CONNOLLY Jewellers on Bridge Street, Tralee will close its doors this Autumn as the owners, Norma and Martin Hartnett, have announced their decision to take early retirement.
The business was established in the 1950s by Norma’s parents, Gerry and Birdie.
Martin Hartnett, who has been at the helm with his wife Norma Connolly for 31 years, said “Connolly Jewellers has been a big part of the retail landscape in Tralee for the past 70 years. During that time Norma’s parents and all who ever worked here always gave 100% to every aspect of the business.”
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“The joy when a new piece of jewellery is purchased and an old piece with sentimental value is revived has been the best part of the journey. We will always value the time we had and it has been an honour to add to the experience of our customers.”
“The current retail climate, albeit difficult at present, has had no bearing on our decision to retire. There were ups and downs over the past 70 years. I think keeping your buying right, keeping an eye on your costs and having a strong service ethic helps you overcome the challenges. Simply, standing in the same place six days a week for over 30 years has taken its toll on the body and it’s time for a rest.”
The impending closure of the shop is unlikely to have an impact on the careers of the current staff who are due to return to college in September.
Customers who have made bookings or have items on deposit will be contacted individually.
There will be an eight-week window during which outstanding repaired items can be collected and all watch guarantees will be backed-up by the brand itself and the distributors in Ireland.
There is a wide selection of stock that will be available to purchase with 30% to 50% discounts for the final eight weeks of trading.
.Clare Gormley, Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine with Orla Brosnan, Clippity Clop Photo: Orla Murray/Coalesce
TWO Kerry-based busineswomen, Letitia Fealy, founder of Lotus Optimisation, and Orla Brosnan, founder of Clippity Clop Therapeutic Horse Riding and Activities, have successfully completed the ACORNS programme – a highly-successful development initiative to support early-stage female entrepreneurs living in rural Ireland.
They are encouraging other women in Kerry to apply for the next cycle of the free business development programme, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year.
ACORNS (Accelerating the Creation Of Rural Nascent Start-ups) has been providing a decade of support for female entrepreneurship in rural Ireland and has recently launched the 10th cycle of the business development programme.
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The free initiative for early-stage female entrepreneurs is funded through the Rural Innovation and Development Fund by the Department of Agriculture, Food, and the Marine (DAFM).
Letitia Fealy is the founder of Lotus Optimisation, a Tralee-based digital marketing solutions company for micro-businesses and SMEs.
Clare Gormley, Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine with Letitia Fealy, Lotus Optimisation.Photo: Orla Murray/Coalesce
“Participating in the ACORNS programme has been instrumental in driving my business forward in such a short space of time,” said Letitia. “Being in a group of ambitious entrepreneurs that celebrate your successes, share your struggles, and motivate you to believe in yourself and the value of your business, is inspiring. Having a Lead Entrepreneur that has walked the path before you, offering guidance and support is invaluable. ACORNS helps you set solid business foundations on which to grow your business. I highly recommend to anyone who wants to grow their businesses with support and accountability.”
Orla Brosnan is the founder of Clippity Clop Therapeutic Horse Riding and Activities, an inclusive pony camp based at the Tralee Equestrian Centre.
Orla studied equine science at the University of Limerick before going on the University of Arizona in the US where she studied Equine Race Track Management.
Orla says: “It has been an absolute honour to have been part of the ACORNS 9 programme. To have been surrounded with supportive and knowledgeable women who all have your back just made it an amazing six months. It is not easy to choose the route to be an entrepreneur but with the ACORNS programme it reminds you why you did choose it and that it is possible when you surround yourself with the right people. The best advice I could give anyone is, if you are thinking of applying, there is no need to think twice, just do it!”
The deadline for applications for this special 10th anniversary cycle is midnight, September 20th. There are up to 50 places available for ACORNS 10. Those wishing to receive an application form should register on the website (www.acorns.ie).
Only early-stage female entrepreneurs living in rural Ireland, and who have had no sales before the end of June 2021, are eligible to apply. As ACORNS receives many more applications than there are places available, selection is on a competitive basis.
ACORNS 10 will run from October 2024 to April 2025 and will include six monthly round table sessions, a workshop on understanding financials, a briefing by various development agencies and an end-of-cycle celebration.
THE Entára Group, formerly known as HQKerry, has announced the opening of Forge Hub in Castleisland, marking the sixth location in its growing network of coworking and business spaces.
Forge Hub has been designed to cater to professional service providers, remote workers, and wellbeing and health practitioners.
Located centrally in Castleisland, the hub offers a range of fully furnished offices of various sizes, from single office spaces suitable for freelance professionals to larger suites accommodating teams of up to eight people.
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“We’re thrilled to introduce Forge Hub to Castleisland, a town with a strong sense of community and business potential,” said Tom O’Leary, Co-Director of Entára Group.
Formerly known as HQKerry, Entára Group has expanded its reach and evolved its brand to better represent its expanding network across multiple counties.
“Regional towns like Castleisland are vital to Ireland’s economic future,” said Ken Tobin Co-Director of Entára Group. “With Forge Hub, we’re creating an environment where professionals can work closer to home while enjoying the benefits of a fully serviced office space. It’s a win-win for local business and community development.”
Entára Group also recently unveiled their newly renovated Enterprise Office Space within the Phoenix Building on The Mall.
Entára is committed to identifying new locations, across Kerry and the wider region, that would benefit from flexible office solutions and coworking communities. For more information about Forge Hub and available office spaces, please visit www.entara.ie
.Niall Harty and Ross McDowell of All Real Nutrition.
A KERRY-BASED nutrition brand has announced plans to create 50 new jobs over the next three years.
This follows a recent investment of €2m as the All Real Nutrition protein brand announces expansion in both Ireland and USA markets.
Founded in 2017 in Farranfore by Niall Harty and Ross McDowell, All Real Nutrition has grown substantially since it began.
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Already stocked in SuperValu and Centra following success with the Musgrave Food Academy, the brand has also recently launched in Circle K and aims to be stocked in 2,000 stores across Ireland by the end of the year.
In addition to the creation of jobs that will boost the local community, All Real Nutrition has plans to further its international expansion, beginning a move into the U.S. market.
