly w e lc o m e d D e l i a O D o n o g h u e C e r a m i c s t o it s h ig h s t re e t . T h e a ir y , b r ig h t ly c o lo u re d s h o p , s it u a t e d a t t h e t o p o f M a in S t re e t , s e r v e s a s a re t a il o u t le t fo r h e r e x q u is it e h a n d -t h ro w n p o t t e r y p ie c e s w h ile a ls o d o u b lin g -u p a s a w o r k in g p o t t e r ’s s t u d io . T h e N o r t h C o r k N a t iv e n u r s e d a lo v e o f a r t s in c e c h ild h o o d b u t o n ly re c e n t ly re t u r n e d t o c o lle g e , g a in in g a fi r s t c la s s h o n o u r s d e g re e in c e r a m ic s . "W h e n t h e re c e s s io n k ic k e d in , I w e n t fro m fu ll-t im e h o u r s a s a b o o k k e e p e r, t o n o n e , a n d I t h o u g h t , w h y n o t t r y m y h a n d a t g e t t in g fo r m a l t r a in in g in a r t s a n d c r a f t s .” H e r b e a u t ifu l w o r k is in s p ire d b y t h e Ir is h la n d s c a p e , in p a r t ic u la r C o u n t y K e r r y . D e lia ’s w o r k h a s a u n iq u e b e a u t y a n d d is t in c t iv e c o lo u r p a lle t a n d p ie c e s s t a r t fo r a lit t le a s € 1 5 , id e a l fo r b u ild in g a c o lle c t io n o f w a re o v e r t im e . S h e a ls o t a k e s c o m m is s io n s fo r o n c e -o ff p ie c e s , p e r fe c t fo r w e d d in g s a n d s p e c ia l o c c a s io n s .

If you do happen to be of an nervous disposition, Susan Crean Dental and Facial Aesthetics offers every possible concession to anxious patients, including happy gas, noisecancelling headsets and television screens. “We also use the ‘Wand’, a hand-held tool that administers anaesthetic gently, without a needle and the numbing is localised to the gum. These things are important because it’s surprising how many people put off going to the dentist because they fear injections.” A Ballyheigue native and UCC graduate, Dr Crean has spent a large portion of her career up-skilling and diversifying and has just completed a Masters in Aesthetic Medicine from the Harley Academy in London. “I’m equally passionate about dentistry and facial augmentation. Dentists are doctors of the head and neck, it’s our area of expertise. I think the two go hand in hand. I’m particularly excited about a new ultrasound machine that maps ones face, showing exactly where the skin needs treatment but more importantly, it shows what depth to go to. The method is called Ultratherapy and I think it has great potential.” For more information about October Promotions and all available procedures, go to creandental.ie

On St Patrick’s Day, 2021 one lucky winner will win the keys to a beautiful new 4 bed Energy Rated A home in Killarney. No. 5 Sailin Rae is part of a new development of four-bedroom semidetached houses located just off Park Road, Killarney. Enjoying an ideal location, it is only minutes’ walk from the town centre and close to all the wonderful amenities that Killarney Town has to offer. All monies raised will go towards a much needed development in the centre of Ardfert Village. The development will consist of an all-weather astro pitch, a full size grass pitch, an athletics compound, wall ball area, multi discipline sports and community hall and a public perimeter jogging and walking track. They have a range of other prizes so if you don’t win the house you could win one of the other amazing prizes. How do you support: buy a ticket check out their Facebook page for more details.

Meadowlands Hotel - New Look Conference Centre The Meadowlands Hotel is delighted to announce its refurbishments to the Conference Center. The conference rooms have all been re-carpeted & re-decorated to create a fresh and contemporary new look. Conference chairs have been re-upholstered and new furnishings added. The addition of new writing pads, eco-friendly pens and meeting room accessories allows meeting room participants to have the tools they require throughout the day. The Conference Centre at the Meadowlands Hotel was designed with flexibility in mind, catering for conferences, meetings, auditions, interviews and so much more. The various meeting room options accommodate numbers from 2 to 250. The hotel boasts three individually furnished smaller rooms ideal for a boardroom, casual meetings or interview set-up, two mid-sized rooms perfect for classroom or U-shape set-up and one large conference room that can be divided into three parts to suit all conference requirements. Although spacious and bright thanks to natural light, each room is equipped with black-out blinds. High-tech friendly facilities are key to a successful conference. Our Conference room has been recently refitted with a completely new AV system, comprising of 2 Sony 500 Lumen Full HD Laser Projectors which offer a crisp, bright image for all to see. Our systems can cater for HDMI & VGA inputs to accommodate all laptops. The highly experienced conference & banqueting team is dedicated to ensuring that every detail of your event is run according to your plan. A selection of refreshment options is available to allow meeting room participants to refuel throughout the day. All dining requirements catered for with our healthy options becoming increasingly popular. For More Information, please contact our Conference team on 066 718 0444 or info@meadowlandshotel.com.

meet together yet socially apart Let us take care of your business needs

· 5 spacious meeting room options to facilitate online meetings · AV e.g. Zoom, Microsoft Team · 2 metre social distancing · Served refreshments · All staff trained in Covid 19 Safety Standards For meeting room availability and further information, please contact Sarah today 066 7199100 or email sales@therosehotel.com Dan Spring Road, Tralee, Co. Kerry. V92 HKA4.

