TRALEE Chamber has welcomed the overall initiatives introduced in Budget 2023 to support business and the expansionary approach of the Government to address many of the needs of the most exposed members of the business community.
However, Colette O’Connor CEO Tralee Chamber, said the 9% VAT rate for the hospitality sector should be retained beyond February of next year.
“We must enable and empower our SMEs to continue to compete and remain productive throughout this time,” she said.
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“Most importantly, it means investing in the places where we live and work. In many respects the Government has listened.”
“However, we are disappointed to see that the 9% VAT rate has not been retained beyond February 28th, 2023. This will have significant impact on the hospitality sector. At a time when we should be dampening now on inflation, this was a measure that could have been taken”.
“We welcome the announcement of the two new business support schemes to help businesses with the cost of electricity and gas”.
The first scheme of €200 million administered by Enterprise Ireland for larger firms involved in exporting and manufacturing.
The second scheme is targeted at SMEs the Temporary Business Energy Support Scheme TBESS, will cover 40% of the increase in electricity or gas bills, up to a maximum of €10,000 per month per business.
“Tralee has a severe lack of accommodation which impacts employers in attracting skills and talent to work in Tralee and North Kerry. Tralee Chamber see the new property tax as a positive move to incentivising property owners to put their properties back on the market and in turn attracting business and talent to the Tralee area.
“We called for a Budget which would support businesses. We appreciate the challenges facing Government in delivering on every ask of the business community, but there are missed opportunities in this Budget,” Ms O’Connor concluded.
THE ALL-STARS: Our All-Stars had great football and great fun again last Sunday at the Austin Stack Club in Connolly Park. Yes, they had a ‘ball’! To join our Sunday morning session just come along to Connolly on Sunday at 11am. For information….ring/text Sandra (087-294 6658) or Sarah (087-281 0239).
PEIL FAOI 7: Our U7 boys are the best Sunday morning footballers of all! The planned U7 matches against Laune Rangers did not go ahead last week. Now, the sad news of the season is that our final Thursday night session will be on this Thursday (29th). However, we have some good news….a couple of upcoming matches are being organised/confirmed.
PEIL FAOI 9: The Under 9s are still enjoying their football! Four rounds have been played in the Thursday evening Bracker ‘Regan Cup games and this Thursday (29th) will be our last of the season. Our expected game on Sunday last v Churchill didn’t take place, faraor! The much-looked-forward-to trip to the St Finbarr Club in Togher, Cork, is getting closer….October 15th. We can’t wait! Táimid ar bís!
PEIL FAOI 11: More enjoyable U11 football on Thursday. There are really great players in this group!
PEIL FAOI 13: (i) We’re coming to our final sessions of 2022….we’ll have workouts on Tuesday and on Thursday this week and we’ll be travelling to Cork on Sunday 9th October to play a tough challenge game v Bishopstown. This is a big outing for our lads and we’re all looking forward to the day out! (ii) The Austin Stack Club (Team Amber) Central League Division 1B finalists 2022: Seán McCannon, Ediart Topali, Oisín Cotter, Diarmuid Hennessy, Conor Murphy, Liam Swords, Alex Dafoor, Karol Kowalczyk, David Ahern, Noah Reidy, Oran O’Donoghue, Kyle Yoxall, Jack Delaney, Nathan Hurley, Séamus Keenan, Nathan O’Connor, Luke O’Connor, Mark Foley, Conor Hanafin, Ewan Canty, Matthew Guerin, Killian Coffey, Albi Gaxha, Tadhg Somers, Jack Walsh, Joe O’Halloran, Alex O’Flaherty, Jayden O’Dowd, Gearóid Corcoran, Eliot Calleja.
PEIL FAOI 15: (i) Kelliher’s Garage Central Region U15 (Division 1A) final….Laune Rangers: 0-12; The Rock: 2-11. (ii) |The Kelliher’s Garage Central Region U15 (Division 5)final…. victory for B/mac over The Rock.