Speaking on the expansion, Niall Harty, Co-founder of All Real Nutrition, said: “It’s a really exciting time for us here at All Real Nutrition. What began as a simple idea using ingredients from my kitchen cupboard has evolved over four years of perfecting our recipes. With this significant investment, we look forward to not only expanding our product range, but also expanding into new markets. We have dipped our toes in the U.S. market but this is something we really hope to build on over the coming months.”
.Paul Merriman, CEO of Fairstone Ireland with Mark Corkery and Denis Murphy of Premier Financial.
FAIRSTONE Ireland has announced its third strategic partnership in Ireland, with Tralee-based firm Premier Financial.
Fairstone is one of the fastest growing financial services organisations incorporating one of the largest CII Chartered Financial Planning organisations in the UK, with run-rate fee income in excess of £130 million.
This collaboration with Fairstone is set to open up new avenues for Strand Street based Premier Financial — now to be known as Fairstone Tralee — and its clients, providing access to Fairstone’s extensive resources, expertise, and innovative solutions.
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Paul Merriman, CEO of Fairstone Ireland, said; “Together, we aim to enhance our capabilities, stimulate growth, and set a new standard for collaborative excellence in wealth management, fostering stronger partnerships with brokers across Ireland. We look forward to working with Denis, Mark, Philip and the extended team.”
Denis Murphy of Premier Financial, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership: “This collaboration with Fairstone marks an exciting chapter for Premier Financial. This strategic move positions us for sustained growth and innovation in the evolving financial landscape.”
.The MTU Enterprise Showcase and Kerry Start-Up Challenge 2024 which took place on Friday 15th March at MTU North Campus saw seven participants from the New Frontiers Programme based at the Tom Crean Centre win awards. Pictured back row from left: Sean Ryan, Aspen Grove, Tim Daly, MTU, Stephen Wilson-Downey, CEO Speire and AIP Technology, Stephen Stack, AIB, Prof. Joseph Walsh, IMaR, Emily Reen, New Frontiers Programme Manager, MTU, Erin Lonergan, MTU, Anne Looney, MTU, Tom Fitzmaurice, Kerry Innovation Centre, Ogie Sheehy, ViClarity, Sean Cooke, AIB Business Banking. Award winners front row from left: Emma Cullinane, Sense of Wonder, Kerry McCarthy Brady, Hercules Building Systems, Jack Norman, Zirkulu, Zaneta Labuz-Czerwein, Rustic Boowa, Paula Carroll, Keynote Speaker, Enterprise Ireland, Annemarie O’Brien, Honor & Bloom, Orla Breslin, Recluse & Bird and Alan Yeun, HypoPods. Photo: Pauline Dennigan Photo: Pauline Dennigan
THE MTU Enterprise Showcase and Kerry Start-Up Challenge 2024 took place on Friday March 15 on the grounds of Munster Technological University, North Campus, Tralee.
It was organised by the MTU Kerry Campus Enterprise Team; Emily Reen, Enterprise Co-Ordinator and New Frontiers Programme Manager, Erin Lonergan, Programme Administrator, Anne Looney, External Services Manager and Grainne Maunsell, External Services.
This event brought together over 18 early stage start-ups in Kerry under three years to exhibit their businesses in the morning to a panel of Judges.
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The judges on the day comprised of Stephen Stack, Senior Branch Manager, AIB and President of Tralee Chamber Alliance, Anne Looney, External Services Manager, MTU and Stephen Wilson-Downey, CEO of Speire and AIP Technology.
Patrick Griffin, AIB, Yvonne Murphy, AIB and Stephen Stack, AIB at the MTU Enterprise Showcase and Kerry Start-Up Challenge 2024 which took place on Friday 15th March at MTU North Campus. Photo: Pauline Dennigan
Each exhibitor had the opportunity to deliver a 90 second elevator pitch for the roaming judges at their exhibition stands. Judges then shortlisted 4x Start-Ups to pitch for the live pitching competition in the early afternoon in front of a live audience.
There were also a line-up of speakers at the afternoon event, comprised of Enterprise Ireland’s National New Frontiers Programme Manager, Paula Carroll, Keynote Speaker, Ogie Sheehy of ViClarity and MTU’s Head of Strategy and Performance, Tim Daly.
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The Enterprise Showcase is run in conjunction with the final showcase event for the Enterprise Ireland’s New Frontiers Programme and supported by the MTU Innovation & Enterprise Month.
Emily Reen, Enterprise Co-Ordinator and New Frontiers Programme Manager at MTU with Ogie Sheehy, ViClarity and John Gannon at the MTU Enterprise Showcase and Kerry Start-Up Challenge 2024 which took place on Friday 15th March at MTU North Campus. Photo: Pauline Dennigan
The Award Winners on the day included:
• Best Tech Business – €1,000 * Sponsored by ViClarity – Kerry McCarthy Brady, Hercules Building Systems
• Best Non-Tech Business – €1,000 *Sponsored by IMaR Reseach Centre – Jack Norman, Zirkulu
• Best Exhibition Stand – €500 *Sponsored by MTU – Annemarie O’Brien, Honor & Bloom
• Best Runner-Up Pitch – €250 *Sponsored by AIB – Emma Cullinane, Sense of Wonder
• Best Pitch – €500 *Sponsored by Kerry Innovation Centre – Zaneta Labuz-Czerwein, Rustic Boowa
• Judges Choice Award – A Ticket to TechFest *Sponsored by Tech Industry Alliance – Orla Breslin, Recluse & Bird
• Judges Choice Award – A Ticket to TechFest *Sponsored by Tech Industry Alliance – Alan Yeun, HypoPods
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Speaking on behalf of the event, Emily Reen said: “Starting and growing a company has always been challenging, but today, more than ever, it is harder for new businesses to raise capital and expand swiftly as the working world navigates widespread inflation and economic instability.
Sara Morrissey, MTU, Mike Casey, MTU, Sean Ryan, Aspen Grove and Tom Fitzmaurice, Technology Gateway Manager, MTU at the MTU Enterprise Showcase and Kerry Start-Up Challenge 2024 which took place on Friday 15th March at MTU North Campus. Photo: Pauline Dennigan
The New Frontiers programme provides an ideal opportunity for entrepreneurs at a start-up stage to be plugged in to an ecosystem that is agile and used to helping indigenous entrepreneurs to provide solutions to worldwide challenges.”
