May 2010 € 3.50
“I Have a Vision and I’m Looking Forward to the Future” – Justin McCarthy
Inside: • e2 Million Investment in Chip Sensors • Top Artists for Special Olympics Opening • Delta, Air France, KLM Reinstate Shannon Service
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........................................................................................ BL | EDITORIAL & CONTENTS
FROM THE EDITOR
May 2010
CONTENTS 04 11 22 33
BL COVER STORY Justin McCarthy
36
BL NEWS Strong Cities make Strong Regions
48
BL NEWS First Irish Man to Row Atlantic Solo
53
BL FEATURE “The Meeting Place” Conference Centre
55
Business Limerick
BL NEWS Delta, Air France, KLM Reinstate Shannon Service
Boost for Local Tourism
BL NEWS Irish Port & Shipping Sector Begin Recovery
With over 75,000 spectators and revellers turning out to enjoy Limerick’s May Bank Holiday, Riverfest ’10, it was another outstanding success for the organisers of this wonderful festival. Again this year, many new events were added to the agenda and this proved very popular with the crowds. The French market complimented by local produce from our own artisan market traders was again a big crowd puller. The welcome return of the BBQ competition on Charlotte’s Quay was the biggest hit of all. Live music boomed out through the BBQ smoke and aromas of exotic culinary delights bringing the quay to life. People danced in the street creating Limerick’s own little Mardi Gras! The city will see many visitors return to Riverfest ’11.
BL CIVIC TRUST The Denis Leonard Perpetual Trophy 2010 BL GALLERY EXTRA Mayor’s Ball 2010
Patrons
Business Limerick Magazine is a full participating member of the Press Council of Ireland and supports the Office of the Press Ombudsman. This scheme in addition to defending the freedom of the press, offers readers a quick, fair and free method of dealing with complaints that they may have in relation to articles that appear on our pages. To contact the Office of the Press Ombudsman go to: www.pressombudsman.ie or www.presscouncil.ie.
Business Limerick Editor Frank Collins frank@businesslimerick.ie Mobile: 086 245 1153 Advertising Manager Marguerite Finnan mags@businesslimerick.ie Mobile: 087 245 1153 Advertising Sales Yvonne Sheehan yvonne@businesslimerick.ie Mobile: 086 8072088 Business Journalist David Raleigh Photography Keith Wiseman
FOR BUSINESS LEADERS
Photographic Contributors Press 22 Kieran Clancy - PicSure Dave Gaynor Michael Cowhey Brendan Gleeson Contributors Mal Keaveney Mick Galwey Kevin Meaney Published by Business Limerick Publications Ltd. Directors Frank Collins Marguerite Finnan
Business Limerick 48 O'Connell Street, Limerick Tel: (061) 46 75 18 (061) 21 47 38 Fax: (061) 46 85 60 Email: info@businesslimerick.ie Web: www.businesslimerick.ie
Business Limerick Magazine is published monthly by Business Limerick Publications Limited. © 2008 Business Limerick. All Rights Reserved. The information contained in the magazine is believed to be accurate and authorative, however it is not intended to substitute for legal, accounting, tax or other professional advice. Statements and opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those of Business Limerick. No responsibility can be assumed for any unsolicited materials and submission is construed as permission to publish without any further correspondence and the fee payable (if any) at our usual rates. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the prior written permission of the publishers.
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And as they say, the best is yet to come as next month Limerick plays host to the 2010 Special Olympic Ireland Games. What another great opportunity to showcase everything positive that Limerick has to offer. Over 2,000 athletes, 900 coaches and officials, 3,500 volunteers and thousands of family members and friends to support the participants will soon arrive at the University of Limerick Campus, June 9th to 13th. The great memories, the welcome and support is what our visitors will take home with them, living long in their minds and highlighting all that is good and positive in Limerick as was clearly visible at the Riverfest ’10. We welcome the estimated 8,000guests travelling to the games and the valuable contribution to the city’s local economy that they bring. It is a great boost for our local tourist industry to show the many amenities and facilities available in the region. The five day schedule of events promises to be the biggest national games to date and well done to every athlete participating in the games as they are already winners. “Let me win, but if I can’t win, let me be brave in the attempt.”- Special Olympics oath. Frank Collins, Editor frank@businesslimerick.ie 3
13/05/2010 17:39:35
“I Have a Vision and I’m Looking Forward to the Future” – Justin McCarthy To achieve the right results in business you have to constantly work on your strategy for success, and, in Sport it’s no different. Just as businesses are battling the economic downturn of the last two years, manager of the Limerick senior hurling squad, Justin McCarthy, knows only too well how to battle with the elements. But you don’t work hard for 32 years at Top Oil without learning how to avoid
some slicks on the road, and McCarthy has managed to do just that, in his short time as Limerick’s senior hurling mentor. “I was always a believer that contracts were done between competitors but, business is done between people,” the straight talking hurling boss tells me over a phone interview form his house in Cork. McCarthy tells me bluntly that he doesn’t do too many interviews, and given the controversies arising from his relationship
with his former players, I wouldn’t blame him. But for the duration of the interview he doesn’t ‘pull out’ or shy away from answering any curve balls he might be thinking may come his way. “It’s all abut dealing with people,” he tells me explaining the secret of his 32-years as a senior member of Top Oil. “It was a very small business in Cork on May 1, 1978, when I joined. I was the company’s first sales rep and I used my sporting contacts to help me build things up.”
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McCarthy was managing Clare at the time but he was also managing his company’s operations throughout the six counties of Munster where he got “a free hand to develop the business”. “Oil is a common product”, McCarthy explained, but his business flair and Top Oil’s ability to play with the big boys in the oil business, is likely to keep McCarthy drilling ahead in the hurling business, which no doubt has proved a sometimes lonely and hard road for McCarthy.
both business and sport) into play and there are many parallels. Both are competitive. When I see an opportunity I don’t let it go. I’m organised and I think time management is also very important too,” he explained.
“I’m working for a family-owned Irish company and we’ve had to compete with multinationals. You have to have a strategy to do that and I think we do it very well,” he explained.
As the interview continues it’s becoming a little clearer as to why the names on the Limerick hurling team-sheet have changed so dramatically in such a short space of time. Listening to McCarthy, it becomes clearer that if you don’t follow his instructions-to the tee, then there could be problems. I maybe wrong, but he’s nothing if not militant in his approach, and he wants the same from his players. It’s a trait any good manager should surely have, just look at Kilkenny. Enough said!
But the strategy for success is common to both business and sport, and in the Cork man’s eyes, there are many similarities in both fields.
McCarthy tells me he has always been “quick to make decisions”, which he puts down to his days playing with the rebel county.
“It’s a case of putting my experience (from
A key midfielder in his day, McCarthy has
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seen successes as a player and he visibly wants those successes back again with Limerick. His passion for the game is extraordinary - a man consumed by the clash of the ash and all its nuances. Limerick hurling supporters can rest assured that whatever they feel abut the ‘player controversy’ on Shannonside, McCarthy seems to have Limerick’s long-term hurling future at heart. “I believe I have a good flair for things like that (making good decisions), and a good flair for people,” he tells me. One still has to wonder why McCarthy’s ‘good flair for people’ hasn’t worked out with the previous senior hurling squad but the manager’s following remarks may go someway to providing the answer. “There’s no doubt Limerick will be back again but I think someone has got to be in charge. ‘He’ might not be right all the time but he has to be the boss,” McCarthy explained. 5
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When Limerick hurling is going well, Limerick businesses do well. Apart from the likes of Gleeson Sport Scene and others selling more green and white jerseys, sliotars and boots, the hustle and bustle around the city and county towns is that much brighter. Justin McCarthy believes that feeling can one day be restored here. “I see we have very young talent and these young lads are ready to take responsibility. It’s not going to be an overnight success but I have a vision and I’m looking forward to the future. It needs to be slightly tweaked yet.” McCarthy recognises the interest among the business community in Limerick for its county hurling team and knows only two well the positive outlook a hurling team can have on the wider community when that team is doing well. “There’s a huge responsibility to take the jersey when it’s given to you. But, you’ve only got that a loan of that jersey. Other players have come before you and you cannot take it likely.”# McCarthy singles out Limerick business man, JP McManus, for his efforts and commitment to the cause too. “I always admired him as a person who made a name for himself. He took risks and chances but he’s achieved an enormous amount. He has put his money where his mouth is.” Justin McCarthy’s roots are in Effin, Co Limerick and its surrounding hinterland and his family lived in Athlaca while his father managed a farm there and his two younger brothers went to the local school. With tongue firmly in cheek, McCarthy says he could have been a Limerick man if his father had not relocated to Cork before the Limerick manager was born. “People here (in Limerick) have to be more positive. We (Cork) never played a game we never thought we couldn’t win,” and McCarthy believes Limerick’s future hurlers must have the same attitude.
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“In business, if you drop the ball, you’re only as good as your last sale. You have to create an atmosphere for success and you have to generate enthusiasm-other-
wise you’ve nothing. If I’m not enthusiastic travelling down to Limerick then I may as well stay at home. It’s the same with business.”
www.businesslimerick.ie
13/05/2010 12:20:58
BL | News
Connemara Strikes Zinc Sweet Spot at Stonepark Connemara Mining, the Irish AIM listed zinc explorer, has announced the discovery of a 39% combined zinc-lead deposit from the results of Hole 45 at Stonepark, Limerick. Hole 45 represents the best intersection to date on the Stonepark project with a 7.45 metre thickness of 19.2% Zinc and 8.52% Lead recorded – a combined 26% zinc-lead deposit. Hole 45 also intersected at 4.25 metre thickness of 26.64% Zinc and 12.30% Lead – a combined 39% zinc-lead deposit. At current zinc prices Irish style deposits are considered commercially viable at a combined 12% zinc-lead. Drilling continues to expand the Stonepark North zone which now stretches over 500 metres.
It is further confirmation of a commercial grade zinc discovery. The discovery now extends over 500 metres. The zone is at shallow depth. But, most importantly, this is a “sweet spot” which lifts the overall metal content in the deposit to grades which allow for economic mining. These latest results demonstrate that Stonepark can produce the right concentration of metal. Combined zinc-lead grades of 39% over mineable widths are exceptionally rare. Exploration will continue to outline the extent of this zone and will try to find others like it”.
The programme is being operated by Teck Resources Limited – Canada’s largest diversified mining company. Connemara holds a 25% interest in the project. Two rigs are currently drilling on site. ApproxiJohn Teeling, Chairman of Connemara mately 10,000 metres of diamond drilling Mining, commented, “This is a very sig- is planned for 2010. nificant result for a number of reasons.
Limerick man elected President of Irish Auctioneers & Valuers Institute
Pictured in Dublin when he received his Chain of Office are:- (l – r) Gordon Kearney, Rooney Auctioneers (Limerick), Limited ; Mrs Mary Mehl; Kersten Mehl, President; Pat Kearney, Rooney Auctioneers (Limerick), Limited.
Kersten Mehl of Property Management Limited of 15 Shannon Street, Limerick has been elected President of Irish Auctioneers & Valuers Institute for 2010 / 2011. The IAVI was founded in 1922 and represents the majority of qualified auctioneers, estate agents and valuers in Ireland. www.businesslimerick.ie
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UCH Appoint new Director
Kersten has worked in property management and auctioneering in Limerick since 1978, and worked with Rooneys Auctioneers and Chessers Auctioneers before establishing Kersten Mehl Property Management in 2007. Residing in Limerick, the Galway native is a keen sports fan and follower of Munster and Ireland rugby.
David Collopy, University Concert Hall
University Concert Hall announced that David Collopy will assume the role of Director of UCH following the retirement of Michael Murphy. Appointed Company General Manager of University Concert Hall in November 2008, David came to the venue from his previous position as Acting Director of Glór in Ennis, the National Centre for Traditional & Folk Music. Prior to that he spent twenty-one years with Opera Ireland, variously holding the positions of General Manager, Executive Director and Chief Executive, making him one of the most experienced opera producers in the country. University Concert Hall, already well established as the premier entertainment venue in the Mid West region, welcomes an average of 80,000 patrons annually. In recent times an exciting new vision for the future has been implemented resulting in increased arts activities – The Association of Irish Choirs made University Concert Hall their permanent home in June 2009, the Irish Youth Choir look forward to a week long residency at the venue in June of this year and the Irish Youth Wind Ensemble arrive on campus for a week this August.
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BL | NEWS
Appointment
French Evening The Cornstore, is hosting leading wine writer Mary Dowey and Gilbeys of Ireland for a ‘French Evening’ in Thomas Street on Thursday May 20, at 8pm. The evening will celebrate the best of French food and wine with a special tasting menu created by head chef, Maura Baxter complimented by wines selected by Mary Dowey. Tickets cost €59 on sale at The Cornstore Limerick 061-609000, or log on to www.cornstorelimerick.com for more information.
Free recitals at St Mary’s Cathedral A challenging economy requires a creative eye and a good business brain. Elaine Ryan, business development manager with Corofin-based Corporate Catering Services oversees sales and marketing for this independently owned Irish catering company. “Every day is different,” said Elaine. “We have a very diverse client base, ranging from staff catering in B&I environments to high profile catering at visitor attractions so it’s go, go, go! I love my job and it’s great to be given the creative freedom and support to devise tailored marketing strategies to ensure maximum up-take of CCSL’s services”. Before joining CCSL, Elaine worked as sales & marketing manager for a 4 Star hotel in Wexford and has over 12 years’ experience in the hotel and travel industry, having worked for international travel companies in Ireland, England and Australia.
‘Clever Little Bag’ Shoeboxes account for millions of tonnes of waste and PUMA is on a mission to reduce its carbon, energy, water and waste “paw print”, and has decided to do away with the shoebox altogether. It has launched its Clever Little Bag, a single folded sheet of cardboard in a reusable, recyclable bag, designed to protect shoes from the time they leave the factory until the customer gets them home. PUMA says the new packaging and distribution system will reduce the paper used for shoeboxes by 65% and carbon emissions by 10,000 tons per year. 8
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St Mary’s Cathedral is the venue for a May lunchtime programme of recitals. Falling each Wednesday at 1.10pm, these recitals are free to the public, present a roster of musicians and are based principally on the works of Bach. Admission is free. Concerts are confirmed on Wednesdays May 12, 19, 26 and again on June 2. Wednesday 12: Malcolm Green on piano plays Haydn, Chopin, Albeniz and more. Wednesday 19: Trevor Selby on organ returns with his Bach + One series, the other ‘one’ being Handel. Wednesday 16: flautist Susan O’Leary plays Bach, Doppler and more. Wednesday June 2: St Mary’s Cathedral organist Trevor Selby elects for Walton for this date in the Bach + One Suite.
Shannon Development Welcome Announcement Welcoming the announcement by Delta Airline to re-instate their Shannon-New York (KFK) air service this winter Dr. Vincent Cunnane, chief executive, Shannon Development said; “The restoration of the Delta winter series is a boost for members of the public, tourism and business interests in the Shannon Region. As the tourism authority for the Region we welcome the additional capacity in the transatlantic
market this winter and we will work with our colleagues in Tourism Ireland and Fáilte Ireland to maximise this opportunity. This combined with the annoucement earlier this year that Continental Airlines will increase the number of flights between Shannon and Newark this summer, gives a much needed boost to Shannon International Airport.”
Halifax Current Account Customers in Limerick Must Act Now Bank of Scotland (Ireland) is advising Halifax Current Account customers who have not yet closed or switched their current account to start the process immediately. With only seven weeks to go before all Halifax Current Accounts will be deactivated, it is vital that customers begin the process
immediately to ensure that alternative arrangements are in place before the 18th June 2010. If you are unsure how to close or switch your current account to an alternative provider you can contact by Alan Frahill, Halifax Branch Manager in Limerick.
www.businesslimerick.ie
13/05/2010 11:27:03
BL | NEWS
€2m Investment in Limerick Based Chipsensors
Niall Olden, Managing Partner, Kernel Capital; Hilda Dolan, Bank of Ireland, University of Limerick; Prof. Don Barry, President, University of Limerick; Tim Cummins, CEO, ChipSensors.
The Bank of Ireland Kernel Capital Fund has led a €2m investment in ChipSensors Ltd, a developer of silicon sensor chips based at the University of Limerick; syndicating partners were Enterprise Ireland and London based ETV Capital. Tim Cummins, CEO of Chip Sensors said: “The funding will be used to enhance the firm’s sales and marketing channels for its temperature and humidity sensor chips and is being made following positive feedback from a number of the world’s leading industrial and automotive companies after qualification testing of the Company’s silicon chips. This investment will enable the company to commercialise the technology, and negotiations are already underway with partners for market and distribution channel support in the US, China, and Japan.” Commenting on the investment, Niall Olden, Managing Partner of Kernel Capital said: “We are pleased with ChipSensor’s progress to date in bringing this exciting new digital sensor technology to market. The company’s sensor-chip samples have been tested by global equipment companies for use in such diverse applications as Building Energy saving, automobile air-conditioners, monitoring of perishable goodsin-transit, and emissions monitoring and www.businesslimerick.ie
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control.” David Bateman, Director of ETV Capital, added: “ChipSensors has developed a unique sensor platform technology that has crossover appeal in many market segments - industrial, medical, greentech, automotive. The company has demonstrated sound business judgement in patent-protecting the technology and field-trialling it with customers and partners before ramping up to full-scale production. ETV Capital is delighted to support innovative and ambitious Irish technology businesses such as ChipSensors.” At the announcement, Michelle O’ Grady, Enterprise Ireland, said: “ChipSensors Ltd, is a good example of ‘smart-economy’ industry-university collaboration. We now look forward to seeing the company move to the next level of commercialisation, jobs-growth and ongoing innovative development.” Hilda Dolan, Bank of Ireland, University of Limerick, added: “ChipSensors is an exciting Company in a rapidly expanding market. Bank of Ireland continues to support in a tangible way export driven indigenous high tech companies based on strong intellectual property through the Bank of Ireland Kernel Capital Funds.”
Appointment
Padraic O’Brien is appointed Account Manager for Clare, Kerry and Limerick of Neopost Ireland. Limerick man Padraic recently co -ran Vanderlust Ltd, a motorhome hire sales accessories company based in Shannnon Airport and Limerick City. His previous background was working in IT & Sales for VisionID as corporate sales consultant where he was involved in projects for large pharmaceutical and manufacturing companies in Ireland and part UK. Padraic has close Rugby ties with Shannon RFC and Munster Rugby. Neopost is the European leader and number two world-wide supplier of mailroom equipment and logistics solutions. Neopost supplies the most technologically advanced solutions for franking, folding/inserting and addressing as well as logistics management and traceability. Neopost also offers a full range of services, including consultancy, maintenance and financing solutions.
Google’s reputation Google was rated the most reputable company operating in Ireland in the Ireland RepTrak 2010 study. Next place went to Kellogg’s, followed by BMW, Marks & Spencer and Nokia. Anglo Irish Bank finished last of the 115 organisations included in the survey. John Player & Sons, UPC, NTR and Bank of Ireland also ranked in the bottom five.
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BL | news
Éigse Festival Brings In The Crowds The organisers of the Éigse Michael Hartnett 2010, which took place in Newcastle West at the weekend, have described this year’s event as ‘a resounding success’. The annual festival is regarded as one of Ireland’s largest annual gatherings of contemporary poets and writers. Michael Hartnett, who wrote both English and Irish poems, was born in Croom, County Limerick, in 1941 and died in Dublin in 1999. He is regarded as one of the most significant voices in late 20th century Irish writing. According to Limerick County Arts Officer Joan Mac Kernan: “This year’s festival featured the standard bearers in poetry, writing and critical thinking in Ireland and people responded with large gatherings at every single event”. Despite some interruption to the programme caused by the Icelandic volcano, Ms. Mac Kernan stated: “This year’s festival was the best ever, particularly in terms of the breadth of the programme and the level of audience engagement. We had lots of new people attending, who all said they would be back next year.” The opening night in the library on Thursday saw a capacity audience for the keynote address by Abbot Patrick Hederman. Local Librarian Aileen Dillane commented: “We knew from the number of enquiries all week that Abbot Hederman was going to be a big draw.”
The County Limerick Youth Choir, an initiative of the county arts Office, provide a lovely singing prelude to the opening of Eigse Michael Hartnett Literary & Arts Festival 2010
Abbot Patrick Hederman, described by arts officer Joan Mac Kernan in her introduction as an ‘original thinker’, went on to explore in a fascinating address that in destitute times we look to artists to guide us in our pursuit of truth. John F. Deane, one of the most senior names in Irish literature generously stepped in to take the place of the American poet Fanny Howe. Again with a full house on the Friday evening, we had a magical night of song and poetry with the voice of Roisin Elsafty and the stunning poetry of Eileen Sheehan and John F Deane. Friday night’s events climaxed with the dramatisation of Synge’s ‘The Aran
Islands’ in Desmond Castle movingly portrayed by Sean Coyne and Tegolin Knowland of Tegtale Theatre Company. Saturday morning had people arriving early in Newcastle West for the Hartnett Memorial Lecture which was given by Fintan O’Toole. In a knowledgeable and erudite exploration of Michael Hartnett, his influences and inclinations, O’Toole made a similar argument to Abbot Hederman that artists will provide us with a guide out of the very difficult times we are in. On Saturday afternoon, Newcastle West man and piper Seamus Hunt in full piping regalia piped a gathering of poets, bards and haiku masters through the streets of Newcastle West for the first ever Hartnett Viva Voce Competition. The final reading of Éigse Michael Hartnett featured poets Gearóid Mac Lochlainn and Rita Ann Higgins with Dorota Konczewska providing lovely and unusual harmonies with a mix of her singing voice and electronic media.
Fintan O’Toole at the Eigse Michael Hartnett Literary & Arts Festival 2010
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A major focus of this year’s Éigse was children. Author Michael Smith spoke to over 600 children on the Thursday and Friday. Call Back Theatre Company and Tegtale Children’s Theatre performed a series of puppet shows in the library to hundreds of enthralled children. Meanwhile, the County Limerick Youth Theatre took to the streets performing street and circus acts.
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07/05/2010 12:02:45
BL | news
‘Strong Cities Make Strong Regions’ “a kind-a different” “Oh, give us pleasure in the flowers today; And give us not to think so far away As the uncertain harvest keep us here All simply in the Mid- time of the year”
Limerick City’s Mayor Kiely; “It
is essential that we remain a City and not be downgraded”.
