Connect Lifestyle Magazine December 2022

Hi everyone

We have come to the last issue of the year,

And had we an action packed November…. Our first ever Men of Kerry Awards took place and it was a fantastic night, we met some amazing men doing wonderful things in the county and we began the night with a reflection on the late great Padraig Harnett who was dear to all of us, Padraig passed away a few weeks before the awards and was a finalist, his family and guests saw him being the first recipient of our Hall of Fame of Award, one I am sure the man himself would be very proud to receive, a worthy recognition for a wonderful man, you may have left us Padraig but you will always be in our hearts. RIP.

We also had our annual ladies lunch fashion and beauty afternoon and had lots of fun at this so again we feature some images of the day.

We chat to Brian De Staic and his wife Mairead on life, work and winning our Lifetime Achievement recognition.

Some of our local chefs have provided some ideas for the Christmas dinner, and Catriona has been shopping for the ideal gifts and books for under the tree this year.

So as always there is lots to read and see.

December is always a busy month so make sure you take some time out for you and your family, it will be different for a lot of us this year with higher living costs, and the wonder of what will come in 2023 so bear this in mind when shopping this Christmas, don’t try to impress with large unwanted gifts, get something meaningful that the recipient will enjoy, it doesn’t have to be the most expensive one on the shelf.

Enjoy your family time we are taking our usual sabbatical now and our next issue will be on the shelves the first Tuesday of February.

Until then stay safe, mind yourselves and mind each other Merry Christmas from all the team here at connect

Editor: Margaret Kissane

Office Enquiries: Cathriona Murphy

Print: Kingdom Printers

Graphic Design: Yevgen Kalynin

Editorial Contributors: Lisa Curran, Romy Birdthistle, John Canty, Mairead McMahon, Pat Harmon, Marcas Mac Domhnaill

For Advertising Enquiries: Margaret: 086 2408237 sales@connectpublications.ie

For Editorial Enquiries: margaret@connectpublications.ie Website: www.connectpublications.ie

ZINC AND SELENIUM

Some people can spend small fortunes on beauty products to help improve the appearance of skin, hair or nails, but a supplement with two important nutrients could do more than anything else. SELENIUM AND ZINC, both of these essential nutrients play a vital role in keeping your skin, hair and nails nourished. Many women find that taking a selenium supplement can help improve hair thickness and strength. Selenium levels in hair have been found to decline with age. It can also help improve nails that are prone to cracking or splitting. Similarly, Zinc, a vital micronutrient just like selenium has a very positive effect on the skin. The body uses zinc to maintain skin repair mechanism, renewing skin cells and supporting the healthy processes that are needed to keep your skin in excellent condition. These two nutrients have greater impact on the appearance of the skin than anything else. A combined Selenium and Zinc supplement may also help to slow down the appearance of ageing on your skin, protect the nails from splitting and cracking and helps to add volume and shine to your hair.

Selenium alone supports 25-30 different highly important proteins in the body, some of which are pivotal to the health and condition of your skin, hair and nails. A selenium deficiency can disturb this delicate balance causing them to weaken. A good quality selenium supplement can help to address this imbalance and when combined with Zinc it can really give your appearance a boost.

Selenium is not just important for your skin,hair and nails. It also plays a very important role helping to maintain your metabolism. We normally cut down on our food intake if we are trying to lose some weight, but this may not necessarily be a good idea if the foods you cut back on contain selenium. Selenium helps to support normal functioning of the Thryoid gland. This vital gland controls the speed of your metabolism. If you are low or lacking in Selenium it may cause your metabolic rate to slow down. As a result, you may find that no matter how hard you try, you struggle to lose weight. So if your metabolism seems sluggish it is worth considering taking a Selenium supplement. When it comes to choosing a brand some of my favourites include, WILD NUTRITION, VIRIDIAN or PHARMANORD. Call in store and we will advise you which brand suits your needs best.

Until next time, Stay healthy Deirdre x

By Cathriona Murphy

When it came to choosing our Lifetime Achievement recipient at our recent Connect Men in Business Awards, there was never any doubt in our minds that it would be Brian de Staic. With his wife Mairead by his side, Brian has carved out a successful career, garnering praise both at home and internationally. So it really is of little doubt why the de Staic name is instantly recognizable with that of master craftsmanship, attention to detail and beautiful pieces that will last a lifetime. I caught up with Brian after the awards to chat about his life and career.

Brian, congratulations on your award, given the lengthy standing ovation you received everyone agreed you were a very deserving recipient. How has it been since?

Its been fantastic! People have been coming up to me and contacting me all week congratulating me on the award. It was an honour to receive it and I appreciate everyone that nominated me in my categories. The awards night itself was wonderful, it was lovely to catch up with old friends and make new ones too on the night.

Can you take our readers back to the beginning of your career and tell them how it all began for you?

My career started over 40 years ago down in Cork were I am originally from. I was 17 and just started my apprenticeship with a very well-known jeweller, Steven O Shaughnessy. It was originally a 7-year apprentice but it reduced to 5 years in

Brian de Staic Celebrating a Lifetime of Achievements

which I also attended the School of Art in Cork. That was a very interesting time to me because at that time Cork was a very active hub for trades such as jewellery making, silver smithing etc. Unfortunately, there was then an economic down turn that forced a lot of businesses to close down, especially the trades I worked within and that was hugely down to changes within the Catholic Church. They began adapting a simpler style instead of the opulence which was the norm. After my apprenticeship I went to Canada for a few years and learned different aspects of jewellery over there, but I knew I never really wanted to settle there, I wanted to work at home. My father is actually from Fenit so I had my heart set on eventually settling in Kerry, I had fallen in love with Irish language so I wanted to live somewhere I could use it. So in 1977 I moved to dingle and started working locally doing odd jobs but always had it in the back of my mind to go back to my own trade. I met my wife Mairead and with her encouragement, I opened my shop in 1981 on Green Street which we still have. All it consisted of was myself in the back at a bench and a few display cabinets in the front but I loved it. Dingle, at the time, had a very small tourist season of about 6 weeks but we were very lucky that Mairead got a teaching job in Colaiste Íde which gave us a great support to keep going with the shop and build our lives here.

You have achieved what most businesses around the world only dream of, a successful breakthrough in the American market. How did you achieve that?

