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Issue no. 267
Festive Food Hook Feast your eyes! Page 49
uncorked Christmas, for me, is about family.
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I get p***ed off with kids on X Factor We talk with Damien Dempsey Play, Page 83
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Early warnings about “post Christmas crash” By Maria Tracey maria@thecorknews.ie
Fundraising for the “post Christmas crash” is already underway at one of Cork’s most venerable charitable organisations in anticipation of a flood of calls in January, as families face further financial strain with the payment of the 2015 Local Property Tax and the water charges. Gerry Garvey, regional administrator for the St Vincent de Paul South West region, based at the SVP offices at Tuckey Street, told The Cork News that January is “when people are on their knees”, with “ESB bills, credit card bills, and loans”. “All that hits them,” he said. “Certainly this January will be a big one, as people are also faced with
water charges and the Local Property Tax. A lot of people will start worrying about these charges that first week of January, wondering ‘how am I going to get the money together?’. It’s a huge psychological pressure on people along with everything else. “Whatever little people may have gained through a slightly improved standard of living, it’ll be eaten away by those charges.” The deadline for payment of the 2015 LPT in full by cheque, credit card or debit card is January 7th, and monthly direct debit payments commence on January 15th. Another option for homeowners is to make what Revenue calls a “single debit authority payment” - an ‘electronic cheque’ assumed by the collection service directly on March 21st 2015. The first
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quarterly bills for water charges will be issued from April 2015, in respect of January to March 2015. No bills will be issued for water used between October 1st 2014 and December 31st 2014. This year’s annual Christmas appeal by St Vincent de Paul South West includes a number of initiatives such as a car draw and a novel fundraiser that will see 50 pubs across Cork City aiming to raise €50,000. Organised by the Cork branch of the Vintners Federation of Ireland, staff at the participating pubs will dress up as Santa for the special collection for the St Vincent de Paul on 12 different nights in the lead-up to Christmas, commencing tonight, Friday. 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
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5 December 2014
Index
Let there be light
Editor’s letter
I
t’s been a hectic few weeks here at The Cork News and now, as the winter weather rolls in properly, bringing in the first true frosts of the festive season, we’ve had a chance to relax just a tiny bit and take stock of a year that’s almost gone by. For me, some of that has involved simply having time to take a little stroll around the city centre at lunchtime, and I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the gentle buzz of goodwill and Christmas cheer. I’ll be the first to admit that I’m far from being ‘a Christmas person’. It’s not that I have anything against Christmas, before the letters of outrage addressed to “Dear Mr MacScroogypants” come rolling in; it’s just that very often all I’ve really seen of it has been the frantic rush at the beginning of the third week of December, when I and my fellow present-panickers begin our frantic, stressed stomp through the streets, battling against time and one another to find that special something for special people in our lives. I’ve watched Patrick Street and Carey’s Lane, our home in Cork’s lovely Huguenot Quarter, change with the seasons and I’ve watched the people of Cork change with them too. Something that’s struck me this year is that there is a feeling of calm and a real return to the noble message “et in Terra pax hominibus bonaevoluntatis”: and on Earth, peace to men of good will. I haven’t seen a single scowl, nor a solitary bawling brat, during any of my more frequent and less-brief-than-usual forays into the outside world. Dare I say it: my icy heart is even starting to melt a little and this morning while I was walking up the stairs I even caught myself singing a Christmas carol to the walls and the bannister. Luckily nobody else heard; I’ve already been threatened with a Christmas jumper by the team here and I don’t think I could bear to earn myself a Santa hat or some sort of hideous festive scarf to go with it. A man must have his limits. Speaking of which, and mindful of what the Society of St Vincent de Paul has been telling us here today, it’s a good idea to remember those limits as the urge - and encouragement - to spend, spend, spend starts to mount up. Christmas is, the song tells us, “the most wonderful time of the year” (Maria Tracey has been singing that one all week) but after the mid-winter highs of the festive season must come the late-winter lows of the reflective season. Even though we know we ought to, too few of us are preparing for the emaciated state of our bank accounts once the revelry has been consigned to the “happy memories” compartment for another year. January brings hardship for lots of Cork families. Keep an eye on that red line and make sure that as 2015 stretches out before you that you haven’t gone too crazy and left yourself in a financial mire. February - often regarded as the most obnoxious and unlikeable month of the year - can be tough enough without struggling to pay all the charges which will still exist in the real world once we emerge from our festive cocoons. This week’s issue of The Cork News has nestled at its heart a tasty treat with a little bit of something for everybody. Our Festive Food guide will hopefully give you a few new tips and tricks to add to your kitchen skills between now and the frenzy of Christmas week and we hope you’ll enjoy its scrumptious little morsels. Elsewhere, George Hook is feeling spiritual, I chat to Damien Dempsey for Play, Róisín Thornhill takes a look inside CIT’s Rubicon Centre in Biz, and Maria Tracey meets actress Noelle O’Regan in this week’s Daytripper. Enjoy!
