ABOUT 100 ladies were treated to an evening of beauty tricks and fashion tips in CH Chemists on Friday night.
“We’re just giving a little advice on beauty and fashion for the season ahead,” said Sandra Rusk of Weardrobe boutique.
Both Sandra and Helen Lawlor Parker, who recently won the Lancome Beauty Consultant of the Year award, gave these tips to the audience, who also enjoyed refreshments on the night, and were shown the latest fashions from the boutique.
ARTIST: PixiesTHE comeback of Pixies has received quite a mixed response to say the least.
It was over ten years ago that Black Francis and co. began touring again, and for all the naysayers and negative nellys that called it a ‘cash-grab’, the fact that the band were willing to tour extensively for close to a decade, gives me the impression that the members actually enjoyed performing cuts from their classic discography together.
Last year saw the departure of the band’s original bassist Kim Deal. This caused heartache amongst fans the world over.
Gradually, the purists came forward, giving their two cents as to why the band should pack it in.
Yes, Deal’s bass playing style and signature voice were essentials to the group’s core sound, but at the end of the day, Pixies is the twisted dream of one Black Francis, and accompanied by Joey Santiago’s dirty guitar tone, and David Lovering’s fluid drumming, the trio are getting by just fine.
Indie Cindy is Pixies’ first new album in 23 years, serving as follow up to 1991’s Trompe Le Monde, but it isn’t necessarily an ‘album’ so to speak.
Indie Cindy consists of the three EPs the band have put out since last September – EP-1, EP-2 and EP-3. These three releases mark the first of any new material from the group since 1991.
For the more old school fans out of the loop since the early 90’s, this might not exactly be the comeback album you were expecting, but there’s something here for everyone.
Opening track ‘What Goes Boom’ stinks to high heaven of early Pixies with Black Francis’ seasoned vocals still sounding as quirky and menacing as ever.
From being planted in familiar territory, we’re then instantly hit with the curveball that is ‘Greens & Blues’, a sweet acoustically driven number telling of Francis’ alien nature – “I said I’m human but you know I lie, I’m only visiting this shore.”
Up next comes one of my personal favourites and the albums’s title track ‘Indie Cindy’.
It’s the Pixies we’ve come to know and love, with loud-quiet dynamics accompanied by Francis’ bizarre rambling, but scratch beneath the surface, and it’s simply another song of unrequited love and inferiority – “Indie Cindy, Be in love with me, I beg for you to carry me.”
From there we’re greeted with ‘Bagboy’, the first piece of new material the band offered up almost a year ago. Although there’s no Deal, there are some excellent female backing vocals on this track, making it the closest to any ‘early’ early Pixies material.
From here on the record takes its trip through some serious ups and mild downs. The curious ‘Magdalena’ leads neatly into the atmospheric ‘Silver Snail’, although the two are easily the most forgettable tracks on the record.
Next is the ill-advised ‘Blue Eyed Hexe’, a grungy, Doolittle-era sounding Punk track that comes off a tad try-hard, and a bit embarrassing to be honest.
One of the main things to be said for Indie Cindy is that it’s easily the band’s lightest effort to date, which makes ‘Blue Eyed Hexe’ seem so out of place, like the band are still trying to remind us that they’ve got balls.
Some have already come out and full on panned the record for not adhering to the group’s tried and tested, frantic, loud-quiet, Alterna-Grunge style.
It’s fair that after 23 years fans would expect an album of classic sounding material, but at the same time, why would Black Francis, Joey Santiago, David Lovering and long-time producer Gil Norton want, after over two decades, to release something totally rehashed and uninspired?
The almost Surf-Rock Weezer vibe of ‘Ring The Bell’ is another incredibly refreshing taste to add to the Pixies palette.
As I mentioned earlier, Black Francis’ vocals are a lot more seasoned (23 years will do that, alright), but this makes the entire record more intriguing on a second and third listen.
Indie Cindy opens so strongly before almost doubting itself midway through. The album spends two or three tracks trying to decide what it should it do before ‘Another Toe In The Ocean’ gets things back on track in a big way.
This is another one of the standouts for me, you’ll be humming the chorus to yourself after one listen, I assure you.
‘Andro Queen’ and ‘Snakes’ are again two more relaxed and easy-paced, melodic rock tunes.
Closing track ‘Jaime Bravo’ is a summery song of farewell, and can’t help but leave you with your head bopping and a smile creeping across your face.
And, that’s Indie Cindy, folks. Was it worth the wait is a question that only each personal fan will be able to answer.
Is it a good album, not a doubt. It has some excellent tracks, some reminiscent of classic Pixies, while others take the band in new, and interesting directions.
All in all, there’s something here for every Pixies fan, it’s up to you, the listener, how much you either want to appreciate the new material on offer or grumble over how it’s not the exact same as everything else they’ve released.
I know which I’m going with.
• Pixies play Marlay Park in Dublin with Arcade Fire on Sunday, June 29, and their own headline show the following night at the Marquee in Cork. Tickets are on sale now via ticketmaster.
TRALEE Credit Union member, Kathleen Twomey, won’t forget last Friday (April 25) in a hurry.
Not only did she win €100 in the Euromillions that night, but she also was informed she was the owner of a brand new Citroen C4. The win came thanks to the Tralee Credit Union’s Members Car Draw.
“I have been in the car draw for years and never in my wildest dreams did I think I’d win the car,” said Kathleen from Kilflynn.
“You can imagine my surprise when I got the call. I had just bought a Euro Millions ticket and had it in my hands when they phoned. When the draw took place that evening I won €100. I’m delighted with the win, it’s a lovely car, very spacious, I can’t wait to drive it,” she said
Tralee Credit Union’s next members car draw takes place in June. For further information contact Tralee Credit Union or visit their website www.traleecu.ie
A VIDEO of three men supping pints and cracking jokes at the reopening of the ‘highest pub in Ireland’ in Coom on the Kerry Cork border has gone viral.
The pub was destroyed in a fire two years ago which left locals in the area without a place to meet up regularly with friends and quench their thirst.
A clip of the farmers will be played on the BBC’s comedy panel show ‘Have I Got News For You” tonight. The video has notched up 50,000 views in recent days.
The comments section is worth checking out as well to read some bewildered Youtube users trying to the decipher the three lads patter.
1. Barry’s Pan Loaf – Aah, the smell of the fresh bread. Aah, the combination of the hard crust and the fluffy dough. Aah, the way you’d actually eat the whole loaf with a pound of Kerrygold and half a pig. Aah…the way your doctor would tell you that you’ve butter for blood. Aah…oh you get the picture!
2. Jimmy Casey’s Crubeens – To most people, the thought of tucking into a feed of pigs’ feet is akin to sucking a glass of soft lard through a straw (and one suspects the nutritional value may be the same), but some quare souls went for that sort of thing in the Pembroke Street institution. I blame drink.
3. Der Sullivan’s Coleslaw – It shouldn’t work. Loads of shredded cabbage and carrot and only slightly wet with…uh…mayonnaise? It’s not your typical coleslaw but it tastes great (see also Charlie Nelligan’s coleslaw across the road).
4. Chicken Croquettes – Ok, it’s hardly unique to Tralee considering it’s a staple of the Dutch diet. But back in the 80s, when a Dutchman from Farmers Bridge took inspiration from his footballing countrymen and started making his brand of ‘Total Fast Food’ for Tralee chippers, the post-pub ‘foodies’ were in awe. I’ve no idea what’s in them though.
5. Green Rooster Chips – Back to Jimmy Casey’s we go then. Again, real chips are not unique to the town, but when every other chipper in town abandoned the spud in favour of the thinner, frozen variety back in the 80s, Jimmy stuck to his guns to great success. He was playing the long game was our Jimmy.