Professor Joseph Walsh, Director, IMAR and Dr. Tim Yeomans, Shannon ABC at the MTU Enterprise Showcase and Kerry Start-Up Challenge 2024 which took place on Friday 15th March at MTU North Campus. Photo: Pauline Dennigan
The eleven entrepreneurs participating in this year’s programme are following on in the footsteps of over 500 entrepreneurs who have used MTU to successfully launch their businesses over the past decade. The innovative business ideas that were chosen this year span a range of industries from cutting-edge technology to food and healthcare.
Niall Burke, Shannon ABC, Luke O’Donnell, IMAR and Niall Larkin, RDI Hub at the MTU Enterprise Showcase and Kerry Start-Up Challenge 2024 which took place on Friday 15th March at MTU North Campus. Photo: Pauline DenniganEmma Cullinane, Sense of Wonder and Gearóid Kearney, RDI Hub at the MTU Enterprise Showcase and Kerry Start-Up Challenge 2024 which took place on Friday 15th March at MTU North Campus. Photo: Pauline DenniganZaneta Labuz-Czerwein from Rustic Boowa Café taking part in the live pitching competition at the MTU Enterprise Showcase and Kerry Start-Up Challenge 2024 which took place on Friday 15th March at MTU North Campus. Photo: Pauline Dennigan
EY Ireland has announced the appointment of Tralee native Ronan Murray as EY Cork Office Managing Partner.
Ronan will succeed John Higgins, who this summer will be retiring as Cork Managing Partner after more than 35 years with EY.
Ronan Murray is a Corporate Finance (M&A) Partner in EY Ireland. Based in Cork, Ronan has more than two decades experience in professional services, with extensive experience providing corporate finance services to indigenous entrepreneurs, private businesses and multinational corporations.
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Originally from Tralee, Ronan is the current President of Cork Chamber of Commerce, an alumnus of University College Cork and a fellow of Chartered Accountants Ireland.
EY Cork has grown significantly over recent years, scaling alongside the fast-growing economy of Cork and the region. Today, EY’s Cork practice has over 400 people as well as 24 Partners.
Ronan Murray says; “I am really proud to take on the incredible opportunity to lead EY’s Cork office, as we look to build on the transformational success of recent years and chart a course for the next phase of growth for the practice, our clients and our community.
Frank O’Keeffe, EY Ireland Managing Partner, says “Ronan brings a wealth of experience and expertise with him into this role, and I know he will serve our clients, our people and our business with distinction. Under his leadership we look forward to both our Cork and our wider regional practice continuing to thrive into the future.”
.Denis O’Regan who won Sales Person Of The Year at the Chardwicks Caras Awards.
A TRALEE man was named Sales Person of the Year at Chadwicks Appreciation and Recognition Awards (CARAs) recently.
The second annual Chadwicks Appreciation and Recognition Awards were held to celebrate and thank colleagues from across the business. Denis O’Regan from Chadwicks Tralee was named Sales Person of the Year.
Recognised for his infectious energy and customer-focused attitude, Denis joined the Chadwicks Tralee team in 2014. Colleagues describe Denis as a one-of-a-kind member of the team who embodies the Chadwicks mantra of ‘Let’s Get it Done’, always going above and beyond to find solutions for his customers.
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In total 13 winners were announced at a ceremony at the Mansion House in Dublin on Friday, January 26, with 350 Chadwicks Group colleagues attending to celebrate the achievements of colleagues, branches and departments across the country.
Commenting at the second annual CARAs, Patrick Atkinson, CEO of Chadwicks Group said: “We are delighted to announce the winners of our second annual CARAs which celebrate and recognise colleagues across the company for their hard work and commitment. On behalf of Chadwicks Group, I would like to congratulate Denis on his well-deserved award win.”
A SOLICITOR from Tralee has been included in the prestigious Airline Economics 40 Under 40 Class of 2023.
Claire McDermott features in the list in the leading and largest finance and leasing global publication for the aviation sector, which reaches industry professionals from lessors, investors, banks, airlines, law firms & MROs.
Claire McDermott, who is the Aviation & Asset Finance Partner at Flynn O’Driscoll, was one of only four individuals to be awarded a Highly Commended designation in recognition of the calibre and sheer quantity of their supporting nominations.
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A daughter of proud parents Peter and Nora McDermott, Claire graduated with a Bachelor of Civil Law from National University of Ireland, Galway in 2007.
Her primary education was at St Oliver’s National School Killarney before attending Balloonagh/Mercy Mounthawk Secondary School and Brookfield College, Tralee.
Claire’s first experience of working in a solicitor’s practice came when she interned for a summer in Pat Mann’s office in 2007.
Having worked in Flynn O’Driscoll for over 13 years, Claire McDermott has solidified her place as a highly respected practitioner within the aviation industry. She advises clients in the areas of Aviation and Asset Finance, Employment Law and Commercial Law.
The Airline Economics 40 Under 40 list has been compiled from a record amount of nominations and endorsements, many from senior members of the wide aviation community.
All 40 members of the final list received 1,305 endorsements in total, with the majority of those from clients.
.Pictured at the launch of Cork/Kerry National Women’s Enterprise Day regional event are Jamie Cuthbert, Event Coordinator and Business Advisor, Local Enterprise Office Cork North & West; Alison Walsh, Business Advisor, Local Enterprise Office South Cork; Lisa Finn, Business Advisor, Local Enterprise Office Cork North & West; Ita Madden, Senior Enterprise Development Officer, Local Enterprise Office Cork City; Sharleen Foody, Senior Enterprise Development Officer, Local Enterprise Office Cork North & West; Deputy Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr. Gillian Coughlan; Amy Jane Keating, Event Host and MC; Fiona Leahy, Business Advisor, Local Enterprise Office Kerry and Caroline Murphy, West Cork Eggs, Event Ambassador and Leading Light representing Local Enterprise Office Cork North & West. Photo: Joleen Cronin
KERRY County Council’s Local Enterprise Office will welcome the return of the Southwest’s National Women’s Enterprise Day Regional Event next month.