Acting Editor
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The Crib at The Lough, organised by the Environment and Recreation Department of Cork City Council. Picture by Donagh Glavin.
€30,000 for Cork’s active elders Over €30,000 has been awarded to 115 Cork groups to increase opportunities for older people to participate in sport and physical activity. In total, the Go for Life Small Grant Scheme from Age & Opportunity and the Irish Sports Council is awarding almost €300,000 to groups across the country, with individual grants ranging from €250 to €1,500. The receiving organisation, announced by Minister of State for Tourism and
Sport Michael Ring, include active retirement groups, ICA guilds, local sports partnerships, sports clubs, and family resources centres. Cork South Central Fine Gael TD Jerry Buttimer outlined that locally some of the groups that will benefit are from Ballinora, Bishopstown, Blackrock, Carrigaline, Douglas, Mahon and Turners Cross. “As well as area-based groups, Cork Deaf Association and the Cork branches of
Arthritis Ireland and Garda Síochána Retired Members’ Association will have access to much needed funding from these grants,” he said. “Each of these provides excellent services to their communities and I hope that this additional funding will help them to continue to support older people in pursuing an active life.” CEO of Age & Opportunity Karen Smyth stated the grants include activities like yoga,
bowling and swimming along with dragon-boat racing, boxercise, salsa dancing and weightlifting. “For me, this variety really shows how older people are no longer confined by the stereotypes of what they should and shouldn’t do,” she said. “People are keeping fit and healthy on their own terms and in their own way. And, from what we’ve heard here today, they are having a lot of fun doing it.”
Early warnings about “post Christmas crash” continued from page 1 “It’s a Christmas fundraiser, but the money gathered will be just in advance of the January downturn, and will help fund the post Christmas crash,” said Mr Garvey. In the past fortnight, 200 calls a day - both in person and over the phone - have been coming through the South West regional office of the SVDP, and the ma-
jority of those have come from Cork. This year the St Vincent de Paul’s Cork base expects to hand out 8,500 toys and gifts, along with approximately 1,200 hampers. “There’s a huge cost associated with Christmas, with societal pressure on people to do the festive thing. Some don’t have the money and go to money lenders, and that’s frightening. People are sucked in, and after Christmas they’re hit by horren-
dous rates. We would urge people to link up with MABS and good agencies to get solid advice,” he added. Mr Garvey stated that the announcement that over 68,600 Cork families will receive a €5 monthly increase in their child benefit in January is a “small step in the right direction”: “With all the increases in charges and cost of living over the last few years, that €5 is probably gone before people even get
it but to be honest, it’s better than not getting any increase,” he said. “It’s a step in the right direction”. Cork South-Central Labour TD Ciarán Lynch outlined the increase in child’s benefit will see a family with two young children receive an additional €120 a year. “The government has also committed to increase the rate by a further €5 for each child in 2016, provided that the circumstances allow,” he said.
To contact the editor: editor@thecorknews.ie 4 Carey’s Lane, Cork • t: 021 4252255 • e: info@thecorknews.ie • w: thecorknews.ie
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5 December 2014
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Petition to save arts centre Picture by David Hegarty
By Maria Tracey maria@thecorknews.ie
A Cork-based community arts centre at risk of closure is to petition the National Assets Management Agency (NAMA) to extend the lease on their building with the intention for them to ultimately purchase it. The Camden Palace Hotel, where the multi-faceted arts facility has been operational for five years, is up for sale after falling under NAMA ownership. Eoin Gallagher of Camden Palace Hotel said that if the building is sold and the arts centre shut down, it would be a “devastating loss” to the arts community in Cork. A petition is now underway to lobby NAMA to help the independent nonprofit arts centre remain open to the community by extending its lease, giving Camden Palace Hotel the opportunity to fundraise for the purchase of the building. “We are trying to put the destiny into our hands and
“People are here every day using the centre and it’s a lifeline for them.”