PEIL FAOI 17: Minor club champions of Kerry 2022: Michael Tansley; Seán Ó Muimhneacháin, Luke Ó Cathasaigh (captaen), James Fisher; Pádraig O’Halloran, Ben Ó Murchú, Seán Heaslip; Ryan Ó Drisceoil (0-4), Colm de Brún (0-2); Noah Townsend (1-1), Daniel Ó Ciarba (0-1), Tomás Deregee; Rónán Ó Cearúil (1-1), Paidí Ó Laighin (1-8 – six frees), Damien Ó hÓgáin. Fir ionaid: Jack Ó Murchú, Donncha Ó hArgáin, Dáithí Ó Luasaigh, Aaron Ó Nualláin, Dylan Ó Cuinneagáin, Gavin Ó Cathasaigh.
COLÁISTÍ: Good wishes to all Rock lads who’ll be playing in upcoming college matches. U15B (Peil): Mounthawk v Milltown on Tuesday (27th); U16½E (Iománaíocht): Gaelcholáiste v Scoil Naomh Pól, Port Láirge, ar an Déardaoin (29ú); U19D (Iománaíocht): Mounthawk v Fermoy. U19E (Iománaíocht): Gaelcholáiste v Cnoc Síon, Port Láirge, ar an gCéadaoin (12ú D.Fómhair). U19C (Peil): Gaelcholáiste ar an gCéadaoin (19ú D.Fómhair). Corn Uí Mhuirí: The Green v St Flannan’s agus Mounthawk v Coláiste na Sceilge ar an gCéadaoin (19ú D.Fómhair).
CLUB LOTTO: Thanks to all who support and promote our club lotto: (i) O’Flynn Interiors (Malachy Nagle), Lower Rock Street, (ii) Kirbys’ Brogue Inn, Lower Rock Street, (iii) Husseys’ Deli, Prince’s Quay, (iv) Carmel O’Neill, (v) Maguires’ Butcher Shop, Caherslee, (vi) Barrys’ Supermarket, Upper Rock Street, (vii) Paudie Commane’s Bookshop, Rock Street, (viii) The Burger Shack, Monavalley, (ix) www.austinstacks.ie (x) and/or onhttps://play.clubforce.com/play_newa.asp?ll_id=X529#Anchor
AN SIOPA: Items are available to order on www.oneills.ie. The Ganzee Club Clothing Collection is available in all sizes. Check out all the style ranges in hoodies, t-shirts and sweatshirts on www.ganzee.ie/austin-stacks-gaa-clubs/
SENIORS: Best wishes to our seniors in their next very important championship game.
SCÓR NA SINSEAR: Kerry County Final: 7th October. Munster Final: 18th October.
PLACENAMES: (i) A new placename in our area is ‘Carraigín’ (though spelt incorrectly on the stone at the estate entrance!). (ii) A new placename in the K-O’R area is ‘Cluain na Geise’….the Meadow of the Spell or Prohibition. (Remember the legend in which Diarmuid was put ‘faoi gheasa’ by Gráinne?). Proverb/seanfhocal: Ná bain do gheis agus ní bhainfidhgeis duit (Leave forbidden things (spells, etc) alone and they cannot harm you).
Kingdom Swimming club was well represented at the recent National Community Games Swimming Finals with a number of our swimmers representing their respective areas across a number of individual & relay events., and taking home 4 individual & 1 team medals to the Kingdom.
Kingdom Swimmers Community Games Finals
Congratulations to everyone who participated, qualified for finals and won medals
on the day –
Silver
Lily May O Gara
Lily May O’Gara 2nd U16 Free
Peter Doyle
Peter Doyle 2nd U16 Breaststroke
Bronze
Sean Murphy & Liam O Connor
Sean Murphy 3rd U14 Breaststroke
St Brendans Oakpark u16 Relay
St. Brendans/Oakpark U16 Medley Relay 3rd – Cillian Ginty, Jack Costello, Peter Doyle, Adam Flaherty
Congratulations to Kingdom candidates Gerard Pierse, Ruženka Cronin, Carla Qualter who all successfully completed Level 1 Assistant Swim Teacher Training and Hollie Boyd, Oisin O’Mahoney, Nigel Collins and Spela Cvar who completed level 2 Swim Teacher Training under watchful eye of Mary Garvey over the weekend.
The recently completed Swim Teacher Training was all made possible through the Education Support received through Resilience Funding from @sportireland @swimireland .
Thanks again to @traleesportscentre for all their assistance in facilitating all courses .
