The Cork News 12/12/2014

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Issue no. 268

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Cork Nightclub Seeks High Court Injunction

CHRISTMAS JUMPER PARTY

Cork Nightclub, The Voodoo Rooms, is seeking a High Court Injunction to prevent Santa Claus Global Corp from gaining access to its CCTV footage.

It is believed that Santa wishes to view the footage in order to gather evidence for who is going to be on his ‘Naughty List’ this Christmas.

When contacted by our reporter, Mr Phil Ryan General Manager of The Voodoo Rooms, said “We are very disappointed by Santa’s actions, especially because Santa Voodoos quite regularly.”

Santa has instructed his

legal team to attempt to use the Freedom Of Information Act to find out who has been “Voodooing”

“

What Happens In Voodoo, Stays In Voodoo...

”

but the club’s management are determined to thwart them.

There has also been some

suggestion that the clubs’ archive includes footage of Santa’s own Staff Party from last year, which may prove problematic for the Red-Hatted Reveller if it entered the public domain.

So don’t worry folks, your secrets are safe with us.

What happens in Voodoo stays in Voodoo.

That said, turn to page 2 to see if you’ve made our Naughty (but nice) List for the year!!!

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thecorknews

12 December 2014

Did you Voodoo This Year? Naughty But Nice in 2014

thecorknews Winners at the 2011 European Newspaper Design Awards

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Issue no. 268

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Page 11

90 new jobs for Cork Harbour

By Maria Tracey maria@thecorknews.ie

More than 90 new jobs have been announced for the marine energy sector in Cork Harbour, while a “significant site” in the harbour will be designated as Ireland’s first offshore oil and gas services hub.

Boston-based wave-energy technology developer Resolute Marine Energy will create 80 new jobs in the harbour over the next five years as it establishes its European headquarters here in Cork.

Exceedence Ltd, a spinout from the Beaufort Research Centre at University College Cork, will create five new jobs in marine renewable energy financial consultancy in 2015, while Resolve Marine, a global salvage company which was

recently involved in salvaging the wreck of the Costa Concordia cruise liner off the Italian coast, will create up to six jobs in the next 12 months at its European headquarters, also located in Cork Harbour.

While Resolve Marine is based out of Cork Harbour, Resolute and Exceedence will operate out of IMERC, Ireland’s Maritime and Energy Resource Cluster, which is located at the National Maritime College of Ireland in Ringaskiddy.

Announcing the jobs at a major conference by Energy Cork and IMERC entitled, ‘Cork Harbour – Energising the Region’ at the IMERC campus, the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Cork TD Simon Coveney, said it is “clear that the decision to establish a dedicated marine cluster” at Cork Har-

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Resolute Marine Energy CEO Bill Staby expressed confidence that his company’s decision to set up European operations in Cork is a good one: “We have positioned ourselves in the middle of a maritime innovation hub that will yield great benefits for our company continued on page 2 KK cork new front christmas advert 161x126mm NOV 2014 placed.indd 1 Revised KK_Cork.indd 1

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thecorknews

News

12 December 2014

Index

The face of an Irish hero

Editor’s letter

T

he people of Cork joined the rest of the country this week in revulsion and disgust following RTÉ’s Primetime investigation of the abuses meted out to some of the residents at Áras Attracta in Mayo by some of the home’s staff. The scenes shown on television were harrowing and despicable. Vulnerable and helpless people were treated with contempt, with violence and with cruelty by those entrusted with their care. It was sickening to see.

As a nation we have, rightly, reacted with outrage. Everyone, from senior officers of the HSE to politicians to the media to ‘the man in the street’ has decried the awful things that have been happening in Áras Attracta for goodness knows how long, and we have been reminded once again that it is down to us - to each and every one of us - to hold our society to a high standard. The expression seems almost jaded at this stage, but we will be, and should be, judged by the way in which we treat our weakest and our most vulnerable compatriots. We don’t have a stellar record; single and expectant mothers, orphaned and abandoned children, the old and the weak, the physically and mentally disabled; all have been let down here in Ireland over the last few decades and the revelations of the depths of the misery to which they have been - and as we’ve seen this week, in some cases still are - subjected stops us in our tracks. It haunts us and hurts us and, to be fair to the overhwhelmingly vast majority of Irish people (carers, nurses, doctors, government officials included) we rise up to demand that the degradation must end. As betrayed and shocked and grief-filled as we might feel, we can feel grateful that we speak with one voice when we demand that it must stop.

Slowly - too slowly - things are getting better. It may seem that a flood of shocking revelations this year indicates that things are getting worse, but the opposite is true: every time we uncover something this bad, something which degrades and demeans us all, it is a sign that more light is being shone into the darker recesses of Ireland. There are fewer and fewer places for the perpetrators of such actions to hide. We are finding more of them because we are more vigilant, and that can only be a good thing.

We have a long and proud tradition here in Cork of looking out for one another, and especially of looking out for those who may need a little more help. I’ve written about the plight of Cork’s homeless here recently, and about being proud to live in the same city as people who do so much to help them. Now, not just because of what we saw on RTÉ but also because the nights are almost at their longest and the weather is getting very very cold, my thoughts have turned to the elderly here in our county. Christmas is characterised by the appearance of charity collectors on our streets, and there are some - for instance SHARE, who you can read about in The Cork News this week - who work especially hard to help the elderly, whether that help is a warm blanket, a hot meal or even something as deceptively simple as a listening ear or a heartfelt chat. Live the spirit of Christmas this December, and defy the unworthy few whose cruelty has left us all so bewildered and angry, by giving just a little of your time, either to your elderly neighbours and family members or to the outstanding charities who do so much to help them. None of us should lose hope because of events like those in Áras Attracta.

Rather, we should strive to stand even further apart from people like that. We are better than they are, as individuals, as a county and as a nation. This is the perfect time of the year to show it.

Acting Editor

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‘We are not protesting for a few euro’ Organisers say anti-water charges campaign will strengthen in 2015

Corkman Patrick Gillen received the Chevalier de la Legion d’Honneur on Monday, December 8th at the Mercy Hospital in recognition of his participation in the D-Day landings. Mr Gillen received his medal from French Ambassador Jean-Pierre Thebault.

He was one of the first troops to land at “Sword” beach on D-Day, June 6th, 1944.

Cork anti-water charges protesters have vowed to amp up their campaign in 2015, with a march due to take place at the end of January expected to be akin to the rally last month which saw thousands take to the streets of Cork. Following a week where a major antiwater charges demonstration took place in Dublin, another nationwide protest has been announced for Saturday, January 31st.

Jim O’Connell of Right 2 Water Cork told The Cork News he expects “even more support next time round” for the campaign. “People see the power that comes from the marches. On October 11th the charges were knocked back a bit, and after November 1st they were knocked back even further.

Wednesday’s protest will knock them back again… even if Alan Kelly says it cannot be,” he said. Mr Kelly the minister for the environment, has said that no more concessions can

be made in relation to the water charges. It was announced in November that the maximum charge for a single adult home is to be capped at €160. The cap will be €260 for a multi-adult home. There is also €100 water conservation grant for primary residences. The starting date for domestic water charges has now been pushed back to January 1st 2015, with the first bills to issue from April 2015.

Public Expenditure and Reform Minister Brendan Howlin has said that after the revised water payment package was introduced last month, more than 90,000 people signed up for the charges.

Mr O’Connell stated that people are not “protesting on the street for a few euro” but instead for “hundreds of euro a year”: “No matter what they say now, that it’s a ‘set rate’, that won’t stay the same. It won’t happen.

If we let this charge through it will increase,” he said.

90 new jobs for Cork Harbour continued from page 1 over time,” he said. “We are also planning to draw on some of the years of accumulated experience in marine renewable energy research and development present in many of the leading Irish universities and research centres through our base at IMERC.” Resolve Marine CEO Joe Farrell stated that he was attracted to Cork because of the “talent pipeline in the marine energy cluster of Cork Harbour”.

The company has established its European operations centre in Cork and is working closely with marine robotics teams in IMERC and University of Limerick to develop Remotely Operated Vehicles which will work on salvage operations.

Exceedence CEO Dr Ray Alcorn also said the move to join the IMERC cluster would be positive for the company: “We hope to use our expertise and experience and leverage off our location to grow our business,” he said.

Energy Cork and IMERC also welcomed an announcement by the Port of Cork chair, John Mullins, that a significant site in Cork Harbour is to be designated as Ireland’s first offshore oil and gas services hub.

Conference chair and vice chair of Energy Cork Michael Quirk acknowledged the collective responsibility and collaboration of industry, energy and tourism sectors for the major positive developments taking place in Cork Harbour: “Cork

Harbour not only provides more than one third of Ireland’s energy requirements, it is also a first-class model for how society, academia and industry can work together to significantly enhance a region’s attractiveness as a location for further investment while maintaining and supporting a green agenda,” he said. “Nowhere is this more evident that the stunning harbour of Cork which provides huge employment, energy needs and nonetheless tourism and leisure amenities.”

To contact the editor: editor@thecorknews.ie 4 Carey’s Lane, Cork • t: 021 4252255 • e: info@thecorknews.ie • w: thecorknews.ie

thecorknews

News

12 December 2014

3

Make a plan with new County Council app A new smartphone app will make it easier for Cork people to search for information on planning applications and all their associated documents using their phones or tablets.

Cork County Council’s Planning Department has unveiled their new “Planning Viewer Cork” app,

UCC students study while staging a sit-in over library opening hours.

Sit-in success at UCC Students are pushing for a review of library hours at University College Cork (UCC) so that they are tailored to their studying patterns, after a successful sit-in this week to extend opening hours during the exam period. Following three successive nights of sit-ins at the Boole Library, UCC Students’ Union agreed a deal with library staff to extend opening hours for the remainder of exam time, until Friday December 19th. The agreement means the library is open until 10.45pm on weekdays during exams rather than 9.15pm, while this Sunday, December 14th, the Boole will remain open until 9pm.

The move was prompted when the library closed at 5.45pm the day before the Christmas exams began, last Sunday, December 7th.

This is the first time that UCC students have been required to sit exams before Christmas following a switch to a semester-based system, which split exams into two periods, December and May, instead of holding all of the exams in May. UCC Students’ Union President Mark Staunton stated: “It’s the exam period, and at 9pm students were being asked to leave?

It makes no sense, and students’ studying patterns shouldn’t be dictated by library opening hours; it should be the other way around.” While UCCSU has secured an agreement for a

“Studying patterns shouldn’t be dictated by library opening hours; it should be the other way around.” full review for library opening hours during the second term, it’s hoped that library hours will be extended “way, way out” across the entire year from January as part of a data gathering project.

“From the statistics gathered from that, opening hours can then be tailored to students’ studying patterns rather than other way round,” Mark said.

Mr Staunton stated that many students have no place to study apart from the library, as they lack privacy in their living arrangements: “There are still students couch-surfing and living in hostels, and that’s something that the college is actively working on,” he said.

which is free to download on Google’s Play Store and Apple’s App Store, in a bid to simplify the inspection of planning notices.

Users can access the Cork County Council planning application database and view up-to-date information regarding planning applications lodged in Cork, as

well as accessing documents and drawings submitted with applications and historic applications.

The app will also locate the site on Google Maps and, where available, Google Streetview.

“Having this app available to the general public reassures us as a county that the

planning process is transparent and available for all of us to view what applications are on hand and what decisions have been made in respect to these applications” said Chairman of the Kanturk/Mallow Municipal District of Cork County Council, Councillor John Paul O’ Shea.

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12 December 2014

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Demands for new warden in Farranree The principal of a northside school that’s facing into the new year without a school traffic warden because of an embargo on public sector employment has said the issue is “critical”. Scoil Íosagáin principal Feargal Hurley expressed his concern that even if a replacement is hired for Knockpogue Avenue’s retiring traffic warden Catherine Heas, he “cannot see how they will be trained up and be Garda vetted by January”. Parents have expressed concern for their school-going children following the imminent retirement of the schools’ traffic warden in the area, who provides safe crossing for students of Scoil Íosagáin along with Scoil Aiséiri Chríost and the North Presentation Secondary School.

Cork City Council has been unable to fill the position due to the embargo. However, the local authority’s management has applied for priority sanction to the Department of the Environment and Local Government for this position.

“We have 385 children crossing and the primary school nearby has an equal number.

There is also the secondary school and the elderly. It’s just bedlam,” said Mr Hurley. “The fact that the traffic warden is not being replaced beggars belief.

“I have a duty of care towards the children and the board of management feels the same. However, what’s going to happen on January 5th? There’s been a precedent

“It’s just bedlam. The fact that the traffic warden is not being replaced beggars belief.” set with a traffic warden there for years and it’s the parents’ expectation that someone is there to cross their children safely.

“This is a priority, and the parents also know it’s a critical issue.”

Sinn Féin councillor Thom-

as Gould stated that he is “hopeful” that in light of the “how important” the school traffic warden is in the area, the department will allow the city council to take a person on. “This is an emergency and hopefully the department will recognise that,” he said.

Councillor John Sheehan, a GP in Blackpool, added it is “vital for the safety” of local children that this post is filled, demanding that the department “sanction this post as a matter of priority”.

Cork City Councillor Mick Nugent has put forward a motion on the issue, which will be discussed at the next Roads Committee meeting in early January. Another motion seeking council support for a formal lobby to the department on hiring a school traffic warden will also be made at the next Cork City Council meeting on Monday, December 22nd.

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Three of the county’s biggest festivals have been given a significant financial boost.

The Cork Midsummer Festival, Cork International Choral Festival and and the West Cork Chamber Music Festival are to share part of a multimillion-euro festival windfall announced by the government. €110,000 will be shared between the three festivals, which are among the largest in Cork’s cultural calendar.

Cork city and county are already recognised for their packed line-up of festivals each year, with 20 ’significant’ events ranging from music to drama to film, arts, crafts and more and a plethora of smaller events.

Cork North Central Fine Gael TD Dara Murphy said the funding boost for the three festivals will also prove to be a major boon for the whole region, and in particular Cork Airport, where he expects international passenger traffic to surge as a result.

“Tourism, sports and music provide a vital economic stimulus for Cork and the regional economy,” said Minister Murphy; “Cork’s wide variety of festivals have always been popular with UK tourists. In my role as Minister for European Affairs I have seen first-hand how other continental cities of a similar size to Cork have been able to capitalise on major events.”

“The Cork International Choral Festival has been providing entertainment and attracting people to Cork for over 60 years” said Dara Murphy’s party colleague Jerry Buttimer. “Each year about 5,000 people take part in the festival with many more coming to Cork to enjoy the performances. Since 1997, Cork Midsummer Festival has been delivering an impressive array of theatre, dance, music and artistic events.”

Research by Fáilte Ireland shows that almost 11,000 people are in paid employment in festivals across Ireland each year, while almost 50,000 people engage on a voluntary basis.

5

thecorknews 12 December 2014

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12 December 2014

Discover the power of Cork A major energy conference entitled “Cork Harbour – Energising the Region” is being held in Cork to discuss opportunities and challenges in terms of energy, industry and tourism for Cork Harbour.