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C O R P O R AT E & C O N F E R E N C E L U N C H E S & D I N N E R S AVA I L A B L E I N A N M Ó I N É A R R E S TA U R A N T O R P R I VAT E D I N I N G R O O M S

• Meeting room set-ups catering for 2-250 pax

• Complimentary Wi-Fi

• New AV system comprising of 2 Sony Lumen Full HD Laser Projectors

• Adjustable lighting & air conditioning

• HDMI & VGA inputs suitable for all connections

• Bottled water, note pads & pens

• Friendly & professional conference team • Various catering options available

Visit www.meadowlandshotel.com for our special offers 21

COVID-19

Phased Payment Arrangement and Reduced Interest Rate for Revenue Liabilities As part of the Covid-19 July Stimulus Package, Revenue announced that certain Revenue liabilities will be subject to a reduced interest rate of 3% under a Phased Payment Arrangement (PPA). These liabilities comprise VAT, PAYE, Income tax, Corporation tax, CGT and RCT; and returns must be filed with Revenue before agreement is reached. The deadline for applying for the PPA is the 31st October 2020. If you want to avail of this, please contact our office and the team here will prepare the necessary documentation and present it to Revenue where agreement will be reached. Qualifying liabilities are those that arose prior to 30 September 2020. If your income tax for 2019 has been filed or will be filed prior to the 31st of October, this can potentially form part of the PPA. Specifically, if your preliminary tax payment for 2019 was not sufficient, the due date for the balance of your 2019 liability reverts back to 2019, which means that this liability can qualify for the reduced interest rate. On the other hand, if your preliminary tax payment for 2019 was sufficient, the due date for the balance of your 2019 liability is 31 October 2020, which means that this liability cannot qualify for the reduced interest rate (because it falls due after 30 September 2020). In order to qualify:

•The relevant tax returns must be submitted to Revenue in advance. •An application must be submitted to Revenue for a phased payment arrangement before 31st October 2020. •A down payment will have to be paid. •The balance can be deferred for a number of months and paid over an extended period.

Please note this is for Revenue debts outside those that can be warehoused. Please refer to our website and previous communication for further information on warehousing. Normal interest rates (10% for VAT, PAYE and RCT; 8% for Income Tax, Corporation Tax and CGT) will apply until the application is agreed with Revenue. The reduced interest rate of 3% then applies for the period of the phased payment arrangement. It is important to note that, if there are any undisclosed liabilities to Revenue, these can also qualify for the same rates, once there is a qualifying disclosure submitted to Revenue before 31st October 2020. Going forward, you must ensure that all your tax returns are submitted on time and that agreed payments are made. Otherwise, Revenue have the power to cancel the phased payment arrangement and the reduced interest rate would no longer apply. If you want to avail of this Phased Payment Arrangement with Revenue, please contact our office as soon as possible so that we can begin the process. If you have any queries in relation to this matter, or indeed any other tax or financial issue, please contact Francis Moriarty or your usual PSC contact. Our message is simple, we are here to help. On behalf of the entire team here in PSC, we wish you and yours good health and Stay Safe. TRALEE 2nd Floor Riverside House, Dan Spring Road, Fels Point, Tralee, Co. Kerry, V92 DYP7 T: +353 66 7126333 E: tralee@psc.ie www.psc.ie 22

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Tralee Chamber Lends Its Voice to the New Kerry County Development Plan b y G e o rg in a D o w n e s

P u b lic c o n s u lt a t io n o n t h e n e w K e r r y C o u n t y D e v e lo p m e n t P la n h a s b e e n u n d e r w a y s in c e e a r ly s u m m e r. A s t h e c o u n t y w e ig h s u p t h e s o c io -e c o n o m ic re p e rc u s s io n s o f lo c k d o w n , t h is t im e ly p la n w ill h a v e a s ig n ifi c a n t ro le t o p la y in e n s u r in g t h e s u c c e s s a n d p ro s p e r it y o f a re g io n t h a t h a s fa c e d m a n y c h a lle n g e s lo n g b e fo re t h e a r r iv a l o f C o v id . In lig h t o f t h e d r a m a t ic a lly c h a n g e d c irc u m s t a n c e s , s h o u ld w e fi n a lly b e e x p lo r in g n e w , r a d ic a l w a y s o f liv in g a n d d o in g b u s in e s s in K e r r y ? T h e T r a le e C h a m b e r A llia n c e b e lie v e s s o . In it s d o c u m e n t , S u b m is s io n o n th e K e rry C o u n ty D e v e lo p m e n t P la n 2 0 2 2 -2 0 1 8 , t h e A llia n c e m a p s o u t it s v is io n fo r t h e re g io n ’s fu t u re , s p e c ifi c a lly T r a le e , h a ilin g s u s t a in a b le d e v e lo p m e n t a n d in c re a s e d u r b a n d e n s it y a s k e y , a n d s u g g e s t s in n o v a t iv e w a y s t o a c h ie v e it s g o a ls . “ T r a le e h a s d o n e w e ll a s t h e a d m in is t r a t iv e a n d s o c ia l c a p it a l o f t h e c o u n t y , y e t s t r u g g le d t o c re a t e e c o n o m ic g ro w t h a n d q u a lit y e m p lo y m e n t , s o it s p o p u la t io n h a s s t a g n a t e d . W e t h in k t h is s h o u ld b e a s t r a t e g ic fo c u s o f t h e C o u n t y D e v e lo p m e n t P la n . T r a le e n e e d s t o h it t h e 3 0 % p o p u la t io n g ro w t h -t a rg e t a s m a p p e d o u t in t h e R e g io n a l S p a t ia l a n d E c o n o m ic S t r a t e g y in o rd e r t o re a c h it s fu ll p o t e n t ia l,” s a y s K e n To b in , C E O o f T r a le e C h a m b e r A llia n c e .

