The lifestyle magazine for Kerry
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CONNECT KERRY December 2016
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The lifestyle magazine for Kerry
The lifestyle magazine for Kerry
CONNECT KERRY December 2016
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The lifestyle magazine for Kerry
Cover Story | Connect
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CONNECT KERRY December 2016
The lifestyle magazine for Kerry
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The lifestyle magazine for Kerry
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CONNECT KERRY December 2016
The lifestyle magazine for Kerry
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The lifestyle magazine for Kerry
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CONNECT KERRY December 2016
The lifestyle magazine for Kerry
Cover Story | Connect
Now ta k bookin ing Christm gs for as part ies!
ur Enjoy o s sion trad ses fire pen by the o
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How I will be
spending Christmas We all love to catch up with our nearest and dearest at Christmas but if you work or live away from home this can be difficult, Connect’s Marisa recently caught up with a few well known Kerry people on their traditions for Christmas and how they will be spending the season.. Sinead Kissane – TV3
Christmas at our home in Ardfert is probably the same as everyone else’s – a time to switch on the lights and switch off from work for a few days. I don’t get to go home as often as I would like so I always look forward to the great escape from Dublin. As well as my parents, my sister Niamh and her husband Hubert and son Rowan will be at home along with my brother Ciaran and his partner Orla will be down at some stage too. Nothing beats sitting at home on the couch and watching The Sound of Music with no decisions to make only what to eat next!
Rose of Tralee 2016 – Maggie McEldowney
Christmas to me is enjoying time with loved ones and friends. It is a cozy fire on a snowy Chicago day with laughter around the dinner table. My family and I attend Christmas Eve Mass, which is a lovely way to start the celebrations with the beautiful Christmas Carols and decorations. I have a pretty large extended family, so we split the day and have a secret Santa in the morning with my mom’s side, then dinner with my dad’s side! The next day, I fly out to visit fellow Roses from this year! I’m looking forward to celebrating New Years in London with Emma O’Connor (London Rose), then celebrating my birthday in Dublin with Lorna White (Dublin Rose) and other friends on the 2nd! Wishing our readers and their families a happy Christmas Season!
Hotelier, Francis Brennan
Christmas to me means work...I’ve worked the past 38 Christmases in Kenmare and Christmas Day this year will be no different - I will be on duty from 7am until midnight. I’ll be on hand first thing with a screwdriver and every sized battery you can imagine for all the parents who’ve forgotten to buy them for their children’s toys and can’t get them anywhere. We’ve learned from experience over the years so you have to be miles ahead. Then it’s breakfast and after that we start some games – from table tennis to golf games. Then it’s a light lunch and in the afternoon; at around 5pm Santa arrives at the hotel which is always an excellent experience. All the staff also bring their children and they all do a little act which is wonderful. At 7pm we have a champagne reception before our gala Christmas dinner that night. For me Christmas is about work - I’ve done it for so long I wouldn’t know what to do with myself if I was off. But it’s also about family. We make it a wonderful experience for families and create a genuine home from home – everything here is real, from our holly and figs to our fresh oranges to the giant Christmas tree in the hall. It has been going very well so far. 12
CONNECT KERRY December 2016
The lifestyle magazine for Kerry
Deputy Michael Healy-Rae
Christmas first of all, to me, is memories and very important memories. I can go back to being carried to my grandmother’s old house where there was a big open fire and there used to be grey, woolly socks hanging from the crane which was thrown to one side and she would always have some bits and pieces inside in these for us for Christmas. When we were small, my father would never let us come down the stairs on our own or even walking behind him. He would take us on his back. When we’d go into the room downstairs the table and chairs and everything would be turned upside down after Santa’s visit during the night. He would explain to us that Santa had a small drink in every house that he would go to and by the time he came to our house he might have been a bit unsteady on his feet delivering his presents. Calling to friends and neighbours and having a small bit of extra time at Christmas means an awful lot especially for a person like me who is away from home so much and who does not get time, as a rule, to visit like that. Simple things like going to Mass, calling to the graveyard, going shooting on Christmas Day and Stephen’s Day. These are simple things but terribly important and dear things to me as if I could be any place in the world on Christmas Day the only place I would want to be would be at home. There is always great enjoyment in the local bars at Christmas week in particularly and the New Year as people are more laid back and have more time on their hands. Christmas is obviously a very special time for our young children in our communities and that is why it is so important for us to make their memories as special as possible so that when they are grown up they will look fondly back upon their childhood. The play of cards in the local bars is always great craic and the banging of the tables can be heard loud and clear around the village. That is another memory that I have of Christmas and it continues to date thankfully. Christmas is a very special religious and family time and everybody should do their best to keep it that way.