Providing more than one third of Ireland’s total energy requirements, the Cork Harbour region is a vital part of Ireland’s infrastructure and will be the focus of the the event hosted by Energy Cork and the Irish Maritime and Research Centre today, Friday December 12th.

“From the legacy of a historic trading centre to today’s modern port, Cork Harbour has become a world-class model of how industry, energy, tourism and leisure work together in harmony,” explains Michael Quirk, Vice Chair of Energy Cork and the conference’s co-ordinator. “A number of international and national speakers will discuss the success of Cork Harbour, as well as highlighting viable opportunities for future development.”

A number of international speakers will address the

“Cork is already leading the way for other regions to follow.”

Energy Cork Vice Chair Michael Quirk and Liam Ring (ESB) with Ger Stapleton (ESB) as he gives them a tour of the decommissioned ESB Marina site with ahead of the “Cork Harbour – Energising the Region” event. The event will discuss Ireland’s power supply from oil, gas, biogas, wind and electricity and the strategic importance of Cork Harbour for Ireland’s energy. Picture by Clare Keogh

event, including Gordon McIntosh of the Aberdeen City Council who will discuss the potential for Cork to become an oil and gas services hub in

a similar fashion to his own city, which has been hugely successful as an oil, gas and offshore wind services hub in the United Kingdom.

Cork Harbour is home to two major power stations, an oil refinery and a number of natural gas fields as well as several wind farms, and

world-class marine renewable energy research centres. The harbour’s energy cluster will be a focus of the event, along with the region’s industry, en-

vironment and green route energy opportunities.

“Cork is ideally placed to become a national hub for low-carbon vehicles, such as electric cars and gas powered buses. By implementing a number of policy measures, Cork is already leading the way for other regions to follow in terms of green routes and energy efficiency in the Harbour,” said Ian Kilgallon of Gas Networks Ireland, who will discuss the green route for the Cork Harbour area.

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thecorknews

News

12 December 2014

Mysterious superheroine spotted in Bantry

By Maria Tracey

“The Blossom wants to be an inspiration to all.”

maria@thecorknews.ie

A west Cork town is under the protection of an orange-cloaked superheroine, as a new short film featuring ‘The Bantry Blossom’ is to be premiered next week. The project, entitled Comic Potential is about a young woman who decides to become a superheroine, only to discover that Bantry is not the exactly the most action-packed town in which to embark on a crimefighting career.

“We chose Bantry because we wanted a place that was small enough that there would be nothing for a superhero to do but big enough that certain people wouldn’t have been aware of her existence,” said filmmaker Emmet O’Brien. “If we went to say, Ballinspittle, that would be too small and of course the Blossom would be known to all who lived there.”

O’Brien told The Cork News that The Bantry Blos-

The Bantry Blossom, played by Irene Kelleher, along with Peadar Clancy as Jim.

som, played by Irene Kelleher, whose costume was designed by local designer Samantha Kennedy, is a “very upbeat and positive character”. “She has a nickname of being ‘The Empress of Enthusiasm’,” he said. “Of course

there is an eccentricity there, one must have a certain flair to dress up in a costume, but the main theme of the film is how anyone can be a hero through small acts of kindness. The Blossom wants to be an inspiration to all.”

The short, written and di-

rected by Ross Carey and Emmet O’Brien, is to be premiered at the Camden Palace Hotel in Cork on Tuesday, December 16th at 7pm. There will also be an exhibit of over 20 artists who have drawn inspiration from the character, entitled ‘The

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Blossoming’. An animated short film called Same Old Song & Dance will also be screened on the night, along with the premiere of Dirty Work.

“The response so far has been phenomenal,” said Mr O’Brien. “Even when we just

announced or were filming, there was already a buzz around about this idea and the character.

“I keep getting asked about her, and seeing the different interpretations of a character I helped create alongside Ross has been very gratifying.”

Mr O’Brien explained that they have “thrown around some very tentative ideas to continue the character in some way but all of these are still in flux. Perhaps a web series or a comic in the future but right now we’re just happy to have Comic Potential about to be released,” he said.

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12 December 2014

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Hook uncorked What do Victoria's Secret models, Hozier, hosiery, George Hook's undercarriage and the lovely Ingrid's laundry all have in common? george@thecorknews.ie

I

am probably the last person in the country who would be invited to a Victoria’s Secret fashion show. I appreciate feminine beauty in all of its forms, of course, but I am a married man in my mid seventies. What in god’s name would I be doing at a lingerie fashion show?

Unless I was planning on investing in the trade, or setting up a new knickers range, I would have absolutely no business gawking at a bunch of twentysomethings parading around in their underwear.

In fact, were I to turn up at such an undie extravaganza, you would be well within your rights to point me in the direction of the nearest Spec Savers or call the police and have me arrested.

This is George Hook we are talking about. I am a grandfather several times over, for crying out loud. I thought Victoria’s Secret was something the former queen of England kept to herself on her deathbed at the turn of the 20th century.

At the ripe old age of 73, my underwear ignorance is entirely understandable. The lovely Ingrid won’t let me sleep in the same bed as her any more, much less inspect her underpants before a bit of how’s your father.

The only time I pay attention to women’s smalls these days is when Ingrid’s drying bloomers block out the sun on a hot summers day. “Lower the flags”, I roar impatiently, “and let in the sun!”

But enough about my sex life. I read with some amusement the kerfuffle and outrage over a high profile lingerie show in Ireland’s broadsheets last week. Apparently, a young rocker by the

“Are the screeching loony mob so desperate for business that they pick on a young fella for playing a few songs at a lingerie fashion show?”

name of Hozier was causing much debate about his appearance at a Victoria’s Secret fashion show.

The Wicklow native, a sultry, good looking young man, was pictured belting out songs among scantily clad lingerie models. He looked perfectly comfortable, as did the models, and I struggled to see anything wrong with the whole thing.

Not so the scribbling scribes of Ireland. No, as far as they were concerned, this young chap had committed the ultimate faux pas by turning up at an event that showcased half naked women promoting an underwear chain.

Never mind that these wom-

en were highly paid models, never mind that the people that attended the show were all invitees of the company and probably had a vested interest in one form or another in the lingerie on display. No, no! These cretins were all basking in the exploitation of women, according to our media pals. And Hozier, as a popular rock star, should hang his head in shame at his promotion of such blatant sexism! (In my day, a ‘hosier’ was a person who sells stockings!)

What a load of horse manure.

I really wonder about some people these days. Are the screeching loony mob so des-

perate for business that they pick on a young fella for playing a few songs at a lingerie fashion show? Is that really the most worthy source of their outrage at the moment?

There are very serious issues regarding sexism and exploitation of women that need urgent attention, both here in Ireland and abroad. But to hold up a musician as some sort of depressing figurehead for sexism, or to accuse him of selling out because of a Victoria’s Secret gig is really clutching at straws. Honest to goodness, the PC mob have really lost it this time.

Put the roles in reverse order for a moment. Would the same hacks be as furious if Be-

yoncé belted out a few songs at a Chippendales event?

Or a Calvin Klein showcase for male underwear? Would Beyoncé be as guilty of selling out as our pal Hozier if the roles were reversed? Of course not!

Yet because it is women on parade - well-paid willing models, I reiterate - Hozier has cheapened his name and his music. How does he sleep at night?

While I’m on the subject, I am really looking forward to the big bundle of boxer shorts that will almost certainly come my way very soon. One of the many joys of being a grandfather at Christmas time is that I get to throw

away all the threadbare boxers in my drawer to make room for a pile of new ones from my grandkids. I know this because of a recent conversation I had with them that went something like this: “Kids, what are you going to get Grandad for Christmas this year?”

“Underpants!!”

Cue much giggling and laughter.

“Again? Why are you buying me underpants again?!”

“Because your bottom is much bigger than last year, Grandad, so maybe the ones we got you last year don’t fit you anymore!”

More hilarity and giggling.

My diet starts in January.

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12 December 2014

Cork campaigner is “an example to us all” Winter wear donation for Penny Dinners A charity that provides 1,500 meals per week to Cork’s neediest people has received a donation of new winter wear.

Cork Penny Dinners is one of three charities to benefit from the generosity of Portwest, an Irish supplier of outdoor leisurewear, which is donating clothing valued at €10,000 to help keep those in need warm this Christmas. Along with this, the family-run business will be running a special online initiative from today, December 12th to Monday, December 15th where they will donate a coat or jacket for purchases made on port-

west.ie to the charities, which also include Fr Peter McVerry Trust and Focus Ireland, along with its newest charity store, Beloved at Focus.

“We are delighted to accept this donation for Portwest. The jackets will provide warmth and much needed cover from the harsh weather to so many who are struggling,” said Caitríona Twomey of Cork Penny Dinners. “At Christmas, it is extra poignant in that they will add a bit of cheer to many. Keeping someone warm is equally as important as putting food in their bellies.”

A Cork woman whose tragically lost her husband, young son and unborn child due to the actions of a suicidal driver has been recognised for her for ongoing campaigning for road safety. Elber Twomey was on holiday in Devon in July 2012 with her family, when tragedy struck and a driver - followed at speed by a police officer - crashed into their car. The crash claimed the lives of Elber’s husband Con, their son Oisín, and his unborn sister; Elber was five months pregnant at the time.

Elber has since been campaigning for all members of An Garda to be given training in suicide awareness and taught how to apprehend suicidal drivers. At the seventh annual ‘Leading Lights in Road Safety Awards’ to honour Ireland’s road safety campaigners, Elber received a Special Recognition award along with Gemma O’Farrell, who sought tougher penal-

“We can all learn a lesson from these people who truly are ‘leading lights’.”

Elber Twomey, who received a Road Safety Award at the 7th Annual Road Safety Authority Leading Lights Awards 2014.

Picture by: Robbie Reynolds

ties for hit-and-run offenders after her 23-year-old brother Shane was killed when he was cycling near his home in Monaghan in 2011. Roseanne Brennan, who founded Jake’s Legacy after her sixyear-old son was struck by a vehicle near his home in a Kilkenny housing estate ear-

lier this year, was also recognised. Cork Sports Partnership received an award in the Public Sector category.

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Paschal Donohoe said the winners are “truly an example to us all”: “They have taken it upon themselves to make the roads

safer, not just for themselves, but for everyone in their community.

“We can all learn a lesson from these people who truly are ‘leading lights’ in road safety and I congratulate them for their extraordinary commitment to road safety,” he said.

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thecorknews 12 December 2014

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12 December 2014

Gatecrashers welcome at Cork man’s Vegas wedding A Cork man is inviting six random strangers to his Las Vegas wedding, but they will have to bid for the privilege. Groom-tobe Patsy O’Connor, who hails from Kanturk, is to marry his Bulgarian fiancée Radina Hadzhieva in the casino-lovers’s Mecca on March 16th of next year.

Patsy explained the idea is a twist on the increasing number of new websites where guests and friends can donate online to a wedding fund or honeymoon: “We decided to throw something unique into the equation. Invite six random strangers to the wedding…and they have to bid online for this privilege,” he said.

Patsy stated that Radina loves the idea and fully embraces it: “I ran it by her first of course before putting it out to a lot of other people and her reaction was - ‘do it, it’s a great idea’. I asked if having six random strangers at her wedding bothered her and she replied ‘not at all’”.

He added it’s his belief that something like this has not been done before. “I searched the Internet high and low and

“It would be nice if Bill Murray attended.”

found nothing similar,” he said.

Patsy, who is currently living in Bulgaria and co-owns a web design and development company in Sofia, told The Cork News that he also

“called a lot of people in Cork and asked their opinion about the idea”. “They also loved the idea, thought it was nutty enough to work,” he laughed.

“My family are not really Internet people so I am not sure

the concept has fully sunk in yet. We will be having the wedding in Vegas but will have a small family event after Vegas is done, in Cork.”

Wannabe guests can currently bid for a place at Patsy

and Radina’s wedding on gatecrashmywedding.com, where price of an invite is currently $300 (€241). The winning bidders, Patsy explained, will get transport to the wedding from a central

Las Vegas location, and attend the ceremony. They will also get a sit-down meal, open bar, entertainment and a chance to “meet a lot of colourful characters”. Transport back to Vegas after the wedding is included and, if the guests mix well, they can spend St Patrick’s Day with the group. Patsy is also hoping to tempt businesses into funding limo hire, hotel and flight expenses, a honeymoon in Disneyland and even some gambling in Las Vegas’ infamous casinos.

Patsy said he is “not worried” about who will bid to be there for the happiest day of his life: “It would be nice if Bill Murray attended,” he joked. “He’s pretty famous for this type of event, except he does not normally pay.”

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THIS CHRISTMAS

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12 December 2014

20 jobs for Aldi at Elysian Picture by Darragh Kane

Twenty new jobs have been created for the city centre with the opening of a global discount supermarket chain in a prestigious city centre development. Aldi Stores has opened a new shop on the ground floor of Ireland’s tallest residential building, the landmark Elysian Tower, bringing the total number of the German stores in Ireland to 113, and to 18 in Cork.

Manager of Aldi’s new store at The Elysian Karl Browning stated: “Buying fresh, quality Irish foods in Cork just got easier thanks to the opening of our new Aldi store. Each Aldi store we have opened so far has been a fantastic success and we are looking forward to serving the local community.”

Trainees at Blackpool CTC on an educational trip to Cobh.

Happy birthday, Blackpool CTC The Blackpool/Glen/Farranree Community Youth Training Centre, also known as Blackpool CTC, has been working with the youth and early school-leavers of Cork’s north side for 30 years this week, having seen well over 1,000 trainees come and go.

Based in the Sunbeam Industrial Estate in Blackpool, the CTC was officially opened on December 10th, 1984, by then-Minister for Labour Ruairi Quinn. Since that time the centre has striven to help the youth of Cork, especially focusing on early school leavers from the north

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the CETB, and works closely with external agencies like Springboard, the HSE and others.

This January, Blackpool CTC will offer courses on computer applications; multi-skills; catering; art, design and digital media; and hairdressing.

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thecorknews 12 December 2014

We’ve listened - and we’re changing.

Last year EirGrid ran one of the country’s largest ever series of public consultations. We wanted to know what you thought about our plans for the development of the national electricity grid.

Many of you felt we did not do enough to inform communities, to listen to your concerns and to respond to your questions.

We have just published a thorough and independent review of our public consultation process, which is available on our website. It sets out where we fell short of what people expected from us and how we are responding.

We are now changing how we will work with communities so that together, we will ensure a safe, secure supply of electricity for Ireland, not just for today but for decades to come.

To find out more about EirGrid and our ongoing consultation process, visit www.eirgrid.com

Working with you for our energy future www.eirgrid.com

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12 December 2014

New initiative will tackle homelessness on Leeside

Google goes indoors in Cork Google has launched the next phase of its quest to map the world with the introduction of indoor maps in Ireland.

“Trying to understand where you are on the floor directory of a shopping centre or which way gate four is at an airport can be frustrating and time consuming” says the company, which has released a limited number (for now) of

indoor maps for Ireland, including four in Cork.