6. Bruschetta In Bella Bia – If you can get a table in this Italian restaurant, have this Ferrari of a starter for a Fiat 127 of a price. Lovers of Italian food agree it’s the best around…and not just in Tralee!
7. Der Sullivan’s Mutton Pies – Yeah, we’re back to The Mall again where I could have picked his home cooked ham or the distinctive prawn salad, but I’ll go with the cholesterol-worrying pies. Note: Can only be eaten with oxtail soup.
THE machine keeps on going. Another election, another new Spring on the ticket for Labour.
It’s a name synonymous with Kerry (and national) politics and Graham Spring says he is determined to give his all to try to emulate the achievements of his grandfather Dan, uncle Dick, aunt Maeve and brother Arthur.
But Graham’s journey to where I meet him, in the Labour Party HQ in Rock Street, has been a roundabout one: from professional golfer to candidate for Kerry County Council.
Educated at CBS primary and secondary in town, Graham left Ireland on a scholarship to the University of West Florida.
“I went there for five years on an athletics’ scholarship. I studied business administration and played on the golf team there.”
Golf has played a big part in Graham’s life over the years.
“I started golf from about the age of seven. I played other sports too, football, basketball, hurling but I made the decision in my teens to pursue the golf.”
Graham spent five years studying in Florida.
“I came home and played for the Irish amateur team after that and then I turned professional. I moved abroad a lot and played for four years until 2000.”
“I suppose the highlight was qualifying for the British Open in 1998. I got to a good enough level but injuries just kept putting me off,” he said.
He decided to retire from the game in 2000.
“It was very disappointing. I was gradually improving every year and then around 1999 I was hit with continuous injuries. I tried it for another year but I realised I couldn’t go any further with it.”
Graham worked for a while for a company developing software for golf but when the dotcom bubble burst in 2002 that employment ended. He then spent some years in Qatar out in the Middle East in corporate hospitality and working for the Olympic committee.
But home beckoned and Graham and his wife Carmel (O’Connell from Lixnaw, whom he married in 2005) came back and settled in Tralee in 2007, working for an insurance company.
Graham would be drawn back into the ‘family business’ when his brother Arthur asked him to help out in, first, his 2009 local election campaign and then his general election bid in 2011.
He has been working for his brother since from the Labour party office in Rock Street.
So was he always drawn to politics considering his family background?
“I suppose I’ve always been drawn to it, but over time I’ve had other priorities and that would be making a living. Sometimes I’ve had to go abroad to do that so I couldn’t really get involved in politics. But I’ve always been around it. I remember helping out as a child back in the early 80s putting letters into envelopes in Union Hall next door for my uncle. I’ve always had a deep interest in politics,” he said.
So while he is used to canvassing for his uncle and brother down the years it’s pretty different when you’re asking for votes for yourself.
“It’s different alright! First of all there’s a lot more pressure. You’re the man on the posters putting yourself forward. I find that when you’re canvassing [for someone else] you can switch off for a while, but when you’re the candidate you’re always going. There’s a lot more responsibility and my goal is to meet as many people as I can. I’m going to give this my best shot and keep going until the election.”
So what’s the reception like on the door?
“It’s been good. Employment in Tralee is the main issue along with the economic recovery and how long it’ll take. But people realise we’re local politicians and they bring up local issues. People are more concerned about Tralee and the surrounding area,” he said.
For Graham, the ITT and technology park is the key for getting more jobs for the town.
“There’s a huge amount of jobs up there and some great companies with the potential to grow. We also need to get confidence back in the retail sector, making sure the rates are competitive for local businesses. I think the announcement last week of Kerry being entitled to the maximum regional aid grants will be of assistance. We mightn’t see immediate benefit but we’re now on a level playing field. That’s something we’ve been working on here in the office for a while.”
With Tralee riding high in tourism at the moment, Graham feels we can capitalise on this industry.
“With Labour’s involvement in government, we saw a reduction in VAT and the abolishment of the travel tax. It’s very important to retain the PSO route from Kerry to Dublin, especially when we have so many foreign students at the ITT using the service.”
He praised the business and community groups for their efforts to better the town over the past few years.
“The efforts by the Tralee Chamber Alliance and the Tidy Towns has been great and shown results. We’ve got some fantastic facilities around us here.”
When he’s not on the canvass he spends as much time as possible with his wife Carmel and three children Daniel, Sinead and Ciara and snatching a glance at the sport on TV when he can.
The former John Mitchels player only plays golf occasionally now but still enjoys it.
So finally, does that Spring name bring advantages to the campaign and does he feel pressure because of it?
“It can help. I’ve been out canvassing with Dick and he’s so well known having helped so many people in the past. Is there pressure to succeed? Well trying to emulate their success brings great challenges and that comes from hard work. Being involved down the years I knew what was in store for me.”
THE Kingdom County Fair turns the pension age this year as huge crowds are expected to flood into Ballybeggan Race Course on Sunday, May 11.
The 65th Fair, which is the second biggest in Munster, will have bundles of things on offer for what is seen as a great family day out with €50,000 worth of prize money and trophies over the course of the day.
The fair draws great interest for its livestock competitions which this year includes a All Ireland Angus Bull Championship qualifier.
“We expect about 7000 people,” said organising secretary Mary Barry.
Other events on offer include showjumping, horse, pony, sheep and goat classes which are very popular with children especially. There will also be crafts, homebaking and horticulture, also a food hall and craft fair.
A selection of the entertainment on offer includes live music, a baby show, dog and pet show, bouncy castles, slides, land zorbing, water walker activity which includes a large inflatable pool and the always, very popular, face-painting, especially as there is a prize for the best painted face.
TRALEE Library will host a lecture titled ‘Cumann na mBan in Kerry 1914 – 1923’ on Thursday, May 15 at 7.30 pm to commemorate the centenary of its foundation.
Neglected by the history books, the stories of the heroic women of Cumann na mBan remained quietly within families who cherished their bravery down through the generations.
Now, a century after their foundation in 1914, their efforts to achieve national freedom have received due recognition from the State with lectures and media interest in the deeds of these brave women.
If you look at the new military archives website, www.militaryarchives.ie you will see that actually there were 15 district councils in Kerry made up branches based in amongst others Killarney, Castleisland & Knocknagoshel, Lixnaw, Listowel, Dingle and Ardfert etc
To explore further the history of the organisation in Kerry and to celebrate the centenary of the founding of Cumann na mBan, Tralee Library will host a lecture titled ‘Cumann na mBan in Kerry 1914 – 1923’.
The lecture will be given by historian Dr. Mary McAuliffe of UCD and a native of Duagh. Dr. McAuliffe, who lectures in Irish Women’s and gender History, UCD and who co-ordinated the centenary commemorations of the founding of Cumann na mBan, will trace the founding of the movement in Dublin initially, the branches in Kerry and what services Cumann na mBan members rendered.
The lecture is open to all.
For further details contact Tralee Library at 066 7121200 or log onto www.kerrylibrary.ie
SINN Fein North Kerry Deputy, Martin Ferris, said the arrest of Gerry Adams last night, to answer questions in relation to the disappearance and murder of Jean McConville, was “politically motivated”.
The Ardfert politician was speaking on Radio Kerry’s ‘Kerry Today’ programme on Thursday morning.
“This was politically motivated, the intent is to damage Sinn Fein in the six counties and the 26 counties in the weeks ahead,” he told host Jerry O’Sullivan.
“What I find very worrying is that three weeks out from an election – despite the fact that Gerry has made himself available to the PSNI two months ago to answer questions – they [now] seek to speak to him on that issue,” he said.
Deputy Ferris believes the recent arrests made in relation to the McConville case came from the Boston Tapes issue.