Limerick City Council unanimously resolved at a meeting held on 29th April, 2010 that its submission to the Limerick Local Government Committee would call for a boundary extension for Limerick City. At the meeting, the City Manager stated that the “Amended Proposal for a Boundary Extension October, 2005 set out four key reasons why the boundary of the City should be extended with a single city authority to cover the entire Metropolitan Area. These reasons are: Strong cities make strong regions, City governance should be unitary and representative, Cities should enjoy joined up service provision, City resources should be re-invested in the City’. Each of these reasons still remain valid today”. All of the members voiced their support for the submission and stressed the urgency of a decision on the future of Limerick City. It was acknowledged that Limerick needed to take its place again as the 3rd largest city in the Country and this could only be done by recognising the true Metropolitan City. Mayor Kiely, in commenting on the www.businesslimerick.ie
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proposed submission, stated “clearly a single local authority for the City and its environs is better than the current situation of a divided administration between one urban and two rural authorities”. Strong regions have strong cities at their core. We must ensure that Limerick City becomes a strong city and driver of a strong region. With a single urban authority the citizens in the suburbs would have political representation and a say in the running of Limerick City for the first time’’ Mayor Kiely also expressed his concern that any merging of authorities would remove the much needed focus on the city and more than likely result in unproductive debate on the allocation of funds to the rural versus urban area. The spreading of resources rather than focusing of resources would be the issue. The Mayor also said that Limerick City had city governance for over a 1,000 years. “It is essential that we remain a City and not be downgraded by being subsumed into a rural county” said Mayor Kiely.
“If spring is sweet and youthful, then the month of May brings the variety and maturity of flowers in their prime” so says designer florist Rachel and her team. They go on to tell us that “with their freshness/vitality and variety of May flowers now available our flower displays are just perfect to give you a feeling of cool freshness, when the temperature rises outside”. What’s Hot at flowers forever! At Flowers Forever the major floral trends that dominate right now are simplicity an extreme combinations. “These two trends lend themselves to our team’s unbridled creativity style and imagination. The simplicity trend is soothing, featuring single-colour combinations. “This look is subtle calm and pretty”, explains Rachel. Rachel tells us that extreme combinations are energising looks – bright, shiny, chaotic and high contrast. This look is creeping into fashion now, it’s cutting edge, part of the new design world evolving in the new Millennium. “There are two ways to achieve extreme combinations”, she says. “You can mix wildly different flowers together in one “blow-out bouquet” or you can place vivid single colour arrangements into jarring, high contrast settings”. “You might mix orange, hot pink and yellow flowers in one arrangement. Or, you could place a single-coloured bouquet of searing orange gerberas into a room with hot pink décor. either way, the overall effect is totally discordant- but very energising!” Beyond Colour sticks and stones, bamboo, seashells, twigs, vines, odd leaves, wire, string, berries, nuts and fruit. These are just a few of the things, natural and not, that can help bring a floral creation to life while adding a bit of life of their own. These objects added to an arrangement can provide structural support and visual interest. In the end, whatever flowers you choose, our team at Flowers Forever can transform your flower choice into an eye catching piece of living art that will enliven you and your home! now offering free local delivery for every order over e40.00.
Raheen Roundabout, Raheen, Limerick. Tel/Fax: 061 307123 Email: flowers4ever@eircom.net Web: www.flowers4ever.com 11
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BL | news
Eyes Need ‘Sun Factor’ Too “While UV rays can be beneficial and indispensable for our health in terms of releasing Vitamin D, unprotected exposure to the sun’s rays can be harmful for the eyes,” says Angela Keogh, managing director, Essilor Ireland.
“Ninety-seven per cent of people complain about bright light, glare, and reflections, yet they do nothing about it,” she added announcing a link-up with Vision 2 Opticians in Limerick to increase awareness and knowledge of the attributes of polarised lenses in eyewear. “Polarised lenses are to eyes what sun factor is to our skin, and should be worn when eyes are exposed to glare, even
See sun; think polarised lenses: Orlaith Ryan (left), Vision 2 Opticians and Angela Keogh, Essilor Ireland urge all glasses wearers to protect their eyes from the sun.
when the sun is not shining,” added Vision lengthen and the sun shines brighter. 2’s Orlaith Ryan. “Before stepping onto the tee box, into a “An increasing number of people, and most boat, up a mountain, going for a walk or doparticularly those with vision that needs ing some gardening, make sure that checkcorrection, are wearing sunglasses now, ing your glasses is part of the preparation but the question is, have they got polarised routine. Polarised lenses will eliminate the protection or are they simply a fashion item discomfort of the sun’s glare and its damwith non-protective lenses?” she asks. aging effect on the eye,” advises Orlaith Ryan, who is available at 061 469310 That’s the question lens manufacturer Es- for further consultation on the benefits of silor and Vision 2 are now posing to out- prescription polarisation in spectacle sundoor pursuits enthusiasts, as the days wear.
Fly direct from
Shannon to (May – Sept)
From as little as €324 Return pp incl taxes Tuesday Weekly Departures at 3.10pm Arriving back into Shannon at 1.50pm Phone 481360 for full details Accommodation, Tours, Insurance and Transport options also available from Justsplit.com, 37 Roches Street. First departure 11th May. All flights subject to availability.
Justsplit.com 37 Roches Street Limerick phone: 061 481360 email: holidays@justsplit.com www.justsplit.com
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DOLANS
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grapes in pl em ade sim
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Urging everyone to stop and examine how they use their eyes in the sun, Ms Keogh warned that the danger of UV rays on eyes is real but not visible and that repeatable burning of the eyes over many years can lead to serious and permanent vision damage.
wine made simple ... & always perfect. how? ‘by the glass’ preservation & serving system. where? in Dolan’s.
wine by Just Grapes , Dolan s, Dock Road, Limerick www.justgrapes.ie www.businesslimerick.ie
07/05/2010 17:59:19
BL | news
Atlantic Way Holds Strategic Regional Meeting at Westpark Shannon In attendance were the Minister of Defence Tony Killeen, Mayor of Clare Tony Mulcahy and various local authority and industry members from the region. Neil Carney, Games Director of the Special Olympics Committee, gave a brief presentation describing the preparation for the upcoming Special Olympics, which will take place in Limerick from the 9th – 13th June. The Special Olympics is an opportunity to showcase the athletes, the volunteers, the city of Limerick and the region itself. Support from business will help provide an invaluable contribution to the success of the Games, which will generate significant revenue and tourist opportunities for the region. Brian O’Connell, Chairman of Atlantic Way, and Paul O’Brien, CEO of Atlantic Way, provided an overview of the challenges facing the region in 2010 and beyond. They also provided an outline of the year ahead, with particular emphasis on the upcoming Jacksonville Delegation that will visit the region from the 14th – 16th June. An Atlantic Way Delegation will visit Jacksonville in November. This is a great opportunity to further develop the fruitful links that have been established between the Jacksonville and Atlantic Way Regions. Dr. John Martin, a distinguished International Maritime Consultant with U.S.-based Martin Associates, gave a presentation on the dynamics of the U.S. container market and shifting trade patterns, and the resulting implications on the development of inland logistics centres. Dr. Martin is currently working on a Feasibility Study, commissioned by Atlantic Way and cosponsored by Shannon Development and Clare County Council. The study focuses on the potential establishment of a transhipment hub on the Shannon Estuary. Dermot Clohessy, Executive Director, Business Development & Marketing, IDA Ireland: Mr. Clohessy gave an overview of the new IDA Strategy, “Horizon 2020”, adopted with a view to securing Foreign Direct Investment and how the Atlantic Way Region might benefit from that www.businesslimerick.ie
strategy. High level goals include creating 62,000 new jobs (impact 105,000) by 2014 through 640 investments, 50% of which will be outside Dublin and Cork. Central to “Horizon 2020” is the new innovative marketing strategy adopted by the IDA, which focuses on building “Brand Ireland” abroad and online.
Limerick Lady Appointed as Group Head of Marketing
The Minister of Defence, Tony Killeen T.D., spoke to the audience about how proud he was to represent Clare and the Atlantic Way Region. He offered his support to the Region and welcomed any innovative ideas that would prove beneficial to all stakeholders, and promised to lend his full support at Cabinet for the Region. The Minister emphasised the importance of Atlantic Way’s shared vision and ambition that can maximize the synergies of all sectors by driving forward an agreed agenda for co-ordinated and joined-up development, creating a region of greater international scale and significance, and a region of proven excellence. Atlantic Way is a positive force of key public and private sector decision-makers, collaborating for progress in a dynamic Region. Atlantic Way has close to 500 members working in indigenous and multinational business, education, chambers of commerce, community organisations, local government and development agencies. The Atlantic Way Region, with a population of over one million people, is a dynamic region, a prime international investment and lifestyle location situated along Ireland’s Western corridor. Atlantic’s Way mission is to maximize the synergies of all sectors by driving forward an agreed agenda for co-ordinated and joined-up development, creating a region of greater international scale and significance, and a region of proven excellence. Visit Atlantic Way Website (www.atlanticway.com) for further information on the Jacksonville Delegation’s Visit 14th – 16th June 2010
Joanne Geary has been appointed as Group Head of Marketing for Sherry FitzGerald. Originally from Broadford, County Limerick, Joanne is responsible for the Strategic Marketing for the Group which incorporates DTZ Sherry FitzGerald, Residential, New Homes, the Countrywide Franchise network, Lettings and Mortgages. Joanne brings almost 9 years specific property marketing experience having previously held the position as Head of Marketing for Savills Ireland (previously Hamilton Osborne King). Joanne has also run her own marketing consultancy business focussed on retail and property marketing. Joanne has a MBS and BComm from UCC and is a former pupil of the Stella Maris convent, Mountrenchard in Foynes. The Sherry FitzGerald Group is Ireland’s largest property and mortgage advisory firm, comprising of nine individual companies, a family of seven brands and a 100+ strong branch network. The Group has Commercial and Residential offices in Limerick. 13
BL | news
Just Grapes ..... Dolan’s Pub has brought a new level of sophistication to the pub market in Limerick. From listening to their customers in recent months, who were seeking better wines and more variety, Dolan’s have teamed up with ‘Just Grapes’, who have installed a state of the art wine serving and preservation system.
tomers love the new variety and choice in wines and now know the wines are stored and served in perfect condition every time. We are also attracting new customers who have heard about the system and our great choice of wines”
Paul from Just Grapes “Our goal at Just Grapes is to import wines directly from family owned vineyards whose passion is making the best possible wine, and our ‘by the glass system’ ensures a perfect serving of these great
The “by the glass” system is the first of its kind in Ireland allowing the staff to reds and whites from full bottles which are stored in temperature controlled areas, with a built in dispenser which protects the wine. When a wine is opened, the oxygen in the air attacks the wines and it loses flavour and freshness even after one day. With this unique system the wines are maintained for up to three weeks in perfect condition. Mick, owner of Dolan’s “The system is very simple to use which makes it a big hit with the staff The cus-
Eight for Eight
Roches Street Traders Raise Charity Funds
Our pictures show Lynn and Orla from Spina Bifida with a number of the transition year students of Castletroy College in jubilant mood prior to their street collection. Donations at any time can be sent to Spina Bifida at the ablve address.
Socialize & Meet New Friends ** Over 40’s Only ** Small Groups of 8 Meeting in an Elegant Setting
Contact Patricia: 087-9786368 14
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Spina Bifida & Hydrocephalus Association in conjunction with Roches Street traders , with sterling help from the students from Castletroy College , raised a healthy €2,325 recently as part of the successful Spring Festival on Roches St. The much needed funds will go towards the building of a new Sports facility for wheelchair sports at their Delta Retail Park Premises, Ballysimon Road,Limerick. General Manager of Spina Bifida Lynne Buffington is delighted with the development which is long awaited and which will act as a great venue for wheelchair activity in the Mid-West region.
www.businesslimerick.ie
13/05/2010 12:58:31
BL | news
Major Tourism Promotion Secured for Limerick A major tourism promotional opportunity was secured for Limerick as six radio stations from all over Northern Ireland broadcasted live from the County and the Shannon Region recently. The initiative was organised by Shannon Development, and thanks to it over one million people in Northern Ireland had an opportunity to hear about County Limerick as a holiday destination. As part of the Northern Ireland radio stations promotion almost eighty tourism businesses from Limerick and the region were given a unique opportunity of selling their attractions and visitor facilities live on air. Representatives from the six Northern Media Group radio stations travelled to the Shannon Region for the live outside broadcasts which took place in various locations throughout the Region. The six Northern Ireland radio stations were Q97.2 Fm; Seven Fm; Q102.9 Fm; Q101 Fm; Six Fm; and Five Fm. Among the presenters for the shows was well known Co. Tyrone singer/ songwriter Malachi Cush. “Following the recent travel upheaval caused by the Icelandic volcano and the global economic climate, we anticipate that more people will be looking to holiday at home this year. We want the Shannon Region to be top of their staycation list. Securing this major radio promotion helps us to maximise awareness of Co. Limerick as a premier holiday destination. This promotion also included a two week advance Shannon Region focused campaign across the six stations through advertising and holiday giveaways,” Aisling Travers, Shannon Development, Tourism Executive - Ireland. Festivals and events, visitor attractions, tourist accommodation and activities on offer throughout County Limerick were highlighted on the radio programmes. Among them the Hunt Museum Limerick city, the University of Limerick Sports Arena, the Ballyhoura area, the Absolute Hotel Limerick, Askeaton Walking Tours, Stonehall Visitor Farm and Rigney’s B&B in Kilcornan, Co. Limerck, the Strand Hotel Limerick city, the Castleoaks House Hotel and the Irish www.businesslimerick.ie
Ballyhoura Dragons Participants Announced Ballyhoura Development Ltd. has announced the three successful entrepreneurs who have been chosen for the Ballyhoura Dragons project which was launched earlier this year to coincide with the 21st anniversary of Ballyhoura Development Ltd.
Well known Northern Ireland radio presenter Malachi Cush is pictured (right) getting ready to interview (l-r); Aoife Cowman from Shannon Development’s Limerick Development Division, and Gillian Fintan from Limerick’s Fresh Film Festival.
Harp Centre in Castleconnell, the Fresh Film Festival, and the new Limerick Greyhound stadium which is due to open in Oct this year got some advance promotion. “It was really wonderful to meet such a variety of people from Limerick’s tourism trade. Their warm welcome and genuine love of their county really shone through and made it a wonderful experience from me personally. I am truly delighted to bringing this message to the people of Northern Ireland,” said radio presenter Malachi Cush. Highlighting Shannon Development’s extensive range of other home holiday promotions for 2010 Ms. Travers said, “In these recessionary times a key priority for consumers is value for money. Conscious of this we have just launched a new 25% discount card for the region’s top visitor attractions. This is available for download from our tourism website www.shortbreaksireland.ie or from one of the Shannon Region Tourist Information Offices. Other elements of Shannon Development’s 2010 marketing campaign includes TV advertising, online campaigns with leading consumer websites such as Rollercoaster. ie and Ireland’s leading consumer website Pigsback.com. We are also directly targeting over 700,000 consumers at a range of events around the country such as ‘Taste of Dublin’, ‘Bloom in the Park’ and the National Ploughing Championships.”
The three businesses which have been chosen to partake in the programme to be mentored are Cabby Advertising, an in-taxi advertising company to promote advertising on the move, Credit Control Covered Limited which provides credit control training for businesses by way of tutorials delivered online, and Digital Homes Network Limited, a new heating control system for residential and commercial buildings. Mentorship will culminate in a Dragons Den style event where each of the participants will bid for investment by well known businesspeople. Cabby Advertising is the brainchild of Rita Shinners who recognised the surge in popularity of in-taxi advertising in New York and wanted to bring a similar service to Irish taxis in a cost effective manner. Credit Control Covered Limited is a family run business which was founded in January 2010 and led by Anthony and Laura Kelly. Anthony has twenty years experience managing his own long-established debt collection agency All Ireland Credit Services. Digital Homes Network Ltd. is a new innovative heating control system which is easily installed to existing systems and enables remote control and zoning of heat use, reducing energy costs for homeowners. The product is the brainchild of Gerard O’ Brien, Eamon O’ Dea, Gerard Barron, and Tom McGuinness. The chosen mentors for the programme are DMConsulting, Chris Fussey, Hugo Flinn and James Nix. 15
BL | GALLery
Limerick Special Olympic’s Ball Launch
Jackie Kearney, Special Olympics; Fiona Whyte, Dress Designer and Aidan Lyddy, Keanes Jewellers at the launch of the Limerick Special Olympics Ball in the Limerick Strand Hotel where this exciting event will be held on Saturday, May 15th.The Ball is being held to raise vital funds for the 2010 Special Olympics Ireland Games which are taking place in Limerick between June 9th-13th 2010.
Suzy and Natalie Kennedy at the launch of the Limerick Special Olympics Ball in the Limerick Strand Hotel
Gaye Moore, Fundraising Manager; Neil Carney, Events Manager; Emily Hurley, ‘Face of the Games’ and Marty Whelan.
Maria O’Gorman Skelly, The Strand Hotel; John Fitzgerald, Fun Ireland and Dr Hugh Maguire, Director, Hunt Museum.
Marty Whelan, RTE; Ken Blowers, ‘Aceminsky’ swing band, Sarah O’Neill, Special Olympics Ireland and Will Leahy, 2FM DJ.
Marty Whelan, RTE with members of the Special Olympics organising committee.
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www.businesslimerick.ie
07/05/2010 11:57:14
BL | gaLLery
Entrepreneur, author and women in business expert Margaret Heffernan was the keynote speaker at a Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) seminar organised by the Institute’s Mid West branch in Limerick. Pictured from l-r: Mark Connolly Vice President, CIMA Midwest branch, Guest speaker Margaret Heffernan and Sean O’Donoghue, President CIMA Midwest branch. Pictured from l-r: Mary Roche, John McEllin and Sinead Roche
Paddy Thornton, Treasurer, Geraldine Furlong,Secretary and Ray Ryan,Committee member at the CIMA Seminar in the Strand Hotel.
Limerick man Sean McGowan who has become the first solo rower from Ireland to cross the Atlantic, his journey started on January 4th from La Gomera in the Canaries and finished in Antigua on Sunday 2nd May pictured here reunited with his wife Lorraine and children Daniel, Patrick, Rachael and Chloe on his return.
Limerick man Sean McGowan who has become the first solo rower from Ireland to cross the Atlantic, his journey started on January 4th from La Gomera in the Canaries and finished in Antigua on Sunday 2nd May pictured here with Carol O’Toole, Lady President of Shannon Rowing Club. www.businesslimerick.ie
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Kerry Barry, Sean O’Donoghue, President CIMA Midwest branch and Janet Flynn at the CIMA Seminar in the Strand Hotel.
Pictured from l-r: Nuala Nic Ghearailt, Nicola Glynn, Aisling Maher and Julie Lawton at the CIMA Seminar in the Strand Hotel.
Angela Keogh, managing director, Essilor Ireland; Fiona Kavanagh, president, Association of Optometrists Ireland (AOI); and Orlaith Ryan, FAOI, Vision 2 Opticians, Limerick pictured at the AOI’s annual convention in the Strand Hotel, Limerick. Over 200 delegates travelled to Limerick for this annual meeting and awards presentation.
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Des Cahill, RTE, Aodhan O’Dubhghaill, Head of Lyric FM and Charlotte Eglington, Irish Chamber Orchestra at the Special Olympics Breakfast in the Savoy Hotel.
Emily Hurley, Cllr. Maria Byrne and Maire O’Leary, St Gabriels Centre, Limerick at the Special Olympics Breakfast in the Savoy Hotel.
John Crowe, Shannon Development, Gordon Kearney, Rooney Auctioeers, Gaye Moore, Special Olympics Limerick and Ronan Branigan, Manager, Savoy Hotel, Limerick at the Special Olympics Breakfast in the Savoy Hotel.
Yvonne Clarke and Dolores Hanley University of Limerick at the Special Olympics Breakfast in the Savoy Hotel.
Ralph Parkes, Fine Wines, Frank O’Mahony, O’Mahony’s bookshop, Richard Maguire, Special Olympics and David O’Mahony, O’Mahony’s Bookshop at the Special Olympics Breakfast in the Savoy Hotel.
At the Women in Business Networking event at the Woodland Hotel, Adare, Co. Limerick were from left: Sheena Donovan, St Colman’s Chilcare Creche Kilmallock; Mary Wall, Design Pro, Abbeyfeale; and Bernie Carroll, Student Programmes, Bruree.
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Pictured at the Joey Hannon Memorial Triathlon recentley at the UL Sports Arena, Brian Jenkins, Catherine Fitzgerald, Director of Complete Laser Care (Race Sponsor) and Lisa Horgan. Both Lisa and John both finished 3rd in their respective events.
At the Women in Business Networking event at the Woodland Hotel, Adare, Co. Limerick were from left: Mary O’Doherty, rentandhire.ie ; Audrey Stack, Adare, and
Andrea Cullen A-C Health Solutions .
www.businesslimerick.ie
13/05/2010 12:25:11
BL | gaLLery
The Irish Pharmacy Union held its Annual General Meeting in Co. Westmeath recently. At the AGM last weekend were, l-r: Jennifer Hughes from Helix Health, John Gleeson from Woodview Pharmacy Limerick, and Deirdre O’ Sheehan, Helix Health.
Lisa Marie Smith and comedian Pat Shortt at the Guinness Area 22 Munster Rugby Supporters Event in Peter Clohessys Bar, Limerick, on Thursday 8th April. Munster Legends Frankie Sheahan, Peter Clohessy, Mick Galwey & Anthony Foley lined out for the Q&A event which was hosted by Today FM’s Paul Collins.
Grainne O’Sullivan and Deirdre Goggin from Ardpatrick with Frankie Sheehan at the Guinness Area 22 Munster Rugby Supporters Event.
Mick Galwey, Gerard Madely, Jessica Woodland and Anthony Foley at the Guinness Area 22 Munster Rugby Supporters Event.
Miss Limerick, Beckie Costello pictured with Adrian Nealon, Chief Executive, Irish Greyhound Board at the new Limerick Greyhound Stadium to launch the new Limerick FC replica jersey, which is sponsored by the Irish Greyhound Board.
The Joey Hannon Memorial Triathlon, which took place at the UL Sports Arena recently, Catherine Fitzgerald, race sponsor and Director of Complete Laser Care, Limerick. Over 700 athletes took part in the Memorial Triathlon and sponsorship was provided by Complete Laser Care, Limerick, Vivian Cheruiyot, World Champion 5000k and Cross Country Champion, Kerry Spearing, Womens Winner, Owen Cummins, Mens Winner and Ger Hartmann. www.businesslimerick.ie
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Members of Limerick Fire Service were joined by Munster rugby stars Barry Murphy, Tony Buckley, Felix Jones and Keith Earls & Emily Hurley
Branch Managers; John Murray, Permanent TSB, Sarsfield St., Grainne Walsh, Permanent TSB, Dooradoyle, William Bennet, Permanent TSB, William St., and John Grehan, Branch Manager, permanent tsb, Nenagh at the launch of a new independent book on Savings & Investments from permanent tsb.
