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Mary talks rural pubs and lockdown.

Planning your Wedding we look at the options

Barry Geraghty

“I’ve achieved everything I’ve ever dreamt of”

EDITOR'S NOTE Hi everyone Its September, finally the children are returning to school and it’s a big step for everyone, it’s a different return so don’t beat yourself up take it in your stride and do what you are comfortable with, you know your child better than anyway so you make the decision you feel works for you. We don’t have our usual interview with the n e w Rose of Tralee for you this year as we normally do, nor do we have our usual catch up with all the wonderful businesses of Listowel for Race week, but we did catch up with Barry Geraghty who has given us many a great day out at Listowel Races. We also talk to Mary McCarthy on rural pubs and lockdown, you will all agree it’s a very touching story. We look at weddings and the options in these very different times, and we introduce you to some of Kerry’s wonderful hair and beauty salons in our salon guide. There may not be too many events happening for us to get the hair and make up done, but you know its good for us mentally as well as everything else to look and feel good so make that appointment with your hair or beauty expert, you will feel better and you will be supporting your local hairdresser or beautician too. Kerry Women’s Resource Centre have a new home and they tell us their plans for this and of course our regular contributors bring you their usual advice and tips. We launch a new website this month, we have always had our magazine to read online but we have added some great extras to our website in the past few weeks so log on and have a look www.connectpublications.ie we will be bringing you lots more online in the coming months but we will continue to be our printed magazine also as this is so important to our readers but the choice is there for those who like to log on and read. Connect Business will be getting its own dedicated website too so watch this space.. Times are different for sure but we are all getting on with life as best we can, it is tough out there for every business so we encourage you to have a look at our wonderful advertisers and consider treating yourself to something nice from them. Support these great businesses and ensure the wheels of life keep turning. Until next month Stay safe Mind yourself and Mind each other

Mags xx Editor: Margaret Kissane Print:  Kingdom Printers Graphic Design: Yevgen Kalynin Editorial Contributors: Marisa Reidy, Lisa Curran, Tonya Raymond, Helen Blanchfield, Georgina Downes For Advertising Enquiries: Margaret: 086 2408237 sales@connectpublications.ie For Editorial Enquiries: margaret@connectpublications.ie Website: www.connectpublications.ie

Healthy Ageing As we age, different health issues can affect us. However, the good news is there are natural ways to help yourself and improve your quality of life. It is possible that the health of the over 65’s can be every bit as strong as the over 45’s. It is vital that older people foster a positive attitude and educate themselves on how to develop and protect their overall health and vitality, rather than presuming that a gradual decline is an inevitable part of ageing. EVERYDAY ACHES AND PAINS: there is a wealth of products available in your local healthstore which can help with this, such as: APPLE CIDER VINEGAR... can help reduce inflammation in the joints. SERRAPEPTASE: an enzyme that can also help with joint pain TURMERIC: helps to reduce inflammation in the body and therefore pain OMEGA 3 ESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDS: helps to lubricate joints and has anti-inflammatory properties GLUCOSAMINE: may help to repair cartilage in the joints, easing pain and improving mobility. A GOOD BONE HEALTH SUPPLEMENT should include calcium,magnesium, zinc, k2, vit d and boron. Teaming some of these products with lifestyle changes and good hydration can help make a huge difference to the comfort and mobility of the joints. DIGESTION ISSUES associated with ageing include lower levels of stomach acid. Organic apple cider vinegar can be very effective when taken a few minutes before meals. The herb centaurium , camomile tea, probiotics and a good digestive enzyme are also worth asking about to help ease symptoms. HEALTHY HEART:natural options include, magnesium, Coenzyme Q10, fish oils, garlic, sterols and stanols. All available in store. MIND MATTERS: it is important to maintain good memory, focusing and concentration as we age. Natural options for a healthy mind include, Omega 3 fatty acids and B-vitamins. For more information on these products and what will suit your requirements best, call in to your local horan’s healthstore and we will be happy to talk you through them. Until next time, stay healthy Deirdre

Barry Geraghty “I’ve achieved everything I’ve ever dreamt of”

By Marisa Reidy

EPTEMBER in Kery has always been synonymous with Listowel Races, but this year the atmosphere will be quite different with racing still expected to take place behind closed doors.

For champion jockey Barry Geraghty, the experience will be completely different too as he will be looking on as a spectator for the first time, having announced his retirement from racing this summer. As he turns 41 this month, Barry tells CONNECT that it just felt right to call time on his career now, admitting that he has had a pretty impressive run up to now so it was time to quit while he was ahead. “I’m 41 this month and I had to call time at some stage, so now just felt right. I’m well down the back nine - well I’m in the clubhouse now - but I’ve been well down the back nine for a few years now,” he joked. “I’ve had an average run with injuries in the last five years – I had a broken leg when I took the job with JP in 2015, I’ve broken both arms over the years, punctured my lung and then I broke my leg badly in April 2019 in Aintree, the day before the Grand National, which had me out for six months. That was a cruel one physically and mentally. It was probably the worst injury I had and to get it so late in my career on the back of an average run of injuries in the previous years, it got me thinking maybe this is the year to go. You’re just kicking the can otherwise really.” Asked if he will miss the thrill and excitement of race day, particularly as we head into the winter calendar, Barry admits it will certainly take some getting used to. “I love watching of course, but I will miss it to a degree naturally and there will be a weaning off period if you like,” he said. “I’m sure the winter will be harder when the real good horses are out. That will be harder to watch - but you can’t just have the big days. You have to be there seven days a week and be fully committed to it and at my age it felt the right time.” What retirement will mean, however, is being able to spend so much more quality time with his Kerry wife Paula and their three children Siofra, Órla and Rian. He admits that the

commitment required to be a full time jockey has unfortunately meant he has been a parttime dad throughout his career. “I’ve been a part-time dad for the past 12 years, spending three or four days a week in England from October to the end of April, so it’s time to start putting myself and my family first now because I’ve been lucky enough to achieve all I’ve ever dreamt of,” he proudly declares. “It’s been hard to juggle the two, but when you grow up in that environment and lifestyle from your teenage years, your life is dictated by when and where you’re racing. So life has always been that way and the kids have had to grow up with that. I’m leaving on a Wednesday evening for Dublin airport and maybe not home until Saturday night. Obviously you chat and Facetime them and stay in contact, but you’re gone four full days.” With lockdown restrictions putting a temporary halt to racing after Chetlenham in March, Barry said he got a feel for what retirement would be like and said he absolutely loved the time spent at home with his family. “While my career has been great, in a funny way lockdown was brilliant in so far as it gave me a chance to sample life away from racing and it gave me a good feel for what I was doing and knowing it was the right thing to do. Even for Paula and the kids – everyone was getting a taste for the future,” he said. “We were able to just have quality time at home and not be under time pressure, where everything is at the drop of a hat. In the past, I could get a phone call saying I have to be in England tomorrow, so to have that freedom was something I would never have had before. I feel as if I shouldn’t be celebrating being in lockdown, but it freed up life and I was able

to enjoy time with the kids and not be distracted.”

gets,” Barry admits. “But you make your own luck too. Being in the right place at the right time is important, but you have to be capable of making these opportunities count.”

went close, so to finally win it in 2014 was brilliant.

Asked to choose a highlight of his career to date, Barry didn’t hesitate: winning the Aintree Grand National in 2003 is right up there. He was just 23 years old at the time! Barry’s wife Paula (Heaphy) hails from Ballylongford, so of course Kerry has a special place in his heart, outside of racing. “Ah yes, Kerry was always lucky for me – not only in racing but in love as well,” Barry admits. “We spend a lot of time in Kerry and go down at Christmas and during the summer as much as we can. We’ve had great times there and great memories, so I’ve always had a soft spot for Kerry. I love the Kerry connection and now that I’m not racing we plan on spending even more time there with Paula’s family. “

“For me, it was winning the Grand National - no doubt,” he insists. “I was very lucky to ride lots of winners over the years, particularly at Cheltenham, but the Grand National - it stands alone. It’s hard to describe the feeling – it’s complete elation, but it’s surreal that it can happen to you. I was lucky that it happened to me when I was 23. People say you don’t savour it when you’re young but I felt I savoured it and enjoyed it and loved it.” Barry said that while he always dreamt of winning it again, he was quite content to have that box ticked at least once.

Reminiscing on a wonderful career that has spanned almost 25 years, Barry told CONNECT that his interest in horses and racing began at a very young age. By the time he hit his teens he saw no other career for himself.