“A lot of that [the arrests] is emanating from the Boston Tapes, of which most of the contributors to the Boston tapes, to my knowledge, are people who are opposed to the Peace Process, Gerry Adams and the Sinn Fein Leadership. To my knowledge all bar one who have been arrested in relation to this have not been charged,” he said.
When asked by O’Sullivan if the leadership of Gerry Adams is holding the party back, Deputy Ferris said: “Gerry Adams is an excellent leader and has full support of all of Sinn Fein right across this island.”
Friday
Denny Premier A
Park FC v Camp United, 7pm
Tommy Healey Memorial Cup
Tralee Athletic v Tralee Dynamos 7pm
Park have their eye on qualification for the league final and got themselves into second place last weekend after a 5-0 win against Tralee rivals Spa Road.
Every point is crucial now as Castleisland and Dingle Bay Rovers are both hot on their tails. Park still have to go to Castleisland, this is the game that will most likely decide their fate.
Here is the league table as it currently stands, you will note Dingle Bay Rovers have three games in hand on Park and Castleisland.
Sunday
Denny Premier B
Classic FC v Castlegregory, 11:30am
CSKA v Inter Kenmare, 2:30pm
Denny Division 2B
Tralee Celtic v Clanmaurice, 4:30pm
Monday
Denny Premier A
Spa Road v Dingle Bay Rovers, 2:30pm
Ballymac Celtic v Tralee Dynamos, 2:30
THE Tralee Central Hotel in Maine Street has come on the market with a guide price of €1m.
The hotel, formerly known as the Abbey Gate, was run by the Carlton Hotel group from 2013 and rebranded as the Tralee Central Hotel. It closed its doors in January of this year. According to the estate agents the property “requires minimal investment to reopen”.
Constructed in 1994, the hotel is a Failte Ireland registered 3 Star with 100 bedrooms. It is laid out over 3 floors and has the benefit of approximately 40 off-street car parking spaces on either side of Maine Street.
Hotel accommodation includes two Bars and a Restaurant at ground floor level which was recently redecorated. There are two meeting rooms (one at first floor) and a main function room capable of accommodating 260 people. The function room is at ground floor level, has a large bar and excellent natural daylight.
Property consultants, Savills, and Ger Carmody Auctioneers, have been appointed as joint selling of the Hotel on behalf of Aiden Murphy, Receiver, Crowe Horwath.
“This is a good quality hotel asset and represents a unique opportunity to acquire a hotel business requiring minimal start-up costs in an excellent business and leisure location,” said Denis O’Donoghue of Savills.
SENIORS
We are away to Ardfert in Round 2 time and date T.B.C.
CO LEAGUE
Our next Co. League game is at home to Skellig Rangers in round 4 on Saturday May 10th at 7pm
Under 14 boys
Our under 14 boys continued our good recent run with a hard fought win in our third County League game of the season at home to Fossa on Wednesday evening. We appeared to be suffering from a post Feile hangover as we started very slowly and found ourselves trailing 1-10 to 6 points after 20 minutes.
However we recovered in the last 10 minutes to go in at the break leading by a point. The second half was much more like it as we dominated in midfield giving us the platform to reap the benefits up front. In the end we ran out comfortable winners 6-16 to 1-13 with all the panel getting a run out on the night. Our panel on the night was: Donie Dillane, Shane McCarthy, Ross Sugrue, Conor Morrison-O’Brien, Kevin Williams, Ryan Ward, Mikey Kelliher, Dara Sheridan, Tyreese Flaherty, Dylan O’Brien, Craig O’Brien, Cian Barden, Padraig White, Conor Fitzmaurice, James Sheehan, Dylan O’Shea, Sean Gannon, Stephen Bowler, Graham Hudson, James O’Connor, Tadgh Broderick, Cian Canavan and Darrion Hurley.
Feile weekend will be the last weekend in June in Connaught, further details will follow as soon as we have them. Round 5 (A) to Spa Wednesday April 30th @ 7-30pm.
Training continues on Wednesdays and Fridays from 6-7. Training continues on Wednesdays and Fridays from 6-7.
Under 12 Boys
The A Team were beaten on a scoreline of 5-12 to 3-8, The Team did very well and are Improving with every game. Best on the night were Darragh Mc Evoy, Jordan Mason & John o Connor, The B Team also lost their game but put up a great performance best on the night were Jessie Duggan & Conor Keirns, Next game is at home to the Gaelteacht.
The u.12 Games against The Legion from Killarney on Sunday Legion won both games. Our next Game is against Austin Stacks on Sunday the 27th of April.
Round 4 (A) to Dr. Crokes Sunday May 5th @ 6pm
Round 4 (H) to An Ghaelteacht Sunday May 5th @ 6pm.
Round 5 (A) to Dr. Crokes Sunday May 11th @ 6pm
Training is on every Tuesday evening at It is important that the entire group bring gum shields. For more information phone Brendan Dillane on 086 1742604.
Under 6
We are training on Sunday mornings in camp Ballyseedy. Under the watchful eyes of John, Sean, Tim and Susie and it is great to see such a large number of children who are eager to learn the skills of the game.
U8 B0ys
The rain kept away for our training session on Sunday thankfully and we had a great time.
Mike was doing left leg kicking skills and Killian, Ben, Will and Connor and others all improved greatly. Mark was doing target practice with Darragh, Luke, Cody and Sean Og producing great shots and almost everyone hitting the target. James was doing tackling and teamwork where Ted, Cian, Andrew and Adam all showed great development and tenacity.
At the end of the session we had games and it was great to see all the players making a great effort and showing great commitment. Training again next Sunday and the week after we have mid-week games.
UNDER 8 & 10 GIRLS
We had a great turnout for training with 22 girls. Thanks too tony and Edward for a fantastic training session all girls had fun and smiles were broad at the end. Ruth and Emma had a fantastic game in training putting all the new skills learned into practice!
Training continues next week at the time of 10.30am in camp ballyseedy. All new players welcome, come along and meet new friends in a fun setting as you learn the game of ladies football. Just make yourself known to Claire, patriz, James or John.
UNDER 10, Boys
Training is on Sunday mornings and great effort is being made by all the players. Training is at 10:30 sharp.
Under 12 Girls
Despite missing a few regulars because of the Easter holidays the girls had a good win against Castlegregory on EasterMonday in the third game of the preliminary round of the county league.
The final score was John Mitchels 4-07 to Castlegregory 2 – 09 and the team was as follows; Kerry Oba, Clara O Callaghan, Erica O Connor, Amy Somers,Laura Fitzgerald, Caoimhe Leahy, Julie Foley, Melissa Dennehy, Semi Ogungbsa, Kate Ross, Rachel Kilgallen, Elisabeth Zarane, Ruth Moriarty, Lynda O Connor.
They play Finuge/ St Senans on next & then all of the teams are regraded into their correct divisions for the county league proper. Training continues at Camp Ballyseedy from 6pm to 7pm on Thursday evenings – any new players are more than welcome to attend.
Gaelic4Girls
There is still a fantastic turnout at the Gaelic4Girls which continues every Wednesday from 6pm – 7pm in our club grounds at Camp Ballyseedy.
The course is for 8 weeks and any new players are more than welcome. It’s open to all girls aged between 8-12 years who are not registered with a Ladies Gaelic Football team & it introduce girls to football in a fun environment.
The programme costs €8 & all participants will get a G4G t-shirt and certificate on completion. For more information, contact Rory Kilgallen 087 2352044,Claire O’Sullivan 085 1662997, John McEniry 087 2330392 Fergus McCarthy 087 2568969, Dan O Connor 086 1739465 or the club @ 0667197070.
John Mitchels sports complex
Our Sports Complex at Camp Ballyseedy is available for bookings on the Sports Hall, All Weather Pitch. The Gym, Sauna and Steam room’s are open from 5pm to 9pm Monday to Friday.