Taking place on Thursday October 19th, at the Dunmore House Hotel in Clonakilty, National Women’s Enterprise Day is Ireland’s largest female enterprise event.
Covering the Kerry and Cork region, this full day programme is designed and led by women to promote and encourage female entrepreneurship across Ireland.
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Now in its 17th year, National Women’s Enterprise Day shines the spotlight on female entrepreneurship, opens the prospect of entrepreneurship to women who may not have considered it before and highlights what supports are available.
Regional events also provide valuable networking opportunities to connect with industry experts together with acknowledging the achievements of women in enterprise.
Fiona Leahy, Kerry Local Enterprise Office said; “National Women’s Enterprise Day continues to highlight female entrepreneurs, encouraging them to build their community, share their successes and inspire others to follow their paths. I wholeheartedly encourage women in business from Kerry to register to attend, and to embrace the theme of “Empowering Business Together” through networking, knowledge sharing and following the journeys of real-life entrepreneurs with four Leading Light Client companies speaking on the day.”
The Southwest National Women’s Enterprise Day Regional Event will feature a welcome address by Sharon Corcoran, Cork County Council’s Director of Services, Economic Development, Enterprise and Tourism.
Amy Jane Keating, Host and Creator of the “Go Do You” podcast will be the day’s host and facilitator which will include Guest Speaker Pat Kane.
Award-winning Sustainability Strategist, Founder of Reuzi.ie and Co-founder of Good Better Best, Pat will speak to attendees on building a future-proof business, touching on her own entrepreneurial journey whilst highlighting small ways businesses can improve their sustainable practices.
Anna and Orla Snook of Valentia Island Vermouth.
The day will also include a panel discussion with Cork and Kerry Leading Lights, followed by Keynote Speaker Laura Dowling, Fabulous Pharmacist and Founder and CEO of fabÜ Wellness.
Leading Lights representing Kerry Local Enterprise Office are Anna and Orla Snook O’Carroll, the wife and wife team behind Ireland’s first vermouth, Valentia Island Vermouth.
They handcraft this award winning vermouth here in Kerry using twenty botanicals, handmade caramel and a Verdejo grape from the Rueda Valley, near Madrid.
Valentia Island Vermouth is available in Michelin starred restaurants, high end cocktails bars and restaurants, good independent of licenses throughout the country.
This initiative is led by the 31 Local Enterprise Offices nationwide, and funded by the Government of Ireland, in partnership with Enterprise Ireland and Local Authorities. To book your place for the Kerry & Cork event please visit www.localenterprise.ie
TFI Local Link Kerry has recently launched a new bus service, which will improve connectivity between Tarbert and Tralee.
This new route is part of the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan which is a major national public transport initiative developed and funded by the National Transport Authority (NTA) as part of the Transport for Ireland (TFI) Network.
Route 274 operates three daily return trips, seven days a week creating a new connection from Tarbert to Tralee via Ballyheigue and Ardfert. To see the timetable for the route click here.
The new route will provide improved connectivity to the MTU North and South Campuses and all three Kerry College Campuses as well as providing a peak-time service for commuters and improved connectivity to regional bus and rail services in Tralee.
The route will offer enhanced connectivity to villages and areas such as Ballylongford, Causeway, Ballyheigue, Ardfert, Ballybunion, Asdee and Ballyduff.
TFI Local Link Kerry General Manager Alan O’Connell said: “We are delighted to launch Route 274 and increase our service in North Kerry. We are confident this service will be transformative for locals living along the route, as well as visitors enjoying all the hospitality that North Kerry has to offer.
“This new timetable has been designed to facilitate passengers travelling between towns and villages along the Wild Atlantic Way as well as connections into and out of Tralee, which enables greater connectivity and creates access for employment, education, training, recreation, social and health purposes.
“We would encourage passengers to make the most of our public transport system as it’s not only an environmentally friendly option but also an inclusive and cheaper way to travel.
“TFI Local Link Kerry is continuing to work with the NTA in designing new bus routes under the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan. It is a very positive time to be involved in public transport.”
For routes and timetable information, call (066) 714 7002 or visit www.locallinkkerry.ie
.Danielle O’Shea, Tracie Ferris, Christine Hegarty, Linda O’Sullivan at the event in The Tan Yard Restaurant, Killarney.
AN evening of connection and creativity with entrepreneurs Erika Fox and Louise Stokes was held recently at The Tan Yard Restaurant, at the Killarney Plaza Hotel & Spa.
The exclusive one-night-only event was hosted by Kerry native Erika Fox and Loulerie jewellery founder Louise Stokes at Killarney’s Tan Yard restaurant on Thursday, July 20.
Erika returned from daily life in New York to her home county of Kerry for candid conversation in front of an intimate audience at the popular town centre eatery, exploring themes of connection, self-care and igniting your inner creative. Scroll down for photos…
Elizabeth Whelan, Erika Fox and Louise Stokes at the event in The Tan Yard Restaurant, Killarney..Deirdre Moynihan & Áine Culloty at the event in The Tan Yard Restaurant, Killarney.Louise Stokes, Erika Fox and MD of the The O’Donoghue Ring Collection, Gemma Ring at the event in The Tan Yard Restaurant, Killarney.
ENERCON hosted an event to celebrate its 25th anniversary in Ireland on Thursday.
Customers, partners and ENERCON colleagues were invited to mark the milestone at their headquarters at Killerisk, Tralee.
Sean Kelly, MEP was present to officially cut the ribbon to mark the opening. The celebration coincided with the announcement of ENERCON’s expansion in Ireland with 30 new jobs announced across the island over the next 12 months.
ENERCON Ireland recently deepened its commitment with an investment in a long-term lease in a new purpose built (1,900 m²) office, training and warehouse facility and service station in Killerisk, Tralee where it expects to continue to expand and grow as the Irish onshore wind industry develops.
.Richard Sharp and Shane O’Connor of the Seriously Sound Food Co.
THE Tralee-based Seriously Sound Food Co. will see its product featured on RTE’s ‘Today’ show this Thursday.
Owned by Tralee men Richard Sharp and Shane O’Connor the company which makes plant-based meat alternatives, will see their Seriously Sound Plant-Based Chicken championed as part of the daily food slot with Daithi O’Se and Maura Derrane.