CSN make Juice secure the building as a community arts centre,” said Mr Gallagher. “People are here every day using the centre and it’s a lifeline for them. It’s in a central location, somewhere where everyone can easily get to and the building is also easily identifiable. We’re very inclusive, and the
building allows many different art practices at once under roof, like a dance studio, recording studio, a fully equipped theatre, exhibition spaces, and workshops of all different types. “If we are turfed out, some of the artists and groups using this space will have
Magical
nowhere to go. “Do the people of Cork want another shopping centre or another restaurant? For me personally, there is quite enough of those things already.” The petition at change. org is expected to hit 1,000 signatures this weekend.
Ireland’s largest digital IP broadcast and training studio has gone live in Cork. Coláiste Stiofáin Naofa launched a new €65,000 state-of-the-art studio, Juice FM 88.7MHz, which is to boast an eclectic mix of shows such as The Boost, Freshly
Squeezed and The Juice Extract. Using a juice bar as the inspiration for the studio, course director Peter O’Neill said it will offer students “hands-on experience with the latest technology in the industry in a sleek and stylish environment”.
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5 December 2014
18,000 bits on the side in Cork? “We seem to do our best business in Catholic countries and that’s certainly the case in Ireland.”
By Nick Bramhill More than 18,000 people from Cork have signed up to a secretive global service for extra-marital affairs, newly released figures have revealed. Over the past five years, a total of 116,300 Irish people including 18,026 from Cork, most of whom are married - have joined the world’s biggest website for love cheats, Ashley Madison. Since the start of this year, an average of 75 people from this country have added their profiles to the site every day in the search of a ‘discreet relationship’ outside their marriage. Although the site - whose slogan is ‘Life is short, have an affair’ - operates in 44 countries and has over 30 million members, the service’s chiefs said they now rank Ireland as their biggest success story in terms of numbers per capita. By contrast, Belgium, with a population of over 11 million, has just 84,000 members, while Norway, which has a similar population to
Ireland’s, has only 67,000 members. Christoph Kraemer, the Berlin-based European spokesman for the service, said he believed the clandestine site’s popularity with Irish philanderers can be explained by a combination of Catholic guilt and the economic hardship of the past few years.
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He said: “We seem to do our best business in Catholic countries and that’s certainly the case in Ireland, where the uptake has been phenomenal. “I think it’s because divorce is still relatively new and it’s still very much a taboo to be seen to stray outside your marriage. Married couples are probably under more pressure to stay together, even
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if they are unhappy. But with our service, people can have affairs without anybody else knowing about it. “In terms of Europe, Spain, another Catholic country, has the most members with 1.3 million, and we recently opened up in the Philippines, the only country besides the Vatican where divorce is illegal, and we pulled in 80,000
members in just two weeks. “We’ve also seen a trend whereby the countries that have had it the toughest economically over the past few years have grown the most in terms of membership and we believe that’s to do with people wanting to escape their job and home worries. Certainly, Ireland and Spain both fit into that category.”
Of Ireland’s current Ashley Madison membership, 38.9%, or 45,241, are women, whereas men account for 61.1%, or 71,059. Further analysis of the figures reveals that 63.5% of Irish members hail from Dublin and 15.5% from Cork. The site’s Toronto-based creator, Noel Biderman, said: “Monogamy is unnatural. Human beings are not engineered to be monogamous and that’s the same in Ireland. With a service like this people can keep their affairs a secret and remain anonymous and that’s why it has such an appeal in Ireland. “A big attraction is that there’s no way of getting caught. We’ve taken huge measures to make sure everything is kept very discreet. A person’s photo is kept under lock and key, for example, and only released to whoever he or she approaches. We even have a ‘panic’ button to allow members to quickly change their profile to something more generic if they start to worry about their partner finding out.”
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5 December 2014
A view from the city end of Marina Park and the redeveloped covered stand. Picture by: Pedersen Focus
The covered stand at Pairc Ui Chaoimh. Picture by: Pedersen Focus
Green light for Páirc redevelopment Construction on the €70m redevelopment of Páirc Uí Chaoimh is expected to start in February. The Cork County Board has been granted planning
permission for the redevelopment of the stadium by An Bord Pleanála, with the multimillion euro project creating some 400 direct and indirect construction jobs. Chair
of Cork County Board Bob Ryan said it was a “welcome decision for all those with an interest in Gaelic games”. “The redevelopment of Páirc Uí Chaoimh will provide top
class facilities and meet present day expectations of players and spectators,” he said. “It will ensure that Cork has a proper home to showcase Gaelic games and an infra-
structure to develop young players into the future.” Mr Ryan said the aim is to start the construction phase in February, in consultation with the stadium’s neigh-
bours. “We look forward to working with them to ensure the stadium’s operations work smoothly and can be a resource for the local community,” he said.