Cost €3 per session for members and €4 for non members. Complex also open for children’s parties. Further information contact Humphrey Shanahan on 0877740275
Champers Restaurant – John Joe Sheehy Road
The John Mitchels Club House and Restaurant on the John Joe Sheehy road is opened to serve the community with good food and warm Hospitality . Our Restaurant is opened daily. Opening hours are from 09.30 to 4.00 p.m. Monday to Friday and Sunday 9.30 to 3.00pm.
MEMBERSHIP
Membership is now due and Club Registrar Cora McElligott or any other officer who are available to collect your subscription.
COST
Adults €40; Juveniles €20; OAP and unwaged €20
BINGO
Our Bingo continues on Wednesday and Friday nights. Bookings for Parties etc can be made by phoning 066 71 26300.
LAST WEEKS LOTTO
22/4/2012
No winner
Numbers 9-13-25-27
€100 Anthony Hannafin c/o Bertie.
€25 Linda O’Leary c/o Donal.
€25 Malachy Mc.Daid c/o Donal.
€25 Patsy O’Shea c/o David.
€25 Ronan o’Callaghan c/o Clive.
€25 Margaret O’Connor c/o Paddy.
Next draw 29/4/2012
Jackpot €3,900-00
SYMPATHY
To the Family of Trevor Barrett ,Clogherbrien, Tralee.
To the Family of Tom Naughton, Brendans Park, Tralee.
To the Family of Mary Reidy (nee Foran) Connolly Park & formerly Glenderry & Caherulla Ballyheige.
To the Family of Margaret Pearl Carroll, Cahills Park, Tralee.
To the Family of Hannah Moor (nee O’Brien) Drumcuinng, Abbeydorney, Tralee.
To the Family of Paddy Brock Brophy, O’Rahillys Tralee.
1. You believe Quinnsworth’s carpark was and always will be, the spiritual home of the ‘Bazaar’.
2. You got Coke and Taytos after GAA juvenile training. Altogether now, “We want Coke and Taytos! We want Coke and Taytos! la la la la!”
3. You saw Neil Armstrong “Get Down” in Denny Street, oh no wait, that was James Brown.
4. You queued for hours the day McDonald’s opened, only to ditch that and have a burger on the swivel chairs in the ‘Rock City Diner’ instead.
5. Whether you were in Churchill or Connolly Park you could get collected by the Strand Road bus.
6. You could drive into The Square and that wouldn’t be a problem.
7. You were up a tree in Denny Street when Kerry ended the famine in ’97 and brought Sam back.
8. You had a go on the first escalator in town when Shaws opened.
9. Saturday nights at the Complex was the place to be to watch the Tralee Tigers.
TRALEE Sailing Club will be opening its doors this Sunday afternoon May 4 for free. The promotion called ‘Sail Spraoi, Sail Free’ is hoping to attract newcomers to the sport of sailing.
Sailing boats will be rigged up and powerboats, kayaks and coastal rowing boats will be ready to take you out on the water for a taster session anytime up to 5pm.
he said “People have a misconception that sailing is an expensive sport to take part in, but that’s not entirely true,” said Richard Hurley Commodore of Tralee Bay Sailing Club “It all depends on how much you want to spend, but it can be done cheaply.”
“Ireland are doing well now in sailing with Annalise Murphy’s gold in European championships last year and 4th finish at the Olympics the year previous,” he added.
‘Sail Spree’ will be taking place nationwide at clubs and training centres around the country. For more information check out http://www.sailspree.ie/
IT’S been a fantastic weekend for Churchill as their quiz team brought home an All-Ireland title.
The Churchill GAA Scor Quiz team travelled to G.M.I.T centre in Castlebar in Mayo for the finals.
This was only the second time the club contested the All-Ireland, the first being in 1971. The team were captain consisted of captain Micheal Gaynor, John O’Flaherty, Alex O’Donnell and Paul Culloty.
After three rounds they were five marks down and lying in joint third place, but by the round eight they had drew level.
In round nine they got nine marks and they got 10 marks in round 10 to make sure of victory.
The Cork team they beat by five marks were Millstreet, who have won it twice.
The club are very grateful to John Joe O’Donnell, a member of the 1971 team, for all the time he put in to coaching the team.
There was a huge Kerry cheer in the Royal Theatre when the President Liam O’Neill presented Micheal Gaynor with the cup.
IF you’re single and have been told to take a hike by the opposite sex, then you probably should do that on Saturday, May 10.
Sarah Benner and Rachel Boyle from Tralee are organising a novel way for young men and women to meet each other and there’s been a great interest so far, they’ve even been approached by The Late Late Show to do an item on it for this Friday’s show.
“‘Hot in the Hills’ is a venture away from the typical singles nights or internet dating. Firstly, the event is aimed at people that are active or at the very least interested in trying outdoor pursuits,” they say.
“It is our ambition to run the ultimate singles adventure with a fun-filled event kicking off in Ballydavid, Dingle. Before any of your readers cringe and switch off, we want to say that this is not your typical match-making affair.”
A large portion of the day will be spent on a fully guided hike up Mount Brandon (Ireland’s second highest mountain) with experienced guide Con Moriarty and his team.
The ladies say it’s a fun way to interact with fellow singles in a pressure-free environment.
“At least afterwards everyone will have something to talk about, the climb and the breathtaking scenery.”
This event for the under 45 age group and suits all levels of fitness. Sarah and Rachel guarantee an equal ratio of men/women and there will strictly be no themes or dodgy gimmicks.
On return from the climb they will rendezvous at TP’s public house on the waterfront in Ballydavid. The party will truly begin in earnest with a tasty meal, a lively trad session and plenty of fun and frolics!
“In general, people are interested in meeting new faces from different towns. From our research we believe that there is a niche in the market for a relaxed singles event,” said Sarah.
So if you are available and feel like meeting new faces join them for the ‘Hot in the Hills’ on Saturday May 10.
Limited Tickets available by Pre Sale ONLY @ €55 Check out HYPERLINK “http://www.hotinthehills.eventbrite.ie” www.hotinthehills.eventbrite.ie
CH Chemists were in the awards again when one of their cosmetics’ staff won a national award recently.
Helen Lawlor Parker from Fenit beat off hundreds of nominees to win the prestigious Lancome Consultant of the Year award and collected her prize in Limerick recently.
Helen has worked at CH for the past 18 years and this is the first time she’s won it. She was delighted to pick up the prize.
“We won the Munster award four or five years ago but we got the top prize this time,” said Helen.
BROOKS restaurant at Ballygarry House Hotel have added another accolade to their list having scooped the Best Customer Service award at the Restaurant Association of Ireland awards for the second year in a row.
Tadhg McGillicuddy, Hotel Assistant Manager, praised his team for their customer focused attitude and love of the service industry.
“Our team work extremely well together and I am very proud of their achievements. They firmly believe in the hospitality sector and the importance of being ambassadors for the food industry. To receive this award for the 2nd year in a row shows their consistent attitude to providing the very best in customer experience.”
Brooks Restaurant’s reputation goes from strength to strength and is placed as one of the finest places to eat in Kerry. It is currently placed as the number 1 restaurant in Tralee on Trip Advisor and Ballygarry House Hotel itself holds the number 1 hotel in Tralee and top 10 hotel in Ireland on the world famous review site.
The Munster food Oscars took place in Limerick on Tuesday night last with the best of the best in the food sector in attendance. County winners proceed to the regional finals which will be held in Dublin shortly.
LAST Saturday the Greyhound Bar upheld its reputation as the best place in Tralee to see cool music. It’s something of an oddity; when you walk in, it’s a proper “old man pub”.
Not just because of the people drinking there -the walls are adorned with sporting memorabilia, pictures of Tralee’s community heroes past and present, as well as a big glass case filled with different types of butterflies.