Fashion designer, Don O’Neill
Christmas will be spent in Ballyheigue with my family, Pascal will spend his in Guadeloupe with his Family. I will be continuing on the traditions set in place by my mom and some of my own. There will be a mad day of baking on my first day at home, Loaves of Brown bread to be eaten with the Christmas Ham, dozens of mince pies and Mom’s Caramel Chocolate squares, and apple & blackberry pies to be baked and frozen for dad, and the trifle for Christmas day. Then I will make 3 special Christmas wreaths to take up to the graveyard, a festive Nativity scene nestled in pine, spruce and holly branches, one for Mom and one for each of my Grandmothers. I love Mid-night mass, in the darkened church, lit only with candles and the beautiful choir singing carols and Christmas hymns. Then later that night at home, festive and bright , decorated by Dad and Pat, the blazing fire, hot cups of tea and mince pies, Family and friends calling, the tree twinkling with its colourful fairy lights as we open our gifts. On Christmas day, after watching the Christmas swim in Ballyheigue we will head up to my sister Deirdre’s for a delicious traditional Christmas feast ( where I will be tasked with making the gravy and carving the turkey ). Then weather permitting a long walk on the beach, before visiting my Aunty Geraldine for her delicious Irish Coffee’s, and bowls of Nan Godley’s Sherry soaked Trifle. Christmas is a very special time of the year for me, and more so because Mom loved it and keeping her spirit alive and present is really important to me . It’s a family time where happy childhood memories still add that magical sparkle, and a spiritual time, celebrating the birth of Jesus, visiting the crib together and reflecting on that marvellous night when the sky filled with Angels and a majestic star led the Magi to Bethlehem.. It’s a time to reflect to all we have been blessed with , and to send blessings and good wishes out to all our loved ones near and far.
The lifestyle magazine for Kerry
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The lifestyle magazine for Kerry
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The lifestyle magazine for Kerry
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Christmas Chic
The lifestyle magazine for Kerry
Christmas is just around the corner, so this month we are looking at some locally sourced festive fashion for him, for her . . . and for your favourite pooch !
Stylish knits from Carraig Donn Tralee €34.95 Holden Siobhan Large Leather Tote €545 Holden Designer Collar & Lead €150. Holden Leathergoods ship worldwide and the collection can be viewed and purchased on holdenleathergoods.com
Woof Woof! Every dapper dog has a Holden designer leather collar and lead on their list this Christmas. So you don’t want to let down your very best friend! Of course, Holden also make beautiful designer leather bags and accessories for both him & her - so make sure to check out their website (holdenleathergoods.com) or pop down to their store in Dingle town. Cara - it’s all about friendship Ireland’s leading Goldsmith, master jeweller Brian de Staic, has a host of classical and contemporary collections for both men and women to add elegance to every outfit. I personally love the ‘Cara’ collection - perfect for expressing bonds of love and friendship amongst friends and family. Pop into their stores in Manor West Tralee, in heart of Killarney or Dingle towns or shop online at www.briandestaic.com
Dance with your inner Ballerina We have focused a lot on sparkle but tulle is also having its moment again this season. Check out the recently opened ‘the Mad Ones’ in Castleisland for some fabulous tulle skirts (as well as lots of beautiful vintage, boho and very unique looks for all ages). Jasmine in the heart of Tralee also have a wonderful selection of tulle skirts as well as occasion wear to make you the belle of any ball (or indeed bar) this season. If you adore Hollywood glamour, make sure also to pop into Goose Boutique in Tralee - a new shopping concept specialising in preloved and vintage brand names from high end to high street. With everything from Dior and Chanel to selected local designers and milliners, Goose is certainly worth a visit.
Best foot forward
Goodbye baby deer (that Bambi waddle you do when your shoes hurt!) and hello shoe comfort and style. Make sure to look out for the Ara shoes collection - so very on trend and honestly like wearing socks on your feet. Available in all good independent shoe boutiques.
Top Irish retailer, Paco have lots of fabulous and affordable fashion for all ages and sizes in both their Tralee and Killarney stores. Below: Vintage glamour - a treasure trove of old world glamour mixed with Kerry designers at Goose Tralee.
The big news in the Kerry fashion world this month, is the opening of Ivy Lane by Hannons. Featuring beautiful new labels for every stylish occasion, discover what everyone is talking about for yourself. Lastly remember, for a better local economy and community and all our futures, please support your local businesses when shopping this season. Happy Christmas!