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Just the business Knitted in Unison in Cork Members of the Cork Textiles Network will display their skills at the Cork School of Music in the run-up to Christmas, just one of a wide variety of events supporting the arts and crafts sector in Cork at the busiest shopping time of the year. In Unison is an exhibition of work from thirty predominantly Cork-based artists specialising in textiles, and showcases the talent and commitment they dedicate to their practice. All artists in the exhibition are members of the Cork Textiles Network and many are proud winners
of a variety of awards from the annual RDS National Crafts Competition. The exhibition explores the techniques used in fine art textiles, including print, stitch, machine embroidery, tapestry weaving and felting. All artwork is available for purchase and would afford someone the chance to give a very special, unique gift this Christmas. The exhibition, which is free to the public, will be open from now until December 20th, from 10am to 7pm, Monday to Friday, and 10am to 5pm Saturday.
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Budding young entrepreneurs from Cork will have the opportunity to showcase their mini-companies at the annual Christmas trade fair at Cork Airport on Tuesday, December 9th, as part of the Schools Enterprise Awards. Set up by the Local Enterprise Offices, the Schools Enterprise Awards (SEA) are open to second-level students across the country and have had over 17,000 participants each year. The Christmas trade fair enables students involved in the programme to showcase their mini companies and facilitate interschool learning and selling. Due to the huge increase of numbers taking part in the programme this year, the event will be held at Cork Airport for the first time. It is expected that over 300 students will attend, with approximately 100 mini-company groups displaying their products and services. “Cork Airport is delighted to partner with the Schools Enterprise Programme to showcase the brightest and best
Grace Kearns, Eimear Marley and Sophie Johnston from Midleton College with Cork footballer Annie Walsh, Cork Airport managing director Niall MacCarthy and Cork Airport head of retail Lilibeth Horne as they get ready for the Schools Enterprise Awards, which will be held at Cork Airport. Picture by: Rory Coomey
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5 December 2014
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Hook uncorked There's more to Christmas than gifts and food, says George Hook, but even the spiritual side of the season must give in to change and financial pressure george@thecorknews.ie
T
he smell of Christmas wafts through the air this week. I can almost taste the festive mood as families flock to Santa’s grotto and consumers bustle to fill their bags with the magical ingredients for a perfect day. Social invitations fly through my letter box and the urgency of preparation creeps up behind us all. I often think that the build-up to December 25th is more enjoyable than the day itself. It certainly lasts longer and I find that the anticipation of the day is almost always better than the reality that unfolds. Still, even with this knowledge, I look forward to what is to come. There was a time when Christmas was merely a blip on my radar. So consumed was I with keeping my head above water that the thoughts of Santa Claus and presents was but another financial obstacle to be negotiated; another cheque that had to be bluffed. Now I can appreciate Christmas Day for what it is and what it should be. My favourite present every year is being able to hit the pause button on my life’s remote control; sitting back and savouring the people dearest to me. My phone stops ringing, my computer shuts down and, for one whole day, the outside world disappears into irrelevance. Heaven. Christmas, for me, is about family. I think most people share this opinion. The annual warnings that inevitably target parents about the dangers of over-spending and getting carried away with expensive presents at this time of year are well-meaning, but often ignored. Faced with a choice of delayed financial pain or the happy smiles of children on Christmas morning, the majority of parents opt for the latter. I can understand why. There is something about a child’s
“My phone stops ringing, my computer shuts down and, for one whole day, the outside world disappears.”