Merchant’s Quay, Blackpool Shopping Centre, Wilton Shopping Centre and Kent Station join the Guinness Storehouse and the National Museum of Ireland in Dublin as well as 40 other locations around the country including shopping centres, airports, stadiums, train stations and universities.

The interactive map tool is available in the Google Maps app on Android and iOS, as well as desktop.

To go inside with Indoor Maps, simply zoom into Maps until you start to see an indoor floor plan of the building, and use the floor picker to move from the ground floor to other available floors in the building.

A crucial service that helps prevent homelessness is to be rolled out in Cork from early 2015.

The Tenancy Protection Service is already up and running in Dublin, where it supports vulnerable tenants who are at risk of ending up on the streets.

The issue of homlessness has come to the fore of late with the death in Dublin of Jonathan Corrie near to Leinster House and revelations made in The Cork News in November which highlighted an alarming growth in the number of homeless people especially homeless women on the streets of Cork.

Rising demand for accommodation has seen rental prices climbing beyond the

“Medium and long term measures need to be put in place to deal with the crisis.” reach of the county’s most vulnerable tenants.

“The decision to extend the Tenancy Protection Service to Cork is a very important prac-

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tical response to the growing crisis in the private rental sector, where low income households are struggling to keep up with rent inflation,” said Cork Labour TD Ciaran Lynch.

“A multi-agency approach to tackling homelessness in Cork is required, bringing together Cork City Council, Threshold, and the Department of Social Protection,” Deputy Lynch continued: “This service acts as a safety net for the most vulnerable and low income groups, for whom any change or increase in rent risk becoming homeless.”

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12 December 2014

Buy Irish this Christmas Cork is getting a new festival

Picture by Patrick Bolger

Shoppers are being urged to support the Irish agri-food industry by buying quality and sustainably produced Irish food this Christmas.

Launching the “Buy Irish” food campaign, Agri Aware’s Chairman Richard Moeran appealed to consumers to fill their shopping baskets with the best of Irish produce this festive season.

“Source a high quality Irish turkey, stay with our traditional Irish vegetables and make sure your roast potatoes are home grown,” Mr. Moeran said.

One in every seven Irish jobs is in the agri-food industry.

Farming, the food sector and related service industries deliver an estimated 300,000 jobs in the Irish economy, with exports contributing almost €10 billion to the Irish economy.

Speaking at the launch, Richard Moeran said “Buying Irish is the smart choice and will ensure jobs for farmers and food companies in your local community. This guarantees that they can continue to deliver quality, wholesome Irish food”.

• Farming, the food sector and related service industries deliver an estimated 300,000 jobs in the Irish economy.

• 85% of the public believe that Irish farmers provide quality, safe, traceable food at an affordable price for Irish consumers.

WISHING YOU ALL A HAPPY AND PEACEFUL CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR

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• 88% of Irish people say they try to buy Irish food to support Irish farmers.

• The food sector is worth almost \10 billion to the Irish economy.

The heart of Cork City - indeed, the very oldest part of the city - is to form the focus of a brand new festival which will launch here next year, bringing three days of music, theatre and art to South Main Street and North Main Street.

A highly-collaborative effort under the stewardship of Makeshift Ensemble and the Southern Hospitality Board, Quarter Block Party will feature a line up of local and national musicians, an innovative theatre programme and a series of lively performances and discussions in February, and will make use of the streets’ noteworthy venues, including Cork Vision Centre and BDSM on North Main Street and Triskel Arts Centre on South Main Street.

There will also be a large number of ‘pop up’ events spanning the length of Cork’s oldest thoroughfares.

Local bands are well represented with Shookrah,

Hags, Partisan Crowds, Roslyn Steer and Chris Power all booked to appear.

National acts like Twinkranes, Cian Nugent, Adultrock and Women’s Christmas will bring a diverse sound to the already explosive music programme.

Businesses along the two streets will be transformed into creative hubs, and local artists are being commissioned to present a series of performances, encounters and happenings.

Among them will be Tom Lane, who recently turned the Samuel Beckett bridge into a harp with his piece Harp: A River Cantata and Fiona McGeown, the recent winner of the Fishamble Writing Prize at Tiger Dublin Fringe Festival, while legendary Cork DJ Stevie G presents Vinyl Love 777 over the course of seven hours as a number of Cork vinyl enthusiasts play their seven favourite seven inch records in Gulpd Café.

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12 December 2014

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Cork’s Dizzy Miss Design has created a set of “As We Say In Cork” Christmas cards with a distinctive Cork lilt.

The new cards each feature a typical Cork saying, including a thoughtful translation for people not lucky enough to come from the Rebel County.

“We felt it was time that

Corkonians were able to send a greeting card that spoke the language of their home town,” said the designers. “We are sure that Cork natives both near and far will appreciate the unique humour of the beautiful city by the Lee. “Our Cork Slang Cards are a celebration of those colloquialisms that are, thankfully,

still in general use in Cork today.”

The cards are available in packs of five at dizzymiss. com. They are also available at The Market Gallery, English Market; Liam Ruiséal Bookshop, Oliver Plunkett Street; and Porter’s Newsagents in Paul Street Shopping Centre and on Patrick Street.

thecorknews

News

12 December 2014

On, Donner! On, Blitzen!

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12 December 2014

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with Cork’s elderly SHARE (Students Harness Aid for the Relief of the Elderly) launches its traditional fast and fundraising campaign at the SHARE Crib on Daunt’s Square in Cork on Sunday, December 14th, at 6pm.

This year will be the 45th year of the Cork tradition, during which nearly 1,800 fourth and fifth-year students from 20 County Cork schools rally round to raise funds for SHARE, in the only campaign the charity undertakes throughout the year.

The Lord Mayor of Cork Councillor Mary Shields, Bishop John Buckley and Bishop Paul Colton will join the SHARE students and the army band at the opening ceremony at the SHARE Christmas Crib at the square.

“We’re really looking forward to getting out there on the streets and doing the best we can for SHARE. Being part of something that has done such fantastic work for older people for over 45 years is a great honour, and we know the people of Cork will be fully behind us. There are so many great causes out there, but we hope they’ll go that extra mile for us as we only fundraise once in the year even though we have many calls on our resources” said 17-year-old Evan O’Brien, a fifth-year student at Presentation College Cork and Chairman of the SHARE Executive.

“There’s a big job to be done every year, between maintaining the 156 secure homes that people live in around the city,

looking after their personal needs and keeping the Day Care Centre in Sheare’s Street open and welcoming for them and for people who visit on a daily basis” he continued.

1,800 students will be participating in the fast and fundraising, with their bright yellow sealed collection boxes and yellow jackets, encouraging people to donate to SHARE and help sustain and enhance the important work of this beloved Cork charity.

The SHARE boys and girls will collect in the city centre until Christmas Eve, as many of their parents, brothers and sisters have done before them.

Donations can also be posted or delivered in person to SHARE, The Brother Jerome Kelly Day Care Centre, Sheare’s Street, Cork.

UCC is proud to blaze a trail An LGBT Pride flag is now a permanent fixture atop the UCC Students’ Union building on College Road.

This marks the first occasion when a Pride flag has been erected permanently on a college campus in Ireland; the result of months of work by UCC Students’ Union LGBT Rights Officer

Rob Cas and UCC Students’ Union President Mark Stanton.

The installation of the flag is the first step in UCC Students’ Union’s “Pride in your College” initiative.

“The purpose behind the flag is to show every single student in UCC that as a student’s union we take pride in

every student regardless of sexual orientation or gender.

The flag will hopefully have a tremendous impact on all students making them more conscious of issues that affect LGBTQ students, and of course increase awareness and support for the upcoming referendum on marriage equality.” said Mr Cas.

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thecorknews 12 December 2014

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12 December 2014

Daytripper Interview by Maria Treacy Picture by Rob Lamb

Bodybuilder Gus Walsh, 65, lives in Gurranabraher and recently won gold in the UIBBN Natural World Championships.

“

My first thought? That’s usually whether I’ll turn over or get up. Normally I’m up at 7.15am, and while I wasn’t a great riser for years, in recent times I haven’t needed an alarm.

Maybe it’s an age thing! For the last six weeks of training before the UIBBN Natural World Championships there was many a morning where I nearly cried when I woke up!

The weather conditions were frightful for five weeks beforehand and I probably got three dry mornings. It was miserable being out cycling at 6.30am. After an hour and 10 minutes at that, I’d have a shower, and then breakfast.

Breakfast consists of six egg whites, one yolk, a few plum tomatoes and mushrooms.

It’s beautiful. Before a competition, the pre-meal is three full eggs and a double shot of espresso. I used to drink a lot of coffee but now I’m down to three a day: breakfast, midday and evening. I’ll also have four to six litres of water.

I might look at TV while having breakfast, like Ireland AM, just to see what’s going on and the weather, before heading to the gym. I’ve been training for years with Tony Martin, who’s based at Iron Mecca on the Watercourse Road.

It was about 27 years ago I started weight training, when I was 38. I had played soccer when I was younger, for Wembley in the Munster Senior League. After I finished up, I didn’t do anything for a while and put on a bit of weight, ballooning to over 16 stone. I ceased alcohol and cigarettes at that stage and was perhaps over-eating. I decided it was time to do something about it, and transitioned into weight training. The scales told a tale for the better, and my weight went from 16 stone, to 15 and a half, and so on. Before I knew it, I was down to 11 and a half stone and I brought it up again. By the time I hit 40,

“The first thing I did was to compete against myself.” just two years after starting the sport, I decided to train for novice Mr Cork. I was competing against people in their mid 20s, and won it, and that was that. I was hooked.

Winning the UIBBN Natural World Championships last month was a door I’ve been knocking on for the last eight or nine years. Getting that title means, as far as amateur status goes, I can’t go any higher, There’s no age that you can’t do this at, and turn your body around both physically and mentally. That ability to apply yourself is there in us all.

I was always quite focused, and the first thing I did was to compete against myself.

It’s the feeling of ‘I’m that bit better than the last time’ and you progress from there.

I worked in construction for years, but have since retired and train five days a week. I’m lucky in a sense that I can give it a lot of time and effort. But even saying that, you make time regardless. It’s very black and white.

With training, Mondays are dedicated to legs, like leg extensions, squats and leg presses. The heaviest I’ve ever done on a squat is 230kgs but don’t do that anymore. Now I go for volume rather than weight.

You can’t maintain that type of weight over a course of time, so I cut it by 70% and have more repetitions. In saying that, I don’t know what’s worse; the heavy weight or

heavier volume. No matter how light a weight is, when you do 20 repetitions…well, you know it! Tuesdays are shoulders, Wednesday is the back, Thursday abdominals, calves and hamstrings, and Friday is chest and biceps. At the start, I’d be in the gym for

two hours, and now I’ve my routine down to 35 minutes. I can get cardio in as well on the treadmill or cross-trainer.

After training, I’ve a protein drink with two spoons of crunchy peanut butter, and 20 whole almonds. Around midday, I’ve chicken and

some leaves, and eat in intervals of two and half hours. I probably have six meals over the course of the day; turkey, chicken, salmon, cod, and maybe a fillet steak once a week.

To relax, I love the sun and going on holidays. At the

Christmas at

the

New Year’s Eve

weekends, my partner is into running and I’d go along to her meets. To indulge, I do love desserts, and simply love eating. However, when competitions roll around I can’t have any type of bread or sauces. There’s definite tunnel vision there. I’m like a horse with blinkers on and can only see the finish line. I could be classed as having a slightly addictive personality but, saying that, I know my boundaries and limits. Overtraining is nearly as bad as not training at all.

Funnily, you wouldn’t be tired in the evenings. Your energy levels shoot up the more you lose weight and increase your cardio. Usually I read the papers, before heading to bed at 10.30pm. My last thought is a run-through of the next day. When preparing for something, you have to think of everything. As the old saying goes ‘to fail to prepare is to prepare to fail’. I had a few disappointing showings in the last 10 years, which were all down to me and no one else.

I got a small bit complacent at times, but when I realised I adjusted it fairly lively.

Truthfully, I don’t like to see anyone feel superior over anyone else, we all are there to do the best we can. If I can help anyone I will. Perhaps that trait comes from my role in the family. I was the baby, the youngest of seven - four older brothers and two older sisters - and was always doing everything for everyone. I was a gofer; running here, there and everywhere. But I do like to help.

I’d say I’m an optimistic person, as the glass is half full rather than half empty. Life is too short for regrets. I probably would like to have done a few things different but that’s life. You move on.

Looking to the future, I’ll continue to train as long as I can. Who is to say you should be doing this at 50 or that at 50?”

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thecorknews 12 December 2014

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thecorknews

News

12 December 2014

By Nick Bramhill Farmers are officially cream of the crop in Cork - having surged past One Direction to clinch top spot in our Christmas calendar charts.

The “1D” boys’ 2015 wall chart is currently top of the nationwide Irish calendar charts for the fourth year in a row, but the ever-popular farming-themed charity calendar - which features hunky country lads in tongue-incheek, topless poses - has topped the charts in Cork’s regional table for the first time and is in fourth place nationwide.

The Calendar Club, which compiled the list after studying sales across its 25 stores in Ireland, said the chart is a good barometer of who is likely to be successful next year.

That means that popular Australian band Five Seconds of Summer can look forward to a successful 2015, having shot up to number two in the Irish charts.

By contrast, pop idol Justin Bieber - who topped the charts in 2010 - has slipped

“All the lads were brilliant and managed to keep smiling, despite being a bit cold minus their shirts.”

out of the top 20 for the first time since he hit the big time.

Among the newcomers this year are Disney’s megasuccessful Frozen and rising singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran, in seventh and 13th position respectively, while veteran singer Daniel O’Donnell is still a hit with Irish calen-

Picture by Fran Marshall

Cork shuns One Direction for topless farmers

dar buyers, having charted in 16th place.

As ever, Premiership clubs are well represented in the list, with Liverpool in third place and a separate wall chart in the 11th spot. Manchester Utd are in fifth, Chelsea in ninth and Arsenal in 12th place.

Glenn McWhinney, spokesman for the Calendar Club, said: “It’s no surprise to see One Direction topping Ireland’s calendar charts again this year. They seem unstoppable. But well done to the Irish Farmers, who are number one in Cork.”

The Irish Farmer Calendar,

The future of TV has arrived

which has been raising funds for third-world charity Bóthar for the past six years, features hunks from Kildare, Roscommon, Meath and Kilkenny.

Its creator Ciara Ryan said interest in the calendar has grown year on year, with orders in the past month from the US, Australia, Germany,

Poland, France, South Africa, Canada and Hong Kong.

Photographer Fran Marshall, who shot the farmers on location in Nore Valley Park in Kilkenny, said: “All the lads were brilliant and managed to keep smiling, despite being a bit cold minus their shirts.”

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thecorknews

News

12 December 2014

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Cork’s Adam Horgan accepting his Person Of The Year award

Cork duo honoured at People of the Year Awards Corkonians Adam Horgan and Louise O’Keeffe have both been honoured for their bravery, at the 40th People of the Year Awards. The awards were organised by Rehab and broadcast live on RTÉ One. Louise also celebrated her 50th Birthday on the night.