“Obviously, I hoped and dreamt of winning another one, but at the same time, every day I went out it sat comfortably with me that I had one. I wasn’t chasing something that had eluded me. It wasn’t a cross to bear. “

“I grew up on a farm and my parents owned a riding school in the early 90s. We had ponies and I always had an interest in horses and racing and that interest grew and grew from there. We were on a pony four or five hours a day. I always loved it and went through all the stages, from riding ponies to hunting, to pony racing and eventually racing itself when I was 16,” Barry explained.

In terms of his favourite race meetings, nothing compares to Cheltenham, he says:

“I’d say from the age of 13 or 14 it’s all I wanted to do, so then you’re hoping and dreaming that you might get the opportunity or you might be good enough.” Barry admits that a combination of hard work, dedication and good old fashioned luck is what helped him enjoy such an illustrious career. “I was lucky that the doors kept opening for me. I started with Noel Meade when I was 16 and rode my first winner six months later. He had a very strong team of horses and it gave me the opportunity that not everyone 6

“That was one that was eluding me – if I hadn’t won it, it would have been a big omission on my CV. Haven grown up standing at the last fence with my two brothers when I was 11 watching Adrian Maguire win it on a horse called Omerta - it was a childhood dream so to finally realise that was brilliant.” Humble as ever, Barry says that while he has been so lucky to achieve such success in his career, it has always been a team effort.

“In a lot of people’s eyes, your season is judged by your success at Cheltenham, so I’ve been very lucky there over the years. I rode five winners there in March, and had five winners in 2012 and 2013, which was amazing,” he said. “You go to Cheltenham hoping for one win. If you get one you’re hoping for the second, but this year I had 11 rides and five won. That’s a pretty good strike rate.”

“It a combination of everything, from the jockey to the owner to the trainer,” he said. “I was very fortunate to be riding a lot of very good horses for JP McManus and you can’t go without the firepower - it was a brilliant position to be in. But you have to convert them as well. You also need your trainer to have them horses in the right form - so it’s a shared responsibility if you like.”

From an Irish racing point of view, Listowel of course holds a special place in his heart – having been the leading rider back in 2004 and winning the Kerry National three times.

So now that he has finally retired, what’s next for the soon to be 41 year old?

But the highlight of his Irish racing career, he says, was winning the Grand National in 2014 after years of trying. It was a childhood dream that meant something very special to him, he said. “To win the Irish Grand National on ‘Shut The Front Door’ for JP McManus - that was brilliant,” Barry said. “I grew up only a stone’s throw from Fairyhouse, so it was the big local one. I’d ridden in it 17 or 18 times and had no luck. I had even ridden seven or eight favourites and never even

“Well firstly, I’m going to enjoy the time off for starters. I keep young horses and keep busy with those and am looking forward to nurturing young talent and see where that takes us,” he said. “I have no plans to go down the professional trainer /owner route, it’s just something I enjoy doing, working through the early stages with youngsters and helping them to develop. I’ve also done plenty of media work and that’s always there and of interest, but to be honest I just want to step off the conveyor belt for a while.” Pictures courtesy of Pat Healy, www.healyracing.ie

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Mary McCarthy

“My customers are my friends and I miss them terribly ” By Marisa Reidy IF ever you wanted to truly understand what the closure of rural pubs has meant to the publicans of Kerry, spend just five minutes with Mary McCarthy in Finuge and you will be left in no doubt. One of Kerry’s longest serving publicans, Mary was hugely emotional as she spoke about the effects of lockdown on someone like her – a passionate pub owner who has been at the helm of McCarthy’s Bar in the north Kerry village for 48 years. When we chatted, the government has just delivered the devastating news that bars would not open on August 10th and Mary was distraught. Heartbreakingly so! “I found it very hard to get up in the morning and come out and see the empty bar,” Mary said. “The silence out there - it’s so hard to get used to it. We’d be used to stocking all the shelves and the clinking of the glasses, getting ready for the day, so this is so hard. I missed out on all that for the past five months and it’s very tough to deal with when you’re on your own.” Not seeing her customers (or her genuine friends as she prefers to call them) is the main reason for such

sadness, as Mary admits she misses them terribly. “The pub is the focal point of the village and, for many, it’s somewhere for them to come and meet up for the company. My customers are my friends and I can’t tell you how much I miss them. They are so wonderful. They ring me every night and it’s like they miss me as much as I miss them,” an emotional Mary explained. “I miss the company terribly. They are genuine friends who have been amazing through all this, asking if I’m ok and checking on me all the time. They mind me and I can’t wait to see them again and welcome them back.” It’s easy to see why Mary is eagerly awaiting a return to business, and insists that all safety and social distancing measures can easily be adhered to in her bar. The impressive beer garden has also had a makeover recently, all in anticipation of a new opening date! Mary’s love for what she does shines through when you speak to her. Family and community are paramount in her life and she isn’t afraid to admit how proud she is of the business she and her late husband Gerard built up over almost half a century. Her daughters Nollaig and Caitriona also play a role in the current business - the fourth generation of McCarthys to get behind the bar – despite having their own jobs with Aer Lingus and Bank of Ireland respectively. “I came out of Browne’s pub in Ballyduff and I worked in the bar with all my siblings at a very young age, “ Mary explained, “I loved meeting the people and my father and mother used to say I was a very chatty child, so I got on great with the customers.

Then cupid struck at a coursing dance in Ballyduff and I met my late husband Gerard McCarthy who was a also publican, so I just fell in here I suppose. It was nothing new to me and I’ve loved every bit of it.”

While Mary is the first to admit that the rural pub trade today is nothing like it used to be decades ago, she says it’s all about adapting. And that has never been more true than right now! But that’s not to say she doesn’t have some amazing memories to cherish of times past and of wonderful characters she was lucky to call her friends: “Ah, a lot of the old characters have passed away since, but we had some lovely times back then. One that stands out was when the German tourists would come from Shannon in their horse-drawn caravans and stay across in the field. There could be 30 to 40 of them and they might stay a few nights and fill the bar and people would actually come out to Finuge to see them off when they were leaving. It was fantastic,” Mary recalled. She also had some great memories of the three Sheahan bachelor brothers who lived in the nearby thatch cottage – pure old stock who loved the craic.

“Tomáisín was one of the brothers and he was such a character. He would wear his wellies to Listowel Races and would be dancing in the bar with them on after,” Mary recalled fondly. “The year after he passed away, a few of the visitors asked me ‘where’s the man with the wellies’ and I told them he’s dancing in the sky now. ” In fact a photo of Tomáisín is now famous around the world after a chance photo opportunity by a passing journalist over 40 years ago. “There’s a picture in pubs and magazines around the world of Tomáisín giving our horse Marigold a pint,” Mary explained. “It was taken by a freelance journalist, who was a friend of Sean McCarthy, one day she was here with him. That photo has been all over the world.” Mary has also been credited with being a bit of a matchmaker in her time – with many a couple hitting it off together in the bar and going on to get married. None more famous, of course, than Dublin footballing great Bernard Brogan

and Listowel lady Marie Keane Stack – parents of All Ireland winners Alan and Bernard Brogan – who were introduced in McCarthy’s Bar by Jimmy Deenihan. Mary has also suffered tragedy in her life, not only losing her husband Gerard, but also dealing with the death of her son Maurice at the age of 22. It is 25 years now since he passed, but Mary says she will be forever grateful for the love and support Maurice received from the community of Finuge while he was alive, particularly from Sean McCarthy who took him under his wing. Returning to the possibility of reopening, Mary totally refutes the argument that it’s putting money over people’s health. In fact she knows only too well the dangers of Covid19, as her brother John Patrick contracted the virus and was in intensive care for weeks.

“We can and we will follow the government guidelines, but if we cannot all open then I would certainly be all for a county by county approach. If this continues you will have premises that won’t open and that’s the truth of it, so they should give us some window at least, even if it’s a few hours. It’s not about money – it’s about getting together again and working through this new normal. This virus is going nowhere so we have to adapt with our customer’s safety as our priority.” As Mary prepares to celebrate her 71st birthday in September, the topic of retirement was mentioned – but dismissed just as quickly! “Oh I can assure you I’ll never retire, I don’t know the meaning of the word,” Mary insists. “I enjoy my job so much, so why would I want to retire.”