Monday 26th 8pm for: Lady President Margaret’s Prize to the Ladies on Sun 9th
Monday 3rd Oct 8pm for: Lahinch Exchange day Monday 17th -times 11:00-12:30pm
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Fixtures:
Wed 28th – Play in Pink – Scotch Foursomes
Sun 2nd Oct- Singles – sponsored by Terry butchers
Wed 5th Oct – Club singles –sponsored by Ross Jewellers
Sun 9th Oct – MC10 Lady President Margaret’s Prize to the Ladies
Sun 9th – 9-hole qualifying competition
Wed 12th -Club singles
Sun 16th – Singles sponsored by Kerry Petroleum
Monday -Lady Exchange Day to Lahinch
.Kay McCarthy Chairperson Inspired, Fiona McCarthy, Tina Enright – Ballygarry Estate Hotel & Spa, Siobhan O’Sullivan – Aspengrove Solutions at the ‘Promoting Inclusive Employment’ event at Ballygarry Estate on Friday.
THE Inspired group held their ‘Promoting Inclusive Employment’ event at Ballygarry Estate on Friday, September 23.
The event aimed to raise awareness among local employers in relation to the recruitment and retention of people with intellectual disabilities in the workplace.
Over 25 local employers were represented at the presentation, which showcased the range of supports available to them through the Inspired Inclusive Employment Programme.
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The event highlighted how employers across Kerry can access and recruit potential employees with a broad range of talents who are willing and able to work.
Presenter for the afternoon, Stephanie Dinham, the Career Transition Coordinator at Inspired, steered employers through the supported employment process and demonstrated how career transition training and hands-on job coaching were already showing promising results.
Jim Garvey Finance Director Supervalu said; “the presentation dealt with concerns of employers in a very honest way.”
Ciara Noble – Clippity Clop, Ciaran Sears – Scotia Farm, Orla Brosnan – Clippity Clop and Tom Sears – Scotia Farm at the ‘Promoting Inclusive Employment’ event at Ballygarry Estate on Friday.
Jacinta Walsh, Manager at Penney’s Tralee, said that the presentation “was a great success and we were delighted to be a part of it. It was wonderful to see how important work is to the Inspired participants”.
The event also focused on the need to create awareness and provided an understanding of how inclusive employment practices can benefit, companies, their staff, and the individuals involved.
Videos shown on the day were a testament to the fact that the Inclusive employment programme had already made a significant impact in its first-year post-covid, with over 18 local employers successfully engaging in the initiative.
Programme participants and employers provided insight into their experiences which gave other employers an opportunity to hear valuable feedback.
Rachel, whose role was MC for the event said; “I work at the Bons hospital, and it means a lot to me because I help out the patients, I love my job and I love sorting out the forms”.
Stephanie Dinham, Inspired Career Transition Coordinator with Marcus Motta, Manager Applegreen Listowel, at the ‘Promoting Inclusive Employment’ event at Ballygarry Estate on Friday.
“What work means to me,” said Lauren who works in Penneys’, “is being part of a team and I enjoy working with Belinda and Mandy and all the team in Penneys.”
Liz Maher, Manager of Inspired added; “today’s event showcased the importance of creating awareness around the benefits of hiring people with intellectual disabilities. There is a growing need for employers to recognise how inclusive practices can have a positive impact on their own employees while creating added value to their business”.
The event closed with a note from the Chairperson of Inspired, Kay McCarthy who thanked the sponsors, Dormant Accounts Fund for funding the Inclusive Employment Opportunities programme and Kerry ETB and Solas for funding the training event.
Kay also thanked employers, Inspired manager, staff, board of trustees and participants for coming together to celebrate their achievements to date.
Mark O’Shea, Mike Walsh and Eoin O’Sullivan of Adams of Tralee at the ‘Promoting Inclusive Employment’ event at Ballygarry Estate on Friday..
DOMINO’S Pizza has launched a major new recruitment drive to fill 1,000 roles across Ireland, around 30 of which will be located in Kerry.
The company is gearing up for the busy festive season and the World Cup 2022, with 700,000 pizzas estimated to be ordered by consumers in the country during this time.
Domino’s is calling upon budding delivery drivers, in-store team members and pizza makers to join its team at its stores in Tralee and Killarney.
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Scott Bush, Domino’s Pizza Group, Ireland CEO said: “As we approach a very busy period with international football and the festive peak, we are excited to announce 1,000 new roles with Domino’s across Ireland. We are proud to be able to offer a range of flexible in-store and contract driver roles, which may be suited to those looking for additional employment opportunities or to fit around study or family life.”