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13/05/2010 09:47:23
BL | news
Major Developments at the Locke The Locke Bar announced details of a major expansion that coincides with the celebration of its 21st year in operation at the heart of Limerick city at 3 George’s Quay. Founded in 1989 by the Costello family, The Locke is synonymous in Limerick for how locals and tourists alike enjoy both the lazy sunny days along the Abbey River where good food and drink are guaranteed. “The Locke has always been renowned for our top quality food, seafood in particular and we now offer our customers the full Gastropub experience with the launch of the new Oyster House menu which is available from 3pm daily. The new menu with mains ranging from the freshest seafood to succulent steaks will complement our ever popular lunch menu and our summer BBQ menu which will be launched in the coming weeks. We are also delighted to unveil our weekly line up of free pub entertainment which includes trad sessions, open mic nights, poetry reading and piano & jazz sessions, all free of charge and all adding to the friendly, traditional atmosphere of the Locke experience. In addition we will be launching Friday Night BBQ’s from mid May which will have special offers & promotions and will aim to bring a buzz back to Friday nights in the city,” stated Richard Costello. He continued, ”Following months of renovations we are delighted to announce the official opening of The Loft, our new theatre, music, comedy, entertainment and party venue situated upstairs and complete with our own resident theatre company, Bottom Dog. Limerick has a magnificent tradition of performing arts
and The Locke is delighted to be playing our part in providing an ideal venue to showcase both local and visiting talent to a Limerick audience. The Loft while keeping the look and feel of The Locke, will be themed with memorabilia from Limerick’s theatrical and musical past and Limerick’s own Bottom Dog Theatre Company will be performing a series of plays throughout the year ranging from comedy to drama, adaptations to original work in The Loft. Additionally, The Loft will be available for other events such as parties, exhibitions and corporate functions and promises to give the arts in Limerick a new home on the banks of the Abbey River.
Speaking at the launch of the new developments, Richard explained, “We attribute this success to our welcoming surroundings, friendly staff, quality food, varied entertainment and the continuing support of the people of Limerick. Now to celebrate our 21st year in business we are expanding our offering even more by not only launching a our new Oyster House menu but our new venue, The Loft, which will play host to live theatre, comedy & music in addition to being available for private parties and corporate events.” Check out www.lockebar.com, contact 061 413733 or email locke@eircom.net.
The Keely Group - Express Freight Specialist Innovation, communication, commitment and reliability are the hallmarks of the KeelyGroup. The KeelyGroup was established in 1972 as a deep sea container and RO/RO operator. They are an Irish owned, family company and have used this ethos to always give their clients the personal commitment and communication. The KeelyGroup developed in 1989 into a 20
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leading express freight specialist. In 1995 the Group pioneered the Emergency concept and in 1999 launched a new division, KeelyFranchising. Forever, a pacesetting and strategically The KeelyGroup has continually invested in processes, techniques and systems ensuring comprehensive, cost-efficent services and the highest quality freight forwarding worldwide.
The company was rewarded in 1994 with accreditation to the ISO 9002 Quality Management and the Irish Quality Q Mark. The Keely Group currently has office and warehouse locations in Dublin, Tipperary, Poland and Italy along with strategic partners located in all major countries worldwide.
www.businesslimerick.ie
07/05/2010 17:14:58
BL | Feature
Quality Livery at Maple Leaf Sarah Evans of Maple Leaf Stables offers full and DIY livery in her private home in Coonagh, just off N7(1.5miles from city centre). Both livery arrangements available at her extra stables offer exceptional value and come with full use of all facilities here. Her DIY package includes morning turnout and haylage. The full livery service is excellent value at €80 per week. Sarah Evans is the proprietor and an experienced instructor at the facility. Maple Leaf is a clean well organised yard, maintained to the highest standards. Their facilities include an indoor arena, an outdoor arena, all weather cross country course with water complex, horse shower and solarium. Business people are welcome to bring their horse or pony here for livery with all facilities included. Telephone Sarah Evans @ 087 6409423 for more information.
DIY Livery
Full Livery
€50.00 per week
€80.00 per week
(Including Haylage)
Clean Organised Yard
Morning Turn Out Included
Only Top Quality Feed & Hay
Secure Storage
Deep Comfortable Beds
Full Use of all Facilities
Top Class Facilities
Coonagh, Ennis Road, Limerick. For more Information, Ring Sarah:
Professional Tuition Available
087 6409423 www.businesslimerick.ie
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Breaking, Schooling, etc.
Coonagh, Ennis Road, Limerick.
087 6409423 21
13/05/2010 16:19:18
BL | news
First Irishman to Row the Atlantic Solo After 118days 1hour and 14minutes Limerick man Sean Mc Gowan aboard his boat Tess crossed the finish line at Antigua. Speaking from English Harbour in Antigua Sean expressed “his absolute delight at finally finishing this ordeal.” He was most looking forward to being reunited with his wife Lorraine and children Rachel Daniel Chloe and Patrick in Shannon airport next Friday. When asked what the best moment of his journey without hesitation Sean replied the arrival here in English harbour was incredible and very moving. Tears of joy flowed as freely as champagne as Sean was reunited with family members and friends. Sean thanked all the people who have supported him throughout his long journey during which he lost some 24 kilos in weight. His journey started from La Gomera in the Canaries on the 4th of January last along with 29 other boats in the Woodvale Ocean Rowing Race. However Sean’s race was over within 2 weeks of the start when a freak wave smashed into the boat damaging it and Sean has spent the remainder of the voyage nursing his boat across the Atlantic.
Seán McGowan celebrates after reaching Antigua.
He also suffered other misfortunes; his watermaker broke on numerous occasions, his solar power failed to power his equipment but the most frightening of all was when he awoke to find 3 of the 5 hatches flooded and the boat listing 15 degrees. He had to put in an emergency call to the race support boat and start bailing. Luckily he found the source of the leak and didn’t require any further assistance. The huge mental strength required for such an undertaking was helped in no small part by daily calls to his wife Lorraine along with the hundreds of messages from other family members, friends and even strangers on both his Facebook page and the Woodvale message board.
Family members and friends who had travelled to Antigua for Seán’s arrival were among a large crowd of well wishers who gathered on the quay at English Harbour to welcome him. Seán was especially delighted to place a call to his father, Paddy, to wish him a happy birthday, and he remarked that it was the best birthday present he could have wished for. Despite his mental and physical exhaustion, Seán partook in the celebrations which extended into the evening. Sean’s voyage raised funds for the charity Soweto Connection and he asked supporters to continue to donate to this worthy cause.
€25k For Mid West Regional Drugs Task Force Minister Tony Killeen T.D. has welcomed the allocation of €25,000 to the Mid West Regional Drugs Task Force (MWRDTF). The MWRDTF is among 14 Local Drugs Task Forces and 10 Regional Drugs Task Forces to benefit from the Government’s Capital Premises Fund 2010 for Task Force voluntary and community-based projects. According to Minister Killeen: “The purpose of the capital premises fund is to meet identified emerging ‘once off’ capital needs in existing Local and Regional Task Force areas to cater for drug specific task force projects”. He added: “The €25,000 allocation is in respect of small refurbishment works and/or the purchase of equipment, which have a significant benefit and impact at community level. All existing projects in the Mid West Task Force Region will have the opportunity to apply for funding under 22
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Minister Tony Killeen T.D.
this scheme through the MWRDTF.” Minister of State Killeen added that the funding announcement by the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs was evidence of the Government’s
ongoing commitment to fully implementing the National Drugs Strategy. “Community based projects, such as those provided by the Mid West Regional Drugs Task Force, are central to tackling drugs misuse and implementing the National Drugs Strategy. There must be services on the ground to deliver programmes to those most in need. There is no doubting that the MWRDTF has done tremendous work over the last number of years to foster and progress this”, he stated. The MWRDTF was established under the National Drugs Strategy (2001-2008) to research, develop, implement and monitor a co-ordinated response to illicit drug use at regional level, based on evidence of what is effective. The Task Force is responsible for ensuring the development of a co-ordinated response to tackling drugs problems in counties Clare, Limerick, North Tipperary and Limerick City. www.businesslimerick.ie
07/05/2010 11:53:50
BL | news
Announces 3 Irish Open Business Pro-Am Competition
Re-cycling Plans do the Business for Kerry and Limerick Students School gifts for graduates and a new LCD recycling device were two business ideas that earned their creators the title of Young Entrepreneur 2010 at an awards ceremony in Killarney recently. The awards were the culmination of the six-month Young Entrepreneur Programme, now in its third year.
John McHenry, 3 Golf Consultant for the 3 Irish Open, and Bill O’Herlihy, Chief Executive of O’Herlihy Communications, at the launch of the 3 Irish Open Business Pro-Am which will take place at the K Club in Kildare on the 28th May.
3, the mobile network, is giving Irish businesses across the country the opportunity to play golf with some of the world’s finest golfers at this year’s 3 Irish Open Pro-Am on the 28th July at the Killarney Golf and Fishing Club. To play in this year’s 3 Irish Open Pro-Am, a business qualifying tournament will take place on the 28th May at the K Club in County Kildare, where 40 teams will play against each other for the opportunity to secure two spots in the prestigious Pro-Am event. Each business is invited to nominate three players to make up a team and enter this team online, go to www.three.ie/pro-am, select ‘business’ and enter your details before the 10th May. A draw will then take place to decide the 40 teams who will compete for the chance to play with some of the world’s best golfers at the Killarney golf and Fishing Club on the 28th July. The lucky 40 teams will be announced online on the 14th May. Elaine Carey, Sales and Marketing Direcwww.businesslimerick.ie
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tor for 3, said; “The 3 Irish Open Pro-Am is an opportunity for 3 to give something back to the business community. We are hugely proud of our association with the 3 Irish Open and to be able to reward businesses with the chance to play golf alongside some of the greatest sportspeople in the world is a fantastic opportunity and another first for 3. As well as the competitive aspect it is also a chance for businesses to reward their employees with a round at one of Ireland’s most impressive courses.” This year’s 3 Irish Open takes place at the Killarney Golf and Fishing Club from the 29th July to the 1st August. The fantastic Killeen Course will host some of the world’s finest golfers over the course of the event. With Ryder Cup selection taking place just five weeks after the 3 Irish Open, many top golfers will be hoping to secure a place on the European team for the event. For more information on the 3 Irish Open log on to www.3golf.ie
Michael Dillane, a transition year student from CBS in Tralee, beat off over 350 secondary school students for the title with his business plan for a school gifts website. Schoolgiftsforgrads.com offers leaving certificate students a wide range of gifts in varying price, quality and style. Michael is already running the business from his own home. Third level winner Lisa O’Donoghue won the award for her idea to recycle LCDs. Currently no device exists in the market to address the millions of LCD screens scrapped. The University of Limerick student’s design allows LCD monitors to be safely disposed of into valuable computer waste. She was one of more than 120 third-level students from the Institute of Technology, Tralee (IT,Tralee) and the University of Limerick (UL) who took part in the Young Entrepreneur Programme this year, a joint initiative between IT, Tralee, Shannon Development and entrepreneur Jerry Kennelly. The country’s newest entrepreneurs were chosen by a panel of leading business people including Michael Dawson, CEO of Gift Voucher Shop; Nicola Byrne, MD and founder, 11890; Terry Mc Wade, Deputy CEO Royal College of Surgeons; Eddie Buckley, MD Aspen Connect and Jerry Kennelly. Second level winner Michael Dillane receives a trip of a lifetime to Silicon Valley, California. Third level winner Lisa O’Donoghue gets €5,000 seed funding to transform her business dream into reality and Presentation Secondary School, Milltown will receive the latest IT equipment for the classroom to the value of €5,000. In addition, each shortlisted second level finalist will receive a two week apprenticeship with mentor companies. 23
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BL | news
Limerick promoted at Northern Business Council Event The attractivness of Limerick and the Shannon Region as a business and leisure location was highlighted recently in Derry by Dr. Vincent Cunnane, Chief Execuitve, Shannon Development, who was a guest speaker at a recent North West Plenary session of the IBEC-Confederation of British Industry Joint Business Council. “It was an honour to have been asked to speak at this prestigious event attended by key business influencers and political leaders from Northern Ireland, Ireland and Scotland. It was a great opportunity to highlight the attractiveness of Limerick and the Shannon Region as a place in which to do business and spend leisure time,” said Dr. Cunnane.
Speakers pictured at the IBEC -CBI joint business council plenary meeting in Derry. Julie jordan, Director, Joint Business Council, Reg McCabe, chief executive, Joint Business Council, Terrence Brannigan, chairman, CBI, Valerie Watts, chief executive, Derry City Council, and Dr Vincent Cunnane, chief executive,Shannon Development.
Thousands Flock to Riverfest 2010 Thousands of runners, visitors and tourists thronged Limerick over the May Bank Holiday weekend to celebrate the city’s Riverfest.
BBQ , a day long amateur competition, traditionally the highlight of Riverfest weekend where dishes are judged on flavour, texture and presentation.
The city was a hive of activity as more than 6,000 runners took part in the Great Limerick Run, hundreds entered the Great Limerick BBQ competition and many visitors enjoyed the festivities of the four day event which showcased all that is great about Limerick city, from the best resource of the river Shannon to the music, sporting, artistic and food communities.
Tony Connollys Menswear, also from Limerick won the best dressed BBQ stand while the Most Entertaining participants were the colourful “Lava Lads from Iceland” who drew a huge crowd to a lively George’s Quay where the BBQ was based.
A host of river boats including gondolas, currachs and angling cots participated in the Limerick River Regatta with traditional angling cot racing between Limerick’s Thomond and Sarsfield Bridges. On Saturday, May 1st, Roger Beck from Limerick’s Parkway Shopping Centre took the top honours at the Great Limerick 24
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The popular Continental market was again a big hit in Limerick featuring delectable treats and produce from France, Spain, Holland, the UK, Greece and Germany. It was complemented by the best of Irish organic food provided by Limerick’s own local traders. Arthur’s Quay Park played host to jazz band Idol Bones while The Irish Chamber Orchestra and the CBS Pipe Band entertained in the People’s Park and
break-dancers, Barry Burke and the “Limrock cru” performed on Bedford Row. There was also live music all weekend at George’s Quay and art exhibitions and open art studios at various venues throughout the city. Limerick’s Cornstore Restaurant was the stylish venue for a packed Riverfest fashion show where some of the city’s top fashion houses showcased their stunning new collections. More than 150 participants entered the Junior Fishing Competition which was won by Stephen O’Donnell while Michael Lysaght won the Senior Event. Riverfest is run by Futureama Productions on behalf of the Limerick Co-Ordination Office and is supported by Limerick City Council, Limerick’s Live 95FM, The Locke Bar, Musgraves Food Services and Shannon Development. For full details visit http://www.limerickcoordination.ie www.businesslimerick.ie
14/05/2010 09:36:10
Networking for Business…
Limerick Women lead the way Limerick City and Limerick County Enterprise Boards Networking for Women In Business was again a big success at a recent event in the Woodlands Hotel, Adare.
Net
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At the recent Women in Business Networking event were Lisette Nolan; Life on Purpose, Dympna O’Callaghan; Molly D Marketing and Theresa Storey; The Green Apron.
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Social Media for Business: June 9th A full day workshop on the upcoming trends in online marketing/social media. • How can using such tools as LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter improve YOUR Business? • Guidelines on how to Develop a social media/online marketing plan for YOUR Business
Further information on www.limceb.ie
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Tuesday June 29th 2010 The Woodlands Hotel, Adare, Co. Limerick. 6.00pm - 9.00pm
More information: info@smartmarketing.ie Bookings Online: www.lcoeb.ie
07/05/2010 11:13:08
BL | news
Ireland’s Newest Cycle Hub Launched in Kilmallock Comedian Jon Kenny and Co. Limerick Cllr Mike Houlihan, launched Ireland’s latest tourism attraction, the Kilmallock Cycle Hub recently. To celebrate the launch of the new Co. Limerick cycle hub, a special cycling event has been organised for cyclists of every level from beginners and families to experienced cyclists. There are three routes on offer, the “The Hub Family - 10Km Cycle’’ aimed at beginners and families, ‘The Hub Experience’ a 60Km cycle designed for regular leisure cyclists and for the cycling enthusiast “The Hub Challenge’ 120Km in length. All events will start and finish in Kilmallock. The cycle event will mark the official opening of the cycle hub in Kilmallock which consists of four loop cycle routes developed out from Kilmallock in the direction of Lough Gur, the Glen of Aherlow, Doneraile and around the Ballyhoura Mountains. This new cycling project called the Ballyhoura Cycle Routes will form part of the National Cycle Network, a network of 10 cycle hubs throughout Ireland. The Kilmallock Cycle Hub has been developed by Limerick County Council with support from Shannon Development, Ballyhoura Fáilte, Cork and South Tipperary County Councils, and funded by Fáilte Ireland the National Tourism Development
Cllr Michael Houlihan gets a lift on the handlebars of Shannon Development’s assistant CEO John King at the launch of the Kilmallock Cycle Hub outside the Limerick County Council’s Kilmallock Area Office. Also in the pictutre are from left; Joe Costelloe, Kilmallock Cycling Club, Cllr Mike Donegan and Anthony Coleman, Community and Entreprise, Limerick County Council
Authority through the National Development Plan 2010 – 2013. Work involved the identification of the most suitable routes, the installation of route signage, information boards and bicycle stands at a number of locations. Welcoming the very successful partnership arrangement for the project, Pat Daly, Tourism and Marketing Division Manager, Shannon Development, the Shannon Region Tourism Authority said, “This project has major potential to grow cycling tourism for Co Limerick. Currently
Tony Dunne, Adare, Tony Moloney, Kilmallock and Angela and Liam Dunne, Adare, at the launch of the Kilmallock Cycle Hub, outside the Limerick County Council’s Kilmallock Area Office 26
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102,000 overseas visitors participate in cycling holidays in Ireland annually, generating €78m in annual revenue. There is significant opportunity to grow theses numbers along with domestic visitors to the Limerick area. This new attraction will also be a major amenity to the local community.” The new cycle hub will form part of the Shannon Region Trails Programme, a Shannon Development led initiative, with Shannon Region local authorities and other key partners, to develop a series of cycling hub projects and other trails throughout the region. Other facilities already launched as part of the Programme are new cycling hub projects for Nenagh, Co. Tipperary, and Doolin, Co. Clare. A new cycle hub for Birr, Co. Offaly is nearing completion and due for launch in May. These projects form part of a Shannon Region cycling network being established by Shannon Development and are linked to the national cycling network. Full details of the routes will be available through large signboards placed at key locations along the loops. Maps and brochures will be available from Shannon Region Tourist Information Offices shortly. For further information on the Kilmallock Cycle Hub and other Shannon Region hubs and trails visit www.shannonregiontrails.ie & www.discoverireland.ie
www.businesslimerick.ie
07/05/2010 11:51:41
BL | news
BRINGING SHADOW DIRECTORS INTO THE LIGHT By Harry Fehily The current, unprecedented numbers of companies threatened by insolvency and liquidation has resulted in an increased focus upon the actions of the directors of failing companies. However, in addition to those who are formally appointed as directors, the Court may also find that an individual has been acting as a ‘shadow director’ whereby they will be fixed with many of the same legal responsibilities as a director, even though they have never been officially recognised as such. This will be particularly relevant in the event of the company failing. A statutory definition of a ‘shadow director’ was first provided in this jurisdiction by section 27 of the Companies Act 1990, as being ‘a person in accordance with whose directions or instructions the directors of a company are accustomed to act’. The consequences of being deemed to be a shadow director were that the individual in question shall be treated for the purposes of this act as a director of the company with the only caveat being in circumstances where the directors are accustomed so to act by reason only that they do so on advice given by him in a professional capacity. One of the most significant consequences of an individual being deemed to be a shadow director arises under section 150 of the Companies Act 1990, which applies to any person who was a director (or shadow director) of an insolvent company either at the date of or within twelve months prior to the commencement of the winding up. An order under section 150 provides that the director/shadow director will be restricted from acting as a director or secretary of any company for a period of five years. Once an insolvent company is wound up then the liquidator must apply to the High Court for a Section 150 Order, unless the Director of Corporate Enforcement (DCE) www.businesslimerick.ie
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relieves the liquidator from doing so. The Court will typically make the restriction order unless the director/shadow director can satisfy the Court that he/she has acted honestly and responsibly in relation to the affairs of the company and that there is no other reason making it just and equitable to make such an order against him/her. Given that such onerous consequences arise from an individual being deemed to be a shadow director where the company in question is insolvent and being wound up, it is not surprising that the question of the circumstances in which an individual will be deemed to be a ‘shadow director’ has been the subject of considerable judicial consideration. For instance, shadow directors have been described by the courts as the ‘puppet master controlling the actions of the board’ (Re Unisoft Group Limited No.2). The formally appointed directors will typically ‘act on the directions or instructions of the shadow director as a matter of regular practice’. Similarly, the courts have indicated that a shadow director is a person who does not claim or purport to act as a director, instead denying his status as such; a shadow director ‘lurks in the shadows, sheltering himself behind others who, he claims, are the only directors of the company to the exclusion of himself’ (Re Hydrodam (Corby) Limited). In this jurisdiction, Laffoy J. in Fyffes PLC v. DCC PLC & Others [2005] stated that there must be an ‘imperative’ quality of any directions or instructions issued by the alleged shadow director and emphasised that the board need not always act on the directions or instructions for a shadow directorship to exist, so long as the board is so accustomed to act. In the recent Irish case of Worldport Ireland Limited, the Supreme Court held that that bodies corporate or companies may fall
within the definition of ‘shadow directors’ but that they cannot be restricted under Section 150. However, such a finding may nonetheless have significant consequences – for instance, many of the same obligations applicable to a formally appointed director will apply, including restrictions on loans and credit transactions with the company and property transactions made between the company and the shadow director. Indeed, of even greater significance is that corporate entities may potentially face unlimited liability for reckless trading in the winding up of an insolvent company, in their capacity as shadow directors. A shadow director can accordingly be summarised as a person/company who/which is neither formally appointed nor necessarily held out as a director but to whom certain sanctions and regulations normally reserved for directors can apply. Clearly, whether or not a person/company is acting as a shadow director will be determined by the particular facts of the case. The onerous sanctions that can be imposed in such circumstances are such that anybody associated with the decision-making power within a company yet who is not a formally appointed director should carefully scrutinise their actions to consider whether they may be deemed to be a shadow director in the event of a company failure. 27
14/05/2010 17:10:57
BL | news
Top Artists for Special Olympics Games Opening Ceremony in Thomond Park Special Olympics Ireland have revealed the line up for the Opening Ceremony of the 2010 Special Olympics Ireland Games, which will take place in Thomond Park Stadium, Limerick on Wednesday 9th June. Topping the bill will be The Cranberries who will make a long awaited return to the Irish stage in support of Special Olympics Ireland. This will be the first time for the group to play in Thomond Park. Also lining out for the event will be The Supermodel Twins, Dagda/Garvey initiative and High Voltage, all of whom are Limerick natives. The event, which will be attended by 22,000 spectators, will be produced by Arcana. Speaking at the announcement Matt English, CEO, Special Olympics Ireland said “We are thrilled to have the support of so many prestigious and talented performers for the Opening Ceremony of the 2010 Special Olympics Ireland Games. The Opening Ceremony will set the tone for what promises to be one of the sporting highlights of the summer and with just 40 days to go we are all very much looking forward to it. There are so many people to be thanked for making all of this happen, in particular Shannon Development who continue to support us in the lead up to the Games”. Individual tickets for this much-anticipated event are priced between €10 - €20, with special group rates also available. Tickets can be purchased from www. ticketmaster.ie or by phone on 0818719300 as well as usual agents nation-
The Cranberries are topping the bill in Thomond Park for the upcoming Special Olympics Ireland event.
wide. Tickets will also be available from the Thomond Park Stadium ticket office from 10-4, Monday to Friday or via their website on www.thomondpark.ie . Please note this will be an alcohol free event. The Opening Ceremony will be a celebration of the athletes participating in the 2010 Special Olympics Ireland Games. The theme of the event is Hand in Hand and will reflect the true vision of Special Olympics – that being of people joining together to make the extraordinary hap-
pen. The 2010 Special Olympics Ireland Games will take place in Limerick from 9-13th June. This will be one of the biggest and most exciting sporting events of the summer with 1,900 athletes competing in 13 sports in venues throughout Limerick and Clare. They will be accompanied by a team of 650 coaches and official delegates. 4,000 family members and supported by a team of 3,000 volunteers.