“W it h t h e fo r m a t io n o f M u n s t e r Te c h n o lo g y U n iv e r s it y , d u e fo r c o m p le t io n in 2 0 2 1 , w e s e e a re a l o p e n in g fo r u r b a n re n e w a l b y in t e g r a t in g s t u d e n t p o p u la t io n , e d u c a t io n a l fa c ilit ie s a n d v a r io u s o t h e r s u p p o r t in d u s t r ie s in t o t h e fa b r ic o f T r a le e . W e w a n t to se e stu d e n t a c c o m m o d a t io n b ro u g h t b a c k in t o t h e t o w n c e n t re , in t o e x is t in g o v e r -s h o p v a c a n t p ro p e r t ie s . T h is w ill g iv e t h e t o w n v it a lit y a n d fre e u p la rg e b lo c k s o f re s id e n t ia l s t o c k fo r p u b lic a n d p r iv a t e fa m ily h o u s in g .” A n o t h e r k e y c o m p o n e n t o f t h e C h a m b e r ’s p ro p o s a l is t h e re lo c a t io n o f t h e T r a le e To w n L ib r a r y t o a t o w n -c e n t re b ro w n fi e ld s it e . “ T h e re a re p le n t y o f p u b lic a n d p r iv a t e ly o w n e d d e v e lo p m e n t s it e s in t o w n w h ic h w o u ld b e p e r fe c t fo r a n e w , m o d e r n fa c ilit y , o n e s u it a b le fo r a ll a g e s . T h is c o u ld s e r v e a s a c e n t r a l fo c a l p o in t fo r a ll t h e s e c o n d a r y s c h o o ls a n d e d u c a t io n a l o rg a n is a t io n s in T r a le e , a s w e ll a s p ro v id in g a n e x c it in g n e w fa m ily , s o c ia l re s o u rc e . T h e y ’v e a c h ie v e d t h is s u c c e s s fu lly in K illo rg lin a n d D u n L a o ig h a ire . ”

T h e R e g io n a l S p a t ia l a n d E c o n o m ic S t r a t e g y (R S E S ) w a s d r a w n u p b y t h e S o u t h e r n R e g io n a l A s s e m b ly in 2 0 1 9 , a n d d e s ig n a t e d T r a le e a s a ‘K e y To w n ’—a la rg e u r b a n c e n t re t h a t fu n c t io n s a s a s e lf-s u s t a in in g re g io n a l d r iv e r. T r a le e ’s c u r re n t p o p u la t io n s t a n d s a t ro u g h ly 2 3 k . G ro w in g t h e p o p u la t io n t o ju s t o v e r 3 0 k in t h e n e x t s ix y e a r s w ill b e n o m e a n fe a t .

A n a g in g p o p u la t io n is a n o t h e r im p o r t a n t c o n s id e r a t io n fo r a n y fu t u re d e v e lo p m e n t p la n . T h e C h a m b e r A llia n c e p ro p o s e s t h e c re a t io n o f C e n t r a l C o m m u n it y H u b s fo r t h e e ld e r ly a n d s u g g e s t s a n y la n d s v a c a t e d b y t h e To w n L ib r a r y in M o y d e r w e ll w o u ld b e id e a lly s u it e d fo r e ld e r ly a c c o m m o d a t io n , c o m p lim e n t in g t h e e x is t in g s u c c e s s fu l p ro je c t s in To b a r N a o fa . T h is h u b c o u ld e v e n t u a lly c o n n e c t t o a d e v e lo p m e n t a t G e a l C h o la is t e C h ia r r a i w h ic h is c u r re n t ly b e in g re lo c a t e d .

“W e n e e d p o s it iv e , s u p p o r t iv e a c t io n . T h is in c lu d e s in c re a s in g g o o d -q u a lit y , u r b a n re s id e n t ia l a n d c o m m e rc ia l d e v e lo p m e n t s , in v e s t m e n t in m o d e r n p u b lic t r a n s p o r t , b e t t e r u s e o f e m p t y p re m is e s , a n d s ig n ifi c a n t d e v e lo p m e n t o f p u b lic s p a c e s . W e w a n t t o s e e 1 3 7 n e w re s id e n c e s p e r y e a r w it h a n a d d it io n a l 2 2 5 jo b s p e r a n n u m .”

“ T h is t y p e o f d e v e lo p m e n t w o u ld re v it a lis e c o m m e rc ia l a c t iv it y le a d in g in fro m C a s t le S t re e t . A s im ila r p ro je c t c o u ld b e m ir ro re d fo r B a llo o n a g h C o n v e n t w h ic h w o u ld re g e n e r a t e P e m b ro k e S t re e t . T h e s e a re e x a c t ly t h e s o r t s o f p ro p o s a ls t h a t ‘S la in t e C a re ’ e n c o u r a g e t o s u p p o r t t h e e ld e r ly w it h in a c o m m u n it y s e t t in g .”

T h e C h a m b e r re c o g n is e s t h e o p p o r t u n it y fo r g ro w t h w it h T r a le e b e c o m in g a U n iv e r s it y t o w n fo llo w in g t h e s u c c e s s fu l m e rg e r o f C o r k IT a n d IT T r a le e . T h e y b e lie v e t h e C o u n t y D e v e lo p m e n t P la n m u s t a c k n o w le d g e t h e s ig n ifi c a n c e a n d p o t e n t ia l o f ‘k n o w le d g e in fr a s t r u c t u re ’ a s a n a c c e le r a n t t o c o m m e rc ia l a c t iv it y a n d d e v e lo p m e n t .