Celebrity Chef, Arun Kapil, will be creating a recipe using their ‘Naked Pieces’ to highlight the versatility of Seriously Sound Plant-Based Chicken and just how easy it is to go plant-based with dinners.
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The TV appearance ties in with their national launch with Aldi Ireland which sees their Carolina BBQ and Naked Pieces stocked in all 157 Aldi stores across Ireland as part of the Grow with Aldi Programme supported by Bord Bia.
This means that Seriously Sound Plant-Based Chicken is now stocked in over 250 Aldi, Dunnes Stores and Selected Supervalu’s across Ireland since launching in only January of this year. Tune into RTE 1 Thursday May 25th at 3:30pm.
.Tralee men Richard Sharp and Shane O’Connor of the Seriously Sound Food Co.
A TRALEE-BASED sustainable, plant-based meat maker is among the 24 finalists in this year’s ‘Grow with ALDI’ programme.
Seriously Sound Food Co., the brainchild of Richard Sharp and Shane O’Connor, will see its products hit shelves in 157 ALDI stores nationwide this month.
The company specialises in 100% plant-based chicken alternatives. Their Plant Based Chicken Naked Pieces and Carolina BBQ €5.49 will go on sale in ALDI stores nationwide for a two-week period starting May 25.
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Seriously Sound Food Co. was founded by Richard and Shane with the aim of creating a sustainable, nutritious and 100% plant-based alternative to chicken. The result is plant-based chicken pieces that can be used in stews, curries, casseroles and even sandwiches.
Speaking about being selected as a finalist for this year’s Grow with ALDI competition, Richard Sharp of Seriously Sound Food Co. said: “We are absolutely delighted to be among this year’s Grow with ALDI finalists. At Seriously Sound Food Co., we are on a mission to makeover the meat aisle by creating amazing, sustainably produced, 100% plant-based chicken and we are glad to receive this vote of confidence from the judges.
“We look forward to introducing the people of Ireland to our Carolina BBQ and Naked Pieces. Hopefully making it easier for people to go plant-based. We thank ALDI for their support to date and look forward to seeing our product in the supermarket aisle,” said Richard.
Undertaken in partnership with Bord Bia, Grow with ALDI is now in its sixth year and invites suppliers from across the island of Ireland to back their passion and take their business to the next level.
First launched in 2018, the scheme has seen ALDI invest more than €8 million into championing over 230 producers and give Irish produced unrivalled access to Irish consumers, ensuring they can grow and thrive in the Irish market.
Successful applicants were assessed and selected based on their passion, the quality of their produce and their entrepreneurial spirit.
.Caroline Lyons of the ‘What A Woman Podcast’ with Louise Galvin.
TWO local women have started a podcast where they speak to some of the most successful and inspirational women in Kerry and beyond with a view to motivating the next generation.
The ‘What A Woman Podcast’ sees Caroline Lyons and Sarah Benner talk to women who have achieved great things across a range of professions. Guests so far for series one include Ciara Griffin, Louise Galvin, Louise Quill, Elaine Burrows Dillane, Catriona O’Sullivan and Jacqui Hurley of RTE.
“We are two friends and mums looking for inspiration in our lives and role models for our children, especially our daughters,” said Caroline.
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“These guests talk about how they’ve achieved their goals and dreams, the resilience they’ve needed and the obstacles they’ve had to overcome to get to where they are now and there is something inspiring to take from every conversation.
“It is a podcast which celebrates women’s achievements, inspires listeners to try and get the best out of themselves and shows the younger generation of women there are no limits to what they can achieve in life,” added Caroline.
AN information evening on funding opportunities available to businesses in Kerry’s coastal communities will take place on Tuesday, February 7 at 6.30pm in The Meadowlands Hotel, Tralee.
People are invited to come along to learn how businesses in Kerry’s coastal communities can apply for funding through the Brexit Blue Economy Enterprise Development Scheme.
With €25 million in funding available, this is the largest scheme of its kind and is designed to stimulate growth in rural coastal communities.
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Funding is available to businesses operating within ten kilometres of the coastline, and involved in blue economy activities including seafood, coastal tourism, boat building and repair, marine leisure and sport, small non-commercial harbour or pier activities, and renewable energy initiatives.
Find out more about the Scheme, how it can benefit you, your business and your community, and how to apply.
Brenda O’Riordan, BIM Regional Officer, said the scheme has already received some very promising and innovative proposals from businesses along Kerry’s coastline and is encouraging others to come to an information evening to find out more about the funding available and to get advice on preparing a submission.
The Brexit Blue Economy Enterprise Development Scheme – Flying the flag for Ireland’s coastal communities. For full details of the Scheme visit www.bim.ie
THE winners of the 2022 Leaders Awards, which recognise innovation, growth and impact in the South-West’s technology sector, were announced this evening, with awardees including Kerry County Council and Dairymaster.
The awards were hosted by it@cork and KerrySciTech, who also announced their rebranding as a combined entity to Tech Industry Alliance, representing the interests of the tech sector across the region.
The Chairperson’s Award was awarded jointly to Cork City Council, Cork County Council and Kerry County Council while Dairymaster, based in Causeway, were recognised as the Multinational of the Year for 2022.
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The it@cork Skillnet Best Learning Workplace Winner was German company ENERCON which has an office, training and warehouse facility in Tralee.
For over 15 years, the Leaders Awards have recognised those who have excelled in the technology sector in the South-West region of Ireland, from notable multinationals and disruptive start-ups to ground-breaking individuals and emerging companies.
The full list of winners announced at the Rochestown Park Hotel in Cork on Friday night were…
• Tech Person of the Year Award – Andrew O’Shaughnessy, Founder of Poppulo
• Tech Start Up of the Year Award – valid8Me
• Scale Up of the Year Award – Keelvar
• Multinational of the Year Award – Dairymaster
• it@cork Skillnet Best Learning Workplace Winner – ENERCON
• Smart Technology Innovation Award – ICBF
• Diversity, Inclusion and Social Impact Award – VMware
• Chairperson’s Award – Cork City Council, Cork County Council and Kerry County Council
• Excellence in Education Award – St. Vincent’s Secondary School
.Alina Barone and Vika Gailite of Shamrock Squad Adventures, winners of the CEAI Champion Changemakers National Pitch-Fest 2022.