It’s quite a contrast when on a gig night you make your way into the back room and see Tralee’s ‘alternative’ youth and youthful-at-heart gathered to see the night’s entertainment. In my short years on this earth, I’ve seen everything from Drum and Bass, to Dub and Reggae to Trash Metal being performed in there.
This time round The Greyhound hosted the latest of Hear The Noise Promotions’ series of gigs showcasing not only local young musicians, but those from farther afield, playing an eclectic array of genres – something that’s sorely needed in Tralee with the unfortunate decline of the KDYS’ Live Band Project.
Starting off the night was the aptly named The Prelude. They played a solid set of alternative rock originals, and the singer really could hit the high notes. Here’s their rendition of Linkin Park’s What I’ve Done.
Following them was The Undecided. Another Tralee band who took us on a walk through Indie Rock territory. Their guitarist was amazing – he really knows his way around a fret board!
Then we had what was, for me, the highlight of the night. Fearless Bastard Pigeon – a new band, playing Noise Punk.
Oh by God, did they make noise – sweet, beautiful noise. They were certainly the most energetic band of the night, even if the crowd didn’t fully reciprocate. At one stage they got so into it that they broke the machine head on their bass guitar when it was thrown to ground in a fit of musical passion by the drummer.
We had a complete tonal shift to conventional Rock music with Cork’s The Blake Norton Band, fronted by Owen Wilson-look-and-soundalike Blake Norton.
They performed a few belters and a few ballads, but their sound took on a new dimension once their female vocalist took to the stage for the second half of their set – she really did have a set of lungs on her.
Unfortunately, they fell victim to the ebb and flow of the crowd and played to a sparsely crowded room.
Doubly unfortunately, we do not have a video of The Blake Norton Band performing, but during their visit to Tralee they recorded a song for BalconyTV Tralee, and we’ll be sure to share it once it goes online.
Topping off the night were Killarney/Tralee Pop-Rock outfit Jousting With Chairs. They got the best response from the crowd, and were certainly enjoying themselves!
Hear The Noise Promotions’ next Greyhound gig is on the 24th of May and will feature Tralee and Killarney’s Crann Dubh, Galway’s Between The Lines and Cork’s This Place Is Death, with more TBA.
https://www.facebook.com/events/464535030344929
SO there I am in downtown Tralee, a sunny April afternoon, an hour to go before giving a big work presentation, and the tummy starts to rumble.
Some say you should never eat before a big event. But personally, I’m a bag of cats if I’m hungry.
And so I find myself wandering into Mary Anne’s Tea Rooms on Denny Street.
First impressions are good. A smiling waitress hands me a menu and guides me to a table where I’m surrounded by old family photos on the wall and, if I crane my neck ever so slightly, an impressive view of Tralee town park.
The first thing I notice, is that they serve real tea. Real tea! You see, I’m an old fashioned kind of gal – none of your fancy Skinny Lattes and Cappucinos for me. I like good old-fashioned tea, and if it comes in leaf form and is served in a china cup with a strainer, all the better.
I peruse the menu, and find I’m torn between a few options. The list of ‘Gourmet Sandwiches’ are tempting: Open Tiger Prawn with creme fraiche, chives, crispy lettuce, spring onion and tomato. Also in with a shot, is Open Smoked Salmon with baby capers on brown soda bread.
It’s a tough call, but I go for the Avocado and Mature Cheddar with apple chutney, mayonnaise, fresh green leaves and sundried tomatoes.
It takes me ages to decide, because I pretty much fancy everything on the menu – and that’s unusual for me. I cross my fingers and pray that the brown bread is as fresh as they promise.
After ordering I sit back and take in my surroundings. The decor is deliberately from a bygone era – oilskin tablecloths, net curtains, china tea pots and Doris Day singing in the background.
I feel as if I’ve floated back to the last century, and my long-dead Granny might appear at any moment. But it’s a nice feeling – a welcome break from the frantic pace of the working day.
It’s just outside of lunchtime hours but the place is still buzzing. Two young students are chatting nineteen to the dozen a table away; and there’s a cosy gathering of three ‘senior’ ladies at another table.
It looks as though they finished their food ages ago, but no-one is hovering around them, rushing them out the door.
Opposite the hallway where I came in, there’s another part of the same restaurant, with a big open fire. I picture myself returning in the winter with some of my best pals, hogging the seat by the fire and gossiping away some rainy afternoon.
Then I see the delicious-looking array of freshly-baked cakes and buns on the nearby counter. There’s a mouth-watering coffee cake that’s positively begging me to abandon my diet and sample it.
My food arrives, and it doesn’t disappoint. The combination of flavours in the sandwich work incredibly well together and the bread is so fresh, it might well have just come out of the oven. I get a small side salad on the plate too, always a bonus.
I knock five cups of real tea out of the pot, a rare occurrence nowadays when you’re lucky to get two – and usually made with cheap tea bags. This tea though is the real McCoy. (I’m thinking a new law should be introduced, making it compulsory for tea to ONLY be served out of pots and into china cups and saucers. )
The bill comes to a very reasonable €7. I’m feeling well fed, ready to face the presentation, and satisfied I got value for money.
Very reluctantly, I haul myself out of the chair, step out of the cosy cocoon of Mary Anne’s and back to the 21st century rat race.
I’ll definitely be back again. And next time there’s no resisting that coffee cake.
4/5
Meet Our New Fashion Writer, Orlagh Winters, Who Is Welcoming The Onset Of Summer Into Her WardrobeOH crikey it is here!
How did that happen so soon? I am talking about Summer of course!
As a lover of the colour black, every year I reluctantly add some colour to my wardrobe. This year the transition has been a lot easier. This I can attribute to the fabulous shades that are currently on sale in our local boutiques.
There have been some superb fashion shows recently and all the shops are showing a stunning array of colours. From the eyecatching neons to the subtle pastel shades, there really is no excuse to dress like the black widow this season.
Here in Kerry we are blessed to have such fantastic shops that offer everything that the larger cities do but we have an advantage too, excellent service in our shops.
Shop owners and employees are very good at getting to know their customers and giving us invaluable advice. I recently visited one such boutique in Tralee and was actually grateful when the owner told me that a dress, that I thought I was “only gorgeous” in, was definitely not for me.
Having seen it in a model in a fashion show since, I know that I certainly was never going to do it justice – not until my recently found love/hate for the gym starts to show results at least.
When that happens there will be no stopping me because let’s face it; we all look better when we are a little leaner for the Summer.
Iota, Jasmine, Shindig and Annburys are all awash with the perfect shades for Summer. Check them out and see for yourself, trust me you won’t be disappointed.
Summer occasions always bring out the fashionistas in force and the wonderful thing about these shops are that they cater for all styles, shapes and sizes.
If the bright colours frighten you somewhat, well fear not, as you can always add a splash of the trend by accessorising with shoes, belts or bags.
This is also a relatively inexpensive way to change your look around. My very own Irish Mammy has commented on more than one occasion that I think I am a centipede with the amount of shoes I own and if I am honest she has a point (not that I will ever admit that to her).
I see buying shoes as saving money as I avoid buying a complete outfit. Ok, who am I kidding, I still buy the full outfit, but the good intention was there!
Bags this season are simply stunning and I really believe if bags were currency I would be a very rich gal.
Satchels, cross-body, clutches and shoulder are all hanging in my wardrobe and I’ve no doubt that if my bank manager ever wondered where my money goes he would have to look no further than said wardrobe.
As the famous Sex and the City columinst Carrie Bradshaw famously once said: “I like my money where I can see it….hanging in my closet”
On that note I better go pay my visa bill!
Until next time, Be Your Own Style Queen!