A new concept in dating… ‘Eight for Eight’ ‘Eight for Eight’ offers a unique concept for ladies and gentlemen over forty to meet others of similar ages and backgrounds in a safe environment. Instead of the pressure of a one-on-one meeting, a select compatible mix of eight people, four ladies and four gentlemen, are matched by age, backgrounds and inter-
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ests, to meet for friendly conversation and the chance to increase their circle of friends. The social evening is hosted in Adare where the location is both elegant and stylish. This relaxed and elegant approach to dating has proved to be very success-
ful and enjoyable. Quoting from a very pleased participant of one of the ‘Eight for Eight’ social gatherings: “A very at ease, excellent night out, where I found no strangers – just friends who had yet to meet!” ‘Eight for Eight’ can be contacted on 087 9786368 for further details.
www.businesslimerick.ie
13/05/2010 12:50:30
BL | news
Taking Advantage of the Bike to Work Scheme Employees at Connor Winfield Navsync in Shannon are enjoying the benefits of a healthier lifestyle having participated in the government’s bike to work scheme. Initiated on Jan 1 2009, the bike to work scheme promotes the greater use of bicycles in line with government objectives to have 10% of all journeys taken by bicycle by 2020. To this end, Connor Winfield Navsync facilitated the purchase of new bicycles, effectively tax free through this scheme and a number of the employees took advantage of the opportunity. With commutes ranging from Ennis, Quin, Sixmilebridge and Shannon itself, employees are getting fit while at the same time cutting down on carbon emissions by leaving the car at home. John O’Connell, MD at Connor Winfield Navsync points out that the company installed showers some time ago to allow people the option to cycle to work and that when the bike to work scheme came about, it was a logical next step. ‘In a short space of time we have seen the benefit of a happier healthier team with energy levels unquestionably up’ as he highlighted the frequent use of bicycles instead of the car to get to the office.
L-R Aidan O’Callaghan, Heather Halton, Paul Horan, Josephine Lynch, Donal Geoghegan and Radu Toma, Connor Winfield Navsync employees and cycling enthusiasts.
Connor Winfield Navsync has been based in Shannon for over 10 years and supply crystal oscillator products to markets in Europe. The company also designs and manufactures GPS products which can be used in location applications or more frequently in synchronization applications such as in Digital Video Broadcasting. The third string to Connor Winfield’s bow is
the provision of design and manufacturing services mainly serving Irish and UK customers. ‘We can take the customer product from conception to delivery or start from any point in between’ said Operations Manager Paul Horan. Contact Paul Horan, Connor Winfield at 061 472221 for more information
New €3 million Live/Work Project in Tarbert Tarbert in Co. Kerry is set to benefit from a new Shannon Development initiative to encourage entrepreneurs to locate in the town. Tarbert E-Town, a new €3 million live/work housing project initiated by Shannon Development, was launched by well known sports commentator Mícheál Ó’ Muircheartaigh. Launching the E-Towns project Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh said; “Being a native of County Kerry, I was delighted to have been asked to launch this pioneering new project which will bring new life back into Tarbert. As a broadcaster and author I know that Tarbert E-Town will appeal to a range of entrepreneurs as it offers not only first class living and work accommodation, but also creates the opportunity www.businesslimerick.ie
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for people to enjoy a better quality of family life.”
rent home is no longer suitable for their growing business needs.
Tarbert E-Town is an architecturally designed scheme of eight houses with work units either attached or separate from the living quarters, all units are broadband enabled. Shannon Development is targeting people who currently have long commutes to work each day and wish to set up a business and could easily work from home. It would ideally suit micro businesses in the traded services sector, or businesses such as graphic design, consultancy, web design, publishing and professional services. It is also ideal for local people who have already set up a business from home but find their cur-
The Shannon Development E-Towns concept is the first of its kind in Ireland and involves a number of elements from the physical development of the E-Town, to the development of a town plan, the securing of broadband access and a community based training programme to help create an alternative enterprise culture in each community. Members of the Tarbert Community were offered a free 3-month course in web authoring which allowed them establish a new community website for the town www.tarbert.ie. This now ensures that the Community can play a real and active part in all technology aspects of the project. 29
30/04/2010 16:04:54
BL | CHAMBER
Chamber Networking Evening in No.1, Pery Square Hotel.
)Helen Browne- Comfort Keepers, Valerie Hill-Reva Office Supplies, Anne Gallagher - Comfort Keepers, Caroline Ryan- Style by Caroline, Chris Clancy- Fitness Forever.
Patricia Coughlan- No 1 Pery Square Hotel and Spa(Sponsor), Maura McMahonLimerick Chamber, Maria Kelly- CEO Limerick Chamber.
Andrea Conboy – Spa Manager No. 1 Pery Square Hotel & Spa(Sponsor) with Spa staff Rachel O ‘ Donnel, Michelle Gleeson, Andrea Conboy, Una Kennedy, Annmarie Abbot.
Laura Kelly- Credit Control Covered, Anthony Kelly- All Ireland Credit Services, Maria Gilsenan- Melior Management, Dawn Quinn- Irish Greyhound Board.
Martina McGrath- Limerick Chamber, Eugene Hogan- FD, Anne Marie Hinchey- Junior Chamber
Pat Finuance- Carrig Landscaping, Antoinette O’Connell- Junior Chamber, Paul Kiely - DPD.
Leonie Kerins- Doras Luimini, Mairead Smith- ISS Facility Services, Maura McMahon- Limerick Chamber.
Maura McMahon- Limerick Chamber, Andrea Conboy – Spa Manager No. 1 Pery Square Hotel & Spa(Sponsor), Maria Kelly- CEO Limerick Chamber, Martina McGrath- Limerick Chamber.
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www.businesslimerick.ie
14/05/2010 09:35:15
Education & Business Training Company No. 6 Pery Square, Limerick.
Tel: 061 446534 E-Mail: info@limerickcitycampus.com www.limerickcitycampus.com BLOG: www.ebclimerick.blogspot.com
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The ILM specialised management programmes in coaching and mentoring are designed for team leaders, first line managers, middle managers and senior management. These are knowledge and skilled focussed programmes and candidates are assessed on work based assignments, reporting, innovation projects, presentations, reflective reviews and consultancy reports.
Get a globally recognised professional accounting qualification with ACCA (The Association of Chartered Accountants) through its Certified Accounting Technician Programme which leads to exemptions to the ACCA Professional qualification.
E.B.C BUSINESS TRAINING PACKAGES Create an employee training plan and choose from the range of courses below either as a complete package or mix and match to suit your needs Find more programmes on our website under our Professional Business Training section
ACCA E.B.C will be delivering short term courses over the summer months. These will have flexible training schedules covering areas of Computing, HR, Marketing, Accounting and short business modules.
Avril Collins joined E.B.C (Limerick) in September 2008 as Front Office Administrator. Avril’s responsibilities include student administration management, course sales and general administration. Avril is a valued member of the E.B.C team and is the contact person for all courses and programmes being offered at the college. For any queries or to find information on any of the course ware offered, contact Avril at the information desk at 061 446534.
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13/05/2010 12:35:37
BL | FINANCE
Windfall Tax In this article, Paul Nestor summarises the main points in relation to the operation of the Windfall Tax from the Rezoning of Land introduced as part of the National Asset Management Agency (NAMA) Act 2009. The 80% tax charge applies where rezoning occurs after 30 October 2009. It applies to both trading profits and capital gains. Rezoning occurs where land is zoned from non-development land use (e.g. agricultural, open space, recreational or amenity use or a mixture of such uses) to development land use (e.g. residential, commercial or industrial uses or a mixture of such uses). It also applies where land is rezoned from one mixed development land use to another such mix. For example, if land is rezoned from “residential” to “commercial”. Also, where planning permission for a development which materially contravenes a development plan is granted, this is also treated as rezoning for the purposes of the windfall tax. Exemption for Sale of Small Sites There is an exemption for the sale of sites where the market value of the sale does not exceed €250,000 and the size of the site is not greater than 1 acre. However, this exemption will not apply if the sale of the site forms part of a larger transaction or a series of transactions. For example, a developer sells ten sites in a relatively short space of time, even where they are to ten unconnected persons. It is likely this type of transaction would be seen as a series of transactions and thus bring all within the scope of the tax.
would mean that any loss arising from rezoning would not be available for offset against future profits on that land that may arise due to the increase in value because of, for example, planning permission or construction activities. Similarly, any loss for Capital Gains Tax purpose on the rezoning can only be offset against profits subject to 80% tax in the same year or future years if not used previously. Profits subject to windfall tax are not subject to PRSI or levies for individuals. Also, profits in land dealing companies which are subject to the 80% tax are not subject to any further Income Tax (or Withholding Tax) when they are paid out by way of dividend to individual owners. This exemption does not apply to a company which has paid 80% in tax on Capital Gains. It should be noted that where a company is liable to windfall tax on its trading profits, it is assessed to Income Tax rather than Corporation Tax. As such, at present the way the legislation is drafted, the company could be subject to the same payment dates for individuals on these profits subject to windfall tax as opposed to the normal rules for Corporation Tax payment dates. There is a potential anomaly for traders where they have written down their land stock values and there is a subsequent rezoning of the land. It is not clear should the gain be calculated by reference to the original cost of the property of the carrying value if it has been written down. Revenue guidance is likely to be required on this point. As with any new legislation, there are anti-avoidance provisions to counter transactions to avoid or reduce the amount of profits or gains subject to the windfall tax.
Compulsory Purchase Orders Valuations Any profits or gains arising from the sale of land to a Local Authority where the sale is by Compulsory Purchase Order or where such an order was imminent are excluded. Calculation of Profits/Losses Only the profits or gains that derive from the rezoning are taxed at the 80% rate of tax. As such, if further value has been added through planning permission, construction activities, change in market circumstances etc., the taxable amount for the windfall tax is limited only to the value added on rezoning. Any other profits are assessed in the normal manner. Where there are losses instead of profits from rezoning, the losses are ringfenced so that traders can only carry forward the loss against trading profits that would be subject to the windfall tax. This
It is important that valuations be obtained when land is rezoned to determine whether or not there has been an increase in the value of the land. The passage of time could significantly prejudice how those values would be arrived at if the valuations are done at a later date from the date of the actual rezoning. Summary It is important that if land is being rezoned that the potential implications of the windfall tax be considered. As it stands, whilst the windfall tax is not applied at the time of rezoning, it will apply when the land is sold which could be a number of years after the time of sale. Therefore, obtaining valuations at the time of the rezoning will be important for reference when considering the tax implications of future sales.
BDO are Ireland’s leading advisers to entrepreneurs and owner managed businesses. Paul Nestor is Partner in the Taxation Department of BDO, Limerick. He can be contacted on 061 414455 or pnestor@bdo.ie. BDO will not accept any responsibility for loss or damage arising to any person as a result of refraining from acting as a result of the information contained in this article. Professional advice should always be sought before acting upon any matter covered in this article.
Paul Nestor 32
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www.businesslimerick.ie
07/05/2010 17:02:07
BL | NEWS
The Axiom Entrepreneurship Management Awards Education for entrepreneurship is already high in the agenda at the Kemmy Business School in UL which was most recently evidenced in the presentation of the Axiom Entrepreneurship Management Awards. The sponsor, Tony Tracey of Axiom, a local company that performs subcontract work for the Electronics and Medical Device industry said that currently, more than ever it was important to recognise and reward new innovative businesses which demonstrate real potential for job creation, market expansion and international business growth. The first prize was awarded to Edel Frost owner of HygieneWorks (www.hygieneworks.ie ). Hygiene Works is the only company in Ireland offering a HACCP solution that enables the customer to write their own HACCP plans online and is the only elearning FETAC level 5 accredited course in Food Safety. The award for runner-up went to Jennifer Hurley and Nóirín nic Gearailt from GaelTalk.ie. GaelTalk is an elearning service aimed at delivering interactive Irish language courses to beginner learners
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and leaving certificate students. GaelTalk will draw on the expertise of its fluent Irish speaking management team which include experience in elearning, marketing, accounting and Information Technology. Speaking at the event Mr. Tracey said that the projects were very well presented and the students had a clear understanding of the process and steps required from getting their idea from concept to reality. Briga Hynes Lecturer in Entrepreneurship
Ripplecom Acquires Ice Broadband AssetsShow Irish-based Wireless Broadband Service Provider Ripplecom announced today that it has acquired the broadband network previously operated by Ice Communications Ltd., trading as Ice Broadband, for an undisclosed sum. In addition to the customer base, the acquisition includes the entire Wireless Network Infrastructure, of ICE located in 12 counties, (namely Dublin, Louth, Kildare, Wicklow, Monaghan, Carlow, Kilkenny, Westmeath, Offaly, Laois, Tipperary, Meath and Limerick) and key relationships with Data Centres and resilient fibre network providers. Commenting on the bolt-on acquisition, John Regan, Ripplecom Head of Sales and Marketing who recently joined the company from his position as BT Sales Manager said: “The acquisition of the ICE infrastructure and customer base has significantly
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at the KBS emphasised the importance of this type of collaboration between industry Photography by Michael Cowhey and educational intuitions as a means of Tel: 061 227640 Mob: 087 2581318 increasing the exposure of students to the realities of self employment and ensured that a vigorous pipeline of new business ideas and innovative products and services were being developed. For more information on the range of entrepreneurship eduFerndale, Ballinacurra, Limerick cation programmes on offer at UL contact Email: michaelcowhey@eircom.net www.mikecowhey.com Briga.Hynes@ul.ie
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13/05/2010 »ææéØÛæðãÜ Ċ ÇØëéàÚâê êë Ċ ºØßÜéÛØíàå ʺ ÉØßÜÜå ÀåÛìêëéàØã ¼êëØëÜ
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BL | FEATURE
The Meeting Place Conference centres are venues that cater for a wide variety of business events. Most conference centre facilities are designed to host training seminars, executive education, planning sessions, symposia, board meetings and to hold meetings from small groups to large major national conferences. Professional conferences are an opportunity for education, networking and more. The right conference centre or conference venue can help make your event a success. Conference venues vary, so selecting the one right for your needs may take some effort. The most productive meeting facilities in the region have one thing in common, professional service. In the current economic climate, it is interesting to note the availability and willingness of conference centres to streamline and custom design a corporate event to suit
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client’s individual needs. Such conference services will make the planning of a conference both faster and easier and will entice those attending to return to the venue and avail of the aforementioned services again. The size and purpose of your event are the two biggest factors when choosing your conference centre. Generally, the size of the event you are holding will put restrictions on the venue you choose. It is essential that the conference venues you select for your events are appropriately sized for your needs. A venue that is too small will be uncomfortable whilst one that is too large will add to your costs and likely to function poorly for your overall needs. As you plan your events, work to approximate the total in attendance to choose the venue best suited to your events from among the venues available.
The purpose of your event is an equally important factor to consider when selecting your conference centre. This is because it is imperative for the success of any event that is being held that the venue has the exact specifications required. The amenities, which attract conference users, include audiovisual equipment, quality ergonomic furniture, air conditioning, lighting control, top cuisine for refreshment breaks and sit down conference dining. Once chosen, the conference centre must firstly “do what it says on the tin”, take care of business, that’s what you will get when you choose a professional conference venue. The professional venue planner understands the conference centre concept and how it delivers the technical sophistication and specialised services of to-days meeting demands.
www.businesslimerick.ie
13/05/2010 16:37:01
BL | NEWS
Flexibility is the key word in your meting venue. Minute to minute changes in your meeting schedule, for example meal and if recreational times run behind because of an extended meeting, this should be handled efficiently and with a smile, by the venue holder. Skilled support staff to assist you in realising your meeting objectives should be made available by your conference provider. Business centre services such as copying, faxing access to computer and other services should also be on hand. If attendees will be travelling long distances, it may be especially helpful to make certain that they offer the conference services you and your guests might require. Make sure your chosen venue offers a continuous refreshment service. In the case of residential over-night or weekend conference events, accommodation should have a work area such as a desk or a table, with suitable chair and lighting, Internet connectivity and accessible power points. This accommodation or guest room should be separated from
the conference and leisure areas to allow maximum privacy and comfort. Of course, the leisure facilities have become a most important attraction when deciding your venue. This of course applies more for the overnight meeting and conferences but modern leisure facilities can be a deciding factor. Spa resorts and leisure centres help turn a serious business meeting into a relaxing evening and recharges the individual for the challenging meeting ahead. Top class professional conference service, coupled with quality cuisine, beautiful environments results in business being pleasurable. The continued level of development in the hotel industry in this region and nationally, boasting “state of the art� conference facilities, and the acknowledgment that business can be pleasurable, is a welcome concept for organisers and delegates alike. The introduction of so many major international hotel brands locally and nation-
ally, with global recognition of standards and experience in the conference industry, has brought the services available to a new level of excellence. The boost to the local economy from conferences is widely acknowledged and competition to attract an increase in business tourism into every region is immense. Consequently, it is imperative that conference venues and centres to continue to profile their services in their region, in order to continue to retain the business tourism market. In conclusion, conference centres and venues play an integral role in how business is conducted in the present day. They help enable the smooth running of a variety of meetings and events from numbers of two to two hundred. In essence the utilisation of a conference centre will ensure that you save time and energy as the intricate requirements of your meeting/event are safely placed in the hands of the conference planner leaving you to get down to business!
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We are coroporate partners of The Share a Dream Foundation. For every booking we receive we make a donation to Share a Dream. ConferenCe & events are a one-stop-shop for your big event. We are the only Company Who offer a Complete and Comprehensive booking serviCe With absolutely no Charge to you. ContaCt us today to see hoW We Can help:
Telephone: 061 365672 Fax: 061 365672 Email: info@conferenceandevents.ie Web: www.conferenceandevents.ie www.businesslimerick.ie
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13/05/2010 16:36:16
BL | NEWS
Avril Collins E.B.C. Pery Square
Delta and Air France KLM Reinstate Shannon-New York Service Effective May 8, Delta Air Lines (NYSE: DAL) and Air France KLM will reinstate year-round nonstop service between Shannon International Airport and New York’s John F. Kennedy Airport, restoring a popular link between the west of Ireland and the United States. The flight will operate daily between the two cities during the summer, with four weekly services during the winter.
Avril Collins joined Education & Business Training Company(E.B.C) Limerick in September 2008 as Front Office Administrator. Avril’s responsibilities include student administration management, course sales and general administration. Avril is a valued member of the E.B.C team and is the contact person for all courses and programmes being offered at the college. For any queries or to find information on any of the course ware offered, contact Avril at the information desk at 061 446534.
SongWriter Sessions @ The Locke Bar The SongWriterSessions@TheLockeBar, continues upstairs at The Locke Bar, George’s Quay, Limerick 9.00pm May 20th. This weeks special guest is singer songwriter Niall Quinn. Niall is a legend in music circles in Limerick and beyond. Original lead singer with the Cranberries, Niall continues to be at the cutting edge of what really matters in music. There will also be an opportunity for getting a YouTube video of your performance made free of charge and uploaded to our site. Host for the sessions are songwriters Brian Connolly, Chris Wood and Sean MacLeod. If you wish to play contact Brian Connolly at limericksongwriters@gmail.com to book a spot or turn up on the night. Free admission and free finger food. 36
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“Delta is committed to Shannon and we’re bringing back year-round New York-JFK service to respond to an increase in passenger demand for travel to the United States this year,” said Siobhan Scanlon, sales manager for Ireland. “Offering a daily service from Shannon during the summer enables us to provide nonstop travel when the demand is highest during the vacation period.” “We are delighted to see the resumption of this key service to Shannon this summer,” said Martin Moroney, director of Shannon, in welcoming Delta’s return to Shannon. “This service will offer excellent business and leisure opportunities for both the American and Irish travelling public as Delta’s hub in JFK provides convenient access to an extensive network of destinations throughout the U.S.” Delta’s Shannon service is operated using a Delta Boeing 757-200ER aircraft with 170 seats, featuring personal, in-seat entertainment throughout both cabins. The flight offers passengers convenient con-
nections to New York and to around 45 business and leisure destinations throughout the United States including Las Vegas, Los Angeles and San Francisco. Delta’s nonstop flight is available for booking via travel agents, online at www.delta. com or by calling Delta’s dedicated Ireland reservations team on 1 850 88 20 31. With more than 230 daily trans-Atlantic flights and a fleet of 135 aircraft, the joint venture between AIR FRANCE KLM and Delta Air Lines provides customers with the benefits of a vast route network offering more frequencies, competitive fares and harmonized services for travel across the Atlantic. The JV network is structured around six main hubs: Amsterdam, Atlanta, Detroit, Minneapolis, New York-JFK and Paris-CDG, with additional service at Cincinnati, Lyon, Memphis and Salt Lake City. Through the partner carriers’ respective networks, customers have convenient access beyond gateway cities to nearly 300 destinations in North America and 200 destinations throughout Europe, Asia and Latin America. AIR FRANCE KLM Group and Delta Air Lines signed a joint venture agreement on 20 May 2009. The JV generates about $10 billion in annual revenues. Under the terms of this agreement, the partners jointly operate their trans-Atlantic routes, thereby sharing revenues and costs. For more information on AIR FRANCE KLM or Delta go to the respective corporate websites.