T h e s u b m is s io n a ls o e n d o r s e s C o m p u ls o r y P u rc h a s e O rd e r s in c e r t a in c irc u m s t a n c e s w h e re t h e re ’s c o n s id e r a b le v a c a n c y o r h o rd in g o f u s a b le b u ild in g s , u rg in g t h e C o u n t y D e v e lo p m e n t P la n t o re v is it t h e R e t a il C o n t ro l Z o n e t o c o n s id e r a lt e r n a t iv e o ffi c e , c o m m u n it y , c u lt u re a n d re s id e n t ia l u s e s fo r v a c a t e d g ro u n d -fl o o r p re m is e s t h a t a re n o lo n g e r fi t fo r m o d e r n re t a il p u rp o se s.

“W e s h o u ld a im a t m a x im is in g t h e u s e o f e x is t in g s p a c e t h ro u g h fo c u s e d , a m b it io u s p la n n in g . W e d o n ’t w a n t t h e s o r t o f s p o r a d ic e x p a n s io n t h a t h a s le d t o a h ig h le v e l o f u n d e r -u t ilis e d b ro w n fi e ld s it e s . U n u s e d p ro p e r t ie s a n d la n d s c u r re n t ly ly in g id le in t h e u r b a n c e n t re s h o u ld b e e a r m a r k e d fo r s ig n ifi c a n t re d e v e lo p m e n t o r d e m o lit io n , w h ic h e v e r is m o s t a p p ro p r ia t e .” “C la s h a n d M o n a v a lly In d u s t r ia l E s t a t e s a re t w o p r im e e x a m p le s o f s it e s t h a t n e e d a t t e n t io n . F o r m e r p la n s a n d s t r a t e g ie s t o re v it a lis e t h e m fo r h ig h -t e c h in d u s t r ie s h a v e n ’t b e e n fo llo w e d t h ro u g h o n a n d t h e y a re s u ff e r in g fro m a la c k o f id e n t it y , n o la n d s c a p in g , z e ro in v e s t m e n t a n d s ig n ifi c a n t d e t e r io r a t io n . T h e lo c a l a u t h o r it y n e e d s t o re v is it t h e o u t -o fd a t e p la n n in g a n d z o n in g la w s re la t in g t o t h e s e p re m is e s .” T r a n s p o r t a t io n a n d A c c e s s a re o t h e r k e y a re a s a d d re s s e d in t h e C h a m b e r ’s s u b m is s io n . It s u p p o r t s s t r a t e g ic , s u s t a in a b le t r a n s p o r t p ro je c t s . T h e ir p ro p o s a l in c lu d e s a n e x p a n s iv e U r b a n E le c t r ic P u b lic B u s s y s t e m fo r T r a le e t h a t in t e g r a t e s w it h M T U , M a n o r W e s t a n d t h e t o w n c e n t re . “W e w a n t t o s e e liv e a b le c o m m u n it ie s w it h a lo w e r re lia n c e o n t h e p r iv a t e c a r. T h is w ill m e a n a c u lt u r a l s h if t o v e r t im e . C o m p a c t g ro w t h in v o lv e s p u t t in g e m p lo y m e n t h u b s c lo s e t o h ig h d e n s it y re s id e n t ia l a re a s , re d u c in g t h e n e e d t o c o m m u t e . P u b lic t r a n s p o r t s y s t e m s s h o u ld lin k u p w it h k e y a re a s in T r a le e b u t a ls o w it h n e ig h b o u r in g t o w n s a n d v illa g e s . T h e t r a n s p o r t s y s t e m s h o u ld b e c a p a b le o f le v e r a g in g o ff e x is t in g a n d p la n n e d g re e n w a y s . B e t t e r a n d s a fe r p a s s a g e w a y s fo r c y c lis t s a n d w a lk e r s w ill is m a k e K e r r y t o w n s fa r m o re a t t r a c t iv e t o v is it o r s a n d it w ill e n c o u r a g e s u s t a in a b le t o u r is m .” K e r r y A ir p o r t in F a r r a n fo re s it s b e t w e e n T r a le e , K illo rg lin a n d K illa r n e y , t h e k n o w le d g e T r ia n g le A re a , a n d n e e d s a n in t e g r a t e d lo g is t ic s m o d e l t h a t lin k s p u b lic t r a n s p o r t t o t h e a ir p o r t a n d s u r ro u n d in g t o w n s , a c c o rd in g t o t h e C h a m b e r ’s s u b m is s io n . “W e w o u ld s u p p o r t t h e re lo c a t io n o f t h e F a r r a n fo re r a ilw a y s t a t io n s o t h a t it ’s a d ja c e n t t o t h e a ir p o r t . W e ’d a ls o lik e t o s e e