‘SHAMROCK Squad Adventures’ from RDI Hub and Dingle Hub is the overall winner of the Champion Changemakers National Pitch-Fest 2022.
The group’s social enterprise is a community of special needs families which focuses on working with support agencies, service providers and other special needs families to make the outdoors accessible for all needs.
Shortlisted groups and individuals took part in the National Pitch-Fest hosted at Innovate Communities, Ballymun where they pitched their social enterprise idea to a panel of expert judges from Enterprise Ireland, Woods & Partners, Rethink Ireland and Social Impact Ireland.
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The shortlist was selected from a series of regional events that took place in community enterprise centres and enterprise hubs around Ireland in September, where participants took part in workshops and worked with local mentors to develop their idea into a social enterprise.
A spokesperson from Shamrock Squad Adventures said; “We are delighted that Shamrock Squad Adventures is the 2022 Champion Changemaker, awarded by the Community Enterprise Association Ireland. We have been working with amazing mentors from RDI Hub and Dingle Hub since the hackathon in September. Shamrock Squad Adventures is dedicated to making the outdoors accessible and enjoyed by everyone, regardless of their abilities, and with the support bursary from the Community Enterprise Association Ireland, we hope to accelerate the platform development.”
Shamrock Squad Adventures, will benefit from a Prize Bursary to the value of €10,000 which will set them on their journey towards the establishment of their sustainable and successful social enterprise and consists of key supports and services.
.Grainne Cronin of Peter Mark Killarney (second right) and Elaine O’Driscoll of Peter Mark Tralee (right), were among the employees honoured at the Peter Mark Long Service Awards at Hayfield Manor in Cork recently. Pictured from left are Aisling Linehan (Blackpool); Alice Hanley (Crescent Limerick); Lorraine O’Connor (Crescent Limerick); Agnieszka (Douglas Court); Peter Mark CEO Peter O’Rourke; Area Manager Yvonne O’Connell; Amerie O’Shea (Wilton); Susan Duggan (Wilton); Grainne Cronin (Killarney) and Elaine O’Driscoll (Tralee). Photo: Daragh Mc Sweeney/Provision
A TRALEE Peter Mark employee was among the 115 members of the company’s team to be honoured for their valued contribution and long-standing service.
Elaine O’Driscoll, who has 30 years service to Peter Mark Tralee, received a Long Service Award which recognises employees from salons across the island of Ireland who have worked at Peter Mark for 10 years or more.
Grainne Cronin, who has 10 years service in Peter Mark Killarney, was also honoured. Of the 115 honoured, the average length of service was 14 years with years of service honoured ranging from 10 years to 55 years.
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Commenting on the Long Service Awards, Peter O’Rourke, CEO of Peter Mark said: “I am so proud to honour 115 colleagues who have been with the business for 10 years or more. I would like to thank all our people for their continued passion, creativity and commitment to our business and I wish everyone continued success in their career.”
Pictured are Susan Duggan (Wilton); Elaine O’Driscoll (Tralee); Aisling Linehan (Blackpool); Peter Mark CEO Peter O’Rourke; Gwen Cleary (Winthrop Street); Alice Hanley (Crescent Limerick) and Lorraine O’Connor (Crescent Limerick) at the Peter Mark Long Service Awards, held at Hayfield Manor, Cork. Photo: Daragh Mc Sweeney / Provision.
KERRY SciTech & it@cork’s first in-person and hybrid Evolve series event kicked off on Thursday 15th September at the RDI Hub in Killorglin.
The series, which is focused on showcasing innovative new companies to more established players in our region aims to create potential new business opportunities in the region as well as provide a platform for our indigenous and multinational enterprises to collaborate and share knowledge for the growth of our industry in the region.
Thursday’s event was focused on the area of HR, health, wellbeing and employee engagement, and saw a group of senior leaders such as Sean Ryan, CEO Aspen Grove; Noranne Stack, Managing Director, Enercon Windfarm Services Ireland; and Paula O’Sullivan, Group HR Director, Fexco hear excellent pitches from three upcoming businesses in the South West; Perkforce, Digital Health Resource and RediCare.
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Speaking at the event, Donagh Kiernan, Vice Chair of it@cork said “Through events like today, we are bringing emerging technologies to the attention of larger companies and showcasing the exciting young innovative companies developing across Cork and Kerry”.
He added “With organisations like it@cork and KerrySciTech supporting, connecting and driving collaboration across companies and stakeholders right across the region, there is huge potential for tech and tech enabled businesses based in the South West right now.”
For more information on it@cork and KerrySciTech and upcoming events such as the it@cork and KerrySciTech Leaders Awards, see https://www.itcork.ie/
NEW funding has been announced for Kerry retail businesses to expand their online offering and presence to customers at home and abroad.
Minister of State for Business, Employment and Retail, Damien English announced more than 200 retailers who have been approved for funding under the Online Retail Scheme (ORS) administered by Enterprise Ireland.
Fourteen Kerry businesses have been successful in this round of the Online Retail Scheme. They will receive grants ranging from €10,000 to a maximum of €64,000 (see list of businesses below).
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This latest development under will see 216 retailers across all counties approved for funding of €9.29 million. The Scheme for retailers who already have an online presence and who have a physical store and is targeted at enhancing their online capability.
Welcoming the news, Fine Gael Kerry TD Brendan Griffin said: “Many Irish companies have successfully made the digital transition in recent years and developed their online capability to sell their goods and services online.
“Consumer habits have also changed in recent years and it was great for them to know that that when they went online, they had local options instead of just the large international retailers, particularly when the pandemic occurred.”
.Cash & Carry Manager of the Year – Sponsored by ShelfLife Magazine: Gary Moriarty, Value Centre Listowel, with Gillian Hamill, editor of ShelfLife.
THERE was a Kerry winner in the prestigious annual ShelfLife Grocery Management Awards held this week.
Gary Moriarty of Value Centre Listowel, was named Cash and Carry Manager of the Year at the one of the most eagerly anticipated events in the Irish retail calendar.