Delta Shannon service reinstated. www.businesslimerick.ie
13/05/2010 10:49:55
Horwath Bastow Charleton
Revenue’s Approach to Tax Payment, Collection and Enforcement in the Current Economic Climate By Pat Sheehan, Tax Partner, Horwath Bastow Charleton Limerick Introduction Issues surrounding the payment, collection and/or enforcement of tax collection have become very topical and increasingly difficult in recent times. Here I consider the dilemmas faced by the Revenue Commissioners (from a tax practitioner’s perspective) in the current economic climate with respect to striking a balance between the need to collect tax revenues and the duty of care that must be shown towards the taxpayer. I will consider the methods of enforcement that the Revenue Commissioners have traditionally used to collect taxes and also cover the Case Decision Escalation Framework Guidelines (“CDEF”) that they have recently issued to their staff. Striking the Balance The Revenue Commissioners are faced with the dilemma of collecting an ever increasing amount of unpaid taxes from taxpayers who have an ever dwindling supply of cash flow at their disposal. The Revenue Commissioners have stated that they are “determined to maintain the current high levels of compliance notwithstanding the more difficult economic circumstances in which businesses and taxpayers are now operating”. In doing this the Revenue Commissioners need to strike the balance between the taxpayer who “won’t” pay their taxes and the taxpayer who genuinely “can’t”. Revenue Powers The main methods the Revenue Commissioners use to encourage the timely payment of taxes are: Charging Interest Interest at 0.0219% per day or part of a day (circa 8% per annum) may be charged on the late payment of income tax, corporation tax, capital gains tax, gift tax and inheritance tax. A rate of 0.0274% per day or part of a day (circa 10% per annum) applies to late payment of indirect taxes such as excise duties, VAT, PAYE, RCT, PSWT, DIRT and other similar withholding taxes and exit taxes collected by other parties on a fiduciary basis for the Revenue Commissioners. The Issue of Demands The Revenue Commissioner may issue various types of demands for payment of outstanding tax liabilities i.e. • An estimate/demand where a return and payment has not been received. • An underpayment letter where a return has been received but with insufficient or no payment. • A demand letter covering the amount of outstanding liability(ies). The first two types of demand are generally issued on an automatic basis by the Revenue Commissioner’s systems while the third type www.businesslimerick.ie
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is usually manually issued by a Revenue caseworker. Other Measures The Revenue may also encourage compliance by taking such measures as withdrawing a taxpayer’s C2 certificate, withholding repayments of tax due to the taxpayer (or connected persons), making an offset of tax repayments due against tax liabilities due, not issuing a tax clearance certificate or prosecution for nonsubmission of returns. Enforcement The most frequently used enforcement options are Sheriff, Attachment, Solicitor and Liquidation. Sheriff Under this option the caseworker will refer the outstanding liabilities to the Sheriff for collection of the debts. The Sheriff may, if necessary, seize certain assets from the tax defaulter on foot of a warrant. Attachment Recovery by way of Power of Attachment allows the Revenue Commissioners to collect the debt of a taxpayer from a third party who is in debt to the taxpayer. Solicitor In general referral to a solicitor is usually used where the Sheriff or the Power of Attachment options are not suitable or have proved ineffective. A number of legal options are available to the Revenue Commissioners the first of which being their entitlement to obtain a Court judgment that an amount is due to them by the taxpayer. The taxpayer is held liable for any costs and fees that arise when a case has been referred to a solicitor once court proceedings have been initiated. If the judgment does not obtain the desired effect the judgment may be registered and published so that it will be in the public domain. The Collector General has a Specialised Enforcement Unit (“SEU”) which may use exemplary measures to pursue cases of serious debt and non-compliance. Liquidation The Revenue Commissioners may apply for the grant of a bankruptcy summons under Section 8 of the Bankruptcy Act 1988 or present a petition for adjudication under Section 11 of that Act in respect of tax due by a taxpayer. The Revenue Commissioners may also petition the High Court to wind up a company as provided for in the Companies Act 1963. It is clear that the enforcement options open to the Revenue Commissioners are wide ranging and severe. One of the ultimate responsibilities of the Revenue Commissioners is to collect taxes and therefore instead of pursu-
ing the options outlined above the Revenue Commissioners may in certain cases consider agreeing phased payment / installment arrangements. Installment Arrangements The Revenue Commissioners may as a concession consider agreeing to an installment arrangement if justifiable in the circumstances of the individual taxpayer or business. Every installment arrangement will also include interest. Case Decision Escalation Guidelines (“CDEF”)
Framework
The CDEF Guidelines issued by the Revenue Commissioners to their staff aim to achieve a speedy and appropriate referral of cases for a higher level decision where factors that are largely outside the control of a business negatively impact the business’ capacity to meet its tax payment obligations in a timely fashion. The key determinant for Revenue in deciding to deviate from the routine decision making process will be whether the business concerned is viable and whether a business can show a capacity and commitment to meet all future tax payment obligations when they fall due. The extent of the leeway that Revenue will be prepared to give to a taxpayer will be “significantly influenced by the level and timeliness of meaningful engagement by the business in the first instance” according to the guidelines. It is therefore critical that the taxpayer engages with Revenue as early as possible if there is a risk that they may be unable to pay their taxes as a failure to do so will be considered “a serious escalation of the risk” from Revenue’s point of view and may result in the serious enforcement measures outlined earlier in this article coming into play. Conclusion Through the issue of the CDEF guidelines the Revenue Commissioners has demonstrated its awareness that it needs to avoid falling into the trap of being “penny wise and pound foolish” when carrying out its tax collection and enforcement duties particularly in the current economic climate. The effectiveness of the CDEF guidelines will very much depend on the Revenue Commissioner’s ability to identify and apply leniency to the taxpayer who “can’t” pay his taxes while continuing to apply the normal tax payment, collection and enforcement rules to the taxpayer who simply “won’t” pay. It is very important that this balance is achieved as the economy needs its financially viable taxpayers to remain in business so that they can continue to contribute the much needed tax revenues into the future.
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07/05/2010 16:33:25
BL | news
Civic Honours For Two Limerick Club Hurling Teams Two Limerick hurling clubs received Civic Receptions from Limerick County Council at County Hall, Dooradoyle, today. The South Liberties Intermediate Hurling Team won the Munster Intermediate Club Hurling Championship while Blackrock Junior Hurling Team became the first Limerick Club to win the All-Ireland Junior Club Hurling Championship in February.
London to take on St Gabriels in the All Ireland quarter final before their memorable journey came to an end - narrowly losing out to eventual All-Ireland winners St. Lactan’s of Freshford. Meanwhile, Cllr. Naughton paid tribute to the members of the Blackrock Junior Hurling Team who he said were “an enormous source of proud for everyone in the Parish of Kilfinane and Ardpatrick”.
Addressing players and management from both clubs today, Cathaoirleach of Limerick County Council Cllr. David Naughton said: “A Civic Reception is the highest accolade at the disposal of Limerick County Council for any individual, group or organisation and one that is, for those in receipt of it this evening, thoroughly deserved.”
He continued: “At the beginning of 2009, few of the club members or supporters would dared to have dreamed of contesting an All Ireland final. Winning the County Final was a significant achievement for the club but what followed will forever go down in the club’s history as a milestone.”
Commenting on South Liberties 2009 season, Cllr. Naughton stated: “For the Parish of Knockea/Donoughmore and the villages of Ballyneety, Ballysheedy and Drombanna, 2009 was a year to remember. Despite their defeat in the All Ireland semi-final, the South Liberties club successfully managed to re-establish itself as a force to be reckoned with on the club scene.”
“Furthermore, the players and management have acted as wonderful ambassadors for Limerick and have proven that success can be achieved with the right mix of team spirit and effort. Sport has a wonderful ability to bring people together and also provides us with inspiring stories of individuals and teams overcoming seeminginly insurmountable challenges”, added the Cathaoirleach.
“The hurlers and management team of South Liberties should be proud of their achievements, none bigger than instilling a great sense of pride among members of the local community. By providing the GAA Club with a Civic Reception, Limerick County Council is acknowledging the efforts of a spirited and successful group of individuals who have brought great honour to their community and the entire County”, he added.
The ‘Rockies’ journey to the All-Ireland Final began in the summer when they came through 7 games in the South Junior Championship, before seeing off the challenges of Feohanagh, Doon and Effin in the quarter final, semi final and county final respectively.
South Liberties’ long awaited Munster Final win followed defeat in six finals in the past 12 to 13 years, including one in a replay.
Just two weeks before Christmas the club captured the Munster title thanks to a last minute win by a point over Fermoy of Cork. The club had previously beaten Aherlow of Tipperary in the semifinal.
After their win over Ballybrown in a thrilling 2009 County Final, South Liberties went on to defeat Whitegate before launching a dramatic second half comeback against Douglas of Cork to capture the Munster Championship title. They travelled to Ruislip in
The hurlers then went on to defeat Black and Whites of Kilkenny by 1-18 to 1-11 in late January before two weeks later claiming Limerick hurling’s first ever All-Ireland junior club hurling championship crown with a 1-18 to 0-9 defeat of Tyrone’s Naomh Colum Cille at Croke Park.
At a Civic Reception in the County Hall, Dooradoyle, Cllr David Naughton, Cathaoirleach of Limerick County Council presented a Scroll to Eamon Fitzgerald, Vice Chairman of South Liberties GAA Club in recognition of their achievement in winning the Munster Intermediate Club Hurling Championship 2009.
At a Civic Reception in the County Hall, Dooradoyle, Cllr David Naughton, Cathaoirleach of Limerick County Council presented a Scroll to George Douglas, Chairman of Blackrock ( Kilfinane/ Ardpatrick) GAA Club in recognicion of their achievement in winning the Munster and All Ireland Junior Club Hurling Championship 2009.
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www.businesslimerick.ie
07/05/2010 11:43:22
BL | NEWS
Limerick Businessman Fronts New RTE series A new landmark RTE series is set to encourage the 430,000 unemployed in Ireland to take control back over their lives. A new six week RTE One series Rising after Redundancy, starts Sunday May 16th at 9.30pm, and follows six unemployed people on a six month project which aims to find them new careers and ultimately new lives. The six people – who have all been made redundant in the last eighteen months – work with Limerick based career coach John Fitzgerald who offers a radical approach to life after redundancy. John Fitzgerald is managing director of Limerick based career coaching company Harmonics based in the National Technology Park in Plassey. www.harmonics. ie The 6 part series features three men and three women from a variety of backgrounds and ages. Participants include a former SR Technix worker, a self employed businessman who has seen his livelihood disappear and a Polish national. Fitzgerald’s six month project takes them all through various stages from diagnosing
what to do next to exploring new career alternatives. But the process isn’t a quick fix and for some of them, it proves an emotional roller coaster. “There are a lot of highs and lows throughout this series,” says RTE producer Marie Toft. “It’s an observational documentary so we literally filmed what happened in front of us. Nothing is manufactured or contrived and not everyone gets the outcome they want. “Unlike other series - where an expert comes in to solve problems and it’s all sorted – we see these people challenging the process and the career coach John Fitzgerald on a regular basis. As a result, it’s very honest, raw television. We think a lot of people will identify with the participants and what they’re all going through. Limerick based career coach John Fitzgerald.
“But we’re hoping it will inspire people to take control over what they want to do,” she adds. “In many ways this series isn’t just about the unemployed, it’s for everyone who is in a job they don’t like and feel they’re capable of much more.”
A preview you tube clip of the programme series is available on the website link below FW: Rising After Redundancy - http:// www.harmonics.ie/rte_career_coach.asp
Grogans Host Limerick Art Show A highlight of the May bank holiday weekend was the opening of the Limerick Arts Show in Grogans, South William St., Dublin. The well attended launch was officially opened by Barney Sheehan, who spoke eloquently about each individual artist and their work. He particularly complimented Grogan’s proprietors Tommy Smith and Patrick Kennedy and emphasised their contribution to the career of artist Brian McMahon and the legion of Irish artists who have benefited from exhibitions in Grogans through the years. Sheehan was also Limerick artists Brian McMahon, Mick Holmes, E.J.Peters, Tommy Smith proprietor, and Barney Sheehan who keen to point out that the space in Grog- opened the Limerick Art Show in Grogans, Dublin, at the official opening recently. ans was offered free of charge or commisbehind their Limerick artists and highlight Limerick artists exhibiting in the show sions by Mr.Smith and Mr.Kennedy. this event on their websites and by text to include Jack Donovan, E.J.Peters, Victheir customers, encouraging them to visit Grogans have tor Bradshaw, Brian McMahon, James this fine exhibition in Grogans. The Limerbeen holding art Halpin, Geraldine Sadlier, Brendan Crowe, ick Art Show exhibits in Grogans until 30th exhibitions at their Mary Peters, Dave McCormack, Mick HolMay and is well worth a visit. premises in South mes, Richard Slade and Richard Anglim. William Street for Dave McCormack designed the highly acBernard Barney Sheehan is a self-taught twenty-two years, claimed poster depicting a scene from the craftsman in silver, gold and stone, but the first exhibition old Aster Cinema in Thomondgate, adverworks primarily in heraldic sculptural leathwas paintings by tising this show. er appliqué. He rides racehorses, writes Limerick artist poetry, he was “an independent political Brian McMahon, Finally, Barney suggested that the busicandidate and might run again!” ness community in Limerick would rally in 1988. www.businesslimerick.ie
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13/05/2010 11:10:49
BL | NEWS
Leprechauns RFC launch innovative fundraising initiative The Limerick Leprechauns is a Limerick based veteran’s rugby club that uniquely raises funding for local charity groups by bringing together former players from Limericks clubs - whose normal relationship is one of fierce sporting rivalry - to help those less fortunate in society in general. During the course of its 25 year history, over €1,000,000 has been presented to a variety of local charities and deserving causes. This year the Limerick Leprechauns are launching a fundraising initiative where for a donation of €50 - €100, or upwards, individuals and businesses can display a “Friends of Limerick Leprechauns” badge that will identify their support to the Limerick Leprechauns Charitable Organisation and to the Special Olympics who are the charity of choice for 2010. This initiative is supported by Limerick Chamber of Commerce, whose president Kieran Mac Sweeney officially launched ‘Friends of Limerick Leprechauns” recently in the Limerick Chamber Offices.
Attending the launch in the Chamber of Commerce of a fundraising initiative in aid of the Special Olympics. Pictured from row are Kieran Mac Sweeney, President, Limerick Chamber of Commerce; Dermot Herbert, President Limerick Leprechauns and Gaye Moore, Special Olympics. Back row from left: John O’Neill, Limerick Leprechauns; Eoghan Prendergast, Shannon Development; Paul Murray, Limerick Leprechauns; Garda Insp. Luke Conlon and Mick Doyle, Limerick Leprechauns.
Also supporting this initiative are Shannon many people as possible so that we can Development, Garda Siochana, all of the make a final dash at raising as much funds Munster Rugby clubs their members & as possible. Supporters. Donations to Bank of Ireland As the Countdown has already started 94 O Connell St. Limerick. for the Special Olympics we would urge all Acc No: 16890220 concerned to circulate this message to as Sort Code 90 43 17,
or cheques made payable to: Friends of Limerick Leprechauns, Limerick Leprechauns Reg.office C/O Croucher Durkan Auctioneers 40 Cecil St. Limerick. For further information please contact Paul Murray at limerickleprechauns@ gmail.com or 0879922115
Northern Company Formations Show Signs of Recovery not seen since the same period in 2009. 987 new companies were formed in Northern Ireland in the first three months of the year, and whilst this is a decrease of 4.5% on the same period in 2009, it surpasses the number formed every quarter since.
important measure of economic performance, both current and future. These figures follows strong growth in the last 9 months of 2009 and whilst the closing quarter did take an expected hit, these figures put us right back on track again’’ explained ICC Formation’s, Jon Rock. “2009 was undoubtedly a difficult year for many companies in Northern Ireland. Now with Court Judgements down and now Company Formations up, these are positive signs of recovery.’’
Antrim continues to be the most popular county to ‘set up shop’ and is where almost 50% of new companies formed are registered. This is followed by Down with 18% and Derry with 12%. Growth was also seen in Tyrone; however, Fermanagh ‘’We must now build on this and encourstill lags behind accounting for only 1.8% age and support those budding entrepreneurs. Irish People have always been very of all new companies formed. industrious and it is great to see that the Figures released by ICC Formations show ‘’It is encouraging to see an increase in recession hasn’t killed Entrepreneurial that the number of new companies formed Company Formations as the number of spirit here in the North.’’ added Rock. in Quarter 1 2010 has increased to levels new companies being incorporated is an
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www.businesslimerick.ie
07/05/2010 17:10:46
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Our talented and experienced staff will expertly frame your artwork and do it with the lowest custom framing prices guaranteed. We specialise in Oil Paintings, Water Colours, Prints, Posters, Tapestries and Certificates
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m: 087 9674482 41
13/05/2010 15:54:09
BL | NEWS
Annual Business Woman of the Year Awards The annual Network Businesswoman of the Year awards took place recently at the Strand Hotel. This prestigious award ceremony, now in its third year was attended by many of Limerick’s prominent business women. The awards recognise the significant contribution that women make to Irish business. This year’s winners featured some well known names along with celebrating a successful newcomer to the Limerick market. The Entrepreneur Award went to Rosaline Bolger of the Corbally Beauty Salon. Business woman under the employee category went to Aevann Upton, CEO of Spin South West and the new business award was scooped by popular newcomer to the market Nicole Dunphy for Pandora Bell. This year saw the introduction of a new category of ‘Highly Commended’, which was presented to Shauna Kennedy of Morning Star Photography. Hosting the awards was Deputy Mayor Tom Shortt and speakers on the night included National President for Network Ireland, Anne Hession. During her speech, the President pointed out that there was never a more important time to Network. She reminded delegates that strong business relationships are not built through forced networking but rather over a period of time, once trust is established and that this has been the success of Network Ireland. Network Limerick is one of Network’s longest established Network groups and the National President commended members on the success of the Limerick group.
2010 Network Business Award Winners L-R: Shauna Kennedy – Morning Star Photography (Highly Commended Award); Rosaline Bolger – Corbally Beauty Salon (Entrepreneur Award); Valerie Dolan – President, Network Limerick; Nicole Dunphy (New business award) & Aevann Upton, Spin South West (Employee Award).
Front row – Network Limerick Award winners, with Limerick President, Valerie Dolan and National Network President, Anne Hession. Back Row: Deputy Mayor Tom Shortt and Network Limerick members.
Commenting on the awards, National Awards Co-Coordinator, Dorothy Quinn said that the standard of nominations was very high again this year and she congratulated all this years winners, who now go forward to the National Awards, which will take place as part of the National Network Conference in Galway on October 8th. Limerick business women have secured the National Network Business Woman L- to R Marlese McElduff; Anne Hession, Nationalist Network President Anne Hession; Nuala Nic Ghearailt and of the Year award for the last two years Mary Guerin. and Network Limerick is confident that this welcome. Further information on the years Limerick winners will be strong can- Network Limerick meets on the first Tuesday of every month at 8pm in the group can be found on networkireland.ie. didates to bring home this National award Strand Hotel and new members are also to Limerick for a third year.
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www.businesslimerick.ie
07/05/2010 09:37:16
BL | NEWS
Catering for diverse needs at Bunratty Folk Park
Loyalty.ie Promises to Increase Customer Loyalty
It is now two years since Shannon Heritage awarded its substantial catering operations at Bunratty Folk Park to Corofinbased Corporate Catering Services Limited (CCSL). It was a coup for the independently-owned Irish company, which prides itself on high food and service standards, as Mary Healy, founder and managing director of CCSL, explains: “We were confident that we could make a big difference by working very closely with our client to help achieve their objectives. It’s a diverse and busy catering operation and we have really put our hearts into ensuring its success.” As well as catering for the renowned Bunratty Castle Medieval Banquets, Knappogue Castle Medieval Banquets and traditional Irish nights at Bunratty Folk Park, CCSL manages staff catering for 120 Mary Healy, Corporate Catering Services. Shannon Heritage employees on site, the Bunratty Carvery Services Corn Barn and from business & industry and venue caterMac’s Bar, which is open to visitors to the ing to healthcare and education. Park. “Our success is dependent upon the expe“This is an unusual contract in that we ca- rience, collective energy and intelligence ter for everything from banquets and wed- of our catering teams, in this case led by dings to bar food.” said Mary Healy. “Our Fiona Fitzpatrick, our on-site manager at operations and food innovations manager, Bunratty Folk Park. Our company culture Margaret Austin, is a real foodie so her is positive and friendly, resulting in a happy passion and creative eye touches every work force that is always willing to give that aspect of the service and she’s an inspira- little bit extra to ensure a better service.” John Ruddle, CEO of Shannon Heritage, tion for our on-site team.” Corporate Catering Service’s focus on said:” “From our perspective, it was a food and commitment to service has great move to appoint Corporate Catering been the hallmark of its success to date. Services. It is a very different type of busiThe company’s purchasing ethos – only ness to what they were used to but really, dealing with reputable and local suppli- they had no difficulty as they are a profesers wherever possible – keeps standards sional team with good experience of the catering business. high. “The experience has proved positive for us “We deliver our promises,” said Mary also as it has given us exposure to a good Healy. “The catering industry is a highly team of people who have a very good work competitive marketplace and for us, it’s all ethic and know what they are about. They about providing quality and retaining tradi- are very responsive to customer needs tional values like honesty, trust and putting and put quality of food and service at the top of their priorities. the customer first”. “Our own management team works very This philosophy has obviously worked well well with their team and despite us being for Mary Healy who established the busi- in an extremely difficult trading environness at the height of a recession in 1991. ment we are all learning from the experiThe company has built up an impressive ence. We are certainly delighted with Corportfolio of clients throughout Ireland porate Catering Services as our catering across a range of catering environments, partners.”