A Young Person of the Year Award was presented to Adam Horgan who, at just fifteen years of age without any life-guard experience, showed great bravery when he put his own life on the line to save the lives of two others.

Adam was visiting Youghal in 2013 when he saw Vicky Morey and her five-year-old son Evan in difficulty in the water. He swam in immediately to save the mother and son, bringing Evan to safety first and returning to save Vicky’s life too.

Cork woman Louise O’Keeffe was named one of Ireland’s People of the Year for her courage and tenacity in the face of abuse that she suffered as an eight-year-old child in her primary school in Dunderrow. The abuse took place in 1973 and, while the

“Inspirational, courageous and resolute, we are honoured to share their stories.’’ teacher in question was later convicted for his actions, the State refused to accept any responsibility on behalf of the education system.

What followed was a 30year struggle for justice, which saw Louise go to the High Court and eventually all the way to the Supreme Court. In January of this year, after 30 years, a European Court of Human Rights judgement ruled in her fa-

vour. Sean Egan, Chairman and Interim CEO of the Rehab Group, said: “Each year we are in awe of the stories of courage, determination and fortitude from all around the country.

“These awards allow us the opportunity to celebrate those unsung heroes among us who live in our communities, work in our schools, care in our hospitals, save people’s lives and fight for equality – they are true inspirations to us all.

“We congratulate tonight’s winners, and all of the previous winners from the past four decades on their achievements and successes.’’

Mairéad Ní Nuadháin, Head of External Affairs, RTÉ, said: “This year’s winners are once again a force to be reckoned with. Inspirational, courageous and resolute, we are honoured to share their stories.’’

Other Irish people honoured at the awards included equality campaigner Rory O’Neill and Garda whistleblowers Maurice McCabe and John Wilson.

Take the tour A Cork man who cycled almost 2,000 kilometres across Ireland has outlined his adventure in a new book. Emmet Ryan is to launch Tour de Ireland this evening, Friday at the House Café in Cork Opera House from 5.30pm to 7pm. The book is the story of Ryan’s return to his native country from London and his attempt to re-engage with home. The journey, which takes place during the 2012 Tour de France, is also an engagement with the sport of cycling both past and present.

“I was at work one day and I just felt totally trapped,” he said. “I remember looking

out the window at 4pm. It was winter and already dark and I was just fed up with everything. I kept day dreaming about cycling and knew I wanted to do a huge bike ride. It was escapism really.”

The following summer, after almost 2,000 kilometres on the road, he rolled back into Cork with the task complete and now he brings this informative journey to life in his book, which is available on Amazon. Ryan has also started his second book of travel literature, Tour de Camino.

33

thecorknews 12 December 2014

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34

thecorknews

News

Paws for thought In Association with...

Every week, Cork's animal shelters are called upon to take care of our city's injured, abandoned and unwanted animals. After veterinary treatment and plenty of TLC, these rescued cats and dogs are ready to start a new life with a loving owner. If you have the budget, time, space and commitment to welcome an animal into your home, adopting a rescue animal might be the right option for you. Meet this week's furry friends of The Cork News...

Cork DAWG are looking for new homes for the following dogs, if you are interested in adopting one please contact the number below or visit our website dogactionwelfaregroup.ie for further information on how to adopt.

BUSTER

Handsome Buster is a 10 month old German Shepherd cross. He is the sweetest boy ever and is so well behaved. Buster loves his cuddles and kisses but most off all loves to explore on long walks. He is excellent with other dogs and fully house trained, and will make a loyal and loving member of some lucky family. If you would like to meet Buster please contact Margaret at 085 1251929.

ELLE

Meet the beautiful Elle. She is two years old and looking for a new home. Elle loves other dogs and especially enjoys her walks. She would be suited to an active family; she loves people and will make a wonderful pet. If you would like to meet Elle please contact Margaret at 085 1251929.

LOLA

Lola is a very pretty girl, she is currently in a foster home with children whom she loves to play with. She is neutered, vaccinated and house trained, Lola can be a bit timid so would need a home where she will be safe and secure as a family pet, if you would like this girl to be part of your family please contact Margaret at 085 1251929.

For more information on any of these dogs, call 085 1251929.

FREE PUPPY / KITTEN HEALTH CHECK We are offering a FREE full clinical examination & advice on how to set them off on the right path to a healthy life.

Call 021 4893033 to book your FREE appointment. Merry Christmas! animalcarehospital.ie

12 December 2014

Talk to us We want to hear from you! Email your thoughts, comments, reactions and announcements to editor@thecorknews.ie

Continue to SERVE

Winter wonderland

Dear Editor, SERVE is a Cork based volunteering and international development organisation working with partners in Africa, Asia, South America and Ireland.

Every year SERVE recruits for volunteers all over Ireland and the SERVE Volunteer Programme is proud to have produced active and engaged citizens from Cork.

On January 12th 2010, an earthquake shook the city of Port-Au-Prince in Haiti. St. Gerard’s Primary school collapsed, causing the deaths of over 300 children.

SERVE committed to the relief effort in Haiti and worked in partnership with the Redemptorists to rebuild St. Gerard’s School. Stephen Stranney, a past SERVE volunteer acted as the consultant engineer for this project.

On September 17th 2014, St. Gerard’s Primary School was officially opened. Over 600 children are attending this permanent school.

Last year in response to Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines, SERVE committed to an intensive relief effort to ensure the safety of communities that we work in partnership with.

SERVE’s Operations Manager Chris O’Donoghue travelled to Tacloban in the Philippines to assist the relief efforts on the ground.

These success stories of partnership and solidarity could not be achieved without the support of the generous people of Cork.

This year SERVE is offering an online Solidarity Gift Campaign, including gifts modified for the Philippines and Haiti.

For more information please visit serve.ie/donate/solidarity-gifts/ or email info@serve.ie.

Thank you, Siobhán Hughes, SERVE, Blackrock, Cork

Councillor John Sheehan pictured with members of Blackpool Youth Club at the launch of the Festive Foyer on Assumption Road, Blackpool as part of ‘A Northside Christmas’. The Foyer will be open throughout December seven days a week until 7p.m. and entry is free. Picture by Clare Keogh

Competition winners We’ve run several competitions over the past few weeks in The Cork News, and as usual we’ve received hundreds of entires.

Thanks to everyone who responded, and congratulations to our winners, listed below.

There will be more competitions and more results to come between now and 2015, so to everyone who entered but was not successful this time, keep trying!

The winners of our five Tommy Tiernan DVDs were: Jayne Hogan from Classes Lake in Ballincollig, Elsie Strand from Ballincollig, Breda O’Brien from Newtown, Maria Shannon from Blackrock and Rita Law, in Ladysbridge.

We had an enormous response too to our Cork From The Air competition but unfortunately we only had two copies of this gorgeous book to give away.

Well done to Máire Uí Chróinín, ina cónaí i gCill na Martra, and Jerry O’Driscoll from Mahon; your copies will be in the post today!

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thecorknews

News

28 November 2014

Christmas Gift Guide Extra 2014

thecorknews

39

Hanna Tommola’s Touhi handcrafted silver and clear quartz pendant, €195, Designworks, Cornmarket Street

Magpie Birdy II Espresso Cups & Saucers,€28.90, Mustard on Academy Street

FOR

Orla Kiely Snowdrop Printed Patent Leather Fairfield Bag, €329, Kilkenny

De’Longhi Nescafé Dolce Gusto, €62.97, Soundstore

her

What do women want?

We may have the answer with these gift ideas for the lady in your life, be it your wife, girlfriend or mother.

Necklace, €50, Azure

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Priya Organic Avocado Face & Body Oil

Priya Natural Skincare

Korres Natural Body & Face Products

Be Sweet Co Strawberry & Cream Bon Bons, €7.95, Kilkenny

Orange Pure Silk Devore Shawl, €79.99, TK Maxx

We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves by Karen Joy Fowler, €11.95, from good bookstores

Neck Warmers

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thecorknews

12 December 2014

Winter Midweek Madness

Enjoy a relaxing overnight stay with Full Irish Breakfast, plus a €30 voucher book to be used on guest services for just €40 per person sharing.

See the amazing Christmas lights display on the grounds of the hotel. And a late check out until 3.00pm. Kids stay FREE Why not book to visit Santa at Magical Blarney www.magicalblarney.com

Winter Suit Sale Up to 50% Off Starts December 12th

Great Offers in Casual Clothing Chinos ...........were €59 .......Now €39 Shirts .............were €49 .......Now €29 Knitwear .........was €59 .......Now €29 Coats ...........were €149 .......Now €69 Shoes .............were €69 ......Now €39 Unit 4, Kinsale Road Retail Park, Cork. (next to Smyths Toys, near Harvey Normans) Tel: 021 464 9023 www.simplysuits.ie

GIFT GUIDE 2014

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thecorknews

12 December 2014

Brown Hobby Horse, €19.99, TK Maxx

for good boys & girls Leigh Tucker Willow Ballerina Glitter Shoes, €22, Dunnes Stores

They’ve tidied their rooms and eaten their greens, and they deserve a treat. Here are a few ideas which may not be on Santa’s list!

Piano Play Mat, €30, Tiger

Toshiba 7” 16GB Quad Core Windows 8 Tablet, €139.99, Soundstore Fair Isle trapper hat, €19.95, Gap

Girls’ tartan gumboots, €20.50, Pumpkin Patch at Mahon Point Shopping Centre

Princess Baking Kit, €25.95, Darling Violets in Kinsale (see darlingviolets.com)

The Famous Five Collection by Enid Blyton, €11.95, from good bookstores.

Ridleys Atomic Bouncer, €17.99, Easons

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thecorknews

12 December 2014

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thecorknews

12 December 2014

FOR Michael Kors Gent’s watch, €249, Keanes

him

Give the man in your life husband, boyfriend, best friend or father - a gift to suit his personality, whether he’s a gadget whizz or budding style icon.

Designer brown leather wool blend satchel bag from RJR.John Rocha, €105, Debenhams Skopes ¾ length wool fitted coat, was €249 now €179, Simply Suits at Kinsale Road Retail Park

Acqua di Parma Colonia Leather Eau de Cologne Concentrée 180ml, €206, Brown Thomas

Brown brogues, €79.99, Korkys

Handmade Soap Co Moustache Wax, €7.95, Kilkenny

Phrenology Bust, €38, Mustard on Academy Street

The Second Half by Roy Keane, €19.99, from good book stores

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thecorknews

12 December 2014

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thecorknews

12 December 2014

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03/11/2014 17:39

12 December 2014

51 43

thecorknews 12 December 2014

Great news for Cork City

All Q-Park parking charges reduced in Cork!

Q-Park have now introduced fairer pricing for customers by significantly reducing parking tariffs in the 4 Q-Park car parks in Cork City.

There is also an option to save even more money if you park on the roof.

Q-Park Grand Parade | €3 per hour | €2.40 per hour on the roof Q-Park City Hall | €3 per hour | €2 per hour on the roof Q-Park Carroll’s Quay | €3 per hour | €2 per hour on the roof Q-Park St. Finbarrs | €3 per hour | €2 per hour on the roof

For more information on the new prices visit www.q-park.ie/cork www.q-park.ie

44

thecorknews

News

12 December 2014

Talking Heads “I am shocked and distressed by the revelations of extremely poor and unacceptable standards of care and mistreatment of vulnerable residents in Áras Attracta.”

Minister for Primary and Social Care Kathleen Lynch responds to the RTÉ Primetime programme on the “unacceptable” practices of some staff in a Mayo care home.

“It really bothers me that people are out protesting about €3 a week in water charges. We have much bigger problems in our society.”

Health Minister Leo Varadkar says there are “bigger problems” in Ireland, including Áras Attracta and the fact that there are hundreds of people waiting on trollies our hospitals.

“To be honest, it feels a little bit like coming home.”

Ray D’Arcy on leaving Today Fm and returning to RTÉ in 2015.

“It is for those forgotten children who want education. It is for those frightened children who want peace. It is for those voiceless children who want change.

Pakistani education activist Malala Yousafzai says her Nobel Peace Prize award is not just for her.

“Rats skittering across sodden blankets; beds of needles.”

An Taoiseach Enda Kenny gets poetic as he describes the time he spent on the streets of Dublin, saying that to honour Jonathan Corrie, who died close to Leinster House, now is the time to “act once and for all” on the homelessness issue.

“We’re not going to throw in any towel. We’ll give it our best shot and make sure we stay fighting.”

Head coach Anthony Foley on Munster’s Sunday’s Champions Cup return leg against Clermont Auvergne at the Stade Marcel Michelin.

“So getting a People Of The Year Award was lovely. Having @stephenfry walk out and give it to me was delightful.”

Equality activist Rory O’Neill/Panti Bliss is presented with a People of the Year Award by the renowned English author and presenter Stephen Fry.

thecorknews

Cork Biz 12 December 2014

Fota opportunity

Picture by: Niall Barry

A

t first glance you might not think that the universally popular TV series Game of Thrones and Fota Island Resort - just eight miles from Cork City and nestled on the cusp of east Cork - have anything in common but you’d be mistaken. Fota is currently hosting its Imagine Christmas experience, and I caught up with Fota Island’s director of marketing, Seamus Leahy, who explained the link between the two: “Our Christmas experience this year is a big step forward from last year on a production level.

We brought in a special effects

guy from Game of Thrones to do our snow effects, and we also had a set designer who works for Disney to do our set pieces such as Cookie Dough Cottage, the Talking Trees and Fairy Doors.” The resort’s employment of such internationally recognised set designers and special effects personnel seems to have paid off: the experience has been welcoming between 1,000-2,500 visitors a day – not all of them children: “Actually one in every seven groups comprise of adults only,” laughs Leahy.

Leahy highlights Olivia Buckley, the much sought after event planner, as the person responsible for cre-

ating this year’s hugely successful Christmas production in Fota, by bringing in new talent and also improving other aspects of the whole experience. Perhaps a lesson learned from last year’s Christmas event, Believe, was to weatherproof the experience this time around; a lot of the interaction between the elves and guests takes place indoors, making for a much more comfortable experience for all involved.

Imagine is the just the latest large-scale event hosted by the resort this year. Fota, developed at a cost of €90 million in 2004, is particularly noted for its champion-

ship golf courses and these were put to good use in back in June when the Irish Open rolled into town. With big names such as McIlroy, McDowell and Harrington among those in competition, the crowds descended in droves on the Cork hotel.

This year’s championship was only the second ever to top the 100,000 visitor mark, which Leahy attributes to a number of factors: “We were blessed with the weather and a great location in our tented village but it didn’t hurt to have a great leader board either.”

What was particularly gratifying was the sense that all those involved in staging the

event were working together as one: “From Failté Ireland to the Guards, right down to the councils, both city and county…they all rowed in behind us. It was great to see everyone pulling together to make the event as successful as it was.”

Despite the resort’s recent successes, its position in 2010 was a lot more precarious when it went into receivership following the bankruptcy of developer John Fleming.