It is about businesses trying to get back on their feet, of course, but more importantly for Mary, it’s getting back to some semblance of normality and reconnecting with her friends and customers who she has missed dearly for over five months.

growing your own Fruit Trees This month, Ballyseedy Home & Garden Centre, Bernie Falvey shares some advice around growing your own Fruit Trees. ‘Autumn time is planting time’ and with the crisp Autumn air on our doorstep, we welcome ‘The month of the Harvest’. September is the perfect time for planting all fruit trees and fruit bushes. Not only do they provide healthy fruits that can be baked with or sliced into fresh leafy salads, jams, chutney and compote that carry us into the Winter and Spring months, they are also a flowering tree, one that is adored by bees, butterflies and other pollinating insects. By simply adding an additional tree that flowers simultaneous to the other trees, this allows for crosspollination and fruit to grow. When planting any tree, be it, apples, pears or plums, a few easy steps to be mindful of include, selecting a sheltered spot full of sun, digging out the soil to the dept of approx. 45cmX45cm, whilst mixing in plenty of compost and fertiliser at the same time. Caring for the tree is just as important as planting it, use a strong stake and tree tie to secure it until the roots have been fully developed. Organic seaweed conditioner will improve the soil which in return will keep your trees and fruits healthy, reducing the need for chemical spray. Lastly, keep an eye out for damaged and cross over branches and remove immediately. Ballyseedy Home & Garden Centre have a wide range of fruit trees available, duo fruit trees that will work in container and small areas and a selection of fan fruit that are suitable for growing against walls and fences. Ballyseedy recommends Dingle made De Brun (Iasc) Teoranta organic soil conditioner and Brandon Tomato Feed with Seaweed Extract, all sourced locally from the lovely shores of Kerry - available in-store. Visit and Shop online at www.ballyseedy.ie and follow @ballyseedygarden on Social media. Ballyseedy Home & Garden Centre is open daily from 9.00am - 6.00pm. 10

The Salon Guide Meet the experts who will guide you through all your hair and beauty needs. By Georgina Downes Have you been neglecting yourself lately? Maybe you’re hiding a multitude of sins behind a face mask? Or keeping that questionable home-dye under wraps with a scarf ? We’re all guilty of letting things slide since Covid, but It’s time for a pick-me-up. Kids are back to school. It’s a new season, so why not make like Lizzo, do a hair toss, check your nails and promptly get your fine self down to your nearest beauty salon for some well-deserved TLC. Kerry is brimming with excellent spas, treatment rooms and self-care experts, so go on. Treat yourself. First things first. We need to talk about hair colour, specifically botched homedyes. Many of us, despite our better judgement, bought off-the-shelf products recently (in hair terms, that means anything up to 8 weeks ago) and now we’re ready to admit that no, dirty hay with a hint of lime wasn’t the look we were going for. Enter Emma Quirke, who specialises in colour correction.

“We will tell it like it is,” Emma says in a no nonsense, reassuring way. “My team are highly qualified colour technicians. It’s our speciality. We will do everything possible to get your hair looking great again.” Besides providing an exceptional colour service, Emma focuses on solutions for skin problems that may be contributing to lack-lustre hair. “I really believe that a healthy scalp produces healthy hair. We pride ourselves in offering in-depth 12

consultations for people with all sorts of scalp conditions as well as treating hair itself. It’s a holistic approach,” she says, making perfect sense. If you’re wondering what hair colour is hot going forward, its Red Velvet, or anything from the ‘happy red’ range as Maureen McCarthy from Brush & Blush likes to call it. “People have had so much time looking at themselves in the mirror over the last few months, they just want a change! A new colour is a fantastic way of giving an instant lift. “The cooler colours like blonde and icy shades are giving way to warmer, autumnal and richer tones now, and a lot of our clients are embracing a more natural look. Balayage is a great choice if you want something subtle and if you need your colour to last and we do a lot of it here in our salon.” She tells me. Balayage is the process of applying colour, not the colour itself. It doesn’t have to be blonde. For inspiration check out Selena Gomez’s touch of caramel, Izzy Bizu’s gorgeous head of balayage curls or Jessica Beils’ stunning auburn accents. If your hair barely saw a brush through lockdown, you probably loved the low maintenance aspect, even vowed to carry on free-ranging it, but realistically, banshee-warrior isn’t a good look for the office. You crave minimal fuss but want effortlessly smooth hair. Solution? Consider a 16 week blow-dry.

Expose Hair & Beauty specialise in the treatment and with three salons around Kerry, you’re sure to find one close by. Their renowned QOD keratin process delivers sleek, shiny and manageable hair that lasts. In theory, you shouldn’t need straighteners until Christmas. Fyi, QOD stands for every other day in Latin. “We pride ourselves in offering a topto-toe beauty experience,” Aurellia tells me. “And we use only the best quality products like Keune and L’oreal.” While you’re there, ask about their amazing and utterly reviving Yon-Ka Paris facials. Your skin will thank you. As far as hair styles go, strong cuts, oozing with personality are in right now. If you’re feeling fierce, the pixie mullet, or the pullet to be exact, is bang on trend (we’re looking at you Miley Cyrus). Textured shags are returning as are blunt-cut bobs. Basically, anything with attitude rocks. Hair just sitting there isn’t good enough anymore so give it some sass. “For the past few years, we’ve seen some very sharp shapes, but things are getting softer now,” says Sean Taaffe from Sean Taaffe Hair & Beauty in Tralee. “We aren’t asked for radical, short cuts at the moment because people had time to grow out their hair and they’re liking the look. Fringes are longer, softer. We’re seeing a lot of what I describe as controlled movement, soft texture, curls have a lived-in look.

“The key to any good style is a great cut. We spend the vast majority of our training time and budget on teaching good scissor skills. A haircut that suits the shape of the face is crucial to getting the style right,” he advises, so take the time to consult with your trained stylist.

100% organic and 100% ethically sourced. “That’s very important to us,” she says.

If you don’t want a colour or cut but you do want a change, why not opt for an up-style. A deconstructed side-knot will look fab even if you’re just having dinner with friends. Hairworks in Tralee are experts at up-styling and they do a lot of work with Celia Holman Lee’s Modelling Agency, no less. Lesley Dennehy, owner, tells me about her senior stylists and their dedication to keeping up with new trends.

“We can colour match to your natural hair or go completely different with all over, bolder shades. A well applied set of extensions, keratin bound, should last from five to seven months.” So if you want newly flowing locks, you know where to go.

A good cut is definitely a great start, but how do you Apparently in the 1800s, Parisians, keep your hair in clearly ahead of the curve, sewed tiny tip top condition strands of hair into their eyelids to create afterwards? Elena false eyelashes. Hmm. If you want that Buckley from luscious, fringe-eyed look today (minus “Carrie Ann (Clifford) and The Hair Salon the pain) then book an Maebh (Enright) are constantly updating in Cahersiveen appointment at Paradise skills, doing courses, researching Romy Birdthistle,their makeup hoarder, beauty talks me through Hair & Beauty stat, and following tutorials and practicing enthusiast and owner of Paradise Beauty Tralee. some of the unique, because owner, Romy new styles on each other.” She says. professional With over 15 years in the beauty industry. I'm here Birdthistle, knows treatments they offer, exactly how to enhance to share my best tips and tricks when and it comes “We do a lot of weddings we offerto guaranteed to turn those windows to your hairskincare. and make-up packages. Brides are beauty makeup and heads. soul. going for the boho look and braiding is really popular. For Debs, the trend is definitely to wear hair down waves with your Mask Makeup toinwork and curls, depending on the neckline of Now that masks are mandatory we will have to the dress.” When all people can see is your eyes whi work a little harder to keep our skin looking wearing you mask then make sure they s fresh and healthy “I’d and keepingrecommend makeup intact is absolutely an up-style “We use Natulique products which are out. Make sure you keep your eyebrows i just for a change.” Lesley says. “Try a going to be no easy feat! organic, sulphate and paraben free. I’d “We’re known for our speed and quality.” that s check. Brow lamination (a process tousledCongestion bun instead ofis a straight blow Let start with skincare. the recommend three different treatments, She tells me. From eye-lash extensions to the direction of brow hairs) has been hug dry or maybe a French plait. Why not?” biggest depending on what you want toissue we are seeing coming into the brow-shaping, this award winning team popular . you looking fabulous and salon and the temptation with congestion will improve. with have If your hair hasn’t quite achieved fluttery in no time. (a Brow lamination be to use harsh exfoliators creams the lengthsand you’dheavy hoped for despite “Colouring is great butbut it can damage process that sets the the opposite islockdown, what your skin will need. you can always fake it till you the hair. To restore condition to coloured Use a gentle cleanser, toner, light makehydrating it with extensions. From Cleopatra direction of brow hair, go for our colour repair treatment. It to the Kardashian’s, extensions have hairs) has been serum or gel moisturizer, and sunscreen, and normalises hair’s PH balance and closes come a long way. Samantha Clifford hugely popular . prioritize skin-soothing ingredients, such as the cuticles to leave hair smooth and from Vogue Hair & Beauty, tells me healthy looking. hyaluronic acid, aloe, and niacinamide about the service her salon provides. The salon took first prize for Best MakeA Great product is La If your brows are on the “For intense conditioning on dry Up Artists with Connect Magazine in Roche Posay Hyalu B5 sparse side the why not “There’s or damaged hair, try our deeply March and they only use high-end Hyaluronic Acid Cream It nothing give henna brows penetrating, intense hair mask. It really brands like Mac and Charlotte Tilbury for a go. likehas haira hydrating, will tint the skin gives a real boost, reviving tired-looking make-up applicationHenna so you know you’re extensions replumping formula with well as the hair for a lo hair and only takes 15 minutes to apply. eyes and face are in good hands. for that two pure hyaluronic acids lasting tint dramatic, “To add shine, I’d recommend our and vitamin B5. Plumps imagebalancing treatment that leaves hair Eyebrow trends have changed and repairs skin's barrier One of the best way to draw focus to yo altering wow sparkling. There is no pigment in this dramatically over the years, from Gwen factor. To witness the look on our clients which will be much needed eyes is with some look killer eye90s makeup. Cu treatment so it can be used on any Stefani’s ultra- skinny in the faces whenhave they see thedays finished result is your lashes either with a lash curler or if you long colour hair and it lasts for up to eight to Carla Delevingne’s caterpillar look really amazing. can’t get over it and wearing a They mask weeks.” today.lift Crucially, eyebrows are a means of shim lash and apply mascara. Using they start planning their next set almost expressing emotion. Maria Keane from shades and highlighters will brighten u Try to skip the foundation if immediately.” She says. “Also,” Elena adds, “always remember MK Beauty Skin & Brow Specialists your eye area. Why not try the below st at all possible. Wearing to use heat protection products when talks to me about the importance of the Samantha uses Great Lengths hair step to really make your eyes pop! foundation can lead to styling with heat.” brow. extensions, a product that is guaranteed blocking pores even futher 14 but if you can't do without it