We broke into the American market with the likes of QVC which gave us some great exposure. Mairead appeared in one of their infamous live sale slots to over 180 million viewers. We also participated in a launch by Enterprise Ireland which encouraged Irish businesses to try and get into the American market. It brought the buyers to these shows all over America to places like Boston, Chicago and Atlanta to see our products and buy them so that in itself was a great help. In the meantime, our

business in Dingle was growing rapidly with tourism, retail and wholesale. We did however over time find that the wholesale was a distraction so with the addition of a store in Killarney, we were able to turn our focus to the retail side of the business. We are on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter which are all great ways to promote ourselves and our products abroad. With Facebook alone, we have over 12,000 followers so that is a great way of getting the word out about our products.

Brian de Staic Ogham style jewellery has become your signature style, adorning the necks of some very well know public figures. Where did the interest in something so unusual and unique come from?

That goes way back to a time when I was attending The School of Art in Cork, a friend of mine was an artist and he had these sketches made up. I remember we were going through them and one of them he had called rock art in Kerry. It was an Ogham stone he had sketched from out near Lispole. So I started to study it and

the more I learned about Ogham script the more I thought it could actually make beautiful jewellery. If I remember correct it was copper I started it with first, I tested it out by gifting some to family and friends and it was received very well. So it really took off from there, people would have seen my pieces and come to me then requesting their own name done in Ogham and that was basically the start of it.

With that said, you have worked with famous faces from actors to dignitaries. Of all the people you have met, who would stand out in your mind the most?

We have had the privilege of having our jewellery worn by some extraordinary people such as Tom Cruise, Julia Roberts, Johnny Cash and Garth Brooks, however, I would say the moment that stands out for me was meeting the Pope. It was honestly the most amazing thing I ever went through because just to be up close to him, to see his face and the warmth in his eyes, it was a very special moment, one I will never forget. It was an extraordinary experience, very overpowering emotionally. I’ve never experienced anything like it at all. It will always stand out to me as the most amazing experience I have had in my career. There have been many other wonderful people along the way such as actors, politicians but it’s the Pope that stands out the most.

The exciting part of visiting any of your stores is seeing the latest collection on offer. Can you tell our readers about your most recent launch?

I have a new collection now called “Carraig Dubh”, it’s made of a black stone found locally here in Dingle. I have been looking at it for years thinking, what can

I do with it? During Covid I figured out how to cut it and chip at it, making it into different shapes and sizes. I started to introduce the Ogham on it too which gives it a nice contrast with the 14ct gold. So the creativity really does go on and on, we never stop believing that we have gone as far as we have with something. We are always looking for ways to improve and go further with designs and materials. We are constantly thinking, what next? I am very privileged at this stage of my life to be able to say I enjoy my work; I love what I do more than ever. My attitude has always been that the day you stop creating or thinking of new ideas, is the day you need to stop. New designs and ideas can take years to blossom, it doesn’t just happen overnight but I enjoy the process of developing ideas.

You have both become stars of the TV in your own right, with multiple appearances over the years. It was hard to miss the fact that on the awards night you were followed by two lovely gentlemen and their cameras, can you tell our readers about that?

RTE have been really good to us over the years, Brian appeared on a programme with them called Up and Running. We are regularly asked to appear on the Today show which is a huge boost for our marketing and especially in time for Christmas! We have appeared on TG 4 show, Mo Ghrá go Daingean in addition to Radio na Gaeltachta, Radio Kerry and RTE Radio 1. So yes, we had two lovely guys from RTE with us at the awards and I am delighted to be able to share with your readers what is coming up for us. We are being filmed for a show called Ar An Sliabh which we were chosen to participate for a number of reasons. Mainly because we speak Irish, the business that we have and

Set against the relaxing backdrop of live piano music and served in the warm and contemporary surroundings of The Peregrine, expect a scrumptious feast of scones, cakes and pastries all with a seasonal flavour that pay tribute to the long standing tradition of Afternoon Tea.

actually because we live facing Mount Brandon which is the entire basis of the programme so it has been a pleasure so far to participate in it. When they heard we were attending an awards in which Brian was nominated, they were delighted and instantly asked to film it. The fact Brian was honoured on the night in such a way was the icing on the cake!

You have a very close knit working relationship with all of your employees in addition to your sons also being involved in the business. How did this develop over the years? We had got settled with our house and the business and then started our family, first with Seán then Dara and Cian. We had at that stage employed some staff to help us and eventually outgrew the premises so we were very fortunate to get the premises where we are now. Seán is my main man in the workshop with management and design whereas Dara and Cian work on the periphery in website development and marketing. Seán has a great hand and eye for the craft but we also have other employees in the workshop. We have Andy, Claire and Melissa along with others in the workshop who have all developed under my own training. We are always very conscious that we wouldn’t function without our team, they are the people

that make our business. One of our staff members, she used to take Seán for walks when he was a baby and went on to join our team, she has been employed by us for over 30 years now. Another girl in the office is there over 25 years, another over 22 years so we really do feel like one big family. The motto we work by is that nobody works for anyone in our business, we all work together. If the toilet needs cleaning, I’ll do it myself and that’s the way we have always operated. The girls in the office will come down on the shop floor and help out in our busy tourist season.

Finally, Brian, whether its family or the business, you speak of both so fondly. What is it that brings you such enjoyment?

We are very privileged to have the wonderful Fiadh in our lives. We absolutely adore her, we collect her from Naoinra every day which we love. In fact, her parents met through our business in America. They actually met over at one of our shows in America so that is a lovely story for us all as a family to cherish. Beyond that in a business sense I have said Jewellery is always a celebration. Whether it’s

an engagement, a christening, a birthday, communions, jewellery will always have a central role. So the business of jewellery is a happy business which makes our job a happy place to be in and work in. Once you love what you do it will never be work.

For more information visit www.briandestaic.com

Add That Extra Touch To Your Chrsitmas Dinner With Our Top Chefs Tips

DARK CHOCOLATE, ORANGE AND CRANBERRY ROULADE

By Mark Murphy | Dingle Cookery School

METHOD

1. Prepare a Swiss roll tin by brushing it with the oil. Carefully line the base and sides with parchment paper. Brush the parchment with oil.

2.