a n e w b u s t e r m in a l fo r t h e a ir p o r t a n d t h e d e v e lo p m e n t o f c o m m e rc ia l fre ig h t t r a n s p o r t t o o .” “W e a ls o s e e g re a t p o t e n t ia l fo r F e n it a s a n im p o r t a n t p o r t a n d t h e D e p a r t m e n t o f T r a n s p o r t h a s re c o g n is e d t h is t o o . W it h t h e T r a le e -F e n it g re e n w a y , o p p o r t u n it ie s fo r it s g ro w t h h a v e b ro a d e n e d b e y o n d fi s h in g , s h ip p in g a n d le is u re . W it h fu r t h e r in v e s t m e n t , F e n it c o u ld b e a g re a t t o u r is m a n d e d u c a t io n a l a s s e t .” O t h e r a re a s s in g le d o u t a s t o u r is m h o t s p o t s t h a t w o u ld b e n e fi t fro m in v e s t m e n t in c lu d e t h e c a n a l a re a o f T r a le e , fro m t h e b a s in t o t h e lo c k g a t e s , B le n n e r v ille W in d m ill a n d o u t b e y o n d R e e n P o in t , T h e T r a le e B a y W e t la n d s C e n t re , t h e To w n P a r k a n d t h e A q u a d o m e . T h e C h a m b e r a ls o w a n t t o s e e t h e 2 0 0 0 L e e V a lle y M a s t e r p la n , a n e x t e n s iv e s c o p in g s t u d y p ro d u c e d b y To u r is m D e v e lo p m e n t Ire la n d in a s s o c ia t io n F e rg u s o n M c llv e e n , a n d s u b s e q u e n t ly e n d o r s e d b y t h e T r a le e To w n C o u n c il in 2 0 0 9 , in c lu d e d in t h e c u r re n t C o u n t y D e v e lo p m e n t P la n . T h e y a ls o s e e p o t e n t ia l in a c q u ir in g a n d re -z o n in g t h e fo r m e r J o h n W o o d s Q u a r r y s it e in B a lly m a c e llig o t a n d re d e v e lo p in g it a s a n a c t iv it y a n d re c re a t io n a l fa c ilit y . O n t h e in d u s t r ia l a n d e n v iro n m e n t a l c h a lle n g e s fa c e d b y t h e c o u n t y , T r a le e C h a m b e r in s is t s a n y fu t u re p la n s m u s t b e u n d e r p in n e d b y a c o m m it m e n t t o s u s t a in a b le d e v e lo p m e n t w it h in e n v iro n m e n t a l lim it s . B y 2 0 3 0 , s a le s o f n e w fo s s il fu e l c a r s w ill c e a s e . T h e C h a m b e r w a n t s t o s e e a ll p u b lic c a r p a r k s , p u b lic v is it o r a t t r a c t io n s a n d a m e n it y s p a c e s in t h e c o u n t y fu t u re -p ro o fe d t o a c c o m m o d a t e e le c t r ic v e h ic le s b e fo re t h e e n d o f t h e D e v e lo p m e n t P la n ’s 2 0 2 8 t im e lin e . “ T h e g o a l is fo r a lo w c a r b o n s o c ie t y . W e w a n t c le a n t r a n s p o r t , g o o d a ir a n d w a t e r q u a lit y a n d s u s t a in a b le w a s t e m a n a g e m e n t . T h e s e s h o u ld b e a p r io r it y . To a c h ie v e t h is w e n e e d t o b e re s o u rc e -e ffi c ie n t . E n v iro n m e n t a l fa c t o r s a re c h a n g in g . W e h a v e s e e n p a r t s o f K e r r y fl o o d e d in t h e p a s t . W e b e lie v e K e r r y C o u n t y C o u n c il s h o u ld w o r k p ro a c t iv e ly w it h Ir is h W a t e r t o e n s u re t h is d o e s n ’t h a p p e n a g a in .” F in a lly , w a t e r w a y s fo r m a n in t e g r a l p a r t o f t h e t o u r is m in fr a s t r u c t u re in K e r r y . T h e C h a m b e r b e lie v e s t h e c u r re n t le v e ls o f in v e s t m e n t in t h e s e a re a s n e e d s t o b e a d d re s s e d . “ T r a le e h a s a h u g e a d v a n t a g e in b e in g a la rg e u r b a n c e n t re s it u a t e d o n t h e s e a . T h e c u r re n t C o u n t y D e v e lo p m e n t P la n s h o u ld re fl e c t t h is a d v a n t a g e . W e h a v e a re a l o p p o r t u n it y t o b r in g a b o u t c h a n g e n o w . L e t ’s e m b r a c e it .”

BECOME A MEMBER TODAY

Sign up as a member of Connect Business Club and Connect with other business around the county. For details email margaret@connectpublications.ie