Beauty Tips By Romy

“Eyebrows are so unique to everyone. We have ladies coming in who’ve had cancer treatments or alopecia and they leave feeling absolutely on top of the world because we’ve given them back a vital piece of themselves. It’s life changing and really rewarding to see.”

Maria specialises in semi-permanent brows, a method that involves microblading which mimics the tiny hairs on the brow, resulting in a very natural, fuller look.

“We use Phi Brows, recognised as the best product on the market. I tailor treatments to the individual and always start off with a natural look and build on that if the client wants. Eyebrows

are such a major feature on the face. If they’ve thinned out and you’re unhappy, we be delighted to consult with you about a semi-permanent brow.” Who doesn’t want fresher, healthier looking skin. Traditional facials are a wonderful way to relax – there’s something almost hypnotic about someone else’s hands gently massaging your face, but if you want a little more oomph, try out some modern technologies. They can reach a whole new level of effectiveness and deliver exceptional results. Elaine Higgins from Pure Beauty in Dingle spoke to me about what her salon can do for you.

“We offer micro-needling, a technique that penetrates the skin with thousands of tiny needles. It increases the blood flow to that area which reduces fine

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lines, plumps skin and leaves it looking refreshed. It can also be helpful for conditions like acne. We apply a numbing cream first so it doesn’t hurt.” “We use the Image MD range which has a high concentration of retinols. Clients can come in, have a full consult and then we’ll make a detailed plan according to specific needs. The procedure is one treatment every two weeks for eight weeks.”

Elaine says the best thing you can do for your skin at home is to have a good, regular skin cleansing, toning and moistening routine. “That 80% of the battle,” she says. So there you have it. The beauty industry is alive and well in Kerry. Having had the pleasure of speaking to so many warm and truly dedicated specialists, I’m not one bit surprised. You know what to do now. Book an appointment!

Back to School - Healthy lunch Box Ideas Dr Róisín Boyle It is the time of year again when the children are going back to school. Always try to include some fresh fruit which works well as a sweet treat and will be a much healthier option for the teeth than high sugar snacks. Stay away from fruit flavoured beverages/snacks and limit dried fruits which can have a higher risk of causing cavities. Carrot sticks, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, sugar snap peas and slices of pepper are also great lunch box fillers. Yoghurts are also very convenient and nutritious. Try to stick to low sugar varieties or buy a large tub of natural yoghurt and add fresh fruit to it to sweeten. A small block of cheese is a great option for the teeth and can help to balance the pH in the mouth and increase saliva flow which reduces the risk of tooth decay.Opt for wholegrain or wholewheat bread, wraps or pittas for sandwiches as they are naturally higher in fibre. For the drink stick to water which is the best option for rehydration and maintaining a healthy smile! Try to skip starchy snacks such as taytos as these may be low in sugar but these simple carbohydrates break down and stick to the teeth and can cause cavities also. 49 Upper Rock Street, Tralee, Co. Kerry | (066) 712 1457 | www.macdomhnailldental.ie | fiacloir@gmail.com 18

by Caroline Smith

Marriage

All good fairy tales end the same way; …. they got married and lived happily ever after. It is also the premise of practically all romantic fiction and films – they end when the couple says “I do”. Of course, that’s fiction, and reality is very different. The real story starts with the commitment that a couple makes. That’s not when you stop trying or making efforts to form a relationship, it’s when you take it to another level, and it requires work. Marriage is a public expression of a private commitment. We invite friends and families to witness our intention to remain with another person for the rest of our lives, through thick and thin, up and down, no matter what. We mean it so sincerely that we want to do it in front of others, to have them celebrate with us and support our choice. We plan this event meticulously, the venue, the music, the flowers, the dress – we spend huge amounts of energy ensuring that we have a “perfect day”. We worry that something will go wrong and spoil it all, and we invest a disproportionate amount of emotional energy in the fairytale ending. It’s important, though, to remember that it’s really a beginning. This beginning can be about your collaboration and companionship, your love and affection, your family and your journey through life together, and that is really the fairytale we all should live.

Caroline Smith , Phychotherapy Counselling www.carolinesmith.ie | 087 6444837

124 Lower Rock Street

PROUD TO BE PART OF ROCK STREET

Ph: 083 897 9410 Email: info@paradisehairandbeauty.ie www.paradisehairandbeauty.ie

We are delighted to be offering new Facials to our treatment list! We use all REN produccts which are kind to skin and kind to environment. Our 2 most popular facials are our dermaplaning and Maskne Facials

Maskne Facial

In Paradise

Maskne Facials are ideal for anyone suffering from Acne, wether or not it's caused by long periods of wearing a mask or not! It starts with a Double cleanse, includes extractions, a purifying mask, LED Blue light therapy and finished with a purifying moisturiser

Dermaplaning Facial

Keep an eye on our social media for some great upcoming offers on out hair services!

Dermaplaning is suitable for all skin types and for us it's a gamechanger! It removes any peach fuzz so your makeup sits flawlessly and it takes away the top layer of dead skin so any products you use are much more easily absorbed!

This year we were over the moon to win not one but 2 Connect Kerry Awards! So why not treat yourself to some Lash Extensions with Rachel or Makeup with Romy! Get in touch today to book an award winning treatment

Beauty Tips By RomyÂ Romy Birdthistle, makeup hoarder, beauty enthusiast and owner of Paradise Beauty Tralee. With over 15 years in the beauty industry. I'm here to share my best tips and tricks when it comes to beauty makeup and skincare.

Makeup to work with your Mask

Now that masks are mandatory we will have to work a little harder to keep our skin looking fresh and healthy and keeping makeup intact is going to be no easy feat! Let start with skincare. Congestion is the biggest issue we are seeing coming into the salon and the temptation with congestion will be to use harsh exfoliators and heavy creams but the opposite is what your skin will need. Use a gentle cleanser, hydrating toner, light serum or gel moisturizer, and sunscreen, and prioritize skin-soothing ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid, aloe, and niacinamide A Great product is La Roche Posay Hyalu B5 Hyaluronic Acid Cream It has a hydrating, replumping formula with two pure hyaluronic acids and vitamin B5. Plumps and repairs skin's barrier which will be much needed if you have long days wearing a mask Try to skip the foundation if at all possible. Wearing foundation can lead to blocking pores even futher but if you can't do without it then stick with lightweight formulas, like Chanelâ€™s Les Beiges Water-Fresh Tint

When all people can see is your eyes while wearing you mask then make sure they stand out. Make sure you keep your eyebrows in check. Brow lamination (a process that sets the direction of brow hairs) has been hugely popular . Brow lamination (a process that sets the direction of brow hairs) has been hugely popular . If your brows are on the sparse side the why not give henna brows a go. Henna will tint the skin as well as the hair for a longer lasting tint One of the best way to draw focus to your eyes is with some killer eye makeup. Curl your lashes either with a lash curler or a lash lift and apply mascara. Using shimmery shades and highlighters will brighten up your eye area. Why not try the below step by step to really make your eyes pop!