Managed in the interim by NAMA, and weathering two previously failed purchase deals, it was snapped up for the bargain price of €20 million in August of last year by

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Kang Family Worldwide. The Kang consortium is believed to be headed by five or six siblings from Baoding in the Hebei province of China. The Kangs - who already have extensive hospitality experience through their ownership and operation of two luxury hotels in Shanghai and Beijing - apparently fell in love with greenery and open spaces to be found at the 500 acre resort.

After their summer purchase of Fota the family’s love affair with all things Leeside continued, and they increased continued on page 54

46

thecorknews

Cork Biz

12 December 2014

Picture by: Niall Barry

continued from page 53 their Cork property portfolio by purchasing the Kingsley Hotel for a reported €6 million in October of last year.

The hotel, originally developed in the 1990s, was ravaged by the floods in 2009 and remained in disrepair until its recent refurbishment, reopening to much fanfare this past July. Trade is brisk and the hotel plans to have all 131 rooms fully on-stream by March 2015.

However, the Kangs are not ones to rest on their laurels, and they are already looking to purchase more Irish hotel properties in the near future, says Leahy: “(We are) having a good look around to see if there’s another one or two we can add to the collection in 2015.” In the meantime, the group is currently working with Leahy on selling Fota and the Kingsley to the lucrative Chinese tourist market, whose visits to these shores are set to

treble in the next five years.

The consortium is also set to roll out its direct management company tour operator, Green Ireland International, which it has been working on for the last six to nine months to bring Chinese tourists to their properties in Ireland in 2015.

This is quite a savvy move on the collection’s part; at its fifth annual awards ceremony in May, China’s largest online travel agency, Ctrip, bestowed its top prize on Ireland. Almost three million members of the travel agency’s website nominated and voted on their favourite destinations. Beating strong competition from Turkey, Sweden, Dubai and South Africa amongst others, Ireland was voted as the destination offering the most potential for Chinese travellers.

Previous Chinese visitors to Ireland cited the availability of our visa waiver programme, our friendly population and our ability to cater to their language and cultural needs amongst their reasons

Fota Island’s director of marketing, Seamus Leahy. Picture by: Niall Barry

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for choosing the country as a holiday destination. Such is Tourism Ireland’s commitment to harvesting the potential of the ripe Chinese tourism sector, (consisting mainly of the previously-untapped middle class market), they have opened offices in Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou and Chengdu.

In the meantime, back in east Cork, Leahy is delighted to see the local community embracing the resort’s new owners: “They have secured 450 jobs in Cork effectively, and it’s wonderful to see how much support the local businesses have given to us, the new owners and their management. I would hope to see it continue; when companies pull together we all benefit,” he says. With year-round occupancy, a healthy turnover and almost universally positive guest reviews it’s hard not to suspect that Fota Resort’s New Year is going to be a very happy one.

thecorknews

Menu 12 December 2014

Wines of the week Wine buyer Gary O'Donovan on the week's best bottles

Cornstore Lemon Roulade Add a little zing to your Christmas feasting with this light, refreshing classic lemon roulade from The Cornstore on Cornmarket Street in Cork. It’s perfect as an alternative to trifle for your Christmas dessert or as an indulgent snack at any time, with the tang of the lemon cleansing your palate perfectly after all those rich sauces and heavy roasts.

Ingredients: Lemon curd; • 100g Lemon Juice • 200g Sugar • 100g Melted butter • 2 Eggs • 200ml Cream Flat Sponge; • 1 oz Eggs • 1 oz Sugar • 1 oz Flour Method: Mix the lemon juice, sugar, melted butter and the eggs

together and cook over a Bain Marie of water, then chill for two hours.

Meanwhile to make the sponge, mix whisked eggs and sugar together and fold in the flour. Lay on a baking tray and cook at 180 degrees for five minutes.

Whisk the cream until soft and fold into the cold lemon curd mix.

Turn out the cooled sponge, spread the curd onto the sponge and roll.

Serve with spiced pineapple and raspberry sorbet.

Two Islands Sauvignon Blanc, New Zealand, 2013. Was €12.99, now €9.99

This Sauvignon Blanc is a clever blend of grapes grown in two different areas: 50% of them are picked late from loamy soil of the Wairau Valley plains, and the other 50% from the more southerly Awatere Valley river terraces.

They each bring different characteristics to the finished product; all herbal aromatics and cut grass.

This lively Sauvignon Blanc does a little dance on your tongue before the ripe tropical fruit comes to the fore, with a characteristic kick of citrus notes that make it so crisp and refreshing. It’s the perfect aperitif to start your weekend, or as an accompaniment to salads, fish or chicken.

Croix du Carney, Bordeaux, 2012. Was €14.99, now €11.99

Croix du Carney is a blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc which is quite unique.

A distinctive claret, it exhibits black cherries and plums with great structure and length, deep ruby in colour with red fruit notes providing roundness then a nice sweetness on the finish with blackcurrant notes.

The Cabernet Franc element brings some darker fruits to the taste spectrum; you’ll taste black cherries and cassis fruit which work beautifully toegether.

Pair this sumptuous red with roasted lamb or beef, or a nice cheese.

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thecorknews

Menu

12 December 2014

How Buffalo can you go?

Ireland’s only milking herd of water buffalo roams free over the hills of north Cork, grazing on the lush pastures and thick grass of Toon Valley near Macroom. The Toon Bridge buffalo have been resident for just three years but have already become an integral part of the Cork food scene, producing milk for some truly spectacular cheeses.

Toon Bridge Dairy’s head cheesemaker Franco is a fifthgeneration Neapolitan cheesier, who uses the herd’s milk to create authentic and delicious mozarella, ricotta, skamorza and halloumi cheeses, as well as blue cheese and an extremely more-ish hard cheese.

The herd is still fairly small, so their yield changes over the course of the year, meaning that some Toon Bridge

cheeses are only available in small quantities at certain times. That’ll change as the herd grows, but right now it lends a genuine exclusivity to the dairy’s produce.

The exceptional quality of

Toon Bridge cheeses has seen them taking a Euro-Toques award, a Food Writers’ Guild award and a gold medal in the Irish Cheese Awards in the few years they’ve been on the market.

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This rich Belgian-cuisine-inspired chocolate pudding may look like a traditional Christmas pudding but as soon as you cut into it you’ll notice the difference. If deep, rich chocolate flavours are your thing, then you’ll definitely want to save some space in the fridge for this chocoholic’s dream from Fitzpatrick’s of Glounthaune. And if yours doesn’t turn out quite right then don’t worry, you can always pick

one up there and pass it off as your own!

Ingredients: • Two packets of Digestive Biscuits • 330ml Fresh Milk • 1 1/2 lb Belgian chocolate • 2 1/2 oz Unsalted Butter Method: 1. Break the biscuits by hand leaving some nice chunky pieces.

2. Melt the chocolate in the

microwave.

3. Melt the butter in the microwave and add to chocolate.

4. Pour cold milk over the biscuits and the add warm chocolate. Mix quickly and place into a pudding mould.

Leave to set overnight in the fridge.

5. To finish, pour belgian chocolate to cover and then some white chocolate on just the top with a festive decoration.

Blaine’s Electric elevation Blaine Tripp is the new head chef at Cork’s Electric.

Tripp qualified as a Chef in 1988 and worked in New Zealand for a number of years in Junior Chef positions before moving to Sydney in Australia, where he worked in a number of five-star hotels and some of Sydney’s best restaurants.

He then moved to London

to gain experience in some of that city’s top restaurants before returning to Sydney as Head Chef and Executive Head Chef in a number of establishments.

Blaine and his wife moved to Ireland in 2000. His appointment at Electric has come after time spent as Head Chef of the well-known Farm Gate Cafe in The English Market.

49

thecorknews 12 December 2014

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thecorknews

News

12 December 2014

MUNSTERS LARGEST FLOORING STORES FREE MEASURING SERVICE OVER 500 BEDS & MATTRESSES IN STOCK WITH IMMEDIATE DELIVERY AVAILABLE LOWEST PRICES IN MUNSTER GUARANTEED

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thecorknews

Cork Homes

Gather round

12 December 2014

It’s not just the food that sets the scene for Christmas but also the table.

Adorn your dining table with seasonal but elegant buys for a bit of festive cheer.

Olive Wood Antipasti Board, Meadows & Byrne, €29.95

Pair of 24ct gold filled stem cocktail glasses by Diamond Affair, notonthehighstreet.com, €184.32

Glass punch bowl, €52 and set of four Metropolitan tumblers, €22, both from Next

Meduim Ambiray tea light, Swarovski, €54

Studio William Mahogany 42-piece cutlery set, Brown Thomas, €330

Considered by Helen James Noël Mug, Dunnes Stores, €5

Pack of 12 luxury teal mistletoe Christmas crackers, Debenhams, €13 down from €26

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thecorknews

Cork Homes

12 December 2014

Sleeper sofa

Ruggy wonderful!

Hosting at Christmas can be stressful enough without the additional worry about whether your spare room is up to scratch or where guests will sleep overnight. The Escape twoseater formal back sofa bed from DFS is €1,998 and will enable your guests to snuggle up in style this Christmas. Pictured here in lime, it’s available in eight other colours.

These amazing rugs are handmade in Nepal by shaping organic Tibetan wool with soap and water and applying pressure by hand. The Sew Heart Felt collection provides sustainable, traditional work for women in rural Nepal are this Hedgehog Rug is €89.95 from miramira.ie.

A readerís delight These fantastic pair of vintage style birdcage bookends in copper are heavy enough to hold hardbacks upright.

They are £35.95 (€46) from pagodasandbutterflies.co.uk.

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thecorknews

Cork Homes

12 December 2014

53

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thecorknews

Family 12 December 2014

Hold on to your health

It’s a wrap! Ryan Tubridy and Starcamp kids. Picture by: Deirdre Savage, Windmill Lane Studios

We all stand together for Childline The Christmas Number 1 war is about to begin, and Cork is well represented with 17 schoolchildren from around the county lending their voices to a potential Christmas hit.

Memories flooded back for many following the launch of We all Stand Together by The Zog Chorus and the children of Starcamp on RTÉ’s Late Late Show. The new take on

an old favourite entered the iTunes charts at number 1 the following day.

With Ryan Tubridy “playing” the piano, Bosco, Zig and Zag, Dustin and Pajo bringing fun, laughter and nostalgia to the song, music by the RTÉ Concert Orchestra and a number of extremely happy Starcamp children selected from every corner of Ireland coming together, The Zog

Chorus was recorded in order to raise desperately needed funds for the Childline Emergency Appeal.

“A Christmas Number 1 is most definitely on the cards.

Most importantly, we are delighted to be able to come on board to try to help Childline to reach their €1.2 million target in order to keep their 24 hour phone line service open” said Aideen O’Grady,

Starcamp’s managing director.

The single is currently available on iTunes and can be purchased in shops from today, Friday December 12th.

Childline, which receives no government funding, has issued an appeal because they are in danger of not being able to keep their vital service for abused children open beyond January.

Cork’s primary schools get a Christmas present 354 primary schools across Cork City and County Cork will benefit from a series of grants under the government’s Minor Works Grant scheme.

A total of €3.12million will be invested in schools in the county under programme.

Primary schools in Cork have already started to receive payments under the

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new allocations, in keeping with Education Minister Jan O’Sullivan’s recent announcement that the nationwide grant would be paid in 2014.

The rates payable are €5,500 per school plus €18.50 per mainstream pupil and €74 per special-needs pupil. At those rates, the grant is worth €6,425 for a typical rural 50-pupil school and

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more than €11,000 for a large 300-pupil school.

According to Labour TD Ciarán Lynch: “There are 354 primary schools in Cork city and county, and in total they will benefit by €3.12m.

The works that can be undertaken with this investment include improvements to school buildings and grounds, improvement or replacement

of mechanical and electrical services, the purchase of standard furniture and physical education equipment, and the purchase of IT-related equipment.”

Minister O’Sullivan has indicated her hope to use savings in her department’s spending to fund another round of minor works grants in 2015.

Honor Geraghty, nutritional therapist and CNM (College of Naturopathic Medicine) graduate offers readers of The Cork News her health tips to keep us in in top shape as we grow older.

“Ireland’s population is growing older and living longer – and the reality is our healthcare system is not adequately equipped to deal with the massive increases in numbers” says Honor. “So let’s look at what we ourselves can do as individuals to ensure we maintain our health as we grow older.

“A diet to support good health through the years should consist of regularly eating an array of brightly and deeply coloured fruits and vegetables, good fats from avocados, nuts, seeds, coconut and olive oil and good quality protein - essential to preserve muscle mass. Drink two litres of healthy fluids (water, herbal teas) daily.

“Regular gentle exercise has been shown to help maintain mobility and independence through the years. Try walking, dancing, swimming or any activity you enjoy.

“It’s inevitable that nutritional deficiencies appear as we age so it’s good to be aware that there are many great supplements now available to work with. Some of the best supplements to aid older age can be fish oils and probiotics. Fish oils are beneficial in maintaining cognitive ability and reducing the risk of memory loss. Probiotics have been shown to benefit sufferers of a number of common conditions found in the elderly such as constipation and other digestive issues, as well as lowered immunity.

“Finally, sleep well, relax, focus on your purpose in life, maintain strong family and community ties and don’t forget to experience joy and laughter!”

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thecorknews

Family

12 December 2014

Broadband boost for Cork’s secondary schools

On the twelfth step of Christmas, a Garda said to me…

An Garda Síochána has published a handy guide to having the safest Christmas possible in the run up to the festive season, emphasising not just road safety but also

tips for keeping your home, belongings, and family safe and sound over the holidays.

“Christmas should be a time of year for everyone to enjoy,” said Sergeant Kelvin Court-

ney from Garda Community Relations. “These are simple steps people can take to increase their safety whether they are out and about or in their homes this Christmas.”

The Twelve Tips of Christmas:

1. Drink alcohol responsibly.

Wherever the celebration, everyone should promote safe behaviour.

2. Plan your night out. Tell someone where you’re going and when you’ll be back

3. You, your family or friends should never walk home alone; remember: safety in numbers. If you have no other option, walk in welllit areas.

4. Take care when carrying your handbag, smart phone or tablet in crowded areas. Keep them in a safe location, within view.

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5. Watch out for pickpockets in crowded areas. Keep handbags zipped and don’t put your wallet in your back pocket. In bars and restaurants take care about where you store coats and handbags.

6. At ATMs only take out as money much as you need.

Cover your PIN and call the Gardaí if you believe the machine has been compromised.

7. Take care of your Christmas shopping and never leave it unattended, especially in your car.

8. Park and lock your car in secure, well-lit areas, keeping valuables - including bags and coats - hidden.

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just €350

9. Secure all doors and windows of your home and use your alarm, both when the house is vacant and when you’re home at night.

10. Don’t leave Christmas presents in view from the outside of your home

11. If you’re expecting deliveries, always make sure someone is there to collect it or arrange for a trusted neighbour to take it in.

12. If you’re going away for Christmas, make your home look occupied: leave a light on or use a timer and get a trusted neighbour to check on your property.