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A Run Away Success Story Despite Difficult Times B y G e o r g in a D o w n e s A m id g ro w in g u n c e r t a in t y d u e t o C o v id -1 9 , a n d a lo o m in g e c o n o m ic re c e s s io n , a K e r r y - o w n e d b u s in e s s is b u c k in g t h e t re n d b y re c o rd in g o n e o f t h e ir b u s ie s t s a le s p e r io d s o n re c o rd , le a d in g t o a w e lc o m e re c r u it m e n t d r iv e a c ro s s Ire la n d . P re m ie r h o m e w a re c o m p a n y , t h e A rd R i g ro u p , c o m p r is in g H e n le y S t o v e s , D e a n t a D o o r s a n d F it z g ib b o n In t e r io r s , h a s a n n o u n c e d t h e c re a t io n o f 6 0 n e w jo b s a c ro s s t h e ir Ir is h o p e r a t io n fro m D u b lin t o t h e ir h e a d q u a r t e r s o n t h e D in g le P e n in s u la , ju s t o u t s id e T r a le e . T h e c o m p a n y h a s g ro w n t h e ir tu rn o v e r y e a r o n y e a r to b e c o m e a m a r k e t le a d e r fo r q u a lit y in t e r n a l d o o r s , s t o v e s a n d h ig h e n d fu r n it u re . C o n n e c t B u s in e s s M a g a z in e s p o k e w it h C E O P a u l F it z g ib b o n a b o u t h is h u m b le b e g in n in g s , h a rd w o r k e t h ic a n d p la n s fo r t h e fu t u re . “O u r fa t h e r N o e l w a s a s t o n e m a s o n a n d a FA S in s t r u c t o r. H e s e t u p t h e A rd -R i g ro u p in 1 9 8 9 , g iv in g u s a p la t fo r m u p o n w h ic h t o b u ild a g lo b a l b u s in e s s . W e b e g a n m a k in g m a r b le h e a d s t o n e s a n d fi re p la c e s in C o n n e lly P a r k b u t it w a s la b o u r -in t e n s iv e w it h lo n g h o u r s a n d lit t le re t u r n . T h e n , a t a t r a d e s h o w in V e ro n a , t h e e u re k a m o m e n t s t r u c k . O u r fa t h e r m e t a b u s in e s s m a n w h o s p o k e a b o u t t h e o p p o r t u n it ie s fo r e x p a n s io n w it h in C h in a a n d o u r b u s in e s s m o d e l p iv o t e d fro m m a n u fa c t u r in g t o im p o r t in g .” “W e re a lis e d h o w im p o r t a n t it w a s t o h a v e c o n t ro l o v e r o u r o w n s u p p ly c h a in s o m y b ro t h e r J o h n m o v e d t o C h in a a n d w e re n t e d a b u ild in g a n d e m p lo y e d 7 0 p e o p le . W e b e g a n m a n u fa c t u r in g s t o v e s , e v e n t u a lly m o v in g in t o in t e r io r d o o r s a n d o t h e r h o m e w a re p ro d u c t s . To d a y , w e h a v e t w o fa c t o r ie s in S o u t h e r n C h in a , e m p lo y in g 5 5 0

p e o p le . W e m a k e o n e m illio n d o o r s a y e a r a n d p la n t o in v e s t t w o m illio n in a u t o m a t io n o v e r t h e n e x t fo u r -y e a r p e r io d .” “W h e n w e fi r s t m o v e d in t o t h e U K m a r k e t , w e lo s t m o n e y . It w a s d iffi c u lt t o g e t in w it h m a jo r d is t r ib u t o r s . B u t w e b e lie v e d in o u r p ro d u c t a n d w e s t u c k a t it . E v e n t u a lly , k e y re t a ile r s re c o g n is e d t h e q u a lit y o f o u r g o o d s a n d s a w w e w e re a b le t o fu lfi l c o n t r a c t s . N o w w e a re s e e in g a 3 0 -4 0 % g ro w t h in t h e U K m a r k e t y e a r o n y e a r.” “W e d e s ig n a n d t e s t a ll o u r p ro d u c t s h e re in Ire la n d m e e t in g t h e h ig h e s t s t a n d a rd s s e t b y t h e S A I fo r o u r s t o v e s . W e h a v e in t ro d u c e d a n u m b e r o f e n v iro n m e n t a lly fr ie n d ly p ro d u c t d e s ig n s in b o th o u r d o o rs a n d sto v e s e n s u r in g w e c o n t in u e t o in n o v a t e a s a m a r k e t le a d e r. “O u r lo n g -t e r m s t r a t e g y is t o p e n e t r a t e fi v e n e w m a r k e t s in E u ro p e ; B e lg iu m , T h e N e t h e r la n d s , G e r m a n y , P o la n d a n d F r a n c e w it h in 5 y e a r s .” B o t h b ro t h e r s , N e il a n d P a u l F it z g ib b o n , a re c u r re n t ly fi n a lis t s in t h e E Y E n t re p re n e u r o f t h e Ye a r 2 0 2 0 , t h e o n ly K e r r y c a n d id a t e s in t h e c o m p e t it io n . W e w is h t h e m t h e b e s t o f lu c k . T h e c o m p a n y h a s re c e n t ly h ire d 1 5 p e o p le w it h a fu r t h e r 4 5 d u e t o h ire d w it h in 1 2 m o n t h s . T h e y a re lo o k in g fo r s k ille d a n d e x p e r ie n c e d p e o p le t o jo in t h e ir t e a m in t h e a re a s o f s a le s , p u rc h a s in g , w a re h o u s in g , d r iv in g a n d a d m in is t r a t io n . C o n t a c t t h e m d ire c t ly a t h r @ a r d r i m a r b l e .c o m

Keep an Eye on Your Sight–It’s Essential for Safe Driving!

ood eyesight properly used is an essential pre-requisite for safe driving. How many times have you heard drivers say “He (the other vehicle) came from nowhere?” or “suddenly he appeared” or “I never saw him until the last minute”? Driving a vehicle is a highly complex task with about 85/90pc of information our brain receives and reacts upon coming through our eyes. Therefore, our eyes are vitally important in coordinating our psychomotor skills and decision making while driving. If you cannot see clearly, you cannot judge distances or spot trouble, and you will not be able to make the best judgments. You also need to see peripherally or “out of the corner of your eye” to spot vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists etc. coming up alongside you while you are looking at the road ahead. A driver receives most of his information about the road situation through his eyes. In Ireland, certain minimum vision requirements are laid down before a driver may obtain a license, but everyone should always remember that their eyesight slowly get slightly worse as time goes on. Any suspicions of eyesight problems should be followed up without delay because of the serious implications for driving safely. Driving: Legal Requirements Section 21 of the 1968 Road Traffic Act requires that before the driving test may be conducted, the Minister must be satisfied that the applicant’s eyesight reaches the prescribed manner. The regulations prescribing the manner of so satisfying the Minister of the standard of sight are set out in SI 385/1989 (Reg. 42).