INGREDIENTS

For the Cake

• Vegetable oil for greasing the tin and parchment paper

• 50g self-raising flour

• 1 tsp Baking powder

• 30g Cocoa powder

• 50g Ground almonds

• 4 Eggs

• 100g Caster sugar, plus a little extra for turning out the cake

For the Filling

• 450g Mascarpone

• 1 Orange, zested and juiced

• 200g Cranberry sauce

For the Frosting

• 85ml Water

• 20g Dark brown muscovado sugar

• 120g Butter

• 200g good quality Dark Chocolate

• Icing Sugar to Dust

CRISPY BRIE WITH A BACON, APPLE SALAD & CRANBERRY DRESSING

Mark Doe | Justcooking.ie

This is a Christmas favourite at Just Cooking. It makes for a great starter on Christmas day or over the festive period. Serves 4

Sift the flour, baking powder and cocoa into a bowl. Add in the ground almonds.

INGREDIENTS

• 12 pieces of Brie (small wedges)

• 4 tbsp lemon juice

• 200g panko breadcumbs

• 6 tbsp olive oil

• 4 tbsp cranberry sauce

• 1 tsp of honey

• 2 granny smiths apples

• 150g Mixed salad leaves

• 3 eggs

• 100g plain flour

• 4 back bacon rashers, grilled till crispy and then cut into thin strips.

3.

Using an electric mixer, whisk the eggs and sugar together until the mixture comes to the ribbon stage (once ready the mixture will have thickened, increased in volume. Check it by drawing a figure of eight on top of the batter with the whisk attachment, if it is ready the figure of eight will hold it shape for a few seconds). At this stage you can carefully add in the dry ingredients. Use a large spoon and gently fold all the ingredients together. When there is no trace of the dry ingredients, carefully pour this mixture into the prepared Swiss roll tin. Make sure the tin is evenly filled. Place this in the oven for about 12-14 minutes or until it is firm with a slight bounce. Remove from the oven, lay a sheet of parchment on the counter. Sprinkle with the remaining caster sugar.

4.

Allow the cake to cool for about a minute or so, carefully turn it out on to the parchment. Remove the upper sheet parchment on top of the cake. Roll from the short edge and place this on a wire rack and allow to cool.

TO MAKE THE FILLING

Add the orange zest and orange juice to the mascarpone. Mix this well. Unroll the cake, use a spatula and spread the filling over the cake, leaving about an inch at the edges. Next spread the cranberry sauce over this. Carefully roll the cake back up again. Remove the paper and place the cake on a plate.

TO MAKE THE FROSTING

This can be done while the cake is in the oven. Put the water, muscovado sugar and butter in a small pot over low heat. Once the butter has melted take the mixture of the heat and add in the chocolate. Allow it to settle and then use a spatula to mix it gently until it has all come together. Leave this for about 1 hour, whisking now and again. This mixture will now be ready to spread over the cake. Spread the frosting over the cake using a spatula, use a fork at the end to create a log effect. Dust with icing sugar.

Happy Christmas

METHOD

1. Quarter, core and thinly slice the apples.

2. Place the apples in a bowl with the lemon juice and 3 tbsp of water and toss well.

3. Pre-heat your oven to 200c/gas mark 6/400f. 4. Set up three bowls, 1 with the beaten egg, 1 with the flour and the final 1 with the panko bread crumbs.

5. Pass the Brie though the flour, then the egg and finally the bread crumbs. Ensure the Brie is well coated with the breadcrumbs. If not pass the Brie though the egg and breadcrumbs again.

6. Heat some sunflower or olive oil in a pan and fry the Brie on all sides until golden.

7. Place on a baking sheet and bake in the oven for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is soft.

8. Meanwhile to make the dressing, take the lemon juice from the apples and place in to a bowl. 9. Add the cranberry sauce, olive oil and honey. Season with salt and pepper and whisk to form a dressing.

10. In a bowl, dress the leaves with some of the cranberry dressing and mix through the apples.

11. Add the bacon to the leaves. (you can heat the bacon slightly if you wish) 12. Arrange the leaves neatly on a plate and top with the Brie. 13. Drizzle the remaining dressing around the plate.

Christmas Gift Guide

By Cathriona Murphy

And just like that, December is here! Have you completed your Christmas shopping list? Purchased for that special man in your life? Planned the perfect treat for your wife? No?!! Well, let there be no panic, I’ve got you covered! From wine hampers to power tools, perfume to teeth whitening, there is something for everyone.

MILWAUKEE 12 Volt heated jacket and 4 1/2” 18 VOLT GRINDER c/w 30 free Cutting disks

MILWAUKEE 12 Volt heated jacket from Fred Cronin supplies will keep the man in your life toasty warm this winter working outdoors!MILWAUKEE

Grinder, High-quality tool for ambitious DIY enthusiasts on many different cutting, grinding and roughing jobs everywhere in the home ! visit www.boltbank.com for more info

Luxury Teeth Whitening Gift Set for Him from Spotlight Oral Care

This luxury teeth whitening kit from Spotlight is coming in at a fantastic price too good to pass by! Retailing at €80 from a previous price of €160, it is the perfect gift for the man in your life, keeping his smile as good as new!

The set includes; Teeth Whitening Strips (2 week supply) - worth €44.95, Teeth Whitening Powder (full size) worth €29.95, Toothpaste for Whitening Teeth (full size) - worth €9.50, Sonic Facial Cleanser - worth €65.00, Dental Floss for Whitening Teeth - worth €5.95, Bamboo Toothbrush - worth €3.95, Mouthwash for Whitening Teeth (full size) - worth €13.50. For further information visit www.spotlightoralcare.com

Handcrafted Busy Boards - The Wild Tribe

When I came across these busy boards I just thought what a genius concept! Made from sustainable materials and certified child safe non-toxic paints, it uses real life elements to engage your child in learning through actions. Available in small, medium or large it will encourage the development in your child’s fine motor skills allowing practice and perfecting of movements such as their pincer grip and to top it all off, this is a local business! Prices range from €35-€90, for further details visit www.thewildtribeireland.com

Jenny Glow

Jenny Glow has fast become a staple in women’s handbags across the country. An Irish owned brand, it offers luxurious, long lasting scents at a mere fraction of the costs of their competitors. This

Christmas they have brought out some beautiful fragrance gift sets to choose from starting from just €16.95 and here I have chosen my favourite, Jenny Glow Opium! For further information visit www.makesscents.ie