Orlagh x
“When I was ten or eleven around 1971/72, I remember hearing James Moody playing ‘Phil Up’ from his 1956 album ‘Moody’s Mood For Love’.
I can remember just being fascinated by the sound of his playing. The music was fast but to me time seemed to slow down as I listened to the melody. I first heard this at home. I would sit down and listen, totally wrapped up in the sound. This early exposure to Jazz has greatly influenced the music I write for my own Reggae/Jazz group AVATAR.
My first venture into rock music came around my thirteenth birthday in 1973. As a present I had been given a record voucher for a shop called The Discassette. I remember literally running down town.
I bought an album by Rory Gallagher (as I had heard some of the older musicians talking about him) called Deuce. The track’ Used To Be’ began a lifelong passion for Rory’s wonderful music.
I was lucky enough to see him live on many occasions. He never sold out and was always true to himself and his vision. He is someone I really look up to and admire.
I was fourteen( 1975) when I first heard Reggae music. I picked up Bob Marley and The Wailer’s Live. I didn’t have a clue who or what it was. I just thought the cover looked really cool. Fortunately I decided on impulse to take a chance and buy it. I can still remember my reaction when Trenchtown Rock came out of the speakers.
I was blown away to say the least. This music seemed to have everything I loved. Wicked bass playing, incredible grooves ,fantastic songs and melodies, brilliant lyrics (thought I didn’t get all the patois then) e.t.c.
To a fourteen year old teenager living in Tralee at that time it was a revelation.
I first heard The Specials around 1983. I can remember one evening sitting down and chatting with two friends. Both were unemployed with no future in Ireland. Both faced the boat to England. In the background ‘Do Nothing’ was playing. For me no other tune has ever managed to depict the hopelessness of that era so aptly. It’s a fantastic song from one of my favorite bands.
The ’80’s & ’90’s were a time when vinyl record shops were thriving. I often went to the UK to buy albums. There were amazing Reggae shops and booths in the markets all over London. It was during one of these many record buying trips that I first discovered an Agustus Pablo album called ‘King Tubby Meets Rockers Uptown’. It is one of my favourite albums, featuring as it does tracks written by Pablo and engineered by the great King Tubby.
Rico Rodriguez’s music has had a massive influence on me over the years. He fuses Reggae and Jazz exactly the way I like it. I met him with Paul Heskett when we were at The Cornbury festival in the UK two years ago. It was a highlight in my life. Tracey, Rico’s wife told me her mum comes from Listowel, so there’s another wonderful Jamaican /UK/Irish link.
IT’S easy to be cynical when another cookbook comes on the market.
After all, the bookshops are flooded with them – all promising to turn you into a domestic God or Goddess overnight.
But ‘Just Cooking’ is not just another cookbook.
It’s written by Mark Doe, who runs the ‘Just Cooking’ Cookery School in Firies with his wife Bernie.
Doe is neither a Kerry native nor an Irishman, but it’s easy to forget both of these facts, as he’s become very much part of the Kerry landscape in recent years, both through his regular demonstrations around the county, and through his radio slot on ‘TalkAbout’ with Deirdre Walsh on Radio Kerry.
His CV is impressive – he learned his trade in such lofty surroundings as the Ritz Hotel and the Four Seasons in London, before a spell on the QE2 saw him meeting Irish-born Bernie and eventually moving to Kerry.
Despite winning several awards, Mark Doe has clearly found that his true vocation is teaching others to cook. And that’s what makes this book a winner.
“Cooking comes from the heart,” he explains in the introduction. “When people say you are a good cook, they are often saying that you love cooking and sharing food. It rarely means that you have excellent knife-cutting skills or can truss a chicken expertly or that you can caramelize vegetables without burning them.”
His first foray into publishing is an impressive offering; containing forty recipes, beautifully illustrated with photographs by Anne Kennedy.
Clearly a fan of simple food, cooked well, he’s included a useful first chapter with handy hints of the kind of items one should keep in one’s store cupboard, as well as an insider’s lowdown on what kind of kitchen gadgets and equipment you REALLY need.
Recipes featured include Spiced Lamb Casserole and Fillet of Beef Surf and Turf, and there are plenty of veggie offering as well.
The book is divided into starters, main courses and desserts, making it a handy reference point for anyone wanting to throw an impromptu dinner party without too much fuss.
And the real beauty of this book is that the instructions are genuinely easy to follow – perhaps a nod to the fact that the Does regularly hold ‘cooker y camps’ for kids in their cookery school, which are always booked out.
All in all, a most impressive first offering from a chef who is fast becoming a household name not just in Kerry, but beyond. Let’s hope it’s the first of many.
‘Mark Doe: Just Cooking’ is out now ( Great Food Publishing) and available at E14 in most bookshops.
AUSTIN STACKS NOTES OF 29/04/2014.
SENIOR FOOTBALL: Austin Stacks 0-11; Milltown/Castlemaine 1-8.
In the first round of the Senior Club Championship played in ideal conditions in Connolly Park on last Sunday afternoon (27th April) both sides could not be separated after 82 minutes of some tough, intensive football and must meet again after the game was still level after extra time.
In a relatively low-scoring encounter nine minutes had elapsed before David Mannix had the first score of the game. Two more points from Denis McElligott and Shane Carroll (free) left us ahead by three points to no score with five minutes of the first half remaining.But then Milltown put over three quick points (2 from frees) with a Shane O’Callaghan point for us in between to leave us ahead at the break by 0-4 to 0-3.
William Kirby was introduced at half time and he made an immediate impact, winning the throw-in and feeding Shane Carroll who passed to Shane O’Callaghan, who was fouled and Carroll converted the resultant free. Then two minutes later Milltown put over from a free.But the score that put Milltown in the driving seat for the first time came in the 39th minute. After some relentless pressure the ball broke in our goalmouth, and, following a defensive error, landed in the net.
The visitors were now two points in the lead for the first time but we kept up the pressure and with four points to two for Milltown sent the game to extra time with the sides level (0-9 to 1-6) after the hour.
Our four points came from Barry Shanahan (40m), Shane Carroll (free) (48m), Denis McElligott (49m) and Mikey Collins (58m).Both sides had two points each in the first half of extra time – ours coming from the two Shanes – Carroll (61m) and O’Callaghan (62m) and Pa McCarthy was most unlucky to see his well-taken penalty come back off the post on the stroke of half time.
The second half of extra time produced no more scores, so now we must travel to Milltown for the replay which has been fixed for this Saturday evening (3rd May) at 7pm. It was good to see Kieran Donaghy making his first appearance of the season but unfortunately, after only nine minutes on the pitch, he had to come off with a shoulder injury which will sideline him again for a number of weeks. We all wish you a speedy recovery Star.
Team: Jonathan Conway, Ronan Shanahan, Fearghal MacNamara, John Dennis, Pa McCarthy, Daniel Bohan, Conor Jordan, Barry Shanahan (Capt) (0-1), Wayne Guthrie, Greg Horan, Denis McElligott (0-2), Fiachna Mangan, David Mannix (0-1), Shane Carroll (0-4 – 3 frees), Shane O’Callaghan (0-2).
Subs used: William Kirby (ht), Seamus Bastible (33m), Kieran Donaghy (42m), Mikey Collins (51m) (0-1), Darragh O’Brien (54m).
Subs used in extra time: Ciarán O’Connell (ht), David Mannix (72m), Greg Horan (75m).
HURLING: Kenmare 1-16; Austin Stacks 2-13.
After a traumatic month which, in normal circumstances, no young people should have had to experience, our Hurlers finally travelled to Kenmare last evening (28th April) for their first game of the season and did themselves proud in coming away with a draw in round 1 of the JH South Kerry League.
It was a poignant evening with many tears during the minutes tribute before the game for our beloved colleague, Trevor.The game itself was very competitive all through, with the sides level at half time (0-8 each) and, in the end, a draw was a fair result.