Make sure you use a primer or a good setting spray of setting powder if you want your makeup to last. I find this L.A Girl primer and setting spray or powder combination great and it wont break the bank

Follow me on instagram for more makeup tips and reccomendations @romybirdthistle 20

A Wedding Can Be Whatever You Want It To Be By Georgina Downes Pandemic or no pandemic, people still fall in love, and couples still want to celebrate their love through marriage. With over 20k weddings preformed in Ireland last year, including same-sex, humanist, civil, religious and non-religious ceremonies, it’s safe to assume that marriage is going nowhere. But, in the midst of our current normal, and with restrictions changing from week to week, engaged couples may well be wringing their hands wondering what’s the best thing to do: tear up the guest list and embrace the micro wedding or hold out for better times to come. “It’s a tricky one,” says Liz Horgan, owner of Finesse Bridal Wear in Listowel. “We have seen around ninety five per cent of our weddings postponed, but the rest are going ahead. We had two in August and four are due to go ahead in September. But everyone is sticking to their dress.

“We are getting married on October 9th,” she says without a hint of nerves. That’s a very short, engagement, I say.

“My advice for brides-to-be is to come in now before another lockdown. There’s a six month waiting period for most dresses but we do have a wide, off-the-rails range in store too. We’re busy now with girls collecting their dresses so they can store them at home.

“Yes it is,” she laughs, “Four months to be exact. But our reasoning was Covid isn’t going to disappear. Restrictions might be in place for a long time. Who knows? Our original plan was 100 to 120 guests. Now we’re down to 40.

“We’re lucky here in that we have space for socially distanced dressing rooms and viewing areas. The bride is limited to bringing just two people with her, which actually works well because she isn’t getting overwhelmed with lots of differing opinions.” Liz sounds unflappable in the circumstances but then again, she has been in business for over twenty years which instils a lot of confidence in her brides-to-be. “They know we’re here to stay and the dress is such a big part of the day. It’s very important the bride can trust us to deliver the best customer service possible.” Any more words of wisdom for prospective brides? I ask. “Shop local! You may need multiple fittings and honestly, you don’t want to be travelling up and down the country, getting stuck in traffic or taking time off work, so for sheer convenience and ease, and for the community aspect too, shop local.” Couples who may be on the fence about going ahead with their wedding, take inspiration from Holly Smith, who isn’t letting Covid 19 disrupt her marriage plans. Holly, originally from the UK, and fiancée Cian Beeston, from Glenbeigh, got engaged in June. They decided to lean into it and make the current situation work for them. 22

“We’re getting married at the Registry Office in the morning, then on the The Brehon Hotel in Killarney for the reception afterwards.” Did she find booking everything at short notice difficult? “I’m very organised in general,” she admits, and I find myself nodding down the phone. “Because of Covid, there were plenty of available venues. It wasn’t really difficult at all. And a smaller wedding has saved us money,” she adds. And the dress? “I went to White Ivy in Kenmare and bought the first one I tried on.” I’m not a bit surprised. “I did try on six or seven more, just to make sure, but I went back to the first one because it felt right.” There’s a word for people like Holly Smith: Bridechilla!

w n p WEDDING

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I ask Kathrin Haas from The White Ivy Bridal Boutique how the current restrictions are effecting styles. “Brides don’t want anything too fussy if they’re hosting a small reception. They’re choosing more sleek and clean lines for the day. Vintage is very popular. Deep necklines are being replaced by high or straight ones and special details like pockets are very in. “If you’re opting for a civil ceremony with a small dinner for family, a short dress or a jumpsuit is a great alternative. A boho inspired floor length, or a classic evening gown in ivory or white will make you stand out while still being simple enough for a smaller wedding.” How is she feeling about the future? “We all have to be flexible and creative but there will be weddings, there will be brides and it’s going to be different. We’re optimistic things will be easier next year when we’re more used to the new situation. Staying positive is the most important thing, especially in our profession where it’s all about love and joy!” Hotels have been the traditional go-to venue for weddings in Ireland for decades, precisely because of their ability to accommodate large numbers of guests. The current situation has thrown them an unexpected curve ball but Mark Sullivan, general manager of The Rose hotel, Tralee, tells me how, in July, they came up with fresh arrangements to cater for newly-weds Karen Lawlor and Joseph Sheehan. “We were delighted to host Karen and Joseph, our first wedding under the new restrictive guidelines. Yes, it was different. The couple had to reduce their numbers but we got creative with our space to ensure their wedding day was as enjoyable and memorable as any wedding day should be.” Meanwhile in Kenmare Sile Browne Wedding manager at Kenmare Bay hotel tells us her view on weddings at present. “Our main goal here at the Kenmare Bay Hotel is to make sure our couples know that we have their back no matter what. We understand that some hard decisions have been made, and will have to be made, regarding weddings and we are making sure that, as a venue, we accommodate our couples as much as possible. For those couples currently engaged and feeling anxious about planning their dream wedding, we are offering our flexibility and advice throughout the journey and assuring them that we will support all decisions made along the way. There’s no doubt that hotels in Kerry will continue to rise to the challenge. They’ll evolve and innovative to suit the needs of smaller crowds. But still, a formal setting isn’t for everyone. 24

Some people dream of a more niche, boutique experience, and for those couples, there are plenty of alternatives in the Kingdom. Niamh O Sullivan from Killarney and Colm Timmons from Dublin knew they wanted something different when they tied the knot last year. “We were thinking along the lines of an intimate setting, a place that we felt represented us. We looked at various venues but we felt nothing rocked.” By chance, they got talking to Katie Graham from Sol y Sombra Tapas Bar & Restaurant, a beautiful, early nineteenth century deconsecrated church in the heart of Killorglin, and immediately, they knew they had found their space. “She just got us and got what we wanted. It was a November wedding. We had candles and fairy lights and it was all very mellow and relaxed. The actual marriage ceremony was held in the tapas bar itself, officiated by a Celtic monk. Then the guests relocated to the pub across the road while the pews were cleared and tables were set up for food. People ate tapas and danced into the early hours and had fun.” What was the general reaction from the guests? I asked. “Everyone absolutely loved it. In fact, lots of people said they wished they’d gone down the same route.” Sounds idyllic, but what if your idea of a perfect wedding includes al fresco dining in glorious surroundings, maybe overlooking the sea? If this sounds like you, then you should investigate hiring a marquee. Marquees are seeing a huge swell in popularity recently and even couples who never considered one before might well be drawn to their advantages now. Colm O Halloran from Irish Marquees, Tralee, tells me there’s a surge of wedding bookings for next year and he can’t see the trend slowing down any time soon. “Marquees are ideal for micro weddings of 50 to 60 people. They can be set up anywhere, in your garden, at the beach, we’ve had weddings in Cahersiveen, Waterville, all around Kerry in fact. “We provide the tables and chairs, catering staff, full bar, lighting, heating, everything you need, and with civil ceremonies becoming more and more popular, couples aren’t necessarily tied to the location of the church.”

wedding day moments...

To book a wedding consultation, contact Sarah McLoughlin at 066 7199100 or email sales@therosehotel.com The Rose Hotel, Dan Spring Road, Tralee, Co. Kerry. V92 HKA4.

Connect Kerry | July 2019 |25 23

It’s true that civil ceremonies are on the rise and Fiona Griffin is all about the civil ceremony. As an Ethical Celebrant, she’ll celebrate your wedding just about anywhere you choose; beaches, mountains, boats, under the stars, imagination is the only limit. Speaking with her, one thing is absolutely sure; Fiona enjoys every single moment of her job. “I just love celebrating life’s events. I love being involved with a couple’s special day. I’ve been doing this now for 18 months and I couldn’t be happier.” Fiona offers a truly bespoke service. She meets with couples, recently via Skype, gets to know them and then writes their unique ‘love story’ which she weaves in as part of the ceremony. “The couple are officially married in the registry office, and what I do is preform a sort of enhancement ceremony. Covid has put a temporary stop to ‘ring warming’ where the rings get passed around and warmed up by the guests before the couple exchange, or hand binding which is very popular, where a ribbon is used to gently bind the couples wrists. It’s all very symbolic of their love. I always carry extra everything because, well, you never know.” Indeed not. Fiona, who recently became grandmother to triplets, abounds with enthusiasm for life, despite the uncertain times we find ourselves in. “Your wedding may be smaller but that can make it all the more intimate, all the more personal and unforgettable.”