Christmas wish that almost forces parents into action. I see it with my own grandchildren. After all, how do you explain to a child that Santa couldn’t bring them what they asked for? How can a child understand that the magical man in the big red suit can’t deliver their Christmas wish? Santa cannot disappoint, so parents have to come good. Thus the financial pressure and the desperation of adults
to get their hands on the various items on their children’s wish list. The bizarre scenes in toy shops last month, where grown men and women fought over Disney dolls, was the source of much amusement and disapproval from the media and public alike. ‘How can grown adults act like this?’ they asked in disgust. But any parent that has ever
experienced the urgency of fulfilling a child’s Christmas wish must have been able to understand. Certainly, not everyone would resort to public bickering over dolls in such a manner, but the risk of disappointing children on Christmas Day sometimes forces people to do strange things that, in ordinary circumstances, they would never even consider. Children make Christmas
magical. As much as religion would have us believe that Christmas is about the birth of Jesus, the reality for most people is very different. Last week, at a Christmas lights celebration in Wicklow, the carol-singing and Santa’s visit were temporarily delayed by a couple of priests reading passages from the bible. Both were stressing the importance of Christ in the festive season and though
they were well-intentioned, most parents and children talked, even shouted, their way through the reading. When the carols began and Santa eventually pulled up on his sleigh, the crowd roared and sang in excitement. The priests shuffled unwillingly to one side, realising their place in the proceedings. I suppose it’s a sign of the times we live in. When I was a lad, brightly-wrapped presents took a back seat to piety and reflection. Back then, I dared not overlook the reason why I was basking in the material comforts that came with celebrating the birth of Jesus. That was the way it was for most people. Now, things are very different. Christmas today is still a celebration of family, friendship and comfort, but religion, for many, has been pushed to the back seat. Soon, it might disappear from the Christmas radar altogether; something that would have been unthinkable fifty years ago. Cynics will continue to sneer at the commercialisation of a holiday that has its roots in necessity and sacrifice. And if one considers the original story of the birth of Jesus and compares it to the modernday celebration as we know it, with lavish gifts and enough food to feed an army, one has to question how things have evolved the way they have. I constantly hear that we cannot stop progress and progress, for Christmas in 2014, is shrouded in financial commitments and material comfort. Still, I feel it is important to reflect on the spiritual side of why we celebrate December 25th. If that no longer includes a religious acknowledgement, so be it. The Christmas spirit, in the 21st century, is as well-meaning and jovial as any of its predecessors, with family, unity and generosity at its core. And, in any guise, isn’t that what Christmas is all about?
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UCC president Dr Michael Murphy with award-winning students, from left to right, Lily Pinson, Fiona Edwards Murphy, Katie Hetherington, Liam O’Leary and Killian Troy, who created an energy-neutral beehive. Picture by: Michael Mac Sweeney/Provision
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Five UCC students have harnessed the power of the humble honey bee to win a global competition. Their energy-neutral smart beehive beat challengers from MIT/Boston (USA) and TU Delft (the Netherlands) in the IEEE/IBM Smarter Planet Challenge, which asks students to come up with an innovative solution to a grand challenge facing their community. The UCC pilot project uses big data, mobile technology, wireless sensors and cloud computing to look at the impact of carbon dioxide, oxygen, temperature, humidity, chemical pollutants and airborne dust levels on honey bees, using solar panels for an energy neutral operation. Students from three disciplines - Fiona Edwards
Murphy, Liam O’Leary and Killian Troy from Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Lily Pinson from Food and Nutritional Sciences, and Kathie Hetherington from Biological, Environmental and Earth Sciences set out to demonstrate the impact on global food supplies and prices as honey bee colonies, identified as the most important pollinator insect for food production, suffer a dramatic decline. The value of pollination to the world economy has been put at more than €150 billion per year. Recent years have witnessed an increase in the phenomenon called colony collapse disorder in parts of the world. The students’ project, given the Boolean mathematical title ‘(2B) or !(2B)’ will also
allow bee keepers to monitor their hives at times that were previously difficult or impossible such as during the night, heavy rain or in the depths of winter. Dr Emanuel Popovici, Director of Embedded Systems Group at UCC, said: “(2B) or !(2B) is an exceptional project where long-established technologies and beekeeping practices meet the latest advances in electronic technology. “It is a project where five very bright and enthusiastic students from three disciplines interact and exchange some brilliant ideas to help humanity.” UCC has a strong track record in the IEEE/IBM Smarter Planet Challenge, winning it in 2011 and coming second in 2013.
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Two Cork entrepreneurs are competing in the first national final of Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneur. Darren Hayes of DA Renewable Energy, supported by Local Enterprise Office Cork City, is in the Best New Idea category, while Myles Murray of PMD Solutions, supported by LEO South Cork, is shortlisted for Best
Established Business. The final will take place at Google this Sunday, December 7th, hosted by maths lecturer and broadcaster Aoibhinn Ní Shúilleabháin. The 24 finalists, aged between 18 and 30, will deliver live pitches to the judging panel and up to €70,000 in investment funds will be presented to the three winners.