Every post-primary school in County Cork now has a high speed broadband connection as a result of a €30 million, three-year programme rolled

by HEAnet, Ireland’s National Education and Research Network. All of Cork’s 92 post-primary schools, special schools and hospital schools have benefitted.

The 92 Cork schools now have 100 Mbps broadband connections which will serve as a catalyst for the further integration of ICT and digital skills in the classroom.

The broadband programme, which represents one of the most ambitious technology roll-outs to the Irish education sector in recent times, was

delivered within budget and a highly challenging three-year schedule following a successful pilot phase of the programme in 2010, when a first tranche of 78 schools nationwide were connected to the HEAnet network. A decision to expand the programme to Ireland’s 780 second-level schools was announced in 2012.

The national reach of the programme has required the building of new infrastructure in locations where there was extremely limited high-speed broadband availability up until now, for instance in especially remote areas or even on islands.

In Cork, delivery of broadband to every post-prima-

ry school involved digging streets, laying fibre cable, erecting masts and radio dishes, and installing network equipment.

The broadband service is extremely high quality and delivers symmetrical bandwidth connectivity, which means equal upload/download speeds simultaneously; an important consideration with the expansion of cloud computing and the integration into classrooms of two-way communications such as video conferencing.

The special status of schools’ broadband also means zero contention, so a school’s broadband connection is not shared with other subscribers.

Students of Cork: Speak now!

Cork’s secondary school studends are being urged to get their entries in for the ActionAid Speech Writing Competition before the January 16th deadline.

The competition is open to all secondary school students aged 14 to 17. The top six students from around the country will be invited to Dublin to deliver their speech in front of

an esteemed panel of judges, and the winning two students will travel with their teachers to Nepal to see ActionAid’s programme at work, firsthand.

Students can choose from three topics: “Why do women make up 70% of people living in poverty around the world and what can be done about it?”, “Let us wage a global

struggle against illiteracy, poverty and terrorism and let us pick up our books and pens. They are our most powerful weapons: Education is fundamental to ending poverty and violence” and “Violence against women keeps communities in a cycle of poverty”.

For more information on the competition visit actionaid.ie/ speech-writing-competition.

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thecorknews

Style 12 December 2014

Space Odyssey

For a special piece that’s “out of this world” consider the Mercury skirt, available at Amity (myamity.ie) for €64.

Steal Leopard faux fur coat, Miss Selfridge, £89 (approximately €113 with free delivery from missselfridge.com)

Splurge Red Valentino leopard coat, Brown Thomas, €710

City Style Pictured: Gillian Marr What I’m wearing: Dress: Penneys Scarf: Penneys Boots: Penneys

Loving

it

Go retro with this Casio gold face digital bracelet ladies watch from littlewoodsireland.ie, priced just €95

thecorknews

Style

12 December 2014

Full circle midi skirt in jaquard, asos. com, €92.86

The Rita Skirt from Coast (€155) is a showstopping catwalkinspired midi with statement volume.

Cutwork full skirt, Oasis, €75

Accessorise the look

Tibi Halcyon metallic pleated taffeta skirt, net-a-porter.com, €575

Skirt Around The midi skirt is a perfect wardrobe staple, adding instant glamour and style. Think bright prints, metallic sheen, embellished detailing and fullness to add dimension to the look.

Necklace, Azure on Carey’s Lane, €325

Amy Huberman Bourbon Collection Sex and the City Noir, bourbonfootwear.com, €99.99.

Metallic midi skirt, Zara, €39.95 Let the skirt and accessories do the talking by keeping it simple with this v-neck woven cami from Next for €16.

Alice & Olivia Justina sequin skirt, Brown Thomas, €440

Burgundy waffle textured balloon midi, New Look, €24.99

57

Dark pink ombre scallop pleated skirt from Jonathan Saunders, Debenhams, €84

58

Cork Homes

thecorknews

12 December 2014

thecorknews

Beauty 12 December 2014

Black multi-styler hair donut, Claire’s Accessories, €5.95 Bumble and bumble Thickening Hairspray 50ml, Boots, €8

L’Oréal Elvive Fibrology Shampoo 400ml, Sam McCauley, €7.49

Beautiful ballerina Think flawless skin, long lashes and a beautiful bun for a perfect ballerina look this season

BareMinerals Ready Eyeshadow 8.0 The Power Neutrals, Boots, €40

Lancôme Limited Spring Edition Blush Highlighter, Brown Thomas, €45

Yves Saint Laurent Mascara Volume Effet Faux Babydoll, Debenhams, €32.50

Cream Foundation, Inglot, €22

Rouge Dior Declamation Pink, Brown Thomas, €34.50

48 pack of black non-slip hair grips, Claire’s Accessories, €4.99

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thecorknews

Beauty

12 December 2014

Get the look Golden-edged eye make-up was the look for Chanel’s annual Métiers d’Art show, with the Paris-Salzburg 2014/2015 collection shown at Schloss Leopoldskron. For the eyes the Chanel products

Raising the bar

used included, Les 4 Ombres Tissé Riviera (N°224); Les 4 Ombres Intuition (N°36); Stylo Yeux Waterproof Noir Intense eyeliner; Stylo Yeux Waterproof Or Blanc; and Le Volume de Chanel Noir.

A new concept of perfumery has come to Cork, with the Ydentik Perfume Bar Concept. The Portuguese brand is now open on 35 Princes Street, and has fragrances for men and women, priced €18.99 for 55ml and €29.99 for 105ml.

YOGA POSE OF THE WEEK Cresent Moon pose ( Anjaneyasana) Benefits: A great introduction or preparation for Back bends, Open the hipflexors, quads, Achilles tendon, calf's, opens the gluteus, lengthens the abdomen improving blood flow to all digestive organs, energises the kidneys, opens the chest and shoulders, improving lung capacity, relieves lower back discomfort. Strengthens the arms and pelvic floor muscles.

Beet it

Christmas Candy Dip Add some tinsel to your fingertips with dippable, glitter nail art. Miss Elegant Touch Christmas Candy Dip has brand new Holly Berries and Iced Gems, which will polish off your festive look and ensure you’re party ready. Simply stick on the tab, file it to fit, dip into the colours and then shake to be left with gorgeous glitter nails. They are priced €5.99 each at pharmacies across Cork.

Yoga Republic is now taking bookings for its January beginners courses Yoga Republic will be teaching a Yoga Alliance Registered Power Vinyasa 200 hr Teacher Training course in August 2015.

The studio is now open for applications for this course.

The delicious beet has a whole host of health benefits.

The vegetable, perfect in stews, salads and juices, is high in vitamin C, boosting collagen production for firmer looking skin, while its folic acid also helps ensure healthy skin.

Sackies Skalkos is the founder of Yoga Republic, Corks oldest and leading yoga studio (est 2004 ). If you would like to join Sackies in a personal interpretation of his teaching, please contact the studio at www.yogarepublic.com or phone 0876560254

thecorknews

Drive

12 December 2014

20% OFF ALL BOOTS Mahon Point Shopping Centre | Wilton Shopping Centre

61

thecorknews

Going Places 12 December 2014

A thrilling ski experience at the foot of the Matterhorn Short breaks by Lizann Peppard in association with Hotels.com

My friends and I are planning to book a ski trip in the New Year but we have mixed levels of experience so I am unsure which resort to pick. We are hoping to find somewhere that has a great skiing, buzzing atmosphere and lots of fun activities too. Is there anywhere that you can recommend?

W

hether you’re an anxious first-time skier looking to snowplough down gentle slopes or a daredevil expert in search of thrilling steep runs, Zermatt has it all. With over 200 kilometres of ski runs spanning every level and endless off-piste, you can’t go wrong in Switzerland’s most loved ski resort.

12 DAY S OF

is a must. The subterranean museum sheds light on the history of Zermatt and the tales of triumph and tragedy surrounding the mountain, with attractions including preserved original houses, a multimedia room and the broken rope from the first ascent.

Zermatt is not only a world-class ski destination, it is also home to spectacular Alpine scenery and offers great things to see and do both on and off the slopes. The highest natural glacier in the world can be found on the Klein Matterhorn and the cable-car journey there alone is an exhilarating experience. Better known as the Matterhorn Glacier Palace, you will be taken fifteen metres below the surface into a frozen fairy-tale full of glittering ice crystals and sparkling

ice sculptures, an out-ofthis-world experience and not to be missed while you are in Zermatt.

The car-free town of Zermatt is an enchanting and bustling hub of activity waiting to be explored.

The narrow streets are lined with quirky, weathered chalets and the attractive main street, Bahnhofstrasse, is brimming with shops, cafés and restaurants. Strolling around the town is a pleasure in itself and the best way to spend an afternoon off the slopes.

No skiing trip would be complete without some après-ski. Visit one of Zermatt’s fifty lively watering holes for a well-deserved drink after a long day of skiing. Whether you want a cosy quiet drink with friends or to dance the night away, Zermatt’s après-ski is hard to beat.

Where to Stay: Europe Hotel & Spa (****)

christmas

Europe Hotel and Spa is a four-star hotel based centrally in Zermatt with stunning views of the Matterhorn. The recently renovated hotel has been designed with ultimate comfort in mind and there are full spa facilities available to guests. Prices start from €82 per room per night on Hotels.com

Book Today for a FREE €200 Voucher for Great Outdoors with every ski holiday booking

21

VOTED BEST SKI TOUR OPERATOR REPUBLIC OF IRELAND

Aristella Swissflair Hotel & Apartements (****) The Aristella Swissflair Hotel and Apartments is a stylish hotel that provides modern and luxurious accommodation. The hotel is located in a quiet yet central area and is close to the main bus and lift stations. Prices start from €104 per room per night on Hotels.com Hotel Bellerive (***)

YEARS IN A ROW

Call 01 240 1775 • Visit www.topflight.ie TODAY ONLY!!!

Zermatt can be found at the foot of the most photographed mountain in the world, the majestic Matterhorn in the Swiss Alps. The high nursery slopes in Zermatt are a brilliant starting point for ski novices. They are easily accessible with nearby meeting points and offer stunning views. For the intermediate and expert skiers in your group, there are limitless options from scenic red runs to challenging black pistes to keep them entertained.

The coming year marks the 150th anniversary of the first ascent from the Matterhorn by English adventurer Edward Whymper and will be celebrated in the village throughout 2015. For an incredible insight into the historical event and a break from your skis, the Matterhorn Museum

*One voucher per group

The Hotel Bellerive is ideally located within easy reach of skiing and sightseeing activities. There is complimentary wireless internet available to guests and the guestrooms are equipped with iPod docking stations and minibars. Prices start from €116 per room per night on Hotels.com For more information and travel tips on planning your holiday visit hotels.com

thecorknews

Drive 12 December 2014

Pick up a Polo

It’s been nearly four decades since Volkswagen’s little Polo geared up to take on the world, writes Seán Creedon, and the latest iteration continues to refine the popular runabout

T

he VW Polo that I drove last week was really lively, but I wasn’t tempted to copy a young English man and take a drive on a race track while a race was in progress.

That’s what a 22 year old did earlier this year when he drove his girlfriend’s Polo on to the Brand’s Hatch track while a race was in progress.

Aygo

The fact that he was jailed for eight months might have put me off, but I’ve gone beyond trying to impress young girls with feats like that! I think most people will be impressed enough when they look at the fifth generation of the Polo.

Next year Volkswagen will celebrate the 40th anniversary of the first Polo and over the past 39 years the car has

been a great seller for the company, with over 12 million sold worldwide. The first Polo in 1975 was based on the Audi 50 hatchback; now the Audi A1 is based on the Polo.

The changes to the new version are discreet and at first glance not immediately visible to the casual tyre-kicker.

The improvements are more in the technology and efficiency departments. It’s cer-

This is

tainly a case of revision rather than replacement. However, the front of the car now has a much neater look to it and I suppose it would be true to say that overall the Polo is now even more like a miniGolf.

I drove a 1.0-litre version with 60 BHP and it was really fast. Although officially it would take you 15.5 seconds to get from zero to 100kmh, I didn’t need to set any land speed records when taking off. Be that as it may, I still found it very lively.

There are no fans of twodoor cars in our family, so thankfully the version I tested had four doors. The six-inch screen display on the dash is

taken from the Golf and I’m sure VW fans will not complain about that. The front seats are comfortable and there is room in the back for three adults, at a squeeze.

It had stop-start technology and plenty of cubbyholes in the cabin to hold drinks and anything else you need to carry. Boot space is just about average and in the second layer underneath you will be pleased to find a full-size spare wheel.

I drove a ‘Mayan Blue’ coloured car which was really lovely, but if blue is not your colour of choice, the Polo is also available in Flash Red, Pure White, Black or Urano Grey.

ShowTime November 6th-10th

Prices start at €14,995, while the Trendline version I drove start at €15,995. Road tax is €190 per annum. Polo’s biggest rivals in the Irish market are expected to be the Ford Fiesta, Renault Clio and Toyota Yaris. If you are looking for a neat car that provides great fuel economy and is comfortable and lively to drive, I would certainly recommend a test drive in the new Polo.

There are six VW dealers in Cork: Blackwater Motors in Victoria Cross, Fermoy and Skibbereen; Noel Deasy Motors, New Mallow Road; Newmarket Motors in Newmarket and O’Leary’s of Lissarda.

TOYOTA IN THE CITY

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Join us at Lehane Motors to see Ireland s widest and newest range of cars for 2014, including the all new Corolla. Toyota has the best resale value in Ireland. Take a look.Take a test drive. Ask about a trade-in, and expect to be pleasantly surprised. And did we mention the thounsands of euro worth of spot prizes?

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toyota.

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thecorknews

Drive

12 December 2014

Vorsprung durch velocity!

Lorcan MacMuiris has a whale of a time in an Audi A4 Quattro Sport courtesy of Audi Cork, and briefly contemplates an exciting career as a car thief

T

his,” I think to myself as I slide into place on the beige leather seat, “is where I ought to be sitting every morning on my way to work.” As far as The Cork News is concerned it may be a good thing that this car is only mine for the purposes of review, as I can see myself taking the scenic route day in, day out if I

20,000

Customers every year ask us to look after their

had it for any longer than that.

This red Audi A4 Quattro Sport is a gorgeous creature, sleek as a jungle cat but far, far safer and more trustworthy. Its lines are just plain gorgeous; even when it’s sitting still it looks like it’s moving, or at the very least ready to pounce on some unsuspecting prey animal. It’s got that classic Audi look, with the wide, aggressive grille surmounted by those coveted rings and the classic Audi swept-back xenon headlights. I’ve never driven a car with adaptive headlights before, and it takes a little while to get used to the effect as they sweep around corners ahead of you, responding to the movements of the steering wheel.

Once I do get used to them,

however, I wonder how I’ll go back to my garden-variety Passat, the A4’s somewhat frumpier cousin, bereft of such a useful feature to have on a deeply dark winter’s evening.