Loyalty.ie, a revolutionary system dedicated to helping businesses improve customer retention and increase revenue. The company are on target to have over 200,000 cardholders signed up to the system within six months. Through reward systems, promotional updates, loyalty cards and improved marketing, Loyalty.ie aims to help businesses to retain current customers as well as attracting new ones. The system is suited to all areas of business including retail and hospitality. Recent sign ups include; Mulligan’s Pharmacy Group, The Courtyard by Marriott Hotel in Galway City, Bradleys Pharmacy Group, Johnstown House Hotel and Winston’s Department Store in Kilkenny.
www.businesslimerick.ie
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Gavin Peacock, chief executive of Loyalty.ie explains what makes the scheme unique, “We are confident there is no other loyalty or gift voucher system that can compare to Loyalty.ie. From retail to hotels to sports clubs, all businesses need to adopt a proactive communications and marketing programme in order to compete in the market place. Once a client goes live with our system they will then benefit from effortless direct communication with their customers through texts and emails about their services and promotions.” Loyalty.ie programmes can be tailored to suit the clients business so as to provide the highest return on investment. Loyalty.ie accommodates a number of rewards systems and is not confined to only using a points based method. As part of the launch, Loyalty.ie is offering a limited number of places on an online seminar explaining how the system works and the benefits to businesses. Visit www.LOYALTY.ie to register.
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07/05/2010 11:41:14
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GAA Museum Grand Re-Opening Having undergone extensive renovation works since November 2009, the GAA Museum at Croke Park officially unveiled its new look recently. Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael, Criostóir Ó Cuana, officially re-opened the GAA Museum and welcomed the many changes and developments made to the museum. Also present were GAA stars, Aisake Ó hAilpin, Sean Cavanagh and Kieran Donaghy. The upgrade of the GAA Museum was completed earlier this month on April 9th, following a substantial €1million investment by the Gaelic Athletic Association, and grant aid from Fáilte Ireland. Visitors can now enjoy many new and innovative features when visiting the GAA Museum. One such addition is a distinctive club-focused wall at the main entrance; Falla na gClub, which welcomes all visitors to the Museum with an outstanding display of every GAA Club’s logo. Updated match footage from both clubs and county teams from around the country will be displayed on twenty new 52” plasma TV screens, whilst the upgrade of an All-Ireland Resource Centre will appeal to purists of the game. A new Clubs database has also been created, which will add greatly to the depth of knowledge stored at the GAA Museum. Clubs can update this online at any time, thereby ensuring it accurately records their history, and most recent achievements. The GAA Museum, which is situated under the Cusack Stand in Croke Park, first opened its doors to visitors in September 1998. Since it’s opening, the GAA Museum has welcomed over 600,000 visitors to date. Indeed, 2009 marked a special year for the GAA Museum with over 80,000 people taking the time out to pay a visit to this unique Irish sporting monument. This marked an increase of almost 20% on visitor numbers since 2008.
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Limerick Chamber Recommends an Extended City within a Unified Authority Limerick Chamber has recommended an extended city within a unified authority in its submission to Limerick’s Local Government Committee review of governance in Limerick. Kieran Mac Sweeney Chamber President outlines the Chamber’s recommendations “This committee was established to review governance in Limerick; we believe the mere fact that the committee has been established is testament that the status quo is not working. After much careful consideration, consultation with our members and taking the current economic climate into consideration it is our opinion that the two local authorities in Limerick should be amalgamated resulting in cost savings; and that the city boundary of what constitutes Limerick should be expanded to include the suburbs of Castletroy, Raheen and Dooradoyle” continued Mr. Mac Sweeney. “We believe that a city council that includes the suburbs of Castletroy, Raheen and Dooradoyle will create a council which gives stakeholders in the city a more representative voice, it will increase the population of the city to 86,000 people and will reinforce Limerick’s position as Ireland’s third city. This will allow us to better position ourselves and compete more intensely, both nationally and internationally to attract new businesses and fully develop and grow as a city and county. In addition we believe there should be an amalgamation at the governance level between Limerick City and County Council. In the current climate we cannot economically warrant the overlap and duplication that exists. An amalgamation, not a takeover of one authority by the other, but an amalgamation of both into one, will allow economies of scale as estimated by Chamber’s Ireland resulting in an annual saving of €10 million euro. This must be passed onto businesses throughout Limerick by a reduction in commercial rates. This structure will also ensure that there is a unitary vision for the greater Limerick area. It is the best option for businesses in Limerick as there is potential for greater efficiencies in the provision of front line services as well as the reduction in commercial rates.
Kieran Mac Sweeney. Limerick Chamber President.
Finally the Chamber believes that the MidWestern Regional Authority should be replaced by a Gateway Authority which is run by a directly elected governor. The governor will drive a single vision for the region with the Limerick Shannon Gateway at its heart. It will also ensure that the status and potential of the Limerick-Shannon Gateway is maximised, particularly in the area of the attraction of foreign direct investment. We believe that our proposal for an extended boundary within a unified authority is a governance structure which results in greater efficiencies and cost savings. These savings must be channelled to support businesses throughout Limerick, particularly small to medium sized enterprises” concluded Mr. Mac Sweeney.
www.businesslimerick.ie
07/05/2010 11:39:58
BL | News
Bank of Ireland Kernal Capital Investee Stokes Bio Sells for $44M Bank of Ireland Kernel Capital Equity Fund confirms that it has recently sold its 37% share holding in Stokes Bio as part of a trade sale of the firm to US based Life Technologies. Stokes Bio Limited, of which Dr. Edward Walsh has been non-executive Chairman was an Enterprise Ireland supported spin-out of the University of Limerick. It was established in 2005 by Prof. Mark Davies and Dr. Tara Dalton of the Stokes Institute U.L. with an initial investment of €300,000 from the Bank of Ireland Kernel Capital Equity Fund, an early stage equity fund supported by Bank of Ireland, Enterprise Ireland and Private Investors. Since 2005 a further seven separate investments by the Bank of Ireland Kernel Capital Equity Fund in Stokes Bio followed, committing an additional €1.6m to the Company. Commenting on the announcement, Niall Olden, Managing Partner of Kernel Capital said: “We appreciate the contribution of all who enabled the success of Stokes Bio. Its founders Prof. Mark Davies and Dr. Tara Dalton, non-Executive Chairman Dr. Ed Walsh, independent non-Executive Di-
rector Dr. Jim Walsh and our own Kernel Capital non-Executive Director, Dr. Daniel O’Mahony. We must also acknowledge the contribution of all of the staff of Stokes Bio, the team at Kernel Capital and the significant contribution of our fellow shareholders, Enterprise Ireland, the University of Limerick and ETV Capital.” The €27m Bank of Ireland Kernel Capital Equity Fund, Kernel Capital’s first Fund, was established in 2002. This Fund has made 49 investments in a portfolio of nine companies. The trade sale of Stokes Bio to NASDAQ quoted Life Technologies is the third significant trade sale of the portfolio following the 2006 sale of Farran Technology to London Stock Exchange quoted Smiths Technologies and the 2009 sale of Straatum Processware to NASDAQ quoted Lam Technologies. A fourth Company, Merrion Pharmaceuticals of which Kernel Capital was an early investor has since floated on the Irish Stock Exchange. All three international acquirers have established a strong presence in Ireland and have become significant employers post their respective acquisitions. This Fund’s portfolio of five remaining companies con-
tinues to perform strongly and we anticipate further positive exits in due course. Kernel Capital and its associate Life Science investment firm Seroba Kernel have in excess of €200m under management in five separate Venture Capital funds, investing in ICT, Life Science and general seed and early stage investments. These funds are supported by Enterprise Ireland, Bank of Ireland, the University of Limerick Foundation and a range of other financial institutions. They have invested in Kernel Capital’s portfolio of 32 companies which collectively employ in excess of 600 people, had a 2009 turnover of €72m and have been granted 133 scientific patents. Kernel Capital and Seroba Kernel are committed to dynamic, innovative, knowledge based companies and so far this year have lead €12.5m of investment in eight such companies. These early stage intellectual property driven companies are located in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Tralee, Galway and Wexford. Kernel Capital believe that it is an exceptional time for investment and anticipate a significant number of transactions for the remainder of the year.
Shannon Development Calls for Extension of Limerick City Boundary Shannon Development is calling for an extension of the Limerick city boundary and one governing organisation for Limerick City and County. In a submission to the Limerick Local Government Committee, Dr. Vincent Cunnane, Shannon Development said: “The Limerick City boundary needs to be extended to ensure that it has the necessary scale and resource base from which to drive the future economic development of the Limerick / Shannon Gateway and Shannon Region. In order to fulfil the area’s potential Shannon Development believes that one governing organisation, a Greater Limerick Authority, with responsibility for Limerick City and County is the optimal structure to manage a Greater Limerick Area with a larger and stronger Limerick City at its core.” The Company believes that it is very important that Limerick City regains its position as Ireland’s 3rd largest city. It is also imperative that Limerick City retains its status as one of the nominated cities under Schedule 2; Part 5 of the 2001 Local www.businesslimerick.ie
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Government Act. If legislation is required to give effect to this, then that legislative change should happen before the creation of a Greater Limerick Authority. Whether there should be an adjustment between the boundary of County Clare and Limerick City or County, Shannon Development believes that the main economic development opportunities lie in the future development of the lands on the University of Limerick campus. As this site straddles both Clare and Limerick, Shannon Development believes that Clare County Council and a new Greater Limerick Authority, working jointly, is the optimal structure to deliver this development. The Company recommends that residential areas of Westbury and Shannon Banks, on the outskirts of Limerick City but in County Clare, should become part of Limerick City. This would aid the efficient provision of public services, including emergency services and would enlarge the population of the larger Limerick City by just over 4,000.
Vincent Cunnane, CEO Shannon Development 45
07/05/2010 11:39:07
BL | news
Appointment
Shannon local, Andrew Drysdale has recently been appointed General Manager of the Park Inn Shannon. Park Inn is part of Rezidor Hotel Group which also boasts the Radisson Blu Hotels and Spas as part of the company. Andrew began working with the group in 2002 at the Radisson Blu Hotel and Spa Limerick and has since progressed through the ranks, with roles in the prestigious Radisson Blu Farnham Estate Cavan and more recently as Executive Assistant Manager in the busy and popular Radisson Blu Hotel and Spa in Galway. Andrew is delighted to come home to Shannon and take the reigns of the Park Inn. Originally from Tullyvarraga Hill, Andrew attended St Patricks Comprehensive before continuing to Galway Mayo Institute of Technology to study Hotel Management. Andrew is looking forward to the challenge of running the Park Inn in Shannon and hopes that his knowledge of the area and the strong community of Shannon will allow the hotel to provide a particular and tailored offering. “I’m really excited about developing the service offering to the local community. Parking is free for all guests dining and attending functions in the Park Inn. We are currently introducing an exciting new lunch offering that will suit everyone in the locality. Having grown up in Shannon, I am really proud to be appointed General Manager in my home town and hope that I can really help the hotel contribute to the strong community we have here in Shannon.” 46
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Limerick 95 FM Gives Away its Biggest Ever Prize
Joe Nash and the Shadow Crew congratulates Michelle Brophy
Limerick’s Live 95 FM hit a major high point on Saturday April 17th with the radio station’s biggest ever give away. The station, in conjunction with Hyundai Ireland and local dealers Cavanaghs of Charleville and Limerick Motor Centre on the Ballysimon Rd came together to give away a superb Hyundai i30 deluxe car, valued at close to €20,000. The Live 95 FM drive away ran on the air for four weeks in March and April and comprised a text competition where listeners had to send in the title of a song by the musical artist of the day. These artists included Queen, U2, Prince, Bob Marley and Amy Winehouse among many others. At the end of the month long competition, 48 qualifiers were invited to the Crescent Shopping Centre in Dooradoyle, where the car had been on display throughout the competition. An exciting eliminator was run, which was also broadcast by Live 95 FM and left five contestants holding an electronic fob each, only one of which opened the red Hyundai i30 sitting on the concourse in front of them. A huge crowd saw a delighted Michelle Brophy from Carew Park become the lucky winner of the big prize and drive away in the brand new car.
erick’s Live 95 FM, Fergal Deegan was delighted with the success of the drive away. “We would like to sincerely thank our partners Hyundai Ireland, Cavanagh’s of Charleville and Limerick Motor Centre, as well as the Crescent Shopping Centre for putting the car on display and Russell’s Bar, who hosted the post competition party for all the qualifiers. We were also delighted to have Jennifer Lane of Horwath Bastow Charleton as our independent official observer for the eliminator, to ensure that all was in order.” Live 95 FM Programme Controller Gary Connor was also thrilled with how the promotion turned out. “This was the biggest ever competition on the radio station and prompted a great response from our listeners. We will be following it up with the return of a radio station favourite, “The Banker” and a very special World Cup promotion. I would like to thank everyone in the radio station for their hard work and all of our listeners for taking part.” Limerick’s Live 95 FM is the number one radio station in Limerick City and County, with almost eight in every ten listeners tuning in each week, according to the official JNLR MRBI radio listenership survey. The station is also the main sponsor of this year’s Limerick Riverfest, taking place over the May Bank Holiday weekend and sponsors the Limerick GAA County Senior Hurling and Football Championships.
Sales and Marketing Manager with Limwww.businesslimerick.ie
07/05/2010 11:38:03
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13/05/2010 15:45:56
BL | NEWS
Irish Ports and Shipping Sector Begins Recovery
underlying economic and currency issues in both markets continued to dampen demand. Both the lo/lo and ro/ro markets last year continued to undergo significant demand for shipping volumes across all The Irish ports and shipping sectors structural, route and capacity changes the key market segments. This resulted began to show positive signs of recovery as the operators were challenged with in bulk volumes falling to levels last seen towards the last quarter of 2009 followhaving to adapt to rapidly evolving volume in 1995. Unitized segments also saw ing a record fall in volumes earlier in the patterns and trade adjustments. Ferry almost 5 years of volume growth dissiyear as the downturn in the economy bit passenger volumes remained static with hardest, according to the latest edition of pate over the course of 18 months, with no loss in passenger volumes reported lift on/lift off (lo/lo) falling back to 2003 the Irish Maritime Transport Economist, for the year. levels and roll on/roll off (ro/ro) back to at an industry briefing in Dublin by the “It is largely recognized now that the Irish Maritime Development Office (IMDO). 2005 levels. The report also suggests “While the trend for 2009 was negative, that the oversupply of residential proper- return to positive economic growth will be ty, especially in parts of the country where export led and as such, the initial stages we observed that the pace of decline in economic activity moderated significantly demand is likely to remain weak for many of our recovery will be mainly influenced years, will result in continued low shipping by a recovery in the global economy and from last spring onwards with some volin particular, by our major trading partvolumes for construction materials. ume recovery in several of our domestic ners,” said Mr. Jim Power, Chief EconoThe lo/lo sector has similarly been a shipping segments recorded to the year mist from Friends First at the event. “ end,” said IMDO Director, Mr. Glenn Mur- market segment enjoying long periods The latest data in the report indicates of double digit volume growth during phy. “The market segments most heavily that we may have passed the trough of hit were those related to the construction the consumer driven boom time. This is the economic downturn that has impactmainly due to the segment being heavily industry, which suffered severe difficuled on shipping volumes, ongoing caveats weighted towards import laden volumes. ties in 2009. This resulted in breakbulk of currency volatility and steadily increasLo/lo volumes fell by 21 per cent on an volumes in commodities such as timber, ing oil and bunker prices remain further aggregates, steel and plaster falling by as all-island basis last year as consumer risks to the recovery process. The Report spending corrected sharply. The other much as 49% to pre-boom levels.” concludes that while, market conditions main market segment, ro/ro, is tradiThe report highlighted the continued remain challenging for many shipping opcontraction of the Irish economy last year tionally heavily weighted towards volume erators, IMDO expect a modest return to movements to the United Kingdom. and underlying weaker consumer confivolume growth towards the end of 2010. Ro/ro volumes fell by 9 per cent as dence as the cause of a realignment of
CARI does fashion This year’s Mid Summer Feast of Fashion will be hosted by Raphael and Patricia Mullally at Russell’s Bar, Fr. Russell Road, Dooradoyle. If you think you could look like the quirky and stylish “Carrie” of Sex in the City fame or you know a “Carrie” lookalike, then get your glad rags and high heels at the ready….you are invited to join our search for our very own “Carrie” in Limerick. Ladies are invited to enter in the name of fun on the night! There is no cost to enter. The “Carrie” winner will be chosen on the night with some fabulous surprises and fashion prizes on offer. Guests who attend will be treated to a selection of 48
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classic cocktails fit for Manhattan, a selection of delicious canapés and an exclusive taste of what is hot on the catwalk for this coming season. The CARI Mid Summer Feast of Fashion is an event which has sold out in the past and is back by popular demand. Models from the Celia Holman Lee Agency will wow the crowds. This event is being held to help raise funds for the continued provision of CARI’s therapy and counselling services for their Limerick centre on the Ennis Road. “Last year our Limerick centre provided our services for 290 families in
the region affected by child sexual abuse” says Anne Byrnes, Senior Development Executive. “Our services are extremely busy and we are still operating with a waiting list. We rely heavily on events like Mid Summer Feast of Fashion to provide our services for the children and families that need them. The cost of running our centre last year was €325,354, 60% of which we have to raise through events and the support of the public.” Contact Anne Byrnes, Senior Development Executive on 087 1333781 or Russells 061 308080. Tickets are priced at €25, www.cari.ie National helpline 1890 924567. www.businesslimerick.ie
10/05/2010 09:15:54
BL | NEWS
Positive Signs for the Recruitment Sector the Irish online recruitment market, it is important we monitor the performance within the Irish economy to inform both employers and jobseekers. The IrishJobs. ie job index, which has now been in existence since April 2009, shows the number of jobs advertised online has increased 8% year on year. Compared to where the job market stood in 2009, findings from the index show that the market is signaling improvements across most sectors which provides hope to both job hunters and companies alike.’’
The IrishJobs.ie quarterly Online Jobs Index for Q1 2010 reveals a healthy increase of 9% in jobs advertised online in Ireland as compared Q4 2009. Out of the 28 job sectors monitored, 18 reflected a positive change since Q4 2009, a signal that the Irish economy continues its recovery across the majority of sectors. The IrishJobs.ie index measures jobs advertised by companies across the five leading online recruitment sites in Ireland. It provides an analysis of the Irish job market broken down by sector for both employers and job seekers. Wholesaling & Purchasing (-11%); Public The top five growth sectors from Q4 to Sector (-10%); and Hotel & Q1 were Medical Professionals & Health- Catering (-3%). care (42%); Banking, Financial Services & Insurance (26%); Accountancy & Finance Jane Lorigan, Managing Director, saon(23%); Customer Service, Call Centre & group.com (parent company of IrishJobs. Languages (19%); and IT (13%). ie) commented: “On the anniversary of the jobs index it is heartening to see continConversely the sectors that have been ued improvements in the number of jobs performing poorly since Q4 are Retailing, vacancies advertised. As the leader in
The best performing sectors year on year were Medical Professionals & Healthcare (49%); Accountancy & Finance (38%); Banking, Financial Services & Insurance (33%); Customer Service, Call Centers & Languages (30%); and IT (26%). This is in contrast to Science, Pharmaceutical & Food (-31%); Education, Childcare & Training (-29%); and Hotel & Catering (-28%), which have continued to perform poorly year on year.
The Supermacs GAA Sunday at Limerick Racecourse The Supermacs GAA Sunday at Limerick Racecourse on May 16th with the first race of at 2.25pm. This 7 race National Hunt Card will feature the Supermacs Hurdle of €22,000 and the South’s Bar Beginners Chase. As we approach the onset of summer racing the entries for the day are sure to be high in number and quality. Limerick Racecourse are once again promoting the Supermacs Sunday to the GAA fraternity through a number of channels. Firstly, All GAA supporters are invited to wear their club and county colours to the racecourse and gain admission for a mere €5. On the day we have the Cúl Camps promoting their summer activities with Cúl Camp organisers staging GAA games demonstration and activities at the Racecourse After racing we have the annual county final of the long puck competition where patrons can cheer on their favourite competitor. As always there will be a kids club and additional family activities. Go online to limerickraces.ie to avail of the superb packages i.e. Punter Pack, Munster Package or Restaurant options. www.businesslimerick.ie
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GAA Day L-R – Russell Ferris (Limerick Racecourse), Mary Lyons (Supermacs), Mike Riordan (Limerick County Board Secretary), Noel Hartigan (Long Puck Competitor), Albert Shanahan (Long Puck Competitor), Denis Martin (Organiser Limerick County Board)
With the upcoming the Special Olympics Ireland games taking place from the 8th to 13th of June in Limerick, Limerick Racecourse are delighted to be donating a portion of the gates takings towards raising funds for the Special Olympics events. Summer is on the way and so are our popular Twilight evening race meetings. Due to popular demand Jerry Fish and the Mud Bug Club will be playing after racing
on the 12th June, Republic of Loose will be playing on the 18th June and finally The Camembert Quartet are returning on the 22nd July. Online sales for The Twilight Racing on the 12th & 18th June are selling out fast, so don’t miss out, and get booking! Group rates apply on all tickets and don’t forget concession admission to the SinBin after racing!! 49
07/05/2010 09:55:48
BL | rugBy
Rugby provinces now on equal terms By Len Dinneen
THE rugby season has been extended for another two weeks as Leinster and Munster meet in the semi final of the Magners League at the RDS on Saturday night. Munster got in by the skin of their teeth with a losing bonus point in Cardiff last Sunday while Leinster had to come from behind to beat Edinburgh. There is a sense of anti-climax in this Magners League shoot out. However, as the days go by in the build-up to yet another clash of Ireland’s two top provinces, the Munster fans’ spirits are high in anticipation of winning back the bragging rights. Leinster has beaten Munster on the last three occasions the sides have met, a track record that doesn’t sit easily on the Red Army’s shoulders. It seems that forever Munster fans have had to put up with carrying the burden of the inferior tag, in Limerick and, to a lesser extent, Cork. Munster fans are ‘the culchies’. They live ‘down the country’. They should know our place, as the Dublin people are far superior to them. In my youth, we looked up to players like Tony O’Reilly (‘AJF’ to his friends, or ‘Sir’ to the rest of us), Ronnie Dawson, Andy Mulligan, Ni-
all Brophy etc. They were all Irish international and Lions players. I later played with Andy Mulligan in London Irish, and he told me Mick English would have been a far better player if he had played his rugby with Leinster. At the time I thought there was some truth in what he said. In those years, Leinster would regularly beat Munster, particularly in Dublin, and Munster club teams were often beaten by over 20 points when they travelled to play Wanderers, Lansdowne or Blackrock. Therefore, in a sense, many of us accepted that it was okay for the majority of the Irish team to be made up of Leinster players. They were the guys written up in the national papers, and we accepted our lot—that a Limerick player had to be twice
as good as his Leinster counterpart to get a ‘cap’. Tom Clifford, one of Ireland’s strongest props, had to be content with 14 caps for his country, while the talented back row player Colm Tucker got just three. Had both men played for Wanderers or Lansdowne they would undoubtedly have played for Ireland on many more occasions. It was a tribute to the two men that they both became proud Lions. The wheel finally began to turn when the All Ireland Leagues were introduced in 1991. The Ulster a n d Leinster clubs were expected to clean up, but the mighty men of Munster had other ideas. Cork Constitution were the inaugural winners followed by Garryowen and Young Munster. Then Shannon took over and they made the trophy their Holy Grail—it rarely left their trophy room.