Scorers: Paul Daly (2-7), Danny Maguire and John McCarthy (0-2 each), and Peter O’Regan and Ronan Gilsenan (0-1 each).
Our three remaining fixtures in the League are as follows:- R2 at home to Duagh (Wed 14th May); R3 at home to Kilgarvan (Mon 19th May); and R4 away to St. Pats (East Kerry) (Wed 28th May).
MINOR FOOTBALL: This win, in the final round of the Town League played against Na Gaeil in Killeen on Wednesdayevening last (23rd April), qualified us for the final of the competition against Kerins O’Rahillys – a repeat of last season’s encounter which was only concluded just three months ago and which we won.
There were some notable performances by our lads all over the pitch in the Killeen game, with Seán Fitzmaurice scoring a hat trick of goals and eleven players in total getting on the score sheet, including three of our defenders.
Team: Danny Kinsella, Darragh Scanlon (0-1), Niall Carroll-Cane, Anthony Moynihan, Jack Kenny (Capt) (0-1), Jack O’Shea (1-1), Cathal O’Reilly, Michael O’Donnell, Calvin Foley (0-2), Timmy Murphy (0-2), Seán Dukes (1-3), Craig Corcoran (0-1), Seán Fitzmaurice (3-2), Ciarán Flanagan (2-2 – 1 free), Sam Nealon.
Subs: Shane O’Neill (ht) (0-1 free), Jessie O’Sullivan (38m) (1-0).
The final has been fixed for next Friday evening (2nd May) with the venue and starting time to be announced.SUNDAY LUNCH: Dave Baitson (former Head chef at Ballingary House Hotel and now of Tralee Bay Wetlands) is continuing to serve Sunday lunches in the Clubhouse from 12 to 4pm. Bookings on 066 7126942. And the feedback (is there a pun there?) from those who have savoured the menu indicates that the fare is superb and the price unbeatable.
BIRTHDAY GREETINGS: In the space of eight days three super Rockies have celebrated or will celebrate birthdays. Michael Chucky O’Connell was 85 last Sunday (27th April). Joe Flaherty will be 86 on this Thursday (1st May) while JJ Murphy will be a young 81 on next Sunday (4th May). Happy birthday to all three from everyone in the Club.
CLUBHOUSE: As always the Clubhouse is available for all types of Parties. Phone Ian from 7pm at 066 7126942 for bookings.
BINGO: The Bingo session will continue on this and every Saturday night at 8.30pm in our Clubrooms.
All at the Bingo extend sincere sympathy to Alice Naughton and Doreen Sugrue, mother and sister of the late Tom Naughton (see Sympathy)CARDS: The 45 Card Sessions continue in the Clubhouse every Monday and Thursday nights at 9.30pm.
LOTTO: Last Monday’s (28th April) Jackpot worth €5,000 was not won. The numbers drawn were 17, 21, 22 and 31.
The €20 prizes went to Pat Kissane and John O’Riordan, both c/o The Club; Tadgh Carroll, c/o Carmel O’Neill; Billy Ryle, c/o Club Rockies and Anne Murphy, c/o The Ladies.SYMPATHY: Sincere sympathy is offered to the families of Mary Reidy (nee Foran), Connolly Park and late of Glenderry and Caherulla, Ballyheigue; Tom Naughton, St. Brendans Park (brother of former Club Footballers, Anne Slattery and the late John Joe, and a former Juvenile player with the Club himself); Bríd Brosnan, Milk Market Lane and late of Banoge, Lispole; and Paddy Brophy, O’Rahilly’s Villas (a Co. Championship medal winner with Kerins O’Rahillys in 1957) who died during the past week.
“POLITICS is in his/her blood” is a trite description some observers bandy about when talking about various political candidates. But in the case of Norma Foley it couldn’t be more apt and true.
The councillor from Staughton’s Row has been making political speeches from her pre-teen years, on the canvass for her late father Denis. It’s difficult to imagine her doing anything else after I spoke to her at her home.
“I grew up in a very political household. My father was born over Fianna Fail headquarters in Tralee, so he was hugely involved in the party from a very young age.”
Denis would go on to represent the people of North Kerry in the Dail over a 20 year period from the early 1980s so political life was the norm for her.
“As a young child I was always with him so I attended his clinics and community meetings. I later acted as his secretary for many years so from a young age I became very familiar with the issues on the ground,” she said.
“I learnt what it was to be dogged in your representation and to pursue something to the end to get the best possible result for something. Sometimes it didn’t work out, but at least you could say you did your absolute best.”
Norma particularly remembers going on the canvass back in the late 70s, early 80s.
“It was a family involvement. We were never in the background and always out with my father. General elections were fought over a three week campaign and the family were divided into teams spread throughout the constituency. I can remember being 12 or 13 and giving a speech at one of the after-Mass meetings where candidates or their representatives would address the public. I suppose it was a novelty to have a young girl speaking on the back of a lorry. I would travel with my uncle Joseph and the big thing was to get there first, because first in was first up to speak. So we were always racing to get to the next place.”
Norma also saw that, from an early age, it’s a tough business.
“I learned that you should never expect a break. Even though I was the youngest – and usually the only female there – I was never allowed go first if I wasn’t there first. I took my place. It was a great lesson to learn in life. You make your place or you take your place and you don’t expect special treatment because of your gender or ability. You fight your corner.”
Her experience in those days influenced her decision to follow in her father’s footsteps.
“Because I worked so closely with him [her father] I very much became aware of the need for involvement, not to stand on the sidelines. I think if we all stood there nothing would be achieved. We’re all called to do different things in life and mine is to be in the middle being proactive. I like to be a solution-finder so the work of a local representative appeals to me.’
She ran first for Tralee Town Council in 1994 and has been re-elected every time since then, holding the position of mayor on two occasions (“it was a tremendous honour having growing up in town and it was a role I never took lightly”).
She is out looking for votes again to be re-elected to Kerry County Council in a climate that is less antagonistic to Fianna Fail than five years ago. Norma says she could understand people’s frustrations at the time.
“People were angry and rightly so, but on a personal basis no-one was discourteous to me. People would say ‘it’s nothing personal Norma, but…’ I can totally understand that. Fianna Fail got a lot of things wrong, but equally so, if we were balanced, you could say they got a lot of things right in their time. Fianna Fail has learnt from its mistakes,” she said.
“But I think in terms of local politics, people look at the individual and what they’re about and what they bring to the local community. The broad-mindedness of the electorate is fortunate in that respect.”
I asked her why the people of the Tralee Electoral Area should vote for her this time around…(see video)
She is proud that many of the tourism projects in the town over the years came to fruition while she was a member of the soon-to-be defunct Town Council.
“The Town Council took leadership in terms of employment and developing projects in the town. At a time when it wasn’t popular to take on this sort of role, the Town Council led the way in initiatives like the AquaDome and the most current one, the Wetlands. The spin-off for the town from these projects has been massive,” she said.
“We’re being failed dismally nationally by the IDA, so my agenda would be self-help and self-promotion. We’ve done it before when the chips were down and we can do it again,” she insisted, citing the recently acquired Denny site as a great opportunity going forward.
The girl who was educated in Presentation Primary and Secondary School in Tralee before studying in UCC, came back to teach in her alma mater in 1999.
“My life has come full circle because I’m back there [Presentation Secondary] now. It’s a great place to teach. I’m very happy there, there’s great staff and I love working with young people.”
Norma is married to Denis Maguire, a Fermanagh man who, being avid sports fan, loves Kerry. A Man United fan (“tough times, we’re down but not out”) Norma is a great lover of the arts with a great interest in genealogy.