Postponed weddings will eventually happen, and they will come around sooner than anyone imagines. Couples who ago ahead as planned may have to contend with a few more ‘don’ts’ before finally getting to say ‘I do’ but undoubtedly, their day will go down in history! And who knows, maybe micro weddings will outlast this current pandemic. After all, the world is still turning and we all know what makes the world go round…

Ballybunion by the Sea By Helen Blanchfield

eautiful Ballybunion, where the Atlantic waves embrace the North Kerry coastline. On the finest days last week with cloudless skies, one couldn’t help imagining it could be the French Riviera with boats appearing on the horizon from Clare. Teach de Broc is a family run boutique guesthouse, winner of the boutique golf hotel of the year 2020 and guesthouse of the year at Connect Kerry awards 2020. It has been a ‘’Bumper Year’’ for the town, according to Dermot of Teach de Broc. People the length and breadth of the country are singing the praises of Ballybunion businesses and its community.

Sundaes Ice-cream shop is part of making happy holiday memories, not just for the little kids but for the big ones too. Ballybunion is steeped in local folklore. Tom McCarthy, also known as moll Tom, the Uilleann Piper was born in Doon Ballybunion in 1799. He had the gift of listening to the sounds of the sea and nature around him and translating these into the beautiful tunes he composed. He played for many years at the base of the old castle in Castle Green. He died in 1904 at the age of 105. It is reputed that when Tom’s wishes of having his precious pipes buried with him was ignored, that night they played of their own accord. The beautiful cliff path walk fringing the sheer drop to the ocean is the picture of serenity. It is difficult to imagine a folklore history based on druid worship and human sacrifice. To relaxing thoughts once more, Kamana Candles are luxurious and hand made in Ballybunion. The unique concept to these stunning candles are that they are individually inspired by a music hit.

Shops, restaurants, amenities, hotels and pubs have opened respectfully and are mindfully working in accordance with all Covid-19 regulations. Fáilte Irelands’ new campaign ‘Ireland make a break for it’, specifically supports Irish business. At Teach de Broc the stay and play packages have gone down a real treat. With up to 90% of international players making waiting lists up to two years long, Irish enthusiasts can now avail of wonderful deals on not one but two of Ballybunion’s world class courses. The restaurants, cafés and bars in Ballybunion are passionate about serving wholesome quality foods. From casual dining to fine dining, fresh local produce prepared to a high standard is key.

You are for instance when burning ‘’under the boardwalk’’ enjoying… a mesmerising floral marine scent enhanced by touches of

cyclamen and water lily. Sparkling salt crusted driftwood is warmed by amber, patchouli and musk. Over 40 hours of burning time can be enjoyed. ‘’Walking on Sunshine’’ inspires through Thai lime, resting zestily on heart notes of fresh pineapple, melon, grapefruit and mango. There is a song to suit all moods. ‘’Rebel, Rebel’’, Oh, What a Night’’, ‘’Mr. Blue Sky’’ and ‘’Harvest Moon’’ to name a few. Ciara Walsh and her dad are the creators of this family business. It was started in 2019 and born from a love of arts and crafts. All Kamana Candles are ecofriendly, cruelty free and vegan friendly, made with plant based wax and lead free cotton wicks. Supporting local and supporting Irish these lovely candles are available online- www.KamanaCandle. com or at select stores.. Ciara can be contacted on 087 146 9429. Ballybunion news is a weekly digital magazine published on Thursdays. Celebrating its 10th birthday next March it is read by an estimated 15,000 people worldwide via Facebook, email, and Twitter. At the helm and diligently keeping the population of Ballybunion and beyond informed of all news and events is Ger Walsh.

Ger is proud of how Ballybunion has “pulled together and created a safe environment.” Saturday 15th August, is the traditional pattern day in Ballybunion was celebrated on a down sized scale but yet nostalgic and poignant. A display of cross roads dancing enthralled people walking by Castle Green until a dramatic episode of thunder and lightning almost called a halt to proceedings. Live music was provided by Ger on the occasion and enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. Gers latest album features the Lockdown

song that created a lot of positive media attention. Ger can be contacted on 087-6061822 for music bookings.

How perfect the two blue flag beaches are for water sports, including surfing or swimming. It is a great testimony to the remarkable community and businesses of Ballybunion that there is such a great sense of civic duty to maintain safe environment rules all

the while keeping Ballybunion open for business. Credit to the local council for ensuring that adequate amenities such as toilets were open during the recent fine weather.

Marconi’s

Wilde Ballybunion is situated overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Where better to escape to for wide open breath-taking views and space in the current climate. Beaches are only a short walk away. Jennifer explains that the hotel’s bedrooms and restaurant comply with stringent procedures to ensure safety while comfort is never compromised when staying at Wilde Ballybunion. Special offers are available on accommodation and menus are very reasonably priced.

So from a town of pioneering firsts where community and businesses work and grow together, these words are from the archives of dúchas.ie.

maiden telephonic broadcast was made from Ballybunion in March 1919, being received on the other side of the Atlantic.

Sweet Ballybunion! Still your beauty would be last untold, for natures grandeur with lavish squander, has decked your brow with gems of gold.

Every community has its unsung heroes. Ballybunion sea and cliff rescue was founded in 1986 and is manned by 35 volunteers. They continue to maintain the highest of rescue standards in the North Kerry and West Limerick catchment area. By design of the French engineer, Charles Lartigue, a monorail system built in 1888 connected Listowel to Ballybunion. For this relatively small North Kerry town that wasn’t the only first.

HEALTH IS WEALTH Hi All, Áine of AfitBody Gym here again to tackle all your questions in regards to exercise and wellness.

Fail to Prepare.. Prepare to Fail…..

So many of us fell off the fitness wagon with the initial lockdown, our motivation to kick start that routine again may be low, weight gain and lack of exercise can be a vicious cycle and hard to break. Preparation is the key to getting things back up and running, as the saying goes, fail to prepare and prepare to fail…. Talking about getting back to exercise does not make it magically happen, you need to set plans in place - Pick a day or days - Pick a time - Select a workout If after setting the above in place, there are things you can do to ensure you stick to the plan and to boost your motivation - Buy new workout gear.. nothing like strutting your stuff in shiny new active wear! - Ask a buddy to meet you to ensure you stick to the day and time - Book the session with a local gym or PT, if you have someone to answer to you are more likely to stick to your goals Once you decide to get back into action set yourself a goal. Take your base line the day before you start and record your progress and this will help you along the way, I suggest choosing a morning to do this on the weekly basis and keep on track with it - Get yourself a diary - Take Body Weight - Take measurements - Hip ( Widest Part) - Waist - Arm ( Widest Part - Leg ( Widest Part)

Food Preparation:

Sometimes we forget what a huge role food plays in our progress, general and mental health. So often I see people making huge efforts with their workouts and getting a consistent plan in place, but forgetting to be prepared with food, leading to poor food choices which can hamper results. Taking a little time to plan your weekly meals and do a weekly shop will help hugely . This is not about stocking the fridge with nothing but lettuce leaves, but instead stocking the kitchen with healthy food choices, fun foods you will look forward to cooking with, experiment Stock up on fruits and vegetables, healthy grains, pulses nuts and seeds. 30

Think about sources of - Carbs - Healthy Fats - Protein There are such huge benefits to weekly Meal prep and creating a weekly shopping list - Can help save money - Can ultimately save time - Can help with weight control, as you decide the ingredients and portions served - Can contribute to an overall more nutritionally balanced diet - Can reduce stress as you avoid last minute decisions about what to eat, or rushed preparation As beneficial as exercise is for the body, if it’s not being backed up with a well-balanced diet, your overall fitness won’t reach its full potential. Its common sense that certain food is not good for us, such as sweets, sugary treats and food in high saturated fat. However, that isn’t to say that all sugars and fats are bad for you. Some sugars and fats, like the ones found in certain fruits and fish, are needed in our diet. For example, if you’re gearing up for a heavy session of weight lifting, focus on lean proteins such as chicken, which will help your muscles perform to their peak ability. Or if you’re in for a long cardio session, a medium-to-light carbohydrate meal a couple of hours before will encourage a slow release of energy, keeping you going for longer. Eating the right food is important and, once you get into the swing of things, it will encourage you on your fitness journey. Remember we are not looking to diet.. we are looking to train and FUEL the body. This Month’s Food Hero is the Red Kidney Bean: This month’s hero food is the under-rated kidney bean, these are an excellent plant-based source of protein. They're also rich in various minerals, vitamins, fibers, antioxidants, and other unique plant compounds. Therefore, these beans may aid weight loss, promote colon health, and moderate blood sugar levels. Beans contain amino acids, which are the protein building blocks that the body uses to heal and to make new tissues, such as bone, muscle, hair, skin, and blood. Protein is an essential nutrient. One cup (164 grams) of cooked chickpeas contains roughly (6):Calories: 269 Protein: 14.5 grams Fiber: 12.5 grams Folate (vitamin B9): 71% of the RDI Manganese: 84% of the RDI Copper: 29% of the RDI Iron: 26% of the RDI Try out our Simple Kidney bean Curry or our Bean and Mandarin Salad A healthy & happy body starts with the choices you make each and every day Happy Training.. and Fueling Áine x

Revenue Debt Warehouse By John Canty : Accounting and Taxation Services In a bid to reduce cashflow difficulties Revenue introduced a Debt Warehousing Scheme for certain tax liabilities incurred during Covid 19

Will it Affect my Tax Clearance?