“These aren’t just the entrepreneurs of the future; many of this year’s finalists are already running successful companies and employing big teams,” said Ms Ní Shúilleabháin. “Hopefully, initiatives such as the IBYE competition will help to encourage even more young people to set up a business in the years to come.”
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thecorknews 5 December 2014
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5 December 2014
Every little helps for Kinsale food company A Cork food company has created 10 jobs following a €1 million annual investment with Tesco. Kinsale Bay Food Company will expand its workforce by 47% following the deal to supply its products to 73 outlets operated by the British retail giant. The multi-award winning food manufacturer specialises in high-end products including signature soups, pates and seafood dishes that are free from artificial preservatives and additives. The deal is a result of Kindle Bay’s involvement in the Tesco Bord Bia Supplier Development programme, a mentoring programme which aims to help local suppliers secure a listing with Tesco stores. “We are hugely excited about
“Since launching in 2012, 33 companies have completed the programme and recorded €16 million worth of sales.”
the opportunity this very sizeable contract represents for Kinsale Bay Food Company,” said Kindle Bay chairman Jim O’Mahony. “It comes as part of an ongoing mutually beneficial relationship with Tesco, which saw us win a coveted place on the Tesco Bord Bia Supplier Development Programme.” “We are delighted that, through this programme, local companies like Kinsale Bay Food Company have the opportunity to use Tesco’s scale to grow their business,’ said Tesco Ireland commercial director John Paul O’Reilly. “Since launching in 2012, 33 companies have completed the programme and have recorded €16 million worth of sales to Tesco stores during this period.”
MSL Cork Business Person of the Year Pat Phelan of Trustev, centre, with his team, from left, Anthony Carroll, Diarmuid Thomas, Stephen Fanning, Jonathan Bowers. Picture by Tony O’Connell Photography
Phelan secures MSL award The CEO of an online security firm has been named Cork Business Person of the Year. Pat Phelan received the award at the Imperial Hotel, Cork, from 2013 winners Dan and Linda Kiely, co-founders of Voxpro. Trustev is a world leader in anti-fraud data fingerprinting. It uses Smart Blacklisting technology to pattern-match hundreds of datapoints, allowing businesses to reduce e-commerce fraud and boost sales by ensuring they do not accidentally turn away customers. Mr Phelan founded the
company with business partner Chris Kennedy in 2012. Mr Phelan moved to Brooklyn earlier this year to further advance the fortunes of Trustev, saying: “While our global headquarters is in Cork, and will always be in Cork, we see the great opportunity to take our business and products global. “Cork will always be home to me and my family and a place that is very dear to me. “I am thrilled to accept this award on behalf of my cofounder, Chris Kennedy, and all of the team at Trustev. We set ourselves a significant
challenge with our business and are delivering to a very receptive audience across the globe.” At a ceremony attended by Minister for European Affairs and Data Protection Dara Murphy, Lord Mayor of Cork Mary Shields and the Mayor of the County of Cork, Alan Coleman, Dan and Linda Kiely praised Mr Phelan’s “determination and a burning passion”. “Trustev’s international success demonstrates the fantastic opportunities that exist for Irish entrepreneurs on the world stage,” they said.
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Food legend honoured in Clonakilty The man behind one of Ireland’s most iconic food products is to be honoured today at the unveiling of signage renaming a street in his home town. Edward Twomey, who died several years ago at the age of 54, is credited with putting Clonakilty on the foodie map through the founding and promotion of the now world-famous Clonakilty
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thoroughfare, down to Emmet Square. The Spiller’s Lane retail centre, which Mr Twomey and his wife Colette transformed from unused warehouse space and which features an art gallery, music shop and other retail outlets, is situated on the street. Mrs Twomey is the current mayor of Clonakilty and will perform the unveiling of the street signage.