“Bit of a kick to her!” is what Bertie at Audi Cork told me as I was preparing to set off, and he wasn’t wrong. The TDI engine doles out 170 BHP as if power were going out of fashion and seems to be made of pure torque, especially in the lower gears. I set off relatively gingerly, keeping a close eye on my speed as, between the eager engine and the impec-

cable German suspension and handling, it would be only too easy to accidentally stray a few - or a few dozen - kmh over the limit. The cabin strikes just the right balance between luxury, technology and a certain brutalist aesthetic which I absolutely adore. Those plush seats are more comfortable than literally any item of furniture in my house and the dashboard is perfectly laid out, glowing with a deep blue as I whizz up and down through the gears, eager to escape the traffic so I can give the car a little free rein.

Luckily, I picked the A4 up at

the very end of rush hour so I spend a while meandering up over the hill, around Halfway and back to ensure that by the time I make it to the M8 via the tunnel the traffic is very thin. I swap the Beethoven (nicely Germanic, I thought) for a little Neil Young and Crazy Horse courtesy of the controls on the luxurious steering wheel, wait eagerly for the ‘120’ sign to appear, slow down from 100kph just to get the full effect, drop down a gear and…woosh. The turbo kicks in, utterly free from remorse, and I feel the acceleration in my kidneys. The joy

of speed doesn’t last long, alas, before I’m at the limit and so, a little childishly and making sure there’s no-one in the carriageway behind me, I repeat the procedure to reclaim that satisfying “you are now taking off in a your own private jet” sensation. Magnificent. I get to Watergrasshill, sweep off one side of the road and back on to the other, streaking down the on-ramp with unbridled enthusiasm. I love this car.

Unfortunately, even though it’s less than half the price of a brand new A4, after 50,000 km and four years with just one owner, at €23,995, my motoring budget for 2014 has been maxed out. “Maybe next year” I think to myself, as I park it outside my house in east Cork and hop out to have another look at it, five-spoked S-Line alloys glinting in the yellow sodium street lighting. “Maybe now!” is the next thought, as I sit back in to take it for another drive before bed time. Bertie is, quite frankly, lucky I brought it back at all. I even managed to resist taking the scenic route the following morning - but only just.

You can take this 2010 Audi A4 Quattro Sport for a test drive yourself, and I highly recommend that you do. It’s at Cork Audi at the Bandon Road Roundabout in Bishopstown. Give them a call on 021 4918400 or visit audicork.ie.

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Playtime

Page 84

Anna Geary, Cork Camogie Captain, with Seamus O’Brien, M.D., Quick Fit Cars on the announcement of Quick Fit Cars winning the “Best Garage in Ireland” for 2015. Picture by John Allen

Top award for Little Island’s Quick Fit Quick Fit at Little Island has won the Independent Workshop of the Year 2015 award at the Irish Auto Trade Association’s Awards.

“We would like to thank everyone who supported us over the years, said Seamus O’Brien, M.D., Quick Fit Cars, “and we’re delighted that we’ve

been able to attain such a high standard, not only being voted ‘Best Garage in Munster’ by the Irish Auto Trade Association, but also going on to win ‘Best Garage in Ireland’ for 2015. It’s a wonderful endorsement, one which I know all of us at Quick Fit will work hard to retain.”

thecorknews

Drive

12 December 2014

3

is the

magic

number

i n i m s y r a At ke

mini one 3DR hatch

mini one D 3DR hatch

mini COOPER D COUNTRYMAN

SAVings UP TO

SAVings UP TO

SAVings UP TO

€2,500 3 doors 3 months old 3 years warranty 5 years free servicing

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€4,500 3 months old 3 years warranty 5 years free servicing

For further information or to book a test drive give us a call on 021 500 3600 or visit the website www.kearysmini.ie

Images for illustration purposes only

KEARYS mini

Eastgate Business Park, Little Island, Cork.

Tel: 021 500 3600 kearysmini.ie

65

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thecorknews

Drive

12 December 2014

Deals of the week We asked some of Cork's most trusted car dealers to recommend their top picks in three price brackets:

Under €15,000

€15,000 to €20,000

Opel Insignia Price: €17,950 Engine: 2.0 Diesel Transmission: Manual Year: 2012 Mileage: 77,000 miles Colour: Black Dealer: Donal O’Brien Motors, Kinsale Road Industrial Estate, Kinsale Road, Cork Tel: 021 432 0625

Volkswagen Passat Price: €18,900 Engine: 1.6 Diesel Transmission: Manual Year: 2012 Mileage: 78, 000 miles Colour: Red Dealer: Newmarket Motors, Main Street, Newmarket Co. Cork Tel: 029 601 00

Ford Kuga Price: €18, 950 Engine: 2.0 Diesel Transmission: Manual Year: 2012 Mileage: 71,459 miles Colour: Grey Dealer: CAB Motors, Monaghan Road, Ballintemple, Cork Tel: 021 429 0600

€20,000 to €25,000

Nissan Note Price: €5,900 Engine: 1.1 Petrol Transmission: Manual Year: 2008 Mileage: 58,492 miles Colour: Metallic Brown

Honda CR-V Price: €9,950 Engine: 2.2 Diesel Transmission: Manual Year: 2007 Mileage: 96,315 miles Colour: Blue

Seat IBIZA Price: €12,950 Engine: 1.2 Petrol Transmission: Manual Year: 2014 (141) Mileage: 9,000 miles Colour: Red

Dealer: Blackwater Motors, Turners Cross, Cork City Tel: 021 434 5900

Dealer: D Canny Garage 6 White Street (Off Douglas St) Cork City Centre Tel: 021 49 6632

Dealer: Finbarr Galvin Motors, Clonakilty Road, Bandon, Co. Cork, Tel: 023 882 0555

Skoda Fabia Price: €20,245 Engine: 1.2 Petrol Transmission: Manual Year: 2015 Mileage: 1 mile Colour: Grey Dealer: Noel Deasy Cars, New Mallow Road, Blackpool, Cork Tel: 021 439 7658

KEARYS BMW END OF YEAR CLEARANCE Save up to €10,000 on selected BMW models.

Including a range of ex BMW management cars.

DEC

DEC

Kia Optima Platinum Price: €22,850 Engine: 1.7 Diesel Transmission: Manual Year: 2012 Mileage: 50 miles Colour: Metallic Satin Metal Dealer: Nyhan Motors, Cork Road, Bandon, Co. Cork Tel: 023 882 0000

Peugeot 508 ACTIVE Price: €22, 950 Engine: 1.6 Diesel Transmission: Manual Year: 2013 (132) Mileage: 12, 620 miles Colour: Metallic Oyster Dealer: Johnson & Perrott Motor Group, Mahon Point Retail Park, Cork Tel: 021 461 5220

Kearys

www.kearys.ie

The Ultimate Driving Machine

DEC

11 12 13 THUR

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LAST CHANCE, 3 DAYS ONLY

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thecorknews

Drive

12 December 2014

MAHONPOINT

021 461 5220

MAHONPOINT

Mahonpoint Retail Park, Cork. www.jpmahonpoint.ie

0S 2U3N0 NE

NOW ON

D ES STOCR HERS VOU

FREE

PEUGEOT. AFFORDABLE QUALITY.

ra ou orde When y eugeot P new 151 e end of h t e r befo er. b m e c De

OFFER ED EXTEND

FROM

FROM

€145* PER MONTH

Model

€199* PER MONTH

Customer On The Road Deposit / Price† Part Exchange

Finance Amount

FROM

€196* PER MONTH

GMFV †† (Optional Final Total Cost of APR%* Payment) Credit

36 monthly Term Payments of

208 Access 1.0 Ltr 3 Dr

€15,258.50†

€5,341

€9,917.50

€145 37 months

€5,548

€913.99 3.9% Fixed

2008 Access 1.2 VTi

€19,855.30†

€6,950 €12,905.30

€196 37 months

€6,961

€1,175.19 3.9% Fixed

308 Access 1.2 VTi

€19,944.40†

€6,981 €12,963.40

€199 37 months

€6,912

€1,176.09 3.9% Fixed

†Includes delivery & related charges. Models are shown for illustrative purposes only. ††The Guaranteed Minimum Future Value (GMFV) is payable if you renew or retain the vehicle at the end of the agreement. Further charges may be applied by your Peugeot Dealer subject to kilometre limits/ condition of the vehicle. *Lending criteria and terms and conditions apply. Finance is provided by way of a hire purchase agreement. Finance example is based on a fixed rate APR of 3.9% and is inclusive of a once off documentation fee of €63.49. To qualify for this Finance Offer; a minimum deposit of 10% of the On the Road Price and a maximum term of 37 months applies. Rate quoted is correct as at 29th October 2014 and is subject to change. This offer is available on all new Peugeot 208, 2008 and 308 models registered up to 31st January 2015. The credit provider is Bank of Ireland Finance which is a registered trading name of Bank of Ireland.

THINK PEUGEOT, THINK JOHNSON & PERROTT MAHONPOINT

The home of Peugeot in Cork 021 4615220 MAHONPOINT

www.jpmahonpoint.ie

67

42450 Lexus NX Like Full Pg PH 21.11.14:Layout 1 68LehaneBeauty

thecorknews

21/11/2014 16:49 Page 1

12 December 2014

THE STRIKING NEW LEXUS NX.

Its sculpted lines and distinctive grille mark a bold new design. Behind the wheel, it offers a luxurious driving experience that is unparalleled. But, with low CO2 emissions resulting in lower fuel consumption and the lowest road tax in its class, the new NX strikes the perfect balance.

Take a closer look now at Lexus Cork, South Douglas Road.

NX 300h from €44,750 or just €424* per month on Lexus Connect Model

On the Road Price †

Customer Deposit/ Part Exchange

Finance Amount 36 Monthly payments of

Term

Guaranteed Minimum Future Value (Optional Final Payment) † †

NX Eco FWD

€44,750

€15,660

€29,090

37 months

€18,348.00

€425.17

LEXUS CORK

Total Cost of Credit €4,627.61

South Douglas Road, Cork.

T: 021 4817750 www.lexuscork.ie

APR%* ȷ[HG

6.49%

thecorknews

Beauty

12 December 2014

69

OUR RANGE IS WITHIN YOUR RANGE

Drive a new ŠKODA from as little as €129†per month including servicing.

Yeti, with ŠKODA PCP Solutions, our versatile ŠKODA range is always within your range. † per month, including the cost of routine servicing.

In addition to excellent trade-in allowances, you can also avail of product upgrades such as Free Leather interior and Satellite Navigation with selected models*.

ŠKODA O

Noel Deasy Cars, New Mallow Road, Blackpool, Cork.

N EVENT

T. 021 4395024. W. www.noeldeasy.com

Terms and conditions apply. *Available with Superb Ambition and Elegance models only. Images used for illustrative purposes only. †Finance example quoted is not model shown. Typical Finance example: Citigo OTRP €11,365. Deposit / Part Exchange €3,389.33. 36 monthly payments of €129 (including Service Plan). Optional Final Payment €4,306. Total hire purchase price €12,093.69 including acceptance fee (€75) and completion fee (€75). Minimum deposit is 10%. Subject to lending criteria. This offer is made under a hire purchase agreement. ŠKODA Finance is a trading style of Volkswagen Bank GmbH Branch Ireland, authorised by the Federal Financial Supervisory Authority in Germany and regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland for conduct of business rules.

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thecorknews

Drive

12 December 2014

kia.com

Finance available

0%* Finance on Kia cee’d range at Mallow Road Motors Kia are offering as low as you can get 0%* Finance on our cee’d range.

And as if that wasn’t enough, you’ll have total peace-of-mind with our unbeatable 7 year warranty. Drop into our showroom or visit our website anytownkia.ie

Mallow Road Kia Mallow Road Motors, Cork City. Tel: 021-4392066 www.mallowroadmotors.com Kia cee’d 1.4 T Petrol RRP (ex. works) €19,650†, Deposit/Part Exchange €9,825, Finance Advance €11,600, 48 monthly payments of €204.69. Total cost of credit €0. †Excludes delivery & related charges. Models are shown for illustrative purposes only. *Lending criteria and terms and conditions apply. Finance is provided by way of a hire purchase agreement. Finance example is based on a fixed rate APR of 0% and is inclusive of a once off purchase instalment of €10. To qualify for this Finance Offer; a minimum deposit of 50% of the retail price applies and a maximum term of 48 months applies. Rate quoted is correct as at 20th October 2014 and is subject to change. This offer is available on all new selected Kia Rio, Soul and cee’d range models registered from 20th October 2014 to 31st December 2014 at participating dealers only. The credit provider is Bank of Ireland Finance which is a registered trading name of Bank of Ireland. The official fuel consumption figures in l/100km for the Kia range of vehicles are between Urban: 9.7 – 3.5, Extra-Urban: 6.1 – 3.0 and Combined: 7.4 – 3.2. The official CO2 emissions for the Kia range of vehicles are between 189-85g/km. Warranty is 7 years/150,000km full warranty. Terms and conditions available in warranty and service handbook. www.kia.com

thecorknews

Sport & Fitness 12 December 2014

Munster head coach Anthony Foley has said his side have not “thrown in any towel” as they prepare for Sunday’s Champions Cup return leg at the Stade Marcel Michelin.

Munster suffered a 9-16 defeat to Clermont Auvergne at Thomond Park last Saturday, following a hugely physical Clermont performance.

Foley stated Munster will give it their “best shot” on Sunday (ko 3.15pm Irish time), and “make sure we stay fighting”. “We need to stay true to the badge we wear. It’s not a great feeling at the moment. We need to rectify that,” he said.

Foley stated the Stade Marcel Michelin is an “unbelievably hard place to go”.

“I’ve played there a couple of times,” he said. “The crowd will be in behind them. Similar to what you expect when you come here as an away side.

“We know the way they went about going after us.

We need to sit down and study how we’d like to go after them. Unfortunately for us, we didn’t show a whole pile. We need to make sure we understand how important the ball is and then apply pressure on them.”

It will be Munster’s first time traveling to the Stade Marcel Michelin since 2008. Back then Clermont won out 25-19.

In recent times, Clermont have also won their last five home games against Irish opponents.

several fast breaks in which we created some good scoring chances. The spirit, right to the final whistle, was excellent and it also showed that our fitness levels have improved greatly.”

The Leesiders will have a few players unavailable for this with fixture Nicole Smith missing after picking up an ankle injury during the game against Raheny last weekend, which will keep her sidelined for at least four weeks. Laura Medbury is a doubt; the midfielder is still struggling with a knock. Meanwhile Nathalie O’Brien remains out with a broken leg.

Bronze for Heffernan

Cork Camogie calendar A calendar celebrating a successful sporting year for Cork camogie has been launched. The publication was officially released by president of the Camogie Association Aileen Lawlor at the board’s gala celebration, which paid tribute to Cork on their success on the playing fields.

Images include the AllIreland winning Cork senior team who also captured the Munster Senior championship in an unforgettable year. The Division 2 National league winning side, the Munster Intermediate, Minor and Junior champions and the Under 15 team who won the All Ireland regional title are also captured in images.

City confident ahead of season finale Cork City WFC approach their final Continental Tyres Women’s National League game of the season with confidence, despite suffering a 4-0 defeat to Raheny United last weekend. Ahead of the game tomorrow, Saturday, Casagainst tlebar Celtic at Bishopstown Stadium (ko 2pm), manager Charlie Lynch stated the girls “feel that we can get a result”.