What Tax Debt Can be Warehoused

Required to File Returns

So far, the following tax debt can be warehoused: VAT January to June 2020 PAYE/PRSI February to June 2020 With income tax/ corporation tax deadlines approaching for most SMEâ€™s we wait to see if these will be included.

How Long is Debt Warehoused

Initial period is 12 months with no requirement to pay during this period and no interest charges. Other tax is expected to be paid apart for tax debt warehoused.

You are entitled to Tax Clearance Certificate provided there is no other outstanding tax liabilities.

Tax returns need to be filed to avail of Debt Warehoused Scheme.

Tip

This is really to alleviate cash flow difficulties for SMEâ€™s under pressure. It is important to remember that warehoused debt is not been written off by Revenue and will have to be repaid.

When is Warehoused Debt Paid?

Warehoused Debt is expected to be repaid after the initial 12 months. However, reduced interest rate of 3% will be applied while debt is being repaid compared to 10% normally.

Kerry College Sports Graduates get UCC PE Teaching offers Two graduates from Kerry colleges Sports & PE Pre- Teaching course Rory Murphy and Steven O Conchuir have been offered places on PE Teaching at UCC on the B(Ed) (Hons) Sports Studies and Physical Education in UCC. Both students completed the newly introduced course at Kerry College in 2019/20 and are thrilled with their CAO Round zero offers.

This course provides a major QQI Level 5 Sports and Recreation Major Award plus an additional module, Concepts in Teaching and Education which allows students to get a brief insight into what teaching is really like. On completion of course it allows them make correct informed decisions on the course they wish to follow. This course also offers an opportunity to train and become a GAA referee and this element is delivered in collaboration with the GAA County board. Kerry College wishes Rory & Stephen the best of luck in the future. If you wish to apply for this course please click on the following link https://kerrycollege.ie/full-time-courses/sports-prepe-teaching/ Steven O Conchuir 32

Rory Murphy

33 Connect Kerry | July 2019 | 29

Living through Covid the simple things learned by Tonya Raymond

We humans are not built to withstand unpredictability. We are hardwired to protect ourselves and become fearful and anxious should we lose control of our lives. BUT the unthinkable can and did happen in the sudden onslaught of Covid-19 in March, and we have had no choice but to adapt and change our ways of living and working. This should serve to make us stronger and waay more resilient for the future and help us to deal with crisises with better aplomb. Here are a few insights and quotes Iâ€™ve gotten from many people on things theyâ€™ve learned about themselves, life, work etc as we journey on in our â€˜new normalâ€™ way of life. 1. â€œI now know what 6 feet ( 2M) apart actually looks likeâ€?. By now itâ€™s drilled into our brains to keep 6ft (2M) from other people to prevent us from catching and spreading the virus. 6ft is the equivalent of:* Two golden retrievers standing nose to tail * A standard 3 seater sofa * The length of a mattress * A man lying down wearing a top hat đ&#x;˜‚ 2. â€œMam was right â€œ WASH YOUR HANDS Never were the Irish Mammies more smug to have the backdrop order that haunted our childhoods become an actual global mantra. Nigh do lĂ mha agus do it again and again and again until your hands fall off. And stop that auld picking at your face or youâ€™ll be hearing about it.

3. â€œIâ€™ve discovered that at heart Iâ€™m actually an introvert/ extrovert â€œ. 34

During the lockdown period many people have realized that they actually enjoy their own company more than they thought they did. They were happy to spend time alone and relished confinement and spending time reconnecting with themselves. Whereas others discovered that they need people around them and were lonely without the social aspects of life and found solace in group chats, Zoom parties etc. 4. â€œTo always have a minimum of two weeks worth of toilet paper in my houseâ€?. Does anyone fancy returning to loo roll gate a la March? Iâ€™ll leave it there! 5. â€œTo never, ever ( Jesus never) cut my own or my childâ€™s hair â€œ. This is one I can empathize with unfortunately. Having done both of these unspeakable acts I felt Iâ€™d be forever in lockdown with my gammy fringe and my poor pudding bowl head of a 4 year old. Just cut it out!!!! 6. â€œTo appreciate the little things â€œ. Simple pleasures such as an evening stroll back the canal is fast becoming part of my routine. Watching the baby swans ( born at the beginning of lockdown) grow is both fascinating and beautiful to behold. 7. â€œTo always carry a face mask in my bag/ pocketâ€?. So, if someone last year showed me a picture of the whole town walking around wearing masks and shields and said â€œthis will happen in March next yearâ€?! Iâ€™d have h gg ad fierce trouble masking my laughter and not believed them for a minute. And now? Now itâ€™s fast become another part of our â€˜new normalâ€™ and the sweat breaks out of me any time I fumble in my handbag and

realize that Iâ€™ve forgotten to bring a mask to down. Crazy!!! 8. â€œ That everyone can cookâ€?. Before Covid-19 many people were so busy within their daily lives that cooking meals was yet another chore on their every growing list. During lockdown we had time to plan meals, try new recipes and add more interesting dishes to our jaded old faithfuls. Cooking got serious! And now thereâ€™s no going back to boring basics with our newly tantalized tastebuds. Bob Apetit! 9. â€œThat the basics are enoughâ€?. All the added extras are sweet to be sure, but the basics provide the foundations for a great life. We should focus more on making memories and not so much on making more and more money. 10. â€œThat our kids are resilient â€œ. Yep, these little people took all the huge life altering changes in March in their stride. They washed hands to the tune of Happy Birthday, they stayed away from grandparents and school friends and they had a sense of acceptance far beyond their years. Bualadh bos mĂłr do na pĂ istĂ! 11. â€œSocial media can be informative yet infuriating, helpful yet hazardous â€œ. Throughout the past few months many of us have kept abreast of whatâ€™s going on via Facebook, Twitter etc. Whilst sometimes the posts would scare the bejasus out of us and heighten already anxious minds, we would also have been lost

without the many apps to keep in touch with loved ones. Grandparents took to skype, WhatsApp and Zoom like ducks to water and now wonder why they poo poohed the mere idea years ago. 12. “ When no one is watching us we are ourselves”. This is so true! Image is everything in today’s society and a lot of times we prefer to portray ourselves as always looking perfect in much filtered photos on Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat etc. Getting the perfect selfie is more important than enjoying the moment. However during lockdown with no socializing events happening we learned to be a bit more comfortable in our own skin. We laughed as we posted pics of our grey roots , our monobrows and our neglected nails. And it was soo good to see people letting go a little. 13. “To adopt a better work/ life balance “. There is absolutely nothing at all wrong with loving your work, but it is so easy to

get into a habit of never switching off. During lockdown a lot of people worked from home or had reduced hours and for the first time in a long time they switched off a little. And what’s more they didn’t feel guilty being idle at home whilst reconnecting with their families and doing things with their kids. It redefined their identities in a way- work to live, not live to work. 14. “A crisis brings out the best in people “. Us Irish are known for sticking together in both good and bad times. This came to the fore during lockdown and nobody was surprised! Families stuck together and made sure everyone had what they needed, neighbors kept a keen eye on the vulnerable and dropped shopping and medications when necessary. Local businesses ran free delivery services and many people volunteered with charities such as meals on wheels and the Red Cross. Because that’s what we do!!!