The need for an eyesight report arises in two ways: (a) An application for a learner permit for categories A1, A, B, EB must be accompanied by an eyesight report, unless the applicant previously supplied one which is still valid, or he supplies or had supplied a valid medical report. (b) As part of a certificate of fitness where necessary by court order or where the applicant is “unfit”. Generally the latter need arises where an applicant for a licence cannot declare that he is free from the prescribed diseases and disabilities in the regulations. (c) The above regulation prescribes that an applicant’s eyesight report must be from an ophthalmic optician or registered medical practitioner. A thorough examination by the former is usually recommended, whereas a doctor will conduct a more basic test. (d) This report must be such that it satisfies the Issuing Authority that the applicant’s eyesight complies with (or can be corrected to comply with) the required standards. Finally, driver trainers must ensure that pupils who normally wear glasses or contact lenses wear them every time they take training. They can also play their part in helping pupils to detect some eyesight problems. Use the number plate test – even though it’s a basic one - check for colour blindness using the Ishihara colour plates (your doctor or ophthalmologist may provide you with one) and observe carefully how well and how soon pupils react to hazards. However, eyesight impairment can be a sensitive issue and must be tactfully approached, but one that should not be overlooked, otherwise a potential accident situation could be looming up ahead for you and your client. Tom Harrington LL B F Inst MTD. The Master Tutor

Sean Taaffe Does It Again!

By Georgina Downes Sean Taaffe has added another prestigious prize to his arsenal of awards having recently received a prestigious PHAB Service Star. The coveted prize is given to hairdressing professionals who demonstrate exceptional performance levels in a an highly customer-focused industry . Not only is he the first to win it in Kerry, Sean is the first to win it in Ireland.

How do you feel having won? “I’m really honoured,” the popular businessman said. “Each individual award is special. I know it’s my name out there on the shop-front, but there is a wonderful team of talented people around me who will go above and beyond because customer service is really important to us. I’m just one instrument. When you add the whole team together, you get a powerful orchestra.”

Why do you think you won? “The awarding body examines the number of 4 and 5 star reviews a stylist gets; the volume of repeat customers; the number of appointments made immediately after a sitting, things like that. I am very customer-focused, I want my clients to have a good experience. I hope the PHAB Service Star might speak to that and it’s wonderful to be recognised. I encourage my entire team to work towards awards. It’s a great way to keep motivated and moving forward.” The Sean Taaffe Salon Group has an impressive number of awards already, including Munster Salon of the Year Award and Salon of the Year in the Alfaparf & Schwarzkopf Business Awards. Sean flexes his creative muscles on the world stage too, having represented Ireland internationally and bringing home Bronze from the World Championships in Frankfurt in the Fashion Cut &Colour categories and the OMC Asia Cup Open in Malaysia. He also sat on the panel of Jurors for the OMC World Hairdressing Championships in Paris.

How did you get going? “I was born in the UK and moved to Ireland with my parents when I was young. My father was from Louth and my mother was English. They ran a guest house in Caherdaniel. I’d gowith my mother when she went to have her hair done and I loved the atmosphere in the salon. ” Sean left school at thirteen and began his hairdressing career at Denis Maguire’s, Castle Street, Tralee. He went on to the Cork International College of Hairdressing. He subsequently studied in UL for a certificate in Business Management. “I opened my first salon in Killorglin in 1989. I didn’t necessarily see myself as an entrepreneur, I just wanted to cut and style hair. It was unintentional, things started to grow organically and by the mid-90s, my business plan expanded.” Sean Taaffe has three salons: one in Tralee, Killorglin and Killarney. His commitment to upskilling inspired him to open his own training academy above his salon in Tralee. Each salon offers beauty treatments and all come with nail-bars, ideal for one-stop-shop pampering expeditions. How does he spread his time between all three? “I space out my time as evenly as I can. I spend 3½ days per week on the salon floor. The rest of my time goes on administration and accounting; the business end of things. “My speciality is cutting. When someone wants a complete restyle, it’s an exciting challenge. A great transformation is very satisfying.”

What achievement are you most proud of? “The awards are really gratifying and I’m always honoured to get one but I’m most proud of the new National Hairdressing Apprenticeship. As the newly appointed President of the Hairdressing Council of Ireland, I was involved in the Apprenticeship Steering Group . We wanted to have official recognition across all government training platforms for the apprenticeship. This means that anyone doing this training will gain a level 6 qualification which can be used as leverage 30

towards other courses and training academies. This is an important step forwards for the industry. It will prove a huge advantage to anyone studying in Ireland for a recognised qualification in hair and beauty.”

How is your business recovering from Lockdown? “It was a stressful time especially as I’m usually flat out busy. I ‘m happiest when doing something. I’d have gone mad if I hadn’t been involved in the Hairdressing Council. These are certainly difficult trading conditions but thankfully we’re back now, up and running. Fingers crossed won’t be shut down again.”

What do see for the future of your business? “In the next five years, I’d like to see operations grow. We’re launching our own professional brush range soon and that’s exciting. In the training academy, we get people asking us to recommend products. It’s such a personal choice, and with years of experience, we know what works so we researched lots of products and ending up doing our own range of branded hairdressing tools.”

There are two key elements to successfully managing remote workers. The first is clarity. This means setting out clear expectations around processes and ensuring the employees have access to all the necessary supports. This should be followed up with regular check-ins and communication to ensure projects and ongoing work is completed within the usual timelines and work is completed.