Terra Foods and Wines – Hampers

Terra Foods and Wines are a Tralee based company offering exquisite hampers of foods and wines. With prices to suit all budgets, there is something tasty and delicious for everyone to enjoy! I have selected something on the higher end of a budget, I think it would be ideal for a couples first Christmas at home. From the award winning winemakers Sierra Cantabria comes one of their flagship wines from Toro (Spain) made entirely from 100% Tinta de Toro, prephylloxeric vines over 100 years old following a byodinamic farming style were no pesticides are used at any stage, harvest is made by hand and grapes are then crushed by foot. The juice then goes under malolactic fermentation and then it is aged for 18 months in new French Bordelaise oak barrels. Stunningly packaged and presented this set is retailing at €194.30. For more information visit www.terrafoodsandwines.com

Listowel Garden Centre

One of my favourite places to browse and shop for Christmas gifts is at the awardwinning Listowel Garden Centre for the Ultimate Christmas Shopping Experience. This year they are including a virtual reality experience, festive cheer and the best decorations in all of Munster so they say! Help Santa deliver all of his presents using a virtual reality console, proceeds in lieu to Cliona’s foundation. The ten magical themes and glamorous collections of decorations, including traditional and new festive favourites are on full display throughout the Winter Wonderland Shop, which is located in Upper Rear Church Street, Listowel, Co. Kerry. Also available from Santa’s workshop and their team of elves is a Bespoke Mantle & Garland Service! All arrangements are made to order, handmade to your individual requirements (theme/colours/lights etc.) for your doorways, stairs, and table scaping festive needs. Get an incredibly made & unique piece that will last for years to come or add to your existing collection. The garland service also includes FREE NATIONWIDE DELIVERY meaning your garland will be delivered right to your door at no extra cost and hassle free! Visit Santa’s workshop to discuss your design. And after all the photo opportunities why not make sure everyone is simply having a wonderful Christmas Thyme with a visit to their Café for hot chocolate and crêpes. For more information contact 068-22908 or message on social media @listowelgardencentre.

By Cathriona Murphy

...Jasmine

The name Diane Jeffers has become synonymous over the years with exquisite style and occasion wear. With Jasmine, located on Ashe street in Tralee, she has styled women from all over Ireland for weddings, occasions and most recently welcoming a younger clientele for their dream communion dress. I recently had the pleasure of catching up with Diane over coffee to talk about her story of how Jasmine came to fruition and what is in store for this season.

Diane, it’s a pleasure to have you as our Style Spotlight this month! Can you tell our readers how Jasmine came to be?

Jasmine Boutique was a dream I had since working in the USA; where I had moved to from Tralee back in the 80s, while over there I worked in high end Fashion Boutiques in Boston in Buying and Management. I returned home to Kerry in 2005 and the idea of Jasmine arose out of necessity in 2010, when attending a Family Wedding , I found myself travelling the "Boutique Trail from Killarney to Limerick. On the way home it really niggled on me that there was no shop in Tralee catering to this market? I decided then that I was going to open my own store, which I called Jasmine out of sentimentality because I started out in fashion in a boutique called Jasmine in Harvard Square when I was in my early twenties That was 12 years ago now and I haven’t looked back since thankfully! Jasmine opened in 2010 catering to Mother of The Bride and Groom, Wedding guests and Debs Dresses as well as Ladies attending the Races with Bespoke headpieces and accessories all under one roof. Jasmine has expanded its offering into Communion wear in the last couple of years so we cater for little girls all the way up to Grandmother of the Bride!

When you first opened the store, did you have a vision in mind of what stock and labels you wanted to sell?

My vision for the Boutique was a Little Frock Shop!.... an emporium of eclectic and funky occasion wear in a boutique setting. Picking out the clothes on those first buying trips was so amazing. I had my new little baby in her sling with me the whole way and went to London, Paris and Madrid to bring something really unique to the market. The boutique like a candy store, with a big pink velvet couch in the middle of it and was so much fun Discovering the Irish label Fran and Jane was a eureka moment for me as it was a huge collection of quality occasion and casual wear and really put the shop on the map. I found the Irish labels to really cater the best to the Irish market as they really understand the customer - we love our Occasion wear and bright colours when it comes to dressing for an Occasion!

vast as we dress to the customers shape and what suits them. I will often tell a Client to take off a dress that doesn't suit her shape no matter how much she loves the fabric or colour. We love the classic Kate Middleton look , she has brought so much elegance and style to inspire us in such a young woman. I think she has influenced fashion so much that when people go to weddings they want that classic elegance so that is the kind of look I am aspiring to in the shop. I look for those classic, timeless investment pieces that people can wear over and over again because sustainability and investment pieces are very important to me. People don’t want fast fashion anymore. I recently wore a top I had purchased in Boston almost 25 years ago, I had spent a lot of money for it at the time for someone of my age. But I was working in higher end boutiques in America at the time so I had to wear clothes that fit the image. But my point is that the top was still like new 25 years later and to me, that is what an investment piece is.

Finally Diane, can you tell our readers what labels they can find and what size range too?

Jasmine offers a diverse range of labels from Amber hand beaded dresses to quirky biker jackets that are from Italy, Our Mother of the Bride collection is mostly Spanish or Irish origin and we have just brought in a lovely range of evening wear and debs dresses from LA at amazing prices. Our Sweetie Pie Communion range is a very exclusive brand and we do appointments with a goody bag for all our little visitors. Working as a Buyer for the different departments in the store is one of the most satisfying and rewarding jobs I have done to date and I love styling our Clients from head to toe. We have bespoke velvet Alice Bands in store also which are a huge trend at the moment. One of our most popular labels is Red and Royal, they are an English label who have that Kate Middleton style to their clothing, classic and elegant. We just got some stunning feather trim dresses from them that you could wear to a wedding because feathers are very much a trend at the moment. I stock a good size range from 8-22 because it’s important to me that any woman can feel confident walking into the store that I will have something to suit them and that leave feeling amazing.

For more information visit www.jasminetralee.com

Yes! After many years now of buying for the Irish Customer I feel that I have definitely adapted to what the Customer wants. The range at Jasmine is

So would you say you have refined your style now?