Go mad for Tulle ! Pop into ‘the Mad Ones’ in Castleisland and release your inner Princess
For updates follow me on Twitter & Instagram @orladiffily and tune into the TODAY Show on RTE
The lifestyle magazine for Kerry
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Meadowlands Hotel Oakpark Tralee | T. 066 718 0444 | info@meadowlandshotel.com | www.meadowlandshotel.com
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Ballybeggan Road, Tralee, Kerry | T: +353(0667123777) | Email: info@johnwalsh.ie
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The lifestyle magazine for Kerry
HEALTHCARE MATTERS
Heart Disease with Brian Kearney
Welcome back to this month’s
edition of Health Matters. It’s hard to believe that Christmas has arrived! The festive period is a time of great celebration and fun but can also be an extremely stressful time for some. It is so important that we are mindful of this and are vigilant with monitoring our health. Heart disease is the number one cause of death in Ireland. It is often a ‘silent killer’ where people are unaware that they are at any risk. Hypertension (or high blood pressure) is a major risk factor for the development of heart disease and usually shows no symptoms. The only way of determining your blood pressure is to have it tested. Two numbers measure the level of blood pressure. One number (the systolic) measures the pressure when the heart is pumping blood out and the other (diastolic) measures the pressure when the heart is at rest and is filling back up with blood. The normal level of blood pressure is about 120 (systolic) over 80 (diastolic) Measuring your blood pressure is a simple test which only takes about 2 minutes. It can be performed in Sam McCauley Chemists where we use an automatic blood pressure monitor. You can also purchase blood pressure monitors in-store so that you can perform this check at home. If you have several measurements that show your blood pressure is 140 over 90 (or 140 over 80 if you are diabetic) then it is likely that you have hypertension (high blood pressure) and you should consult your doctor to take further action. We can also make positive changes to our lifestyle which will contribute to the reduction of blood pressure. These include: • Eating a diet high in fruit and vegetables and low in saturated (animal) fats. • Eating less salt and processed foods. • Being more physically active. • Losing weight and maintaining a healthy weight. • Cutting down on alcohol consumption. • Stopping smoking.
If you would like to have your blood pressure checked or would like advice on monitors or medication please feel free to call in to me in Sam McCauley Chemists Tralee. Wishing all of you a Very Merry Christmas and happiness throughout the coming New Year from all the staff of Sam McCauley Chemists Tralee.
Brian Brian Kearney M.P.S.I
Pharmacist of the Year, 2016
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LEARNING HOW TO ASK FOR WHAT YOU NEED Last month, I wrote about learning how to ask for what you need. The first thing is to take responsibility for your own needs, and not wait for somebody else to figure out how to make you happy. Nobody else in in charge of you or responsible for you once you are an adult. The second thing is to listen to yourself, and determine what those needs are. Do you need a hug? To be heard? Moral support? To be seen as who you really are? This is often more complicated than it seems. Sometimes we feel we need attention, when what we really need is not to be taken for granted. Sometimes we want somebody to fix our problems, when what we need is the support to fix them ourselves. We sometimes look for advice, when what we need is to be listened to. Try to work out what it is you really need, and then learn how to ask it of both yourself and others. If you really need to lose weight, don’t look to others for permission to break your diet, but ask yourself to take your needs seriously. If you need to be heard, learn how to say, directly and clearly, what you want to say. If you need to be treated differently from the way you’ve been treated in the past, be specific and assertive. If nagging, hinting, or sulking doesn’t work, try asking. You’ll be surprised at how effective it is.
Caroline Smith, Psychotherapy Counselling www.carolinesmith.ie | 087 6444837
Wishing all our customers and friends a very happy Christmas and we look forward to keeping you beautiful for 2017 Thanks for your continued support Unreal hairstyle s at Unrea l Prices
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Wishing you a Merry Christmas & Happy New Ye ar!
Pick up a Healthy Christmas Hamper!
Pick up a Krave hamper with healthy tasty salad bowls, crunchy homemade hummus, homemade nut butters, gorgeous breads, & lots more!
We will deliver your hamper straight to your door, just in time for Christmas! Call Kate on 0851797365 to place your order or for healthy lunch deliveries to your desk go to our website kravelunch.com Make sure to subscribe to get our weekly menu!