Those interested joining their local Domino’s are asked to visit www.dominos-jobs.com and check their local store.
TEDxTralee, an independently organised event, licensed by TEDx, returns to Siamsa Tire on Thursday, October 6, with the theme of ‘The Good Room’ and as part of the An Turas Mor – Homecoming Kerry Festival.
Local Curators and Co-Coordinators Bryan Carr and James Finnegan felt that after the stunning success of TEDxTralee 2021, whose talks have been viewed on the online worldwide TED platform over 270,000 times, that there was another opportunity to promote Tralee on the International TEDx map with another series of an eclectic series of talks and presentations from local, national and international speakers.
The 14 speakers come from a variety of backgrounds and unique experiences all sharing their stories and big ideas.
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From an initial submission of 48 speakers, these individuals were selected and assisted over a number of weeks and months in developing their presentations.
Speakers include actor and playwright Martin Mahon from Tralee, autism expert Sharon McCarthy, pioneer of organisational narrative, leadership storytelling, Thaler Parker and Crime Scene Investigator Ciaran Prior. For the full list of speakers, click here.
“We are delighted, proud and honored to be able to give these wonderful, inspiring and thought provoking Talks a platform, covering a range of topics from the personal to the global perspective,” said Bryan and James.
“It was always the aspiration for last year’s event to be the first in a series of legacy events promoting Tralee, Kerry and Ireland under the TEDxTralee Banner. This year, with the development of the An Turas Mor series of countywide festivals and events, a wonderful opportunity presented itself to raise the bar once again.”
They also want to encourage and give practical experience to the next generation of production talent working in conjunction and collaboration with seasoned event project leaders.
TEDxTralee gratefully acknowledge the support of all their partners including Tralee Chamber Alliance, Shannon Star Entertainment, The Rose Hotel, M.EDIA, Siamsa Tire, Quails Partners and Connect Publications as well as the sponsors of An Turas Mor including Kerry County Council, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Failte Ireland.
.Participants in the Banna Coastcare beach clean-up on Sunday.
BANNA Coastcare were out in force again on Sunday taking part in this year’s Big Beach Clean. Sixteen youths joined the clean-up, removing 20 bags of rubbish from the beach and dunes in just one hour.
Banna Coastcare saw a fantastic turnout on Sunday for this year’s Big Beach Clean, approximately 30 willing volunteers gave just one hour of their time to help clean up Kerry’s beautiful coastline.
Despite a number of other clean ups taking place on Banna over the previous two weeks, approximately, 20 bags of litter were collected.
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The bags were filled with marine litter which included, fishing line, net and ropes and terrestrial litter mostly made up of plastic bottles, crisp and sweet wrappers, cigarette butts, plastic bags, face-masks and glass bottles. Some other finds included, a shopping basket, two syringes, a nappy, shoes and flip flops and an oil drum.
During the Big Beach Clean, volunteers were asked to carry out a marine litter survey to quantify the amount and types of litter found on Banna.
Participants in the Banna Coastcare beach clean-up on Sunday.
These surveys are aimed at heightening awareness about the issue of marine litter and serve as an indicator of the magnitude of the problem. Clean Coasts share this information with the international Ocean Conservancy to form part of the worldwide survey.
Rachel Geary and Maeve Ferris of Banna Coastcare wished to thank all the volunteers, in particular the younger ones, whodedicated their time to make a difference. A special thanks to Salty Souls Cafe for rewarding the younger volunteers for the efforts.
Rachel said; ‘‘it was another fantastic event, it is so heart-warming to see people come together to help combat the problem of marine litter, every piece of litter that is collected is a piece of litter that won’t pollute our oceans or harm our wildlife.”
Participants in the Banna Coastcare beach clean-up on Sunday.The rubbish collected during the clean-up.
The Garveys Tralee Warriors team panel and coaches with Kevin McCarthy and Jim Garvey of sponsors Garvey Group. Photo by Dermot Crean
By Alan Cantwell
Garvey’s Tralee Warriors launched their 2022/2023 season at Garvey’s Supervalu in Tralee on Monday ahead of the start of the Super League campaign this weekend.
The League and National Cup champions took a short break from preparations for the opening game of the season, and what promises to be a stern early test for John Dowling’s new look charges, at home to local League rivals Flexachem KCYMS Killorglin on Saturday night.