Christmas Book Guide

By Cathriona Murphy

Sweet Therapy - The

Joy of Baking by

Una Leonard’s Mullingar bakery, 2210 Patisserie, has become a staple in the celebrations of celebrities, high profile public figures and families across Ireland. With her eye-catching designs and mouth-watering recipes it would leave you in no doubt as to why she is in such demand. With her recent appearance on The Late Late Show, there was hardly a dry eye amongst viewers as she so bravely recounted her struggles and how they led to her forming her bakery business. Sweet Therapy: The Joy of Baking is full of delicious treats to make at home, a reminder of the good things in life, and a celebration of baking and how the mindful act of creating food for the people you love and for yourself can heal. With over 100 recipes for her now famous brownies, blondies, dotie bars, cookies and cake trays, along with gluten free treats and her mam’s family recipes, Una shares her story and the recipes that have turned her into the successful business woman that she is today.

Mad Honey by Jodi Picoult.

Jodi Picoult has long been my favourite author and when you get to hold a new publication of hers, you know you truly have something special in your hands. With her depth of research into subject matter, attention to detail and the ability to turn everything you think you know up on its head, each page will leave you longing for more. The synopsis for ‘Mad Honey’ reads “Olivia fled her abusive marriage to return to her hometown and take over the family beekeeping business when her son Asher was six. Now, impossibly, her baby is six feet tall and in his last year of high school, a kind, good-looking, popular ice hockey star with a tiny sprite of a new girlfriend. Lily also knows what it feels like to start over - when she and her mother relocated to New Hampshire it was all about a fresh start. She and Asher couldn't help falling for each other, and Lily feels happy for the first time. But can she trust him completely? Then Olivia gets a phone call - Lily is dead, and Asher is arrested on a charge of murder. As the case against him unfolds, she realises he has hidden more than he's shared with her. And Olivia knows first-hand that the secrets we keep reflect the past we want to leave behind - and that we rarely know the people we love well as we think we do.”

Time and Tide by Charlie Bird

With the Christmas period comes the dawn of a New Year. A time for reflection and perhaps a healthy dose of perspective. I couldn’t recommend a more inspirational, more thought provoking biography than that of Charlie Bird. Once a daily feature of the RTÉ News cycle, Charlie has become a figure head of hope and determination, courageous enough to speak his truth and yet humble to a fault, seeking no accolades only awareness. To sit in front of the

fire on a winters evening, Time and Tide will inspire you and touch the hearts of everyone with every word.

All The Broken Places by John Boyne Is the long awaited, highly anticipated sequel to the international best-selling novel, The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas. Since its original release, The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas has been made into a box office hit movie and cemented itself firmly on the English curriculum for Junior Cert. With the synopsis reading “ Three years after a cataclysmic event which tore their lives apart, a mother and daughter flee Poland for Paris, shame, and fear at their heels, not knowing how hard it is to escape your past. Nearly eighty years later, Gretel Fernsby lives a life that is a far cry from her traumatic childhood. When a couple moves into the flat below her in her London mansion block, it should be nothing more than a momentary inconvenience. However, the appearance of their nine-year-old son Henry brings back memories she would rather forget. Faced with a choice between her own safety and his, Gretel is taken back to a similar crossroads she encountered long ago. Back then, her complicity dishonoured her life, but to interfere now could risk revealing the secrets she has spent a lifetime protecting”. Boyne explores how the depth of guilt can weigh upon ones soul, lending to a life of fear, torment and regret. All The Broken Pieces is that very piece of the puzzle that remained to be put in place after the heart-breaking story of Bruno and Shmuel.

Spark by Brid O Connor

Brid O Connor found herself in an unimaginable situation when 15 months after her mom was diagnosed with terminal cancer, Brid also received a diagnosis. In addition to that, 2 of her siblings tested positive for the BRCA cancer gene making it just a heart-breaking time for any family. Through this dark time Brid sought comfort in the poem, Invictus which was also a draw of inspiration to Nelson Mandela. It inspired Brid to put together Spark, a book that would become a place of comfort, hope and solace to many facing tough journeys of their own. All proceeds from the book go directly to Comfort for Chemo who are currently fundraising to raise €5 million to build a centre of excellence for the people of Kerry and beyond.

Killarney, Behind the Mask by Marie Carroll-O’ Sullivan

When lifestyle photographer, Marie Carroll-O’ Sullivan found herself, like many of us, restricted within a lockdown her first thoughts became, what can I do to help others through this? So she did what she does best, bringing her camera within the limits to talk to people, document their lives in pictures and relaying these images to family further afield. Not content with this alone, Marie decided to put together a book, a piece of history to record this moment in our lives but to also raise funds for some very deserving charities along with front line staff. This book would be a perfect purchase for anyone interested in history, biographical stories .

Una Leonard

We look Great in Stockings!

Whether your brunching, lunching, sleeping over, grabbing dinner or enjoying the best cocktails in town, The Ross gift card gives you the gift of choice. Be it a weekend away or a midweek treat, our vouchers are the perfect gift to ensure a great time on your own time.

Did we mention our gift cards are redeemable at our fancy-pants big sister property The Killarney Park?

Christmas at The Ross

Visit theross.ie Email hello@theross.ie Town Centre, Killarney, Co. Kerry. Ireland.

Connect Kerry Lifetime Achievement Award Brian De Staic Jeweller Dingle

Mark Hussey , Orla Diffily, Nathan McDonnell, Helen Brick, Brian Looney

Margaret Kissane and John Drummey

Connect Kerry Man in Business Services in association with IPS Kerry. Dan O Donoghue

Christmas HAS NEVER TASTED THIS GOOD...

Connect

The

Connect

The

Connect

Connect

Connect

Connect

The Connect Kerry One to Watch Sean o Connor Beachfit Games

Connect Kerry Specialist in his field award, Mark Murphy, Little Cheese Shop and Dingle Cookery School.

Kerry Man in Medical Profession in association with Kerry Mental Health, Dr Kevin Ryle Ashe Street Tralee

The Connect Kerry Years of Service to his Industry Ger O Connor AIB Castleisland

Kerry Man in Fashion and Design- in Association with Hannons Fashion and Lifestyle Store. Danny Leane Annburys Fashions

Kerry Man in Retail or Consumer Services in Association with AIB BANK Kieran Corcoran Corcorans Furniture Stores.

The Connect Kerry Best Use of Social Media Jamie Flannery Dingle

Kerry Man in Food Production in Association in association with Sean Kissane Meats. John James and Stuart Portmagee Whiskey

The Connect Kerry Team Leader Stephen O Brien Techneek Tralee

Connect Kerry Readers Choice Award; Derry Fleming Cara Credit Union.