Jerry Flannery, Munster hooker, is aggressively tackled by the Leinster winger Isa Nacewa during the sides’ Magners League match in Thomond Park on Good Friday. Both these teams are formidable foes, facing each other on an equal footing: As ‘Banshaw’ Hayes said to Tommy Creamer in a Cup match many years ago, “Creamer, this is much more than rugby. This is war!” 50
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www.businesslimerick.ie
14/05/2010 09:42:08
BL | SPORT
Rugby then entered the professional era and Munster players dominated Irish team selections. The Heineken Cup was introduced 15 years ago and Munster welcomed it with open arms. In the past they had always put up great performances against international touring sides, and now it was their chance to show the rest of Europe what they could do. Toulouse may have won the trophy on three occasions, but Munster’s achievement of winning twice and competing in 12 quarter-finals, nine semi-finals and four finals is exceptional. Toulouse has a big chequebook, and 30 international players on their books. In 2006 and 2008 Munster finally achieved their dream of winning two Heineken Cups, becoming Kings of Europe and also the top team in Ireland. Ulster won the Cup in 1999 but English teams were not in the tournament back then. Leinster was struggling. They had good backs, the majority of them on the Irish team, but their forwards lacked the bottle. Munster had no problem beating them in Dublin three years ago. The Leinster players had to suffer taunts from the Munster supporters. They called them the ‘ladyboys’ and worse, and they even put a Leinster rugby boot on the internet with a high heel fixed to it. Brain O’Driscoll was the Irish captain but we all knew that Paul O’Connell was the real captain. In 2008 Leinster beat Munster in the RDS in a Magners League match but Munster had bigger fish to fry as they were playing in the Heineken Cup semi-final the following week. The Leinster players came back out on the field that night in the RDS to acknowledge their fans and I remember smugly thinking they must be really hard up for a victory. Last year the wheel went full circle and Munster was left with three wheels on their wagon. Sport can be very cruel but nothing prepared Munster for the Leinster ambush www.businesslimerick.ie
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mutual respect: munster and leinster skippers paul O’connell (left) and Brian O’Driscoll embrace after the 2009 Heineken cup semi-final. Just as munster’s record in recent years has earned them long overdue respect, so leinster’s victory in that match forever banished the ‘ladyboys’ tag previously and so readily applied by munster fans to the eastern province players.
at Croke Park in the semi final of the Heineken Cup. The men in red were in top form in the week leading up to that game. Nine of them had been selected for the Lions tour that summer to South Africa and Paul O’Connell had been selected as captain. Down here we all thought that we would crush the Leinster challenge and go on and win our third Heineken Cup. The ‘ladyboys’ had other ideas and with Rocky Elsom superb they sent the ‘culchies’ back down south with their tails between
their legs. The Magners League may not be a European competition but it has a higher standard than the Guinness Premiership in England. I’m sure the Munster fans will settle for a pint of Bulmer’s if we win the bragging rights. As ‘Banshaw’ Hayes said to Tommy Creamer in a Cup match many years ago, “Creamer, this is much more than rugby. This is war!”
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BL | arts
Mad About the Musicals The magic of the great musicals returns to the LIT Millennium Theatre, Limerick on Saturday 22nd May with its brand new 2010 show bringing the glitz and the glamour from the West End stage and the bright lights of Broadway. This sell out electric production of musical showstoppers has been voted one of the best touring shows by Theatre Managers from all around the UK and the person behind ‘Mad About Productions’ Michael Courtney, was nominated the UK ‘Producer Of The Year’.
Victoria Betterton; Allan Bowles; Charlotte Gibson; Daniel Whitley; Kerry O’Dowd
into the heart of London’s theatre land the show contains over 20 of your favourite musicals such as ‘Les Miserables’, ‘Phantom Of The Opera’, ‘Miss Saigon’, ‘Cabaret’ ‘Billy Elliot’, ‘Oliver’, ‘Wicked’ and many more musical classics.
dren from the CentreStage Theatre School in Limerick run by Richie Ryan. They will be taking part in two sections of the show, Oliver and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and have been busy rehearsing for the past month.
‘Mad About The Musicals’ will provide a two-hour extravaganza of unforgettable musical numbers allowing you to enjoy the great moments of the classic shows in one evening complete with singers from London, top notch dancing, spectacular lighting and glitzy costumes bringing a pure slice of entertainment.
The timeless melodies and unforgettable lyrics of some of the best-loved songwriters like Andrew Lloyd Webber, Tim Rice, Alan Boubil and Claude-Michael Schonberg are brought together with the stunning vocal talents of a cast of five singers Alan Bowles, Kerry O’Dowd, Leanne Howell, Jacqueline Hughes and Michael Eborall.
The additional ingredient that will make this show a night to remember is the hilarious comedy that runs throughout the performance. An array of songs from Avenue Q, Little Shop Of Horrors and Annie Get Your Gun are funny enough to warrant a show all of their own.
Transporting you on a whistle stop tour
Joining this West End cast are 24 chil-
From the poignant ‘Wishing You were Somehow Here Again’ to the dramatic ‘Do You Hear The People Sing’ Mad About’s talented ensemble conjure stunning, high quality performances, which evoke the true spirit of the West End.
LIT Millennium Theatre, Saturday 22nd May at 8pm,Booking: 061 322322 / www.litmt.ie
Final call for singers 18-28 years to join Irish Youth Choir this summer The Irish Youth Choir (IYC) seeks singers for its dynamic choir as it prepares for its most exciting summer programme yet. So, if you are aged 18 to 28 this summer, fancy spending a week on the stunning University of Limerick campus with up to 150 like-minded young people, followed by your very own national tour, then read on. This year the week-long residential programme of professional training and rehearsals will take place in conjunction with the National Youth Orchestra of Ireland (NYOI) and culminate in 3 live performances with renowned soloists Owen Gilhooly and Cara O’Sullivan. Greg Beardsell, Artistic Director will, along with a 52
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team of experienced tutors and coaches, lead singers through an intensive week of coaching and rehearsals, followed by concerts at the West Cork Chamber Music Festival in Bantry, Wexford Opera House and the National Concert Hall, Dublin. Applicants must be available from Saturday 26th June to Sunday 4th July inclusive. Application form and further information are available from www.irishyouthchoir.ie, www.aoic.ie or 061 234823. Auditions continue as follows: Dublin: Saturday May 8th 10am – 12pm & Thursday 13th May 5-7pm Cork: Saturday, May 15th 10am – 12pm
Please note that if would like to audition but can’t make these dates we may be able to accommodate you at another time, please contact us. Further information from www.irishyouthchoir.ie, www.aoic.ie or 061 234823 www.businesslimerick.ie
30/04/2010 16:09:57
BL | CiViC TRUST
The Denis Leonard Perpetual Trophy 2010 Thursday May 27th at the Limerick Golf Club is already marked in the diaries of many Limerick Golfers. This is the date set for the annual Limerick Civic Trust Golf Classic. This year, in memory of its Founding Director, the Trust is proud to introduce the Denis Leonard Perpetual Trophy to the event. Supporters of Limerick Civic Trust are well aware of the great work carried out by Denis during his enigmatic twenty-seven years at the helm of one of Limerick’s finest voluntary organizations and this memorial trophy is just one initiative planned to commemorate Denis and to celebrate his contribution to Limerick civic life. The legacy of Denis Leonard continues as Limerick Civic Trust undertakes work in the areas of environment, image and heritage aspects of our city and environs. Reinstatement of the landmark cross at the site of the Paupers’ Burial Ground, conservation works to the Belltower at St. Munchin’s (C of I) church and the reinstatement of the Limerick Memorial are projects that are current and for which Limerick Civic Trust is now actively fundraising. Maintenance works in many sites throughout the
Pat Daly and Gerry Griffin, Trustees of Limerick Civic Trust, presenting a trophy to Gabrielle Wallace-O’Donnell, Chairperson of the Limerick Civic Trust. The trophy wil be known as The Denis Leonard Perpetual Trophy and will be competed for in the Limerick Civic Trust Golf Classic on Thursday May 27th 2010 in Limerick Golf Club. Also in the picture is Richard Leonard a brother of the late Denis Leonard (DG) Picture by Dave Gaynor
city are a constant part of the work of the Trust, carried out for the benefit of Limerick and usage by its people. This will be Limerick Civic Trust’s 22nd Golf Classic - always a very well supported popular event at Limerick Golf Club. Limerick Civic Trust has no commercial income and depends on successful fundraising events such as the Golf Classic, for its source of income. Teams of four may subscribe for
a fee of €500 or, if time does not permit a group to play on the day, sponsorship of a golf hole for €250 is another way to demonstrate support. Pat Moriarty, Treasurer of Limerick Civic Trust and long time golf enthusiast is the coordinator of the 2010 event and Pat may be contacted via the Trust’s offices on 061-313399. Interested parties may also email Carolyn@limerickcivictrust.ie for registration details.
Villiers Students Enjoy ‘Medieval Limerick Today’
Debbie Jacobs, Monica Spencer, and David Lee from Limerick Civic Trust present ‘Medieval Limerick Today’ to Ann Gowing, Villiers Secondary School. Over one hundred first year students from Villiers Secondary School were treated to a talk on Medieval Limerick recently, delivered by Limerick Civic Trust in City Hall. Villiers became the first Limerick Secondary School to purchase the Limerick City c1650 Map and accompanying booklet, Medieval Limerick Today, which gives history teachers and students new learning opportunities in local, medieval studies. www.businesslimerick.ie
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David Lee and Debbie Jacobs from Limerick Civic Trust’s History and Folklore Department are offering an interpretative talk in conjunction with the purchase of the limited edition print of the map. John Elliot, a history research trainee with Limerick Civic Trust carried out much of the research using primary and secondary sources, as part of an historic research methodology course, through Limerick Civic Trust. The
result is an original and accurate presentation of Limerick City c1650 in map and booklet form, showing the outline of the medieval walls of the city. Ann Gowing from Villiers Secondary School said that the map would augment the facilities available for the interpretation of local history for second level students, particularly for first year students who undertake medieval history as part of the curriculum. The map and booklet are available from Limerick Civic Trust and schools who purchase this unique educational tool and collector’s item will be given a free interpretative talk by Limerick Civic Trust’s History and Folklore Department. A limited number of maps are available without charge to schools in disadvantaged areas. The map of Limerick City c1650 also makes a most unusual gift and makes a very interesting framed image of ancient Limerick. Copies of the map and booklet, and further information on talks for schools, are available from Limerick Civic Trust at 061 313399.
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BL | GALLery
JP McManus Meda Competition Day in Adare Manor
Padraig Harrington presenting the Ladies 3rd Prize to Pat Niland - Adare Golf Club.
Padraig Harrington presenting the Ladies 2nd Prize to Christine Conway, Limerick Golf Club.
Padraig Harrington presenting the Ladies 1st Prize to Margaret Lonergan.
Padraig Harrington presenting the Mens 4th Prize to Morgan Mulcahy.
Padraig Harrington presenting the Mens 3rd Prize to Kevin Tobin.
Padraig Harrington presenting the Mens 2nd Prize to David Mulqueen.
Padraig Harrington presenting the Mens 1st Prize to Tom Aherne of the Irish Examiner.
Martin O’Neill, Manager of Aston Villa FC, with Des Cahill of RTE.
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www.businesslimerick.ie
13/05/2010 10:36:57
BL | GaLLery
The Mayor’s Ball 2010
Mayor of Limerick, Kevin Kiely with his wife Doreen at the Mayor’s Ball.
Anneta O’Donnell arrives at the Mayor’s Ball held in the Strand Hotel recently.
Cllr Ger Fahy with his wife Maura at the Mayor’s Ball.
Cllr Maria Byrne and Laura Ryan, Limerick Coordination Office at the Mayor’s Ball.
Cllr Mary Jackman, Limerick County Council, Celia Holman Lee and Doreen Kiely, Lady Mayoress at the Mayor’s Ball.
Maria O’Gorman Skelly and Sheamus Hennessy at the Mayor’s Ball.
Mayor of Limerick, Kevin Kiely with his wife Doreen and Limerick City Council on their way to the Mayor’s Ball.
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THE A – Z OF BUSINESSES
BUSINESS DIRECTORY
BL | DIRECTORY
ACCOUNTANTS BDO Business and Financial Advisors Four Michael Street, Limerick Tel: 061 414455 Fax: 061 414172 Email: limerick@bdo.ie Web: www.bdo.ie
ACCOUNTANCY COURSES BPP Professional Education 89 O’Connell Street. Limerick Tel: 061 310884 Fax: 061 310984 Email: limerickreception@bpp.com Web: www.bpp.com/ireland
Grant Thornton Chartered Accountants, Mill House, Henry St, Limerick. Tel: 061 314622 / 061 312744 Fax: 061 317691 / 061 418038 Email: limerick@grantthornton.ie Web: www.grantthornton.ie
ADVERTISING AGENCY Southern Advertising Killoran House, Catherine Place, Limerick. Tel: 061 310286 Fax: 061 313013 Email: info@southernadlimk.com Web: www.southernad.ie
HDS Partnership Registered Auditors – Accountants – Tax Consultants – Business Advisors 2nd Floor,RiverPoint, Lower Mallow Street, Limerick. Tel: 061 445000 Fax: 061 445060 E-mail: mail@hds.ie Web: www.hds.ie Horwath Bastow Charleton Accountants and Business Advisors Horwath House, The Red Church, Henry St. Limerick. Tel: 061 310311 Fax: 061 318899 E-mail: info@horwath.ie Web: www.hbcl.ie Moore Stephens Patrick McNamara Accountants and Business Advisors Pamdohlen House, Dooradoyle Road, Limerick. Tel: 061 229666 Fax: 061 302144 Email: info@msmcnamara.ie Web: www.mspatrickmcnamara.ie John Quirke & Co. Racefield House, Dooradoyle, Limerick. Tel: 061 301260 Fax: 061 307863 Email: jonhquirkeandco@eircom.net O’Donovan Caulfield Lavin 1 Mt. Kenneth Place, Henry St, Limerick. Tel: 061 411000 Fax: 061 411001 E-mail: info@odcl.ie O’Hurley Blair Irwin 3rd Floor, Mount Kenneth House, Henry St, Limerick. Tel: 061 401122 Fax: 061 401144 E-mail: info@obi.ie Web: www.obi.ie Joe Littleton & Co. Dangan Tulla Co.Clare Tel: 065 6835407 Fax:065 6835407 Email: josephlittleton@eircom.net Web: www.jflconsultancy.com Sage Accredited Trainer
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ARCHITECTS & BUILDING ENERGY RATING ASSESSORS Brian O’ Donoghue Tait Business Centre, Dominic St., Limerick. Tel: 061 410318 Fax: 061 414315 Mob: 086 8122271 E-mail: architecturalservices@eircom.net ARTISTS Una Heaton Tel: 086 3735015 Email: unaheaton@eircom.net Web: www.unaheatonart.com AUCTIONEERS DTZ SHERRY FITZGERALD Hibernian House, 105 Henry Street, Limerick. Tel: 061 418111 Fax: 061 418112 Email: limerick@dtz.ie Web: www.dtz.ie
BUILDING SUPPLIERS Ballysheedy Building Supplies Ballysheedy, Co. Limereick (next to ‘ Weigh In’ bar) Tel: 061 445660/ 061 445666 Mob: 087 2490666/ 087 6983444 BURGLAR ALARMS & SECURITY SYSTEMS Clifford Security Alarms 16 Wickham Street, Limerick Tel: 061 313033 / 440151 Fax: 061 317412 Email: info@cliffordsecurity.com Web: www.cliffordsecurity.com BUSINESS BANKING Bank Of Ireland 125 O’Connell St; Limerick Contact: Denis Minihane Regional Business Banking Manager T: 061 419791 F: 061 418554 E: Denis.Minihane@boimail.com W: www.boi.com KBC Bank Ireland plc, Riverpoint, Bishops Quay, Limerick Tel: 061 448600 Fax: 061 468468 Email: damien.quigley@kbc.ie Web: www.kbc.ie Ulster Bank Midwest Business Centre 14 Henry Street, Limerick. Tel: 061 316757 Fax: 061 312971 E-mail: midwestbusinesscentre@ulsterbank.com Web: www.ulsterbank.com
BAR, BISTRO & NIGHTCLUB Aubars 49-50 Thomas Street, Limerick. Tel: 061 317799 Fax: 061 317572 Email: info@aubars.com Web: www.aubars.com
BUSINESS COACHES Action Coach Business Coaching Unit 1 C, Annacotty Business Park, Annacotty, Limerick. Tel: 061 338682 Fax: 061 338682 Email: joepower@actioncoach.com Web: www.actioncoach.com/joepower
BICYCLES The Bike Shop O’Connell Avenue, Limerick Tel: 061 315900
BUSINESS & FINANCIAL ADVISORS Quintas Group Roselawn House, University Business Complex, National Technology Park, Limerick. Contact: Denis Healy Tel: 061 633 326 Fax: 061 633 347 Email: denis.healy@quintas.ie Web: www.quintas.ie
BUILDING CONTRACTORS Ace Services Glenameade Pallaskenry, Co. Limerick Tel: 061 393 049 or 061 393 982 Fax: 061 393 303 Email: aceservices@eircom.net
BUSINESS ORGANISATIONS Limerick Chamber 96 O’ Connell St, Limerick Tel: 061 415180 Fax: 061 415785 Email: info@limerickchamber.ie Web: www.limerickchamber.ie
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BUSINESS TELEPHONE SYSTEMS Lantel Networks Ltd Roselawn House, National Technological Park, Limerick. Tel: 061 350350 Fax: 061 350360 Email: info@lantel.ie Web: www.lantel.ie CAR DEALERS Clareview Motors Ennis Road, Limerick Tel: 061 221000 Fax: 061 221060 E-mail: info@clareviewmotors.com Web: www.clareviewmotors.com CARPETS & FLOORING Provincial Floor Coverings Raheen Business Park, Raheen, Limerick. Tel: 061-227100 Fax: 061-227000 E-Mail: sales@pfl.ie Web: www.pfl.ie CATERING Masterchefs Hospitality Epicurean House, Robert Street, Limerick Tel: 061 411522 Fax: 061 402021 Email: sales@mhm.ie Web: www.mhm.ie CCTV & SECURITY Advanced Monitoring No.2 Pillar House, Little Ellen St. Limerick Tel: 061 319 375 Fax: 061 311 805 Mobile: 087 2596955 / 087 2395039 Email: advancedmonitoring@eircom.net CLEANING Clean Habit B2 Smithstown Industrial Estate, Shannon, Co. Clare. Tel: 061 361461 Fax: 061 361868 Email: mandy@cleanhabit.com Web: www.cleanhabit.com ISS Facilities Unit 11, Ashbourne Business Park Dock Road, Limerick
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Tel: 061 500300 Fax: 061 500301 Contact : Brian Kelly Mobile: 087 9159108 Email: brian.kelly@iss.ie Web: www.iss.ie
Unit 1, Clondrinagh Industrial Estate, Ennis Road, Limerick. Tel: 061 325757 Fax: 061 325700
CLEANING & MAINTENANCE SERVICE Elite Cleaning Service Rose Cottage, Woodpark, Castleconnell, Co. Limerick Tel: 061 372133 Fax: 061 372627 E-mail: elitecleaning@eircom.net Web: www.elite-contract-cleaning.com
EVENT MANAGEMENT Funireland Event Management Childers Rd Enterprise Centre Limerick Tel: Limerick 061 437000/320292 Tel: Dublin 01 4741888 Email: info@funireland.com Web: www.funireland.com
COMPUTER NETWORKING SALES & SUPPORT Action Point Unit 8B, Plassey Enterprise Centre, National Technology Park, Limerick. Contact: David Jeffreys Tel: 061 337 632 Call-Save: 1850-ACTION/ 1850 228 466 Fax: 061 301 924 Email: info@actionpoint.ie
FINANCIAL CONTROL / ACCOUNTING / BOOK-KEEPING SERVICES Hogan Financial Management Ltd 50 O’Connell Street, Limerick Tel: 481444 Fax: 061 481445 Email: info@hoganfinancial.ie Web: www.hoganfinancial.ie
Fitzpatrick Computer Group Mill House, Henry Street, Limerick Tel: 061 493300 Fax: 061 417219 Email: sales@fcg.ie Web: www.fcg.ie O’Connor Network Services (ONS) Ardnataggle, O’Briens Bridge, Co. Clare Tel: 061 343412 Fax: 061 749842 Mobile: 087 8118690 E-mail: info@ons.ie Web: www.ons.ie CONSTRUCTION Roadbridge Ballyclough, Ballysheedy, Co. Limerick Tel: 061 419855 Fax: 061 414767 E-mail: headoffice@roadbridge.ie Web: www.roadbridge.ie DISPLAY SignLynx Contact: Jack O’Loughlin Franklin Motor Yard, Cahernorry, Ballysimon, Limerick. Tel: 061 333736 Mob: 086 8094420 Fax: 061 333737 Email: jackoloughlin@signlynx.ie Web: www.signlynx.ie DRAINAGE & ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES Walsh Environmental Services Drainage & Environmental Specialists