She made a proposal to Kerry County Council that Tralee make a application for the National Diaspora Centre (“we are brilliantly suited here in Kerry and Tralee to be home to the centre). The Council is in the process of making that application.
On the gender imbalance issue, Norma would welcome more female involvement in politics, but not for the sake of making up the numbers.
“It’s regrettable because women bring a distinctive flavour to politics. Women are talented and capable of being strong representatives of the people and I would be hugely supportive of more women getting involved. Having said that I would hate to think any woman was on a ticket as a token candidate.”
TUCKED INTO an innocuous corner of a Tralee estate is a house you wouldn’t give a second glance to, but behind its walls you’ll find it rammed full of an eclectic mix of expensive collectibles. Stuffed into every corner there are such items as 19th century watercolours, 60’s West German pottery, Pennyblack stamps, World War 1 and 2 medals and a mountain of Lego.
Its owner, Ross O’Hara, has been dealing in antiques and collectibles since he was 10 years of age. Along with being a collector, Ross is also a buy and sell merchant and runs his business “Ross’s Hidden Treasures” on the Internet from his home.
On average he says he works 16 hours a day trading across the globe to far flung places such as South America and South East Asia. In a given week he says his outgoing post bill can be anything up to €400. (continued below)
“There’s a market there for everything. Everybody should be taking advantage of the internet,” he said. For Ross, buying and selling is in the blood with both his father and grandfather at one time being auctioneers. His grandfather James Andy O’Hara traded on Kildare Street in Dublin after World War 2. He had served as a pilot during the war for the RAF.
A novel and profitable way Ross has made money was by noticing a gap in the Lego market which he has a keen interest in, almost an obsession. “I saw that people in the US were getting their Lego much cheaper, so I checked the official US Lego website and found it was being sold for 50% less,” he said.
“I did my research and found out the reason why was in order to fluctuate the market, to make sure Lego is competitive with other toys on the US.” “I got on to Americans I knew on a Lego website and I cut them a deal which allowed them to keep all of the sets and I took the figures.”
Ross would then go on to sell the figures at a huge profit as they are highly collectible. His contacts in the US are spread across such states as North Carolina, Idaho and New York. “I’d give them a list and they would ship them over,” said Ross. “Then I would sell them to Europeans at a profit. This has been going on for thousands of years, spices, herbs, lego, whatever, its just trading.”
The way Ross sees people’s fascination with collecting things “When people become successful they buy back their childhood, be it toys or whatever” He spoke about the advantages of selling on the Internet.
“I can guarantee you if every shop downtown put all their stock on the internet and found the right places for them to sell their sales would boost by 20% easily!”
“If I could only sell to Ireland my business wouldn’t work, you need to sell to the world, Canada and the US are 50% of my sales.” “We’ve always been told if you crack it in America, you’ll make it!”
The workshop runs for two hours, all materials are included. €15 per workshop. Complemetary tea and scones.
LOCAL election candidates have been sent a strong message from Tralee Chamber Alliance to commit to backing policies that support their local businesses.
A detailed manifesto containing a number of key measures that need to be addressed by the politicians who will be elected to Kerry County Council, could lead to the creation of many new jobs in the construction, retail and tourism sectors say the Alliance.
The Chief Executive of Tralee Chamber Alliance, Kieran Ruttledge, said: “All of the policies in this manifesto are designed to achieve two key aims: Reduce the cost of doing business and create new jobs. Commercial rates provide the single greatest source of funding to Local Government, therefore the business community must be a key contributor to policy. This will ensure that every area can contribute to and benefit from Ireland’s economic recovery. Tralee Chamber Alliance is the voice of business in Tralee. We are uniquely positioned to understand the challenges the business community faces, but also the opportunities it creates.”
He added that he would have preferred to see the retention of Tralee Town Council who have actively supported the efforts of Tralee Chamber Alliance and he urged the elected representatives to make sure that there are benefits for business when implementing the local government reform measures.
He said it is crucial that the money raised by the Local Property Tax (LPT) should be retained by Local Authorities to be spent on local services and any discretionary reduction should not be to the detriment of business interests or job creation through a corresponding increase in business rates.
Tralee was selected as one of the Top 10 Tourism Towns in Ireland in 2013 and with a view to maintaining that ranking, the manifesto states that Kerry County Council will need to work with Tralee Chamber Alliance to deliver and support initiatives that attract tourists and tourism spend to their local areas.
The pre-election manifesto deals with a wide range of issues relating to town centre parking charges, the provision enterprise mentoring from local authorities, concerns ahead of the introduction of water charges and effective infrastructural planning matters.
“These elections come at an important time as they are the first opportunity for the public to influence the newly reformed system of Local Government,” said Kieran Ruttledge.
Full details of the Tralee Chamber Alliance Local Election Manifesto are available from www.Tralee.ie and from the Tralee Chamber Alliance Office, 18 Denny Street, Tralee.
PROJECT partners from six European countries Germany (co-ordinator), Austria, Italy, Ireland (ITT), Spain and Poland met at the ITT recently to collaborate on an EU project entitled TeamCoaching, which aims to find solutions for the unemployed young people.
In order to up-skill this specific cohort a training concept from the German partner is being transferred and adopted in an international context.
This innovative concept of TeamCoaching supports young job seekers in acquiring key vocational competencies. In addition young people can avail of training in entrepreneurial thinking and the development of social skills; for example working in teams and taking on various roles within a specific team.
Additionally the learners’ orientation in the labour market and their intrinsic motivation will be strengthened.
IT Tralee and the Waterford Training Centre (Solas) have been piloting the course and have received positive feedback from the students.
The project has been funded with support from the European Commission and has a duration of two years. The last project meeting will take place in Poland in June this year.
No Income Tax for New Business Start UpsENTREPRENEURS moving from long-term unemployment to business creation can now avail of income tax relief for two years.
The Start Your Own Business Relief was introduced in Budget 2014 and made provision for a new incentive for people who have been claiming social welfare for over a year to stop claiming and start their own business.
The incentive for newly self-employed people with a qualifying claims history is that they are exempted from income tax on ‘profit’ of up to €40,000 in each of the two years. Revenue issued a briefing note explaining the scheme, ‘profit’ is not defined, though presumably it can be defined as the surplus between a self employed person’s income and their legitimate expenses.
You may qualify for this relief if you have been unemployed for twelve months or more, and during that period you were in receipt of certain social welfare payments (e.g. jobseeker’s allowance, jobseeker’s benefit, the one-parent family payment, partial capacity payment, etc.).
Periods of time spent on FÁS training courses and Community Employment schemes, Jobs Initiative or Back To Education Schemes will be treated as part of a period of unemployment.
If you were entitled to jobseeker’s allowance or jobseeker’s benefit immediately before starting on the training course or scheme, then any allowance paid for attending such a course will be treated as if it were jobseeker’s allowance or jobseeker’s benefit. Additional restrictions to be aware of include:
This relief does not require pre-approval. You claim this relief by completing the relevant section of your annual Income Tax return form each year. Revenue’s Online System is an easy way to deal with your tax obligations. ROS even provides you with a calculation of the amount of income tax, USC and PRSI that you owe. If you do not want to use ROS to file your tax return, you can file a paper tax return before 31 August, Revenue will send you a calculation of the amount of tax, USC and PRSI you owe to help you meet your payment obligations. The Start Your Own Business relief only applies to income tax; it does not extend to ISC and PRSI. How you calculate the relief depends on when you started your new business.
This relief is welcomed by business start ups as it can relieve some of the financial pressure associated with setting up a new business and allow funds to be used for growth and development.
Chris Murray is Practice Manager at Casey & Co. Casey & Co. offer an extensive range of professional accounting, taxation and advisory services and have a broad range of experience across different sectors such as retail, construction, professionals and non-profit organisations. They also provide personal tax planning and financial services to individuals.