Kerry Man in Auctioneering, Estate Agents and property management in association with John Walsh Photography. Gary O Driscoll Property Management

Kerry New Business Award in Association with Smaash Burger Ardfert John Crowley The Guitar Grove.

Connect Kerry Man in Media Marketing and Events in association with Tralee Today.ie. Dara O Cinneide, Virigin Media

Connect Kerry Outstanding Manager Award in association with Tralee Chamber Alliance.

Nick Roberts Listowel Garden Centre

The Connect Kerry Innovation Award; Fintan O Connell Bioheat Ireland

Connect Kerry Man in Farming Gardening and Horticulture inassociation with Cara Credit Union.. Padraig Sugrue Bellfield Christmas Trees

Connect Kerry Man in Archectiture Construction and design in association with Expose Design, Seamus Scanlon Bathrooms 4U

The Connect Kerry Mission Possible Award Jermiah Griffin Killarney

Connect Kerry Man in Sport in association with Ballyroe Heights Hotel

Jordan Lee

The Connect Kerry Team of the Year Celsius Menswear

Connect Kerry Man in Motoring in association with IDrive Motoring Niall Murphy Castleisland Tyre Centre

The Connect Kerry Overall Best Business Bathrooms 4u

Connect Kerry Community Champion award in association with Ballyseedy Garden Centre.

Junior Locke St Vincent De Paul

The Connect Kerry Local Hero Award Dermot Crowley Recovery Haven

Email hello@theross.ie Town Centre, Killarney, Co. Kerry. Ireland.

As 2022 draws to a close, Mounthawk Allcare Pharmacy's Pat Harmon discusses how to stay healthy over the festive season and how to prepare some healthy resolutions for 2023.

"Christmas is almost upon us and the final month of the year is often a countdown to Christmas Eve, Day and St Stephens Day celebrations. Most people will eat their entire body weight in food over the course of just a few days which often seems like a good idea at the time. Here in Mounthawk Pharmacy we are unfortunately no different but there are potentially serious health implications that come with this level of indulgence. Ireland is in the grip of an obesity and diabetic surge and we all need to be more aware of both the quantity and quality of food that we are consuming. We all know the foods we should eat more of and the ones we need to reduce so I will not lecture people on this. So even though those tins of chocolates in the supermarket might seem like great value and it would be a sin to leave them behind.....ask yourself if you really need to buy 6 tins of Quality Streets and who is going to end up eating them? The threat of falling into a diabetic coma is real people!

We should all aim to be more active in the new year and this is proven to have so many positive physical and mental health benefits . It is a fact that 30 minutes of exercise is only 2% of your day. So get those runners on and start walking/jogging along some of the many beautiful walks we have in this county. Here in Tralee we are very lucky to have a new addition in this regard in the Tralee to Fenit cycleway. This is a wonderful new shared space for cyclists and pedestrians and is already proving to be widely popular. Mounthawk Allcare Pharmacy is conveniently located only 200 metres from the start point of the Tralee side so make sure to pop in if you need any last minute supplies or emotional support before heading off to Fenit for the day. Or if you are struggling at the finish and need some Epsom salts and rehydration sachets we always keep plenty of these in stock!

A combination of a good diet and exercise is guaranteed to result in weight loss so try not to go for quick fixes and focus on getting the fundamentals right. Every pound you lose reduces your blood pressure which will reduce your risk of cardiac events in later life. Exercise improves the uptake of glucose into cells for energy and thus reduces the risk of developing diabetes. Finally exercise is proven to release endorphins, feel good hormones, so it is of enormous benefit to your mental health. It is for this reason that you will rarely feel bad after exercise. You may feel sore though! So when making your list of New Year's resolutions, make sure that getting out more where possible is somewhere near the top. And if you see any of the staff of Mounthawk Pharmacy struggling along the Bracker O Regan Road or the new Greenway please don't judge us too much. We know we are unfit but our goal to be ready for the next Olympics is still not out of the question so watch this space....

As 2022 draws to a close there are a few things I would like to say as I take stock on the year. Firstly, this time of year is hard on a lot of people but especially those who have lost loved ones. Some truly wonderful people have left this world this year and their absence will be acutely felt around the dinner table this Christmas. So for all those grieving or facing into a tough Christmas for whatever reason, we are sending you a big virtual hug. Know that you are not alone and if you ever need to chat to someone we are always here to listen and offer a sympathetic ear.

The past two years were dominated by COVID and this past year has been overshadowed by events in Ukraine. The atrocities commited there have shocked us all and served as a reminder that peace is necer a given. But even out of such a horrible conflict there is reason to be hopeful. The solidarity and friendship extended to Ukranians from the rest of Europe has been heartening to behold and is an example of humanity at its best. Ireland has led the way in this regard and today there are over 60,000 Ukranians refugees living amongst us and hoping for a brighter future. Let us hope that this conflict will be over soon and that people can rebuild their lives with the resources they need. The people of Kerry have outdone themselves with their generosity and we should all be so proud of how we stepped up to the plate to help people in need. In a world where bad news seems to predominate, it is important to shine a light on the good side of human nature for a change.

Finally, I would like to say a massive thank you to Mags and all at Connect for a wonderful night at the recent Men in Business Awards. Following on from the success of the Women In Business Awards earlier in the year, Mags and her team put on a night to remember and the huge turnout on the night is testament to the many businesses in Kerry that are leaders in their field. It was an honour just to be nominated but we were all so thrilled that we won in the Customer Service category. I've said it before and I'll say it again, it is a privilege to be entrusted with people's health. Don't think that we ever take our customers kind support for granted so to each and everyone one of you I just want to express my sincerest thanks and appreciation. Mounthawk Allcare Pharmacy is one big blended family and we are so humbled to have the wonderful support that we receive. We are often told that is a pleasure to walk into our pharmacy but believe me when i say that the pleasure is all ours. We adore each and every one of you. On behalf of myself and all of our wonderful team, I would like to wish the readers of Connect Magazine and the people of Kerry a safe and peaceful Christmas and all the very best for 2023!"

Nora's Kitchen Recipes

Keeping you Slim for Winter

Turkey Curry

If you’re not sure what to do with your turkey and potato leftovers from the big day, why not turn them into a Free festive fakeaway? | 30 minutes | Serves 4

If you like a creamier curry, sprinkle a bowl of fat-free natural yoghurt with ground cumin or cinnamon and serve on the side, so everyone can help themselves. Just bear in mind this dish will no longer be dairy-free if you do.