Following the departure of four of their outstanding players from last season namely; Aaron Calixte, Nikola Roso, Ron Elksnis and Brandon Cotton, the Warriors recruitment department were busy over the summer bringing in three exciting additions to the set up.
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Andrée Michelsson steps into the point guard spot vacated by last season’s Super League Player of the Year Aaron Calixte and the 6’2’’ 25 year old Swede will lead the Warriors offence from the top of the key.
Michelsson, a former Icelandic U20 international, joins the Warriors following a season with BBC Rendsburg Twisters in Germany where he averaged over 21 points per game.
The dynamic American De’Ondre Jackson comes into the Warriors set up hoping to build on his rookie season last year when he tormented defences up and down the country with NUIG Maree.
He finished the season in third place in the scoring stats in the League with only Aaron Calixte and Killester’s Karon Harrell bettering his average of just over 20 points per game.
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The Warriors third import player is 6’8’’ forward Matija Jokic. The 24 year old and former U20 international with his native Montenegro, has experience of playing in both Iceland and Germany with Hottur Egilsstadir and Recklinghausen respectively.
Kieran Donaghy, Eoin Quigley, Darragh O’Hanlon, Daniel Jokubaitis and captain Fergal O’Sullivan bring their collective wealth of skill and experience to the squad. The younger players who made their breakthrough last season James Fernane, Stephen Bowler and Keelan Crowe also take their places on the roster.
Stepping up to Super League duty this season is Jack Tobin, linking from St. Brendan’s, and Irish U18 international Aivaras Ousis coming from Tralee Magic who will both get their first taste of Super League action in the coming weeks.
The Warriors squad is completed by Zygimantas Kaletka and the Fleming brothers Padraig and Aaron.
The Warriors will be coached by John Dowling, assisted by Gareth Moore and Jimmy Diggins and the team managed again this season by Kathleen Collins.
Garvey’s Tralee Warriors take on Flexachem KCYMS Killorglin in the Tralee Sports Complex on Saturday night at 7.30pm.
Season tickets at €100 for adults and €50 for children and standard match tickets at €10 for adults and €5 for children are available to purchase on the Tralee Warriors website – www.traleewarriors.com
.Launching the Tralee Chamber/Kerry County Council Christmas In Tralee programme at Kerry County Museum on Tuesday morning were, seated in front; President of Tralee Chamber Nathan McDonnell and Mayor of Tralee Mikey Sheehy. Standing from left; Tralee Chamber CEO Colette O’Connor, Stephen Stack, Aidan Turner and Cllr Jim Finucane. Photo by Dermot Crean
THERE’S less than 90 days to Christmas and preparations are already in hand to make it another memorable season in Tralee.
Tralee Chamber Alliance and Kerry County Council are focusing on bringing family interactive events of a high standard to the town this Christmas.
With the support of Oliver Hurley Productions, the aim will be to bring the magic of Christmas to the streets of Tralee through new and creative initiatives.
The focus is to run major interactive events with the objective being to bring people from all over Kerry and further to Tralee town in the lead up to Christmas.
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Building on the wonderful decorations and lighting of previous years, the proposed events will also enhance the visuals in the town centre, creating a magical and festive kingdom.
The preparations for the Christmas season have been warmly welcomed by the Mayor of Tralee, Cllr Mikey Sheehy.
“Christmas is always a special time for family and community and this year there is a wonderful programme of events being arranged for people of all ages. I would encourage everyone to participate and to enjoy the holiday season,” he said.
Colette O’Connor, CEO Tralee Chamber Alliance, outlined some of the plans for the festive season.
“While the town is already established as having one of the top festive light displays in the country, we are really building on that and utilising the fantastic amenities including the Kerry County Museum and Island of Geese, while showcasing some of the local talent we have here in North Kerry. ”
“There will be a competition “Follow the Magic” running throughout the build-up to Christmas which will put the focus on our wonderful retailers, there will be a new guy town or should I say “new Elf”…watch this space and all will be revealed later!”
“And as you’d expect there will be Christmas markets with some fantastic shows for families every weekend through December, culminating in what is the traditional end to the celebrations in Tralee — a fireworks display on New Years Eve,” added Colette.
More details on the events for Christmas in Tralee will follow in the weeks ahead.