The National Grocery Management Awards is Ireland’s premier scheme for recognising and honouring management excellence.
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Cash & Carry Director, BWG Foods, Vincent Brown said, “I would like to extend my congratulations to Gary and indeed at the team in Value Centre Listowel on winning this prestigious national title. Gary is very deserving of this industry accolade and he and his team are great champions for the Value Centre network.”
To win a Shelflife Management award is a high point in the career of many of Ireland’s best performing managers from across a variety of categories and at various levels of career progression and the event is also the principal networking event for managers from across all wholesale brands to gather with colleagues, business partners, suppliers and friends.
The awards were held in Dublin’s Royal Marine Hotel on Wednesday, with 350 guests in attendance. 23 awards were presented, honouring the best in the many departments that make up local convenience stores and supermarkets.
.Ken Tobin of HQ Tralee, Michael McCarthy KTIF, Pat Enright of KTIF and Tina Enright of Ballygarry Estate at the Employment Law information morning at Ballygarry House Hotel on Thursday. Photo by Dermot Crean
TRALEE Chamber Alliance supported by AIB teamed up with the HR Suite for its first in-person business event of the year on Thursday morning at the Ballygarry House Hotel.
At the event, representatives from The HR Suite addressed expected legislative changes in 2022 covering important information for all employers.
The last two years has seen a significant shift in the way we work, with employers required to adapt to the new and different ways of working.
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Issues addressed on the morning included:
• Sick Leave Bill
• Right to Request Remote Working
• Payment of Wages (Amendment) (Tips and Gratuities) Bill
• Code of Practice on Sexual Harassment and Harassment in the Workplace
• Code of Practice on Equal Pay
• HR pillars for setting your strategic goals for 2022
• Risk & Compliance
• Performance Management & Development
• Training & Learning
• Change Management
• Branding & Culture
• Case Law
Sarah Flaherty of MTU with Chief Executive of Tralee Chamber Colette O’Connor at the Employment Law information morning at Ballygarry House Hotel on Thursday. Photo by Dermot Crean.Padraig McGillicuddy of Ballygarry Estate, Kevin McCarthy of Garvey Group and Michele King of The Rose Hotel at the Employment Law information morning at Ballygarry House Hotel on Thursday. Photo by Dermot CreanSiobhan Rivas May of PSC Accountants and Daire McCann of DNG WH Giles at the Employment Law information morning at Ballygarry House Hotel on Thursday. Photo by Dermot Crean.Sharon O’Donoghue of Ballyseede Castle, Laura Reidy of The HR Suite, Liz Colum of Walsh Colour Print and Nicola O’Sullivan of KDYS at the Employment Law information morning at Ballygarry House Hotel on Thursday. Photo by Dermot CreanMark Sullivan of The Rose Hotel, John Reen of Murphy and Sheehy Insurances, Aidan Turner of Turners Bar and Sean Cooke of AIB at the Employment Law information morning at Ballygarry House Hotel on Thursday. Photo by Dermot Crean.John Reen of Murphy and Sheehy Insurances, Chief Executive of Tralee Chamber Colette O’Connor, Caroline Reidy of The HR Suite, Breda Flaherty from Dairymaster and AIB Tralee Branch Manager Stephen Stack, at the Employment Law information morning at Ballygarry House Hotel on Thursday. Photo by Dermot CreanKen Tobin of HQ Tralee and Colette O’Connor of Tralee Chamber at the Employment Law information morning at Ballygarry House Hotel on Thursday. Photo by Dermot Crean
.Susan Quirke Crowley with the Business All-Star Accreditation.
THE Tralee-based Mounthawk Montessori has achieved Business All-Star Accreditation from the All-Ireland Business Foundation for the second year in a row.
Business All-Star Accreditation is an independently verified standard mark for indigenous businesses, based on rigorous selection criteria.
The Accreditation is overseen by the All-Ireland Business Foundation, whose adjudication panel is chaired by Dr Briga Hynes of the University of Limerick and Kieran Ring, CEO of the Global Institute of Logistics.
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Reacting to the announcement, Mounthawk Montessori School CEO & Founder Susan Quirke Crowley said: “On behalf of our team, children and families at Mounthawk & Maureen’s, we are thrilled to accept this honour from the All-Ireland Business Foundation. We owe our success to our wonderful teams, led by Centre Managers Liz Quirke & Katie O’Sullivan. Our motto is ‘Quirke’s for Quality’ and we strive for this ,in our family owned and operated services every day.”
Deputy Chair on the Adjudication Board Kieran Ring, said in support of the announcement: “Mounthawk Montessori School has achieved All-Ireland All-Star Montessori School Of The Year 2022 Accreditation, in recognition of the company’s commitment to its community. Furthermore we wish to recognise Mounthawk Montessori School’s conduct in the areas of trust, commitment, performance & customer-centricity. Mounthawk Montessori School is hereby included in the AIBF Register Of Irish Business Excellence for the second year in a row.”
The All-Ireland Business Foundation (AIBF) is an autonomous national accreditation body tasked with enterprise development and the promotion of Best-in-Class in Irish business identified by the AIBF’s Business All-Star Marque.
THE Waterford-based Akusus Group is planning to add 350 jobs in Ireland and the US in 2022, including up to 50 in Tralee.
The Sunday Independent has reported that the company is to create a new hub in Tralee next year, initially employing 40 to 50, but growing the workforce to 200 to 250 employees over the next three years.
The Akusus Group — which has recently appointed Castleisland native Liz Shanahan as its Chairperson — includes Rigneydolphin and RelateCare and provides consulting and outsourcing services.
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The company is headquartered in Waterford City, with hubs in Cleveland, Ohio and Little Rock, Arkansas. It employs more than 1,300 people, with 950 of those employees in Ireland.
Ms Shanahan has more than 25 years’ experience working with the pharmaceutical industry and healthcare providers. She said she is delighted to announce the company’s expansion into Kerry.
“I WANT to stay in Kerry for the rest of my life” – a great endorsement from Julianne Spring Heavey for her native county where she is a Chartered Tax Advisor with CDS Law & Tax LLP in Tralee.
Julianne recently joined the law firm which specialises in in taxation, mergers, acquisitions, corporate structuring, and property.