Ingredients

● Low-calorie cooking spray

● 1 large onion, roughly chopped

● 1 red pepper, halved, deseeded and thickly sliced

● 1 yellow pepper, halved, deseeded and thickly sliced

● 1 orange pepper, halved, deseeded and thickly sliced

● 1 level tbsp medium curry powder*

● 1cm piece fresh root ginger, peeled and finely grated

● 4 garlic cloves, crushed

● 400g can chopped tomatoes

● 200ml hot chicken stock

● 500g leftover lean turkey, skin and visible fat removed, cut into chunks

● 400g leftover potatoes, cooked without fat, cut into chunks

● Small handful fresh coriander, roughly chopped, plus sprigs to serve

● *Watch out for spice/seasoning blends that have added ingredients (like sugar, oil or starch). To protect your weight loss, count ½ Syn per level tsp/1½ Syns per level tbsp.

Method

1

.Spray a large non-stick frying pan with lowcalorie cooking spray and place over a medium-high heat. Add the onion and peppers and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes or until the veg is starting to soften and brown slightly. Stir in the curry powder, ginger and garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes.

2

.Add the tomatoes and stock, then bring to the boil over a high heat and bubble for 5 minutes. everything is heated through.

3.Turn the heat to low, stir in the turkey and potatoes and cook for 6-8 minutes or until everything is heated through.

4

.Season lightly, scatter over the chopped coriander, garnish with the sprigs and serve hot, with plain boiled rice or Speed veg.

Keeping on track on the run up to Christmas and over the Festive Season !

For many of us the run up to Christmas and the holidays themselves can result in a weight/ fat gain and a lot of unnecessary stress. This is part of the reason that Gyms are full to the brim in January. Remember though that the majority of weight gain is over an extended period not just a short holiday period. Start making small adjustments to your lifestyle now. Eat less - Move more.

If you are considering joining a gym, doing personal training or taking up a sport in the new year - DO IT NOW. The quicker you start the sooner you will see the benifits - and no you won't ruin it all by eating/drinking / socialising more over Christmas, the extra exercise/focus will lessen the potential gain in weight. And indeed will be a well needed stress release. Here are some simple tips to keep you on track while still enjoying your self over the Christmas period. Remember your aim should be to enjoy these special occasions, without guilt but not falling out of your healthy lifestyle or off the proverbial band wagon.

Shopping

• Again be prepared. Dont leave it until the last minute when grocery shopping or indeed shopping for presents.

• Avoid buying - sweets, selection boxes, chocolates - for your family or indeed as a present for others. If its not in the Cupboard - you can't eat it. A fruit hamper is a lovely alternative

• Avoid opening that box of chocolates and leaving it on the table - oops they're all gone !! Sound familiar.

• Vouchers are a great present! They take a lot of the hard work and stress out of shopping for others

Eating Out

• Aim to eat at a restaurant that serves quality, freshly prepared food.

• Choose either a starter or a desert.

• Get 2 spoons with your desert- share with a friend!

• Order sauces 'on the side' sauces can be very calorie dense but having them on the side chances are you will consume much less while still enjoying them

• Fish is a great lower calorie high protein option

• Avoid being over hungry when going out to eat

• Order water for the table. Yes you can enjoy your wine too but drinking water between drinks will help keep you hydrated ( avoiding the cravings for salty foods the following day) and may result in you drinking/eating less

Exercise

• Make time - 15 minutes is better than nothing

• Don't neglect your steps - keep active

• Get out in the fresh air where possible

• The Christmas period is a great time to go for family walks, or meet up and walk with friends. Choosing a swim in the pool instead of the cinema will help keep you on track. Remember its all the small things that count.

• Do a Christmas swim And most importantly enjoy this special time of year.

Calorie content of popular alcoholic drinks - www.drinkaware.ie

Stress

• Be prepared - make a to do list. Try to avoid leaving everything till the last minute.

• Don't put unrealistic demands on yourself. Remember it's often the small things that people appreciate.

• Try to get out in the fresh air every day. Wrap up if the weather isn't great. There is nothing like a little fresh air to clear the mind.

Held in Maddens Milk Market Lane and The Ashe Hotel The Kelliher family acknowledged the extraordinary service given in particular by six members of the team

Tom O’Connor,Bridget Walsh,John Fitzell ,Sean Brosnan,Roger Farmer and Theresa Madden careers in Kellihers were celebrated in style with the party lasting well into the night

Hi readers,

Well readers how has this happened that we have come to the last month of 2022. This past year has been the first “normal” year in retail since ....... We here at That’s Perfect have had a lovely year all due to our very loyal customers and we have had the pleasure of accessorising for christenings, communions, confirmations and weddings without a mention of numbers allowed attend!!!!!

The shopping for gifts has started and as I have mentioned before a list is important, names, budget, and gift. I would be organised as a rule so gift shopping isn’t really too stressful for me, my biggest drawback is finding time to do it and I am not a fan of on line for gifts.

Here in the shop we have lots of ideas for gifts this year Paul has yet again come up trumps with his choices. We have lots of bags in all shapes and styles and more importantly to suit all budgets, hats, scarfs, gloves and wallets. So thats the moms, aunties, sisters and teachers sorted, and then for the glamourous girlfriend we have a range of evening wear accessories.

Call in and have a look around for yourself and if you need any help please contact me on Facebook Page or Mobile ( 087 6675926).

Before I sign off for yet another year can I just ask you all to take a moment to spare a thought for the people facing Christmas with dread and sadness and wishing it was 2023. There are empty chairs at tables this year and there are people who will be maybe visiting graveyards for the first time to lay a wreath for a loved one. If you encounter a lonely person give them the gift of your time, its priceless.

All thats left for me to do is thank all our customers for always keeping us in mind and on behalf of Paul, Mary and myself have a great Christmas and New Year.

Keep smiling Keep safe and be Kind

Lots of love Carmel

Pearly Whites

by Dr Róisín Boyle

It is the festive season again and don’t forget to make sure you have used any PRSI dental benefits you may have for your exam, scale and polish before the end of the year. The party season is approaching fast so ensure that your teeth are sparkly clean for any socialising over the Christmas period.