Do you see shampoos and conditioners down the line? “Perhaps in the future. If we do, I think we’d go down the vegan, organic route.”

Finally, you don’t do house-calls but who could entice you to grab your scissors and comb and dash out for an emergency cut and blow dry? “ Maybe Cameron Diaz.” Many congratulations again to Sean and all his team from everyone at Connect.

The second key element is trust. This means that the remote worker is given a level of autonomy over their role which requires the trust of the employer that the necessary work will be completed to a high standard. While it is tempting to micromanage employees that are out of sight, studies show that this approach can be counterproductive and extremely demotivating for remote workers. When managed correctly the improved work life balance for employees who work remotely significantly boosts productivity. Please do not hesitate to contact The HR Suite should you wish to discuss this matter further or if clarifications are required on 066-7102877.

The HR Suite | Pier 17, Dingle Road, Tralee, Co. Kerry Tel: (066) 710 2887 Email: info@thehrsuite.com 31

The magic that is medical mobility Helen Blanchfield Medical mobility is a truly Irish run family business since 1990. They first offered what was to become a specialised retail experience bringing a passion for positive ageing to the fore and empowering Independence as we age. Owned by Deirdre Fee and her son Cliff, the business celebrated their 30th birthday in July the same as Radio Kerry. The shop has been located at Unit 5b The Horan centre, Clash Tralee now for 6 years. Prior to this it was located in Rock Street, Tralee shopping arcade Bridge Street, and also for a time in Killarney where Deirdre is from. Deirdre also owned a successful shop in Limerick. Cliff Deirdre’s son joined the business ten years ago. Medical mobility is a remarkable example of customer led experience where a person may arrive not even knowing what they are looking for. When a difficulty presents itself, Deirdre listens to the customer and finds a solution by narrowing down the product range to suit the situation. Cliff is also a product specialist in the retail of medical supplies for independent living. Going hand in hand with what medical mobility offers is Deirdre’s husband Peters skills as stair lift installer which he started up 15 years ago. When a family member is faced with challenges related to reduce health or a reduced mobility issue then that person needs maximum independence and comfort in their homes. Help with daily activities of living will often involve the use of assistive living products. Problems with feet and toes are also expertly dealt with based on individual needs and requirements, and 30 years of excellent service to customers. Shoe fitting, and assessment for suitable armchair sizing etc. are by appointment only during covid restrictions .All Safety guidelines are adhered to in the store at this time. Personal protective equipment or PPE is supplied by medical mobility to individuals and businesses also. An array of products such as masks, gloves, gowns, hand sanitiser and items such as thermometers are all available. Supplies for medical professionals are also purchasable.

Deirdre trained as a nurse in England and returned to Ireland in the 1980s. Whilst working and rearing 3 children she decided to complete a start up your own business course. It was then she identified the need for a shop providing supportive medical supplies .With her expertise and nursing background she began to offer a unique and specialised retail experience. “I then went on to do further studies in Gerontology and counselling” says Deirdre. I have a keen interest in care of the older person and a passion for positive ageing and also to empower independence in ageing”. “No two persons of any age that comes to the shop has the same level of difficulty” Deirdre explains. Stores such as medical mobility are not in every town and in a time where ageing population is growing the excellent service medical mobility provides Tralee is an integral resource. Cliff has brought the existing unique retail experience to the next level with a 21st century approach to make the service available nationwide by introducing Mobility Genie. This website for independent living solutions he created is easily navigated for all, and even the older age group that might be nervous initially. With putting customers first in mind and designing a platform that is easily followed, mobility Genie is not a typical site. Deirdre explains to Connect that the customer types in what they need, or indeed if the customer can’t determine what it is exactly they require an algorithm system identifies their exact requisite. “It is a wonderful process and so easily navigated by all”. In a time of cocooning family, carer, or customer can go online and shop by category independently. The unique shopping experience online is like a chatroom where Deirdre or Cliff can respond to questions asked to help the customer make the right decision. Mobility Genie is now nationwide through the platform and has customers from 16 countries, in partnership with pharmacy groups.

The business has a reputation that attracts referrals from all medical professionals .Check out the website and the exercise videos also available online. Upper and lower body exercise demos with Ethan Mc Grath encourage keeping active with mobility Genie. Deirdre would like to give high praise to all the staff that have worked and are working diligently with medical mobility, through which their skills have brought the business to where it is today. Another fantastic initiative of Deirdre’s is her Facebook page called “Ask nana Fee” .It is a weekly Irish show that focuses on matters regarding positive ageing. Deirdre detected a sense of nervousness from customers, an ambience of being deflated during lockdown and cocooning. This is a forum to talk, vent, and interact in a positive way.

Medical mobility provide specialised advice on hundreds of daily living aids. Measurement and suitability can be matched perfectly to the needs of the individual. Working closely with hospitals, clinics and suppliers Deirdre and Cliff are progressive in moving with the ever changing times, to provide the optimal successful experience for their client. When shopping online deliveries are 2-3 days anywhere in Ireland with An Post. So whether you are an individual requiring assistance with daily activities, health professional, carer or family member call to Deirdre, Cliff and the staff at Medical Mobility. You are guaranteed a family orientated, ultimately professional and all round experience. Open Monday to Saturday 9.30 am to 5.30 pm contact Deirdre 086 2308788 deirdre@mobilitygenie.ie

Mental health is a massive priority for Deirdre and she has written a book called minding our minds, a guide to supports and services. She truly understands the importance of getting “Mojo and confidence back” in these uncertain times.

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