Steeped in knowledge of the Kerry way of life, Julianne delivers expert tax consultancy services to private and corporate clients.
Julianne Spring Heavey, who joined CDS Law & Tax LLP as a Chartered Tax Advisor in September 2021, said: “With a background in law and tax, CDS Law & Tax is the dream office for me to work in because it provides city-level professionalism, while being based in Tralee. Most transactions nowadays – commercial or private – require tax advice and our clients are delighted with the broad range of skillset and the positive energy we bring to the table. There’s absolutely no need to go outside Kerry for highly professional legal and tax advice when it’s all under the one roof here at CDS Law & Tax.”
Julianne Spring Heavey is the latest Kerry person to join the firm’s office in Tralee where she works alongside Head of Taxation Tommy Walsh and Solicitor Mike Stack.
She has gained practice, industry, and management experience from working with legal, accountancy, and property development and construction firms throughout Ireland.
Jennifer Downing, Partner at CDS Law & Tax LLP and a fellow Kerry woman from Kenmare, said: “We are delighted to welcome Julianne to our team at CDS Law & Tax. The love she has for her hometown and county, coupled with her experience and skills as a Chartered Tax Advisor, is hugely beneficial to our clients.”
Julianne said she moved home to Kerry temporarily for family reasons: “I quite quickly rediscovered the fantastic qualify of life Kerry has to offer with a wonderful sense of community, short commutes and so much to do outdoors. It’s so much easier to achieve a work-life balance here. I never thought I’d move home to Kerry and now that I have, I never want to live anywhere else.”
Julianne Spring Heavey may be contacted at the CDS Law & Tax LLP Office, 4 Denny Street, Tralee, Co. Kerry.
Email Julianne.SpringHeavey@CDSLAW.ie or phone 066 716 9033. For more information, visit www.CDSLaw.ie
TOMMY Walsh may have put his Kerry jersey away, but the Head of Taxation at CDS Law & Tax LLP is playing a more central role for his firm after being elected to the Council of the Irish Tax Institute.
The All-Ireland Senior Football winner will serve on the Council which oversees the strategic governance of the leading representative body for Ireland’s Chartered Tax Advisors.
He announced his retirement from inter-county football with Kerry last month. “By retiring from inter-county football, it obviously gives me a bit more time from week to week. We’ve recently opened a CDS Law & Tax office in Denny Street, Tralee and I will have more time to drive that,” he said.
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“I decided to retire from inter-county football because of age predominantly I suppose. Unfortunately your body starts to creak a bit when you go past 30, but I have had a very enjoyable career. I was in and out of the Kerry scene obviously and I enjoyed my stints in there. There were many highs and lows but I just felt that it was my time.”
“I was elected to the Council of the Irish Tax Institute in June and took up my appointment in September. It’s great for the firm to have some representation on the Council in County Kerry.”
“My involvement on the Council will provide me with an opportunity to be involved in the strategic direction and governance of the Institute and provide a forum for local lawyers, accountants and tax professionals to make representations through me. Through my involvement on various committees, the make-up of which will be determined in the coming weeks, I expect to work closely with other Council members by discussing matters that we’re seeing and experiencing within the industry. I’m very much looking forward to my tenure with the Council.”
Tommy Walsh is an AITI Chartered Tax Advisor and his undergraduate qualification is in Construction and Management which he has used as a grounding to develop his tax career.
Whilst playing professional football in Australia he strengthened his knowledge by gaining further university qualifications in commerce.
.Emma Carmody and Marjorie Cunningham from Grounded Pottery in Tralee, with Robert Troy, Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Digital and Company Regulation. Photo: Brian McEvoy
THE owners of a Tralee-based company have described how their business has been transformed after they were selected as a winning applicant in the Virgin Media Backing Business initiative.
Grounded Pottery , founded by Marjorie Cunningham and Emma Carmody, said the initiative has helped them develop an ecommerce website to expand their online business allowing even more people to access their hand-thrown, ceramic reusable Travel Cups with designs inspired by the Irish countryside.
Five Munster businesses, including Grounded Pottery, were selected as winners of the Virgin Media Backing Business initiative and received a total of €100,000 in support and have benefitted greatly from the expertise and insights of each of the Virgin Media ‘Backing Business’ partners including Digital Business Ireland, Milk Bottle Labs, Permanent TSB and their Local Enterprise Office.
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Virgin Media and its partners will continue to mentor and support each of these businesses as they continue on their journey to offer the best digital e-commerce platforms and solutions for their customers.
Speaking about the transformation Emma Carmody from Grounded Pottery said: “We hand make travel cups to encourage our customers to live more sustainability and move towards a more circular economy. With the addition of our new website to our online offering, more like minded consumers will be able to ‘Feel the Difference’ of the craftsmanship of our pottery cups, and ‘Make a Difference’ to the environment by avoiding unnecessary waste of single use cups.”
Marjorie Cunningham from Grounded Pottery added “I enjoy the creative element of designing our Travel Cups, and our website allows us to offer unique ceramic pieces to our customers, that are functional and portable.”
Grounded Pottery have social channels on Instagram @grounded.pottery and Facebook @groundedpottery.
FIVE Kerry enterprises are among 24 nationwide sharing €9.3m in funding under the Regional Enterprise Transition (RET) Scheme.
The fund aims to support regional enterprises and encourage entrepreneurial activity, particularly to those affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The five Kerry companies awarded funding under this tranche of the scheme are:
• AgriTech Centre of Excellence
• Firies Business Hub
• Mol Teic Kerry (Dingle Creativity and Innovation Hub)
• RDI Hub Company LTD Killorglin
• Sneem Innovation and Technology Services LTD.
Ministers of State with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Robert Troy TD and Damien English TD today announced the funding this morning. Minster for Education and Kerry Fianna Fáil TD, Norma Foley welcomed the news.
TFI Local Link Kerry has recently launched a new bus service, which will improve connectivity between Tarbert and Tralee.
AN information evening on funding opportunities available to businesses in Kerry’s coastal communities will take place on Tuesday, February 7 at 6.30pm in The Meadowlands Hotel, Tralee.
NEW funding has been announced for Kerry retail businesses to expand their online offering and presence to customers at home and abroad.