Along with a healthy home maintenance regime of brushing twice daily and using interdental brushes or floss, regular visits for a check up and clean will reduce staining and discolouration of the teeth and help to detect any cavities or other problems early. A rechargeable oscillating-rotating electric toothbrush is a great investment and also would make a lovely Christmas present.

If you wish to further whiten you teeth to restore them to a whiter shade, ask you dentist about tooth whitening which is a noninvasive treatment which can have excellent results.

Have a very Merry Christmas from all of us at MacDomhnaill Dental!

dthistle, Aritst, and Owner of Salon &

Last minute Gifting

We've all been there, you think you've finished your christmas shopping and all of a sudden you remember someone that had completely slipped your mind. Don't worry, I've got you covered with these fab sets!

Lancome The Beauty Icons Star Gift Exclusive to boots the Lancome Beauty Icons set is only €45 It has 3 full-size Lancôme favourites. Filled with beauty icons, including: Advanced Génifique Serum 30ml, Lash Idôle Mascara 8ml, Bi-Facil Eye Makeup Remover 75ml Travel-size Hydra Zen Anti-Stress Moisturising Cream 15ml.

True Beauty True Obsessions Self Love

Another amazing Irish business. containing. Their signature trueessentials face palette,

versatile blending sponge, lipstick, lipliner and dual kohl eyeliner, you’ll have all the tools necessary to create muted, subtle looks as well as dramatic, sultry styles.

Sosu Lip Glaze Decoration

Precious Moments Gift Set

I love a great Irish Brand and Kinvara never dissapoitne. The gorgeous set contains Precious Facial oil along with a luxuriously soft satin eye mask, this set is designed to relax yourself and wind down comfortably after a long day.

Precious Facial Oil enriched with Bakuchiol which is a plant based alternative to Retinol

Bperfect Mrs Glam The Magic Touch Gift Set

The Mrs Glam The Magic Touch Set Contains Magic Touch Eyeshadow Palette, Lash Extravaganza Mascara, Glorious Glide Liquid Liner, Sunset Glow Cream Bronzer, Sunset Glow Cream

Highlight, Sunset Glow Cream Blusher.

How cute would this be as a secrest Santa gift! This Moisturising glitter lip balm, will get anyone party ready. It's only €12.95 so would be a great budget option or sticking filler

Luna By Lisa Beauty Closet

1 last amazing Irish brand and they never dissapoint when it comes to Christmas gifts. Designed to suit all skin types, enhance bone structure and add a youthful radiance like no other. Gift a full party look this Christmas with this ultimate face vault. Containing limited edition Duo Powder Blush in shades Moody and Passion Pink.

Music

in the Kingdom Jack Patrick Healy

By Lisa Curran

Jack Patrick Healy needs no introduction to most of us in the Kingdom with his superstar persona, costumes and natural talent to entertain but here I get to really find out what is the drive behind his life in music.

Please do tell us all how you got started in music here in the Kingdom?

At 28 years of age, I am delighted to say I am now celebrating 21 years as a professional musician in the entertainment industry. At the tender age of 7, my father, Gerard ‘The Singing Jarvey’ Healy took me along to his local performances where my talent and enthusiasm for music & entertainment were showcased no end. I was forefront as his eldest son and exposed to audiences from around the world at and age where I (now feel) was perfect. Looking back, those gigs were the platform on which my confidence and education the world of entertainment was built.

Your talent has entertained so many across the county and now across the pond too! How did the move to London come about?

The move from The Gap of Dunloe to London was presented more times than I’ve had hot dinners. I always loved musical-theatre, drama and life on the stage. Due to my complexion as a fair-faced ginger boy, I was never going to be holidaying in the Costa! London always held a special place in my heart, even as a teenager I felt it was ‘home’ for me. After developing ‘The Grand Piano Bar’ (formerly known as The Liquid Lounge) at the Killarney Grand, I fell in love and got engaged to a very special person, namely Emma-Jane O’ Leary from London. She was my primary reason for moving to England’s capital. Since then, the tide has turned on our relationship but we remain very much best friends and Emma is a wonderful source of support to me through turbulent times in London.

You have been an amazing advocate for mental health, how has music helped you?

Music hasn’t helped me, as such – but the gift I bring as a musician has afforded me opportunities to share my pain with audience members. Mental health is a very curious ‘term’, Lisa.

I’m still not sure what it actually defines but I know, being part of the definition that, I am 100% in the category.

If I can answer this question in the form of describing a situation and it helps even ONE person – then I feel I’ve

answered it correctly – here goes! I remember feeling suicidal in London after my relationship with Emma came to an end. It didn’t end on bad terms in any way. In fact it was primarily down to the fact that I was gay. We had wonderful times, fantastic memories and irrepealable moments BUT now it’s time to face the roses! My late brother, Thomas was killed in a car accident in Killarney in 2021, but HE was the one who thought me more about myself, he thought me how to be ‘ME’. When I witnessed the groups of people laughing, jeering and making sly comments about my sequin-styled costumes, Thomas was the one who said ‘They’re jealous because they all look the same’, or ‘They’re awkward because they don’t stand out like YOU’. That boy, in 14 years, gave me the strength to keep going, long after he was gone. So, has music helped? Not really, but my life in music has. The word ‘life’ being principal.

We are all anticipating the next gigs you will announce back here in the kingdom! Have you any plans?

I have a few tricks up my sleeve and even more magic under my hat, but, at the moment I have no announcements for performances in Kerry. I have returned to The Killarney Grand on occasions which have proved a fantastic success. In addition to this I have also flown home for special events such as my best friend’s wedding, (Julie-Dan Tim (O’ Sullivan)) and the annual Halloween Party at The Killarney Grand where I appeared in a tartan skirt, blouse and grey wig as ‘Mrs. Doubtfire’ – a tribute to the late, great and very much influential – Robin Williams.

Where can people watch and follow your journey and get in contact with you?

I suppose I would be considered in some ways as an ‘influencer’ when it comes to social-media. I love to watch people live my life vicariously through my posts. Having lost my beautiful brother, Thomas, people are very interested and affected by how I respond, report and document parts the different sectors of my life. Death comes to all of us, it is the only thing that is certain in this world. If people want or wish to follow my path and journey, they can log onto FACEBOOK. I am also on Instagram and TikTok but not as frequently. Simply if you ever want to find out what’s happening in the world of ‘Jack Patrick’, just search me on Google – it’s all there!