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We offer a strict policy of 1 style Dress per School No appointment necessary Check out our new store Earls & Pearls Adare
Town & Country Boutique
Now showing our stunning 2017 First Holy Communion Dress & Accessory Collection
Find us on Facebook
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Ardfert Village, Tralee | 066 71 15915 Mon - Sat 10 - 6 | Sun 2 - 6
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SAVE €10 WHEN
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Kerry Teen Wins Special Award At Prestigious .eu Web Awards www.teentimes.eu, a fashion and lifestyle blog founded by Kerry teenager, Zoe O’Connor, won the “Special Award” at the annual .eu Web Awards in the Museum of Natural Sciences in Brussels, Belgium recently. Zoe was presented with her trophy by top Italian professional tennis player, Fabio Fognini, at the glittering ceremony attended by finalists from all over Europe. The 2016 .eu Web Awards was attended by 15 renowned and newly founded .eu holders from various industries, 12 of them coming from different countries, all within the European Economic Area. Hosted by Sally Bundock, esteemed journalist for BBC world news, the Gala evening got off to a lively start with canapes and champagne followed by a sumptuous dinner. Afterwards, once the show began, the 2016 Gala attendees were both bedazzled and amazed by performances from worldly artists, including Bert and Fred – 40
CONNECT KERRY December 2016
night by Chepassione.eu. The ‘Special Award”, the only commendation presented on the evening, was conferred by the .eu judges as teentimes.eu ‘provides a unique user experience through genuine, spirited and engaging content’.
Fabio Fognini, Zoe O’Connor and Sally Bundock
The dangerous Belgian duo, Anna Strelkova – The Russian sand artist, and the Kalakan trio – the traditional Northern Basque band, among others. Founded by Zoe O’Connor over 2 years ago, www.teentimes.eu is a blog written by a teen for teens and the parents of teens. It features articles on beauty, fashion and lifestyle and also commentary on issues that affect teens including anxiety and confidence. Teentimes.eu was one of three finalists in the ‘House of .eu category’ which was won on the
Zoe O’Connor, founder www. teentimes.eu commented “I started my blog a few years ago, with no ambitions other than having a place to write about all the things I loved. From there, it has grown and grown and I now have a platform to share my opinions on teen issues, fashion & lifestyle. It feels amazing to receive such recognition for my work.” Zoe O’Connor is a leaving certificate student in Brookfield College in Tralee, County Kerry. She is a well known blogger and YouTuber and also writes a weekly column for www. traleetoday.ie
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The lifestyle magazine for Kerry
Take Two
By John Verling
Fear is creeping into our lives again, with election results, economic uncertainty and rising costs, making the world a nervous place. When we see that he-who-shouts-the-loudest wins the prize, then the temptation in us all is to do the same. Being considerate is becoming a sign of weakness once more and this little scene I watched being played out in Tralee last weekend brought it all home to me. It’s Saturday morning and I’m taking the dog for a walk. Daisy pulls at the lead, she’s as anxious to get out as I am, and we quickly make our way up Ballyard Hill. At Healy’s Cross, where the footpath ends, we head off down towards Tralee rugby club, where an elderly lady is coming against me. A tightly buttoned, blue mac is keeping out the cold and in her hand is a quality shopping bag, the type that will last for years and a beautiful, patterned scarf is wrapped around her head. Slight in figure and no more than five-foot-tall, she is no match for the cars whizzing into town. “They go an awful speed on this road,” she says as we pass. “They do,” I answer. “Lovely morning though,” she continues, while smiling and stepping into the rough verge when two cars speed by. “It is,” I shout over the roar of the engines, “be careful there won’t you?” “Oh I will, these fellows don’t care, I know that much” she answers, putting her head down again to continue up the hill. More cars pass, each going as fast as the other and I look back at the intrepid lady. Why weren’t any of the cars stopping to offer her a lift? Nearly every car that passes is a lone driver, or one with a spare seat in the back. Surely it doesn’t take too much humanity help an elderly person on the side of the road, especially when there isn’t even a footpath. Could they not see this lady, with a shopping bag in her hand, is only trying to make it into town? Even if they dropped her at the roundabout by the Aquadome it would be doing her a big favour and she’d only be in the car for a few minutes. On top of each car not bothering to stop, I don’t think one of them even slowed down out of respect. Some of the cars had children in them, so they too are learning not to help. At the foot of the hill, I stop and take one last look up. The lady is just reaching the junction at the top and the safety of a footpath the rest of the way into town. Nobody has stopped, not that she was looking for a lift, but it would have been nice if someone cared enough to do so. It wouldn’t have cost anything but it might have made her day. How we treat the weakest in our society is a reflection on us all. 42
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