“We lost four of our potential starters late on Saturday last and lined out against the champions with a much weakened team,” he said. “The girls put in an excellent performance, mainly defensive but also with

Munster legend Paul O’Connell Picture from Sportsfile

Munster will stand up and fight in France

Ms Lawlor stated the calendar “tells the story of the great year” Cork has had.

“This calendar is a must for everybody in Cork and all camogie players and their families should make sure to get one and show their support for your superb teams both at county and club level,” she said.

The funds generated from the sale of the calendar, priced €10, are to help the ongoing development at Castle Road. They are available by via email from chairperson.cork.camogie@gaa. ie or pro.cork.camogie@ gaa.ie and will also be on sale at Douglas Court Shopping Centre tomorrow, Saturday, between 10am and 2pm.

World champion walker Rob Heffernan is to be presented with the European 20km Bronze Medal for Barcelona 2010 - in which he came fourth - at Cork City Hall on Friday, December 19th. Russian race walker Stanislav Emelyanov was stripped of his gold medal in the race when banned for irregulari-

ties in his biological passport. Heffernan recently underwent surgery on a hernia, which has been a problem since the pre-Europeans. He stated on his Facebook page that it’s “nice to have closure on this ongoing problem” as it has “seriously hampered” his “performances and confidence”.

Show jumping show shortlisted for award Cork Show Jumping Show is in the running for Show Jumping Show of the Year 2014 award. Show Jumping Ireland has commended the annual event, which is one of the largest showjumping shows in the country. Hosting the Horseware/TRM premier Grand Prix, the show jumping, held annually at the Cork Summer Show, attracts over 1,000 entries from across Ireland and UK.

“While most show jumping competitions are now run on sand, Cork is one of the few locations to offer grass surfaces, which is a premium,” said Barbara Maher of the Munster Agricultural Society. “Our show jumping show attracts double the entries of other shows, because of our superb conditions, strong competitive spirit along with great fun for all the family.”

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thecorknews

Sport & Fitness

12 December 2014

Keeping fit over Christmas With the Christmas party season in full swing, now is the time to make sure that what you take in calorie wise, you burn off exercise wise. Maria Tracey talks to Sarah Milner of Fit 4 Life on her advice to avoid putting on the dreaded Christmas pounds.

A Cork personal trainer is recommending that people put “some damage control in place between now and Christmas”.

At this time of the year, too often work-outs get pushed to the side in favour of festive parties, meaning that people pile on the pounds even before December 25th.

“Now is the time to do some extra exercise and watch your diet closely in the next week,” said Sarah Milner of Fit 4 Life at the Marina Commercial Park. “Once Christmas is in full swing allow for one or two ‘free’ days where you pretty much eat and drink what you like and let it stop there then. Just because

it’s Christmas doesn’t mean you have to eat and drink yourself into oblivion for two weeks.

There are plenty of healthy recipes out there now too that can be made easily, so you can literally have your cake and eat it without the increasing waistline after.”

Milner outlined that to focus on fitness over the festive period, exercise should be planned.

She stated that a 15-minute high-intensity interval training (HIIT) session - a workout that alternates between intense bursts of activity and fixed periods of less-intense recovery - at home each morning will “work wonders”. These can in-

clude squats, pushups, sit-ups, bicycle crunches, dead lifts, and burpees. “If you are not used to this kind of training, just go for a walk or a jog. Again, even 20 to 30 minutes will make a big difference,” said Milner.

She added that January “can be a miserable enough month without it being a month where you’re left losing a stone of Christmas weight also”.

“There’s no need for it,” she said. “Most people gain about three to four lbs over Christmas and that’s ok. You can undo that quickly enough but don’t let any more pounds settle or you’re making for a bad start to the new year.”

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thecorknews

Play 12 December 2014

Oh yes she did!

Oh no she didn’t!

Unlike poor Sleeping Beauty, audience members will be kept wide awake and entranced as a magical tale unfolds before their eyes in yet another spectacular and elaborate pantomime at the Opera House. Amid a week of dress rehearsals, Play’s Maria Tracey catches up with Sleeping Beauty star Katie Honan on her first panto role.

I

t’s a haze of vitamin C tablets, big and fabulous dress rehearsals and intricate choreography for panto newbie Katie Honan. The Waterford actor plays Beauty in this year’s Cork Opera House panto Sleeping Beauty, which kicks off tomorrow, Saturday, for its seasonal run. For Honan, taking on her first panto role, the new departure is one that she is relishing.

“I’ve never done panto before,” she explains.

“So, it’s a first for me.

I’ve done more acting for the past while, so I’m re-entering into singing and dancing. I have a musical theatre background, and heard absolutely great things about Cork, the Opera House and panto here, so when I was thinking about going down the panto route this Christmas, I thought about Cork Opera House.

“You would be nervous because it’s such long run, but I keep asking Michael Joseph, who plays Bundles, and a few others who have played in the

panto a few times for their advice and what to expect so that helps.

“Last week just went in a blink of an eye and now it’s about taking one day at a time, and doing

Jason Broderick as Prince Kirstoff and Katie Honan as Beauty.

Picture by Miki Barlok.

the best I can do.”

Horan adds that at the moment she’s also “vitamin C’d up”, after suffering from a “bit of a cold” over the last few weeks: “I’m throwing vitamins into me,” she laughs, “and hopefully I won’t get another dose through the run”.

The panto’s Sleeping Beauty storyline will see Honan playing Princess Beauty, who was cursed by the evil Malefizent at her christening so that on her 18th birthday she would prick her finger and fall into a deep sleep for 100 years.

However, while the tale seems traditional that’s not entirely the case, with Beauty set up as a “feisty” heroine. Honan explains that the panto’s writers, Trevor Ryan and Frank Mackey, wanted to create a character with more depth than the “stereotypical princess”. “With Frozen and characters in that, fairytale females are getting feistier. It’s nice to have young girls see characters that represent good and truthfulness but also isn’t the obvious Disney Sleeping Beauty,” she says.

This year’s show will also be

The stars of the Cork Opera House panto Sleeping Beauty. Picture by Miki Barlok.

particularly poignant, being the first since the passing of musical director Bryan Flynn, who died in May and had long been associated with Cork Opera House, working on a number of shows there since 2003 including pantomimes, and musicals such as The Sound of Music, Oliver, West Side Story and Grease. Taking up the reins for the first time this year will be Trevor Ryan.

“With Bryan not being there, he is in everyone’s thoughts.

We are all thinking about him,” says Honan.

Like Bryan, Honan also hails from the Déise county. “People have said ‘it wouldn’t be a Cork

panto without a Waterford person in it’,” smiles Honan. “And Michael Joseph is from Waterford as well.” This year’s show also includes seasoned panto stalwarts such as panto dame Frank Mackey as Nanny Nellie, Alex Sharpe as the evil Malefizent, Michael Grennell as King Cedric, and Jason Broderick as Prince Kristoff.

Spectacular dance routines are guaranteed under the creative eye of choreographer Neil O’Brien, along with cutting edge musical direction by David Hayes. As usual, the cast will be joined onstage by a full troop of young panto stars, composed of students from

! s g n i t e e r G ’s n o s a e S

1st 3 h t 6 1 r e b m e c e Open Nightly Dumper Party Sunday Dec 21st Eve Christmas J squerade Ball New Year’s Ma

The Montfort College of Performing Arts, Cork Arts Studio, Centre Stage School, Cork School of Dance, ELJ Academy of Dance, Wolfe Stage School, The Performers Academy and The Sinéad Sheppard School of Dance.

“The group are fantastic, and everyone has teamed together and Trevor is doing an amazing job,” adds Honan.

Sleeping Beauty starts from tomorrow, Saturday at the Opera House with doors at 7.30pm and 2.30pm for matinee shows. Tickets are €25 & €30 and family passes are €80/€100 from corkoperahouse.ie.

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thecorknews

12 December 2014

Kickback every Friday 11.30pm

thecorknews

Play

12 December 2014

75

Spillane at the Everyman

Pictured at the launch of the Carols by Candlelight concert in aid of the Cork Association for Autism were from Left to Right Marjorie Moran, Cork Garda Choir Conductor, Joseph Leake from The Choir of St Patrick’s, Michael Walsh from the Cork Prison Officers Choir, Marion Courtney, Cork Association for Autism Fundraising Manager and Karl Murphy from Rainbow Lyrics. Picture by John Grant

Carols by candlelight Note Perfect, Cork Garda Male Voice Choir, Rainbow Lyrics, the Cork Prison Officers Male Voice Choir and The Choir of St Patrick’s will all perform tonight, Friday, as part of a Carols by Candlelight concert.

The event will be held in

St Patrick’s Church on the Lower Glanmire Road at 8pm and funds raised will benefit the Cork Association for Autism (CAA), who provide support services to adults on the autistic spectrum.

Young tenor Kevin Walsh,

who avails of the Cork Association for Autism services, will also perform as a special guest on the night.

Tickets cost €15 and can be purchased from the CAA fundraising office at 18 Cook St, or booked online at corkautism.ie.

CORK ARTS THEATRE Various dates and times - See our website for details Super Stars Stage School presents

CHRISTMAS SHOWCASE

Our talented students take to the stage to celebrate this festive season in a very special way with song, dance and story.

Tickets: Call the Cork Arts Theatre box office to book - Telephone 021 450 5624

Singer and songwriter John Spillane will perform with some mystery guests at the Everyman later this month.

Spillane, who’s celebrating 33 years of an ever-consistent and exciting career within the world of music, will perform on Sunday, December 21st.

Having sold over 100,000 albums in Ireland, he has also been awarded with two Meteor Irish Music Awards for best folk act and best traditional act. Building on last year’s hugely popular album Life In An Irish Town, which was based on songs from the TG4 series Spillane An Fání, this year saw Spillane traveling around Ireland and writing more songs about Ireland’s towns, rivers, legends and people.

Tickets for his Everyman show are now on sale for €25 from the theatre’s box office or online at everymanpalace. com.

Comedy from Republic of Telly stars Five of Ireland’s best new comics are back at City Limits Comedy Club in Cork for a Christmas special.

Kevin McGahern, Trevor Browne, Edwin Sammon, Andréa Farrell and Ronan Grace all perform tomorrow, Saturday, at 8.30pm. McGahern is host of RTÉ’s Republic of Telly and star of Hardy Bucks, while Browne was a finalist of the RTÉ Comedy Awards and is a writer for Republic of Telly. Admission on the night is €18.

Tuesday 16th to Saturday 20th December @ 8pm Cork Arts Studio Stageworks presents

BROADWAY TO BETHLEHEM

“...a special celebration of Christmas in song...”

With music from The Polar Express, Elf, Frozen, The Snowman, White Christmas as well as from some of the movies everyone associates with Christmas including Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Willy Wonka and many others there is something for all ages in the show.

Tickets: €10; Family (5 persons): €40

Tuesday 6th January @ 8.00pm - Returning by popular demand!!

Dramarama presents

THE MOMOLOGUES

The original comedy about motherhood DIRECTED BY ANN MARIE LEWIS

An honest and very funny look at motherhood that follows four women through − attempts at conception, pregnancy, labour and delivery, and adjusting to life with a newborn.

Tickets: €15. Early booking is advised!

Wednesday 14th - Saturday 24th January @ 8.00pm

(Excl. Sunday 18th)

Cork Arts Theatre Youth Project presents

A powerful play sparked by the infamous massacre at Columbine High School that probes the psychological warfare of alienation, hostility and social pressure that can go on in all schools.

DIRECTED BY EOGHAN MOLONEY

Tickets: Opening week €10 / €8 conc.

COLUMBINUS

Booking - Tel. 021 450 5624 Full details of our exciting Winter programme at...

www.corkartstheatre.com

Rep

Christmas film delights For a festive treat, the Triskel is screening two magical movie classics next week: It’s a Wonderful Life, which has been digitally remastered, tells the tale George Bailey who gains the attention of a

guardian angel sent to help him in his hour of need, and will be screened from Friday, December 19th at 6.15pm through to Tuesday, December 23rd.

The Muppets Christmas

Carol will also be screened on the same days, at the earlier time of 4.15pm. Tickets for It’s a Wonderful Life are €8.80 while admission to The Muppets Christmas Carol is €6 from triskelartscentre.ie.

thecorknews

Playtime

Your guid e to what's happenin g in Cork this week ...

12 December 2014

13

12

14

Friday

Tickets go on sale this morning for Damien Rice’s Live At The Marquee gig on Monday, July 13th. The announcement follows the October release of his critically acclaimed #1 album My Favourite Faded Fantasy. Snap up tickets from 9am, available online at ticketmaster.ie.

Saturday

A relatively rare production because of its enormous scale, the screening of the Metropolitan Opera’s live performance of Wagner’s Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg will be the first chance in decades for opera lovers here to see this great classic. Coming live by satellite from New York to the Omniplex in Mahon Point, Wagner’s opera tells the story of a real-life guild of “master singers” whose song contest forms the backdrop to a love story, and which finally unites the various factions of the city. It’s to be screened at 5pm and tickets are €24 from omniplex.ie.

Sunday

New Zealander Hayley Westenra signed her first international recording contract with Universal Records in the UK at the tender age of 14. The now-27-year-old singer has since sold over four million albums worldwide and is to perform at Cork City Hall at 8pm with the Cork Youth Orchestra. Tickets from €30 are available at ticketmaster.ie and Pro Musica, Cork.

16 Tuesday

15

Annette Buckley, no stranger to the Cork live scene, has warm vocals that captivate the audience and draw them into the visual imagery of her songs. A keen collaborator and instigator of many diverse musical projects; she recently recorded a duet of her song Whirlwind with UK singer/ songwriter Jamie Lawson. She plays a special Christmas gig in L’Atitude 51 Wine Café at 9pm, with admission €8.

Monday

They’ve performed in a cave, sang Christmas carols to marathon runners, supported Josh Ritter and Efterklang, and penned the world’s first ukulele/gamelan collaboration. Now, armed only with their tiny ukuleles and a wall of harmonies, West Cork Ukulele Orchestra is to come to the Opera House at 8pm to perform playful versions of classic pop songs. There will be a selection box of classic christmas songs from solid-gold classics like Santa Baby to cheesy hits like Wham’s Last Christmas. Admission is €20/€25 from corkoperahouse.ie.

18 Thursday

17

Wednesday

Go a little mad for Little Red Raving Mad, the original adult panto. Featuring a power hungry piggy, and a chainsaw-wielding sidekick, it’s being staged at An Spailpín Fánach, South Main Street with doors at 8.30pm and admission €15.

Get ready for glass slippers, ugly step-sisters and Prince Charming as this year the Everyman and CADA stage Cinderella starring the 2013 winner of The Voice of Ireland, Keith Hanley as Prince Charming. Cork’s own Ciarán Bermingham, who starred as Mord in the award-winning Game of Thrones, also appears as one of the Ugly Sisters.

Doors are at 7.30pm and admission is €26.

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12 December 2014

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12 December 2014

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