FINANCIAL CONTROL / ACCOUNTING / BOOK-KEEPING SERVICES Complete Financial Management 38 Roches Street Limerick Tel: 0818 333 680 Fax: 1890 886803 Email: enquiries@completefm.ie FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS Prestige Detection Systems Limited Rathpalatine, Feohanagh, County Limerick Phone: 063 84920 Fax: 0865 254 5347 Email. Dave.enright@pdsl.ie Web: www.pdsl.ie
THE A – Z OF BUSINESSES
BUSINESS SOFTWARE SOLUTIONS CompuCount Ltd. 18 Cois Luachra, Limerick. Tel: 061 305033 Fax: 061 305291 Email: sales@compucount.ie Web: www.compucount.ie
BUSINESS DIRECTORY
BL | DIRECTORY
FLORIST Flowers Forever Designer Florist Rachel & David Hannon Raheen Roundabout, Limerick. Tel: 061 307123 Fax: 061 307123 Email: flowers4ever@eircom.net Web: flowersforever.ie GLASS AND MIRRORS Mirror and Glassworx Unit 1b, Annacotty Business Park, Limerick. Tel: 061 333630 Mob: 087 2808184 Fax: 061 333631 Email: info@mgwx.ie Web: www.mgwx.ie GOLF COURSES Limerick Golf Club Ballyclough, Co. Limerick Tel: 061 414083 Fax: 061 319219 Email: lgc@eircom.net Web: www.limerickgc.com
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THE A – Z OF BUSINESSES
THE A – Z OF BUSINESSES
BUSINESS DIRECTORY
BUSINESS DIRECTORY
BL | DIRECTORY
GRAPHIC DESIGN CONSULTANCY Optic Nerve Design Group The Mill, Glentworth Street, Limerick. Tel: 061 316955 Fax: 061 316965 E-mail: info@opticnerve.ie Web: www.opticnerve.ie GRAPHIC, WEB & WEB MARKETING IDF Marketing Ltd. Marine Village, Killaloe,Co.Clare Tel: 061 375412 Mob: 086 8176337 Email: info@idf.ie Web: www.idf.ie GRAPHIC & WEB DESIGN Customer Care Solutions Anne Sheehan, Harbour House, Locke Quay, Limerick. Mobile: 087 6684819 E-mail: info@customersolutions.ie Web: www.customersolutions.ie
HUMAN RESOURCES CONSULTANT AND EXECUTIVE & BUSINESS COACH Elaine Ryan & Associates 17 Ballycasey Manor, Shannon, Co.Clare. Tel: 086 2381555 Email: elaineryanhr@eircom.net Web: www.elaineryanandassociates.com INK REFILL & TONERS Ink Refill Depot 7B Denmark Street, Limerick Tel: 061 446446 Fax: 061 446456 Email: Brendan@inkrefilldepot.ie Web: www.inkrefilldepot.ie INSULATION Aerobord Ltd. Askeaton, Co. Limerick Tel: 061 604600 Fax: 061 604601 Email: mail@aerobord.ie Web: www.aerobord.ie
HOME FURNISHINGS Limerick Paint Supplies Pennywell Road, Limerick. Tel: 061 411292 Thomondgate, Limerick. Tel: 061 329828 Fax: 061 415874 Mob: 087 2503448
IT INFRASTRUCTURE MANAGEMENT Avocent International Avocent House, Shannon Free Zone, Shannon, Co. Clare. Tel: 061 471877 Fax: 061 471871 Email: info-europe@avocent.com Web: www.avocent.ie
HOTELS Abbey Court Hotel, Lodges & Trinity Leisure Spa. Dublin Road, Nenagh, Co. Tipperary. Tel: 067 41111 Fax: 067 41022 Contact: Matthias Muller M.I.H.I. Email: sales@abbeycourt.ie Web: www.abbeycourt.ie
INVESTMENTS, PENSIONS & MORTGAGES Moore Stephens Patrick McNamara Financial Planning & Mortgage Solutions Life & Pensions – Mortgages – Investments – Wealth Management Pamdohlen House, Dooradoyle Road, Limerick Tel: 061 229666 Fax: 061 302144 Email: fsinfo@msmcnamara.ie Web: www.mspatrickmcnamara.ie
HOUSEHOLD INSURANCE ASSESSORS Auray Assessors Specialists in Property Claims Tel: 061 317264 Fax: 094 9541723 Email: aurayassessors@eircom.net Web: www.aurayltd.com HR CONSULTANTS Campbell International Human Resource Consultants Contact: Kenneth Bucholtz, FCIPD, MBS Cloncoul House, Ennistymon, Co. Clare. T: 065 707 1933 M: 086 809 2776 E: Kenneth@campbellinternational.net W: www.campbellinternational.net The HR Channel Contact: Fiona O’Carroll Ballycarney, Clarina, Co. Limerick Tel: 061 353154 Mobile: 086 2051727 Email: fionaocarroll1@eircom.net
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LIFE & BUSINESS COACHING Pathfinder 31b Cecil St. Limerick Tel: 061 215750 Mob: 086 8123834 E-mail: pathfinder@o2.ie LIFT SERVICES Mid Western Lifts Corcanree Business Park Dock Road, Limerick Tel: 061 400123 Fax: 061 400121 Email: info@mwls.ie Web: www.mwls.ie
MARQUEE HIRE O’Donovan Marquees Birdhill, Co. Tipperary Tel: 061 379328 Fax: 061 379328 Email: podmarquees@eircom.net Web: www.odonovanmarquees.com MANAGEMENT CONSULTANTS Profiles at Work Executive Coaching, Training, Psychometric Testing Ballyheefy, Killaloe, Co. Clare Tel: 061 376461 Fax: 061 375496 Mob: 087 2640028 Email: amckles@eircom.net Web: www.profilesatwork.com MARKETING Customer Care Solutions Anne Sheehan, Harbour House, Locke Quay, Limerick. Mobile: 087 6684819 E-mail: info@customersolutions.ie Web: www.customersolutions.ie Molly D Marketing Castlecrine, Sixmilebridge, Co.Clare Tel: 061 369898 Mob: 086 2371508 Email: dympna@mollydmarketing.ie Web: www.mollydmarketing.ie MARKETING CONSULTANTS AND MARKETING RESEARCH Martin McGuire & Associates Dock Road, Limerick Tel: 061 228822 or 061 229233 E-mail: martinm@martinmcguire.com Web: www.martinmcguire.com MODULAR CONTAINERS, CABINS & OFFICES Ballysimon Containers Eastway Business Park Ballysimon Road, Limerick Tel: 061 312530 Fax: 061 313520 Email: morgan@asp-ire.ie Web: www.asp-ire.ie MODULAR OFFICE ACCOMODATION Asp-ire Advance Space Providers Ireland Eastway Business Park Ballysimon Road, Limerick Tel: 061 312530 Fax: 061 313520 Email: morgan@asp-ire.ie Web: www.asp-ire.ie
LUXURY DEPARTMENT STORES Brown Thomas 16 O’Connell Street, Limerick Tel: 061 417222 Fax: 061 412191 Email: ldwan@brownthomas.ie Web: www.brownthomas.com
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Redmond Mortgages & Pensions 1A Hartstonge Place, Upper Hartstonge Street, Limerick Tel: 061 446629 Fax: 061 446809 Mobile: 087 8290736 E-mail: tommy@redmondmortgages.com NEWSPAPERS Limerick Independent Newspaper 48 O’Connell Street, Limerick. Tel: 061 404900 Fax: 061 404940 E: info@limerickindependent.com W: www.limerickindependent.com OFFICE EQUIPMENT Gerry Webb Office Equipment 72 Wolfe Tone Street, Limerick Tel: 061 467380 Fax: 061 467380 Mobile: 087 2625768 Email: webfurniture@eircom.net OFFICE EQUIPMENT / PRINTING & STATIONERY Curley Copy Centre Little Ellen Street, Limerick. Contact: Eileen Tel: 061 315331 Fax: 061 315171 Email: jhcurley@eircom.net OFFICE FURNITURE & SUPPLIES G & A Manifold (Showrooms) Unit 6E, Docklands Business Park, Dock Road, Limerick. Tel: 061 312777 Fax: 061 313434 Email: info@gamanifold.ie Web: www.gamanifold.ie PACKAGING IPS Industrial Polythene Solutions Contact Name: Sean O’Carroll Annacotty Business Park, Annacotty, Limerick. Tel: 061 508980 Fax: 061 508984 Email: sean.ocarroll@ipslimited.ie Web: www.ipspackaging.ie
2nd Floor, Riverfront Building Howleys Quay, Limerick Tel: 061 318701 Fax: 061 318702 Mobile: 086 2602326 Email: karl@karldaly.com Web: www.karldaly.com or www.ssiaideas.ie PHARMACEUTICAL MANUFACTURER Schwarz Pharma UCB (Schwarz Pharma Ltd) Shannon Industrial Estate, Shannon, Co. Clare. Tel: 061 714100 Fax: 061 714101 Email: info@ucb-group.com Web: www.ucb-group.com PHOTOCOPIERS MJ Flood (Ireland) Ltd. (Sales & Service) 23 John Street, Limerick. Tel: 061 312211 Mob: 087 7815252 Fax: 061 415595 Email: limerick@mjflood.ie Web: www.mjflood.ie PHOTOGRAPHY Brendan Gleeson LIPPA NUJ 25 Cherry Avenue, Caherdavin Lawn, Limerick Tel: 061 453253 Mobile: 087 2159325 Email: gleesonphoto@eircom.net www.bgleesonphoto.com PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTS Able Marketing 50 Thomas Street, Limerick Tel: 061 417575 Fax: 061 410055 Email: sales@ablemarketing.ie Web: www.ablemarketing.ie PUBLIC RELATIONS Echo Marketing 5 The Mews, Hartstonge Street, Limerick. Mob: 087 9892463 Email: aileen.galvin@echomarketing.ie Web: www.echomarketing.ie Molly D Marketing Castlecrine, Sixmilebridge, Co.Clare Tel: 061 369898 M: 086 2371508 Email: dympna@mollydmarketing.ie Web: www.mollydmarketing.ie
PAINTING AND DECORATING Keith Larkin Clonlara, Co. Clare. Residential, Commercial, Industrial. 087 2333772 email: larkink@eircom.net
MKC Communications The Archway, 4A Lower Pembroke Street Dublin 2 Tel. +353 1 703 8600 Fax. +353 1 678 8331 Email: info@mkc.ie Web: www.mkc.ie
PENSIONS & INVESTMENTS Karl Daly Pension & Investment Ltd.
O’Brien Communications 30 Ashbrook Grove
www.businesslimerick.ie
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Ennis Road, Limerick Tel/Fax: 061 457999 Mobile: 086 6019214 Quinn Communications Contact: Niamh Quinn MPRII 38 Roches Street, Limerick. M: 087 1220119 F: 1890 886803 E: niamh@quinncommunications.ie PUBLIC TRANSPORT BUS SERVICES & PRIVATE HIRE Bus Eireann Colbert Station Limerick Tel: 061 313333 Fax: 061417166 Email: info@buseireann.ie Web: www.buseireann.ie
BUSINESS DIRECTORY
MORTGAGE & FINANCIAL SERVICES ODCL Financial Services and Mortgages 1 Mount Kennett Place, Henry Street, Limerick. Tel: 061 411000 Email: financial@odcl.ie
THE A – Z OF BUSINESSES
BL | DIRECTORY
RADIO STATIONS (NATIONAL) Limerick Live 95 FM P.O Box 295 Radio House, Richmond Court Dock Road, Limerick Tel: 061 461 900 Fax: 061 41 95 95 Email: mail@live95fm.ie Web: www.live95fm.ie RTÉ lyric fm Cornmarket Square, Limerick. Tel: 061 207300 Fax: 061 207390 Email: lyric@rte.ie Web: www.rte.ie/lyricfm Contact: Aodán Ó’Dubhghaill & Julie Knight RECRUITMENT Irish Recruitment Consultants Charlotte House, Charlotte Quay, Limerick. Tel: 061 313744 Fax: 061 417553 Email:admin@irishrecruitment.ie Web:www.irishrecruitment.ie Richmond Recruitment/CPL, 10/11, Steamboat Quay, Dock Road, Limerick. Tel: 061 221701 Email: Midwestjobs@cpl.ie Web: www.richmond.ie Staff Solutions Unit 2 Belfield House, Ennis Road, Limerick Tel: 061 329250 Fax: 061 329252 E-mail: info@staffsolutions.ie Web: www.staffsolutions.ie RECRUITMENT SPECIALISTS Work Access Ltd. 1st Floor, Pillar House, Little Ellen Street, Limerick. Tel: 061 493095 Fax: 061 409345 Email: info@workaccess.org Web: www.workaccess.org
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THE A – Z OF BUSINESSES
BUSINESS DIRECTORY
THE A – Z OF BUSINESSES
BUSINESS DIRECTORY
BL | DIRECTORY
RESTAURANTS The Cornstore 19 Thomas Street, Limerick. Tel: 061 609 000/ 609 001 Fax: 061 409 334 Email: reservations@cornstorelimerick.com Poppadom Award Winning Indian Cuisine Unit 2C, Robert Street, Corn Market Square, Limerick Tel: 061 446644 www.poppadom.ie SECURITY SHREDDING & CONFIDENTIAL WASTE DGD Papers Ltd. Bay M1, Raheen Business Park, Limerick Tel: 061 491333 Fax: 061 491335 Email: info@dgdpapers.com Web: www.dgdpapers.com SIGNAGE SignLynx Contact: Jack O’Loughlin Franklin Motor Yard, Cahernorry, Ballysimon, Limerick. Tel: 061 333736 Mob: 086 8094420 Fax: 061 333737 Email: jackoloughlin@signlynx.ie Web: www.signlynx.ie
TAXATION BDO Personal and Corporate Tax Advisors 4 Michael Street, Limerick Tel: 061 414455 Fax: 061 414172 Email: limerick@bdo.ie Web: www.bdo.ie TEAM BUILDING Funireland Team Building Specialists Childers Rd Enterprise Centre, Limerick Tel: Limerick 061 437000/320292 Tel: Dublin 01 4741888 E: info@funireland.com W: www.funireland.com WATER COOLERS & DISPENSERS Crystal Clear Leamy House, Hartstonge St: Limerick. Tel: 061-454962 Fax: 061-454449 Mobile: 087-2561239 E-Mail: info@crystalc.ie WASTE MANAGEMENT & DISPOSAL Mr Binman Luddenmore, Grange, Kilmallock, Co. Limerick Tel: 061 351127 Fax: 061 351918 Email: info@mrbinman.com Web: www.mrbinman.com
WEDDINGS AND EVENTS Rebecca May Weddings and Events Childers Rd Enterprise Centre, Limerick Tel: Limerick 061 437000/320292 Tel: Dublin 01 4741888 Cell: 087 4178516 E: rebecca@funireland.com W: www.funireland.com W: www.irelandweddings.ie WINE RETAILERS Fine Wines Fine Wines Group, Tipperary Road, Ballysimon, Limerick. Tel: 061 417784 Fax: 061 417276 Email: mdaly@finewines.ie Web: www.finewines.ie Just Grapes Landsdown Hall, O’Callaghan Strand, Limerick. Contact: Paul Williams M: 087 6557596 E: paul@justgrapes.ie W: www.justgrapes.ie The Wine Buff 17 Upper Mallow Street, Limerick. Proprietor: Mike O’ Mara Tel: 061 313394 E-mail: mike.omara@thewinebuff.com Web: www.thewinebuff.com
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Sign . . . .It. .Ltd ......................................................................................... Unit 6, Eastway Business Park, BL | XXXXXX Ballysimon Road, Limerick. Tel: 061 469900 Fax: 061 417502 Email: Sales@signit.ie §ĂĠĨóĂûÜÒĨĂååõÏÜĨĂĠĨì¿ĠÕÜÿĖ Web: www.signit.ie
§ø¿ĪĨ³¿Ï÷Ĩ§IJĠÿõĪIJĠÜĨ ĢĢÜûÆøķĨ
Early Bird Special
½Ú íãé Øãâ è ÜÕêÙ èÜÙ èããàç èÝáÙ ãæ èÜÙ äÕèÝÙâ×Ù àÙè áÙ äæãêÝØÙ Õ ÚÕçè ÚæÝÙâØàí ÙÚÚÝ×ÝÙâè çÙæêÝ×Ù Úãæ íãé¢ Signsplus Unit 7,Eastlink Business Park, 3 courses €19.95 Ballysimon Road, Limerick.µÀÀ èíäÙç ãÚ 061 437950 Fax: 061 437940 3 courses Tel:vegie €17.95) ÜøÜÏĪĠõÏ¿øĨĵĂĠ÷ sales@signsplus.ie Õàçã ×ÕææÝÙØ ãéè Fri - SatEmail: 5 to 7.20 pm
Web: www.signsplus.ie Öí ÙìäÙæÝÙâ×ÙØ
åéÕàÝÚÝÙØ ¹àÙ×èæÝ×ÝÕ⢠Unit 2c Robert Street, Corn Market Square, Limerick SOFWARE DEVELOPMENT Action44 Point (tel) 061 66 44 ÄÜ »ÙææíĨ¯°» ¡ ĺÝĥĨĦĬĥĀççİ Unit 8B, Plassey Enterprise Centre, National Technology Park, Limerick. Contact: David Jeffreys Tel: 061 337 632 Call-Save: 1850-ACTION/ 1850 228 466 Fax: 061 301 924 Email: info@actionpoint.ie
* Design is ba in EPS form sed on a logo at su by your com pplied pany.
Tel: 061 304 599 • 086 106 3744 www.creativewavedesign.com
Photography by Michael Cowhey
Tel: 061 227640 Mob: 087 2581318 SOLICITORS Holmes O’Malley Sexton Bishopsgate, Henry St: Limerick. Tel: 061-313222 Fax: 061-310414 E-Mail: info@homs.ie Web: www.homs.ie
Ferndale, Ballinacurra, Limerick Email: michaelcowhey@eircom.net www.mikecowhey.com 60
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Rubber Stamps - Printing - Stationery - Laser Engraving
We Don't Just Sell Stamps We Make Them! 14 Lower Gerald Griffin St., Limerick, Ireland Tel. 061-417855 Fax. 061-410845 info@shamrockstamps.ie www.businesslimerick.ie
STOP! ºàëð ºÜåëéÜ
Don’t throw it out!
07/05/2010 11:25:20
BL | NEWS
Irish Diaspora website launches in New York networking sites, members become friends and share news, tips on living abroad and business opportunities.
Terry McLoughlin, Pat Carroll, RV353 launch in New York.
A new social and business networking site, RendezVous353, has been officially launched in New York, aiming to harness the goodwill amongst the 80 million people who claim Irish heritage.
The concept was born out of the personal experience of cofounder, Galway man, Terry McLoughlin, who worked on extended contracts in Qatar. His co-founder, Limerick man Richard O’Donnell, shared this vision and is also applying his 25 years experience of the international software and technology to the project. They, have privately funded the website, together with a small number of other Limerick based investors. Speaking at the ‘Start Spreading the News’ seminar at the Rockefeller Centre in New York, site founder Terry MacLoughlin said, “A tool like RendezVous353 is more relevant now than ever, with increased emigration and the need to stay in touch with loved ones and as a driver to encourage business between Irish people to bolster the economy.”
RendezVous353 was created in response to modern day emigration, providing a resource for Irish people all over the world to stay connected with each other and to provide a link between those in Ireland and He added, “We have been rethe Irish -connected people, out- ferred to as the ‘Irish facebook’, side of Ireland. but the site holds much more possibility than that. We will Since the test site was created be driving our own agenda and in February, 5,000 members spreading the Irish connections worldwide have already signed between friends and strangers up. The newly launched ver- from all walks of life. Rendezsion of the site aims to connect Vous353 is exactly what it Irish business people around means to be Irish”. the world, encouraging social interaction and creating a plat- Already, word has spread and form for business networking members on the site hail from amongst the Diaspora. The site a plethora of far-reaching contiultimately hopes to boost the nents including Ireland, US, CanIrish economy by increasing the ada, UK, Australia, Argentina, support system between the Sudan, Oman, China, Singapore, Irish living at home and abroad. Qatar, Jakarta, and all major RendezVous353 encapsulates European cities. Members have the very best of Irish videos, arranged meetings in Kampala, blogs, miniSites and news from Uganda, South Africa, Chile, contemporary Ireland, all on Hong Kong, and Taiwan. one site. Similar to other social www.businesslimerick.ie
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. . . . . . . . . ................................................... .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BL | TECHNOLOGY BL | XXXXXX
SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) & The Benefits To Your Business SEO (Search engine optimization) is the process of improving the volume or quality of traffic to a web site or a web page from search engines via "natural" or un-paid ("organic" or "algorithmic") search results. The purpose of SEO is that the higher a site appears in the search results list, the more visitors it will receive from the search engine.
success. There are millions of websites that look great but don’t bring any return.
85% of Internet users use search engines such as Google to find their goods and services. So it more important that your business can be found online.
One particular stage of SEO is concerned with best practice web development. It is very important to make sure you get the site’s structure correct at the planning stage, otherwise some drastic measures such as a complete redesign might be required.
The business benefits of running a successful SEO campaign are there for all to see. Just ask yourself how much time do you spend online researching services, companies and products. Your searching habits are more than likely the same as everyone else’s. The majority of internet users do not view past the first 30 search results on search engines. If you’re not high up the rankings for keywords associated with your business then it will be more than likely one of your competitors will be found and receive the business. Unfortunately, simply having a website hasn’t and won’t be enough to guarantee online
SEO is a long-term strategy that your business needs to invest in. It can be a cost effective and measurable strategy. The good news is that it works for small to medium as well for the larger companies.
How SEO Benefits your Business 1) You can attract highly targeted traffic to particular pages on your site.
By Kevin Meaney, IDF Marketing
4) Receive an excellent cost effective long term Return on Investment from 24/7 online promotion.
5) Target the local market or international market. Sell anywhere and everywhere around the world. 6) Track, monitor and improve your website. Your website analytics is an excellent resource of information and can tell you so much about your business and your products. SEO is an investment that many businesses should seriously consider. If you are offering a good service, product or advice, and you appear in front of your target market on search engines you will reap the rewards.
2) More visibility and a higher profile, coupled with an attractive functional website should bring you more inquiries, more sales and more business.
If you would like to explore SEO options for your business feel free to contact IDF Marketing today for a free consultation.
3) Promote and reinforce your brand. The
IDF Marketing Ltd Tel: 061 375412 Email: info@idfmarketing.com Web: www.idfmarketing.com
higher up the rankings the more perceived value and credibility your site and company will have.
Let us grow your business online... 2XU LQ KRXVH WHDP RI TXDOLĂ€HG VHDUFK HQJLQH VSHFLDOLVWV OLYH DQG EUHDWK VHDUFK :H DUH GULYHQ E\ UHVXOWV DQG ZH FDQ VWDQG E\ RXU ZRUG WR GHOLYHU \RX WKH FOLHQW TXDOLW\ SDJH RQH VHDUFK UHVXOWV LQ \RXU LQGXVWU\
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Call Today For Your Free Consultation 7HO _ (PDLO LQIR#LGIPDUNHWLQJ FRP IDF Marketing 0XQVWHU 2IĂ€FH Marine Village, Killaloe, Co.www.businesslimerick.ie Clare, 62 Ireland
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IDF Marketing 'XEOLQ 2IĂ€FH 2IĂ€FH Lower Rathmines Road,
IDF Marketing /RQGRQ 2IĂ€FH 2IĂ€FH 5RVGHQ +RXVH 2OG 6WUHHW /RQGRQ EC1V 9AU
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Bentley’s Bar Issac Taylors Orchard Garden 101 Club
Bentley’s
101 O’Connell Street, Limerick Tel/Fax: 061 214625 Book Your Party Now – Email: party@bentleysbar.net
home of entertainment and choice Bentley's.indd 1
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THERE IS NO BETTER PLACE TO GET INSPIRED Hospitality
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