15. “ That we can holiday locally “. With exotic locations off the menu this year at least, people’ staycationed’ like nobody’s business. And why not? We live in a country that all other countries want to visit, with our breathtaking scenery. On top of enjoying all that the Kingdom ( and beyond) has to offer staycationing also helped our own economy during this rarest of summers when foreign tourists were missing. So there it isWe learned to share We learned to care We stayed inside Some loved ones died We washed our hands We changed our plans We covered our faces Stayed from banned places We stepped back 6 feet From people we’d meet We respected queues And waited for news We loved to walk And virtually talk We’ll all be grand As together we stand. Fanacht Sàbhailte Gach Duine TONYA XX

Hi lovely readers, I wonder how many of you out there have asked this question "where has this year gone?". It is hard to believe that this September,Kerry won't be in Croke Park lifting the Sam or Listowel won't have the most glamorous ladies from everywhere for ladies day, but if we have learned anything from the last 5 months is that we are well able to adapt to change, and although September 2021 may seem a long way off today, it will creep up on us.

As most of the events have been cancelled due to Covid 19, we may feel " ah what's the point of getting dolled up". There is every point, wear that dress that you had in the wardrobe for the special lunch that has been postponed when you are meeting a friend for coffee, it will make you feel good and make your lunch date feel even better that you made such an effort. If you are going grocery shopping, wear bright colours, and spray the perfume that you would only ever use on a special occasion, make every time you leave your house a special event. In the last few weeks we have started stocking Masks in the shop, and thankfully our very loyal customers have not let us down and have come in and are now buying the masks to match outfits that they have, and I have to shamefully admit that i have went off and bought some new dresses because I knew we had masks to match them in stock.If you have students in the house heading back to school or college and need masks please do not hesitate to call in or contact me on our Facebook page or on Instagram. We post Masks out to anywhere in Ireland.We also have in stock at the moment visors for children ( images as shown) and bumbags. Also we have also got our stock of visors with glasses again images provided .We need to stay safe in these strange times and if we all do our best we will overcome it in the end. I will sign off now as I need to pick out a mask for tomorrow's outfit, Keep safe and keep smiling,

Carmel xxx 35

Music in the Kingdom

Killarney Classical Crossover Singer Killarney Classical Crossover singer taking on our unusual year fearlessly. This month I got the chance to meet with Grace Foley one of Kerry’s finest and most unique vocalists. Grace foley is a name you should know, and as for her voice? it will captivate you!

Graces contralto vocal range is one of the most rare female voices and her crossover style makes you go right back to your Celtic roots to get lost in the magic of it all. We all need a bit of that after the past few months! Grace began her vocal training in Killarney and by the time she was ready to tackle music college she had an array of accolades to her name! Her training and thirst for knowledge of her craft led her to make extremely special connections and her confidence flourished into finding her niche of ‘classical crossover’. Grace is not afraid of opening up about the hard times, the knocks and setbacks and as she speaks of them, you can see the pain turn to power on her face. Many would give up after a few setbacks but Grace kept going and with a goal at all times and this strange year is no different ‘we have to make the most of it and step back and see what CAN we do while we are not performing’. We spoke about how covid has affected the industry and both agreed after all of this there needs to be some educational and open conversations about the realities in the music industry, especially for those who want to pursue it as a career, we all ran in blind and have learned on our feet but it’s especially hard at the moment.Grace pointed out ‘People like myself work at a loss the majority of the time, my promotional gigs and album launches cost me money but I hope that people enjoy the experience and support listening to my music, book me for events and recommend me. I try to put as much of my personality and emotions out there to connect and that is the reality of it’. This year was a strange year for all but Grace took the bull by the horns and leaped at the opportunity to focus on her songwriting and arranging versions of some of her favourite songs with some of the best musicians and engineers that Kerry has to offer, giving them a creative outlet also. (Even via zoom!!) She gave 36

Grace Foley

some concerts via streaming from different locations and loved connecting with her audience in a new way across the world but missed the connections and conversations with them afterwards it’s was strange to be finished and be just in your own house’. Grace released her version of ‘Danny Boy’ earlier in the year, which she recorded with the wonderful Brendan O’Connor in ‘Little Dylan Studios’ in Killarney which has become the Kerry talent hub. ‘I recorded the video on the last day of 'normality', Thursday March 12th. We stood by the lakeside at the Hotel Europe Killarney, unaware that decisions were being made about closing all schools and colleges. I was adamant to get all my songs recorded for the year before April this year, no idea why! Boy am I glad I did now... I think this song always reaches people but there's something even more special about it now, after all the loss our country has experienced, in such a short time.’ What’s coming up ahead? Rolling with it! Grace is adoring her time writing and indulging in vocal technique wisdom so she plans on continuing on that path while the time is there, performing at whatever events that are safe and possible, working with fellow Kerry musicians and just using the time wisely to move forward. Grace speaks so highly of her students and all their achievements and is looking forward to getting back to teaching possibly in the new year. I walked away from our meeting feeling like I’ve known Grace forever, I felt the passion she had for her work and the raw excitement of the plans she has for the future so I would not be surprised to see her achieve whatever she puts her mind to. A kind, caring and fabulous lady that just so happens to bare her soul with every note sung! We are very lucky to be able to say she’s ‘Kerry stock’. Grace released her video and version of ‘everything I do’ in August, it is captivating to hear in the classical crossover style. Grace has a very special surprise coming in December so make sure to subscribe/follow her for updates of the next path of her journey. Facebook/instagram: @gracefoleysinger Website: gracefoley.ie Graces music is available to stream on all streaming platforms and purchase on iTunes and from her website.

Kerry Women's Resource Centre Has A New Home

By Marisa Reidy

More than 20 months on from the devastating closure of the Tralee Women’s Resource Centre, a brand new core committee has come together and is thrilled to announce that the centre has a brand new home at Market Place, Main Street, Tralee. While restricted to offering just phone and online support for now (due to Covid19), those behind the new Kerry Women’s Resource Centre say they are delighted to see the service back up and running – and have already enlisted over 80 members all keen to lend their support in whatever way they can. Kerry Women’s Resource Centre aims to engage, educate and empower vulnerable women across the county through the provision of information, support, counselling and training on issues affecting women. Committee member Rita O’Sullivan Crean told Connect that when the centre was suddenly closed back in December 2018, it had dealt with over 1,700 visits from women across the county that same year. Knowing those figures, and the benefits that women were receiving from the centre, she and others knew something had to be done. “We felt very upset about what happened and we knew that so many women on the ground were very unhappy. We came to realise that the women using the centre relied on the privacy and confidentially it offered, as some are very reluctant to talk,” she explained “We also found that there was huge support for the reopening, so we set up a committee to make it happen, We wanted to be independently funded [TWRC was previously funded by the HSE] and wanted to provide a safe and secure place for vulnerable women to come. Most importantly, we wanted these women to take ownership of the centre.”

Their dream became a reality a few months ago, and now - as well as offering information, support, counselling and training on issues affecting women - the committee is also in discussion with tutors to roll out workshops and training in small groups. Despite the excitement of a brand new era for the centre, however, the reopening is tinged with great sadness, Rita explained: “Unfortunately our wonderful chairperson Shahidah Janjua passed away on the 28th of March as a result of a long standing illness. She was loved by all who knew her through her work as an inspirational writer, poet, advocate, therapist, environmentalist, feminist, activist and friend. However her beautiful spirit remains with us and continues to motivate us to continue what she had started.” Rita added that the reopening would not have been possible without the immense support of so many people within the community, who recognise the importance of such a service to the women of Kerry. “We have been blessed with the support we have received from the public, which is hugely encouraging – including the Dingle Probus group who donated so generously to us; to the women who took part in the VHI Marathon last year; organisers of the pub Quiz in Kerins O' Rahilly's; the team at Paco Tralee; Jim Finucane, and the Kerry Choral Union who have given us great support and encouragement. So many businesses have supported us so far, without whom we would not have been able to open our door,” Rita said. On behalf of the committee, Rita also paid tribute to Michelle Ann Houlihan from Kerry Education and Training Board who organised the SHEP Re-Connect course for volunteers, helping them to meet other community groups and share ideas on selfcare and wellness. Also instrumental, Rita said, were Geraldine and the team at the volunteer centre who organised Covid19 training and Jean Foley of KCC who advised on possible sources of funding which the centre hopes to avail of in the future. “Our centre will be a source of support, referral and signposting for all women who have a pressing issue in their life. We will be there to help and encourage, but also to celebrate and educate,” Rita said. “We want the women of Kerry to take ownership of this centre and become actively involved in ensuring it is relevant and viable going forward. Women can volunteer, use the service, become members, fundraise and offer any help they feel motivated to give.” And speaking of fundraisers, on Sunday 30th of August Deirdre Foley ran a 10K in Limerick to help raise funds for the centre. People wishing to donate can still do so via the following link:

https://gf.me/u/ynbmbp

Kerry Women's Resource Centre can be contacted via their Facebook Page or on 087 6356353