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12/2/2014 3:32:33 PM
Cork’s entrepreneurs can learn how they can benefit from the Government’s new business initiative, the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland, at a breakfast briefing on Tuesday, December 9th. The SBCI, announced in October’s budget, aims to provide new credit opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises to enable borrowing at lower rates of interest and to stimulate competition in the lending market. It expects to deploy €800 million of initial funding to SMEs over the next 18 months. SBCI project manager Nick Ashmore said: “Through the provision of lower-cost lending, through our banking and other on lending partners, the SBCI will effectively promote greater competition in the SME lending sector, and so ultimately drive growth and job creation.” Accountants O’Connor Pyne and Co. will brief interested parties on the SBCI at the morning event at the Kingsley Hotel, Cork. “Credit is the lifeblood of all business, so this is a very
exciting development for SMEs, and will certainly increase the opportunities and access to funding for businesses in Ireland” said Tomás O’Connor of O’Connor Pyne & Co. “We are hosting this briefing to explain to companies, as well as related profes-
sions including lawyers and accountants, how exactly the funding structures will work, and how to best advise business clients to leverage the new SBCI credit.” The event is free to attend. Visit oconnorpyne.com for more and to register.
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thecorknews 5 December 2014
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thecorknews
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5 December 2014
CIT Sports Officer Miriam Deasy, CIT Registrar Dr. Barry O’Connor and Donal Óg Hodnett.
A sporting chance at CIT The CIT Sports Scholarship Presentation Evening this week saw 101 student athletes, across seventeen different sports, presented with the institute’s prestigious sports scholarships. CIT allocates sports scholarships annually to students who display a high level of achievement and who are excellent ambassadors for their chosen sport. The standard and competition for scholarships is exceptionally high, and the scheme is designed to help students reach their full potential both in their sport
and also in their academic careers. 101 scholarships were awarded overall, including 32 CIT Freshers/Development, 42 CIT Senior, 13 Munster Council GAA, 11 Munster Rugby, a Cobh Ramblers FC scholarship, the Jonathan Herlihy Scholarship, and a Cork Women’s FC scholarship. Sports represented include athletics, badminton, basketball, boxing, camogie, dual (hurling & football), Gaelic football, hockey, horseracing, hurling, karate, ladies football, racquetball, rowing, rugby, sailing and soccer.
East Cork robots battle for world title A Midleton secondary school has won the right to compete in the World Robot Championship in the United States. St Colman’s Community College came out ahead of 14 teams in the VEX Robotics challenge at CIT, secur-
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thecorknews 5 December 2014
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thecorknews
Dr Magoo
5 December 2014
A
very nice man delivered a package here yesterday. It was only after I opened it to find two pairs of edible knickers and a Rampant Rabbit that I saw it was actually addressed to next door. What should I do?
Ethel, Model Farm Road (I’m 93 you know.)
W
ell, if the Rampant Rabbit didn’t come with instructions, then I’m sure you can look them up on-line. Only messing, Ethel. Sure at your age you’d be more inclined to send them a telegram. One solution is to leave the package on your neighbour’s doorstep and do a legger, but ye have fierce long driveways out on the Model Farm Road, so that’s a nonrunner. Which I’m sure you are, at 93. And I can just imagine the chat up at Highfield Rugby Club. “I hear Ethel called in next door with two pairs of edible knickers.” That would look bad.
“Dry meat and awkward silences around the table… now that’s what I call Christmas!”
G
uten Tag. I am moving to Cork for work, but would like to live outside the city as I love your Irish countryside. Where do you think I should live? Someone said Mallow is nice.
Jurgen, Bremen and maybe Mallow.
S
Email your dilemmas in confidence to drmagoo@thecorknews.ie
omeone is taking the mickey. The only people who think Mallow is nice live in Charleville. If you want to see why, visit Charleville. If I were you Jurgen, I’d steer clear of the countryside. It’s full of hippies and people who thought things were better long ago (before the hippies arrived). You’ll also face a massive language problem. Cork city folk are hard enough to understand, what with the singing and saying “I will yeah” when we mean no, but at least we tend to open our mouths when we speak and you can stand close enough to hear what we are saying without being knocked over by the smell. I’ll never get over that man outside the butchers in Dunmanway.
G
’day. I am coming home to crappy old Cork for Christmas, leaving behind the sunshine here in Sydney just so I can see me Mam for a week. Is it still horrible there, or have things picked up since I left seven years ago?
Gary, Glasheen Road and Australia.
T
hings have never been better here Gary. Particularly since we persuaded all the eejits like you to move Down Under. I’m sure your mam wouldn’t mind if you stayed put. You’ll only be embarrassing her here for the week, with your whining and weird habit of saying “fair dinkum” when you mean to say “fair play”. But look, you’re coming now, so here’s a bit of advice: People only want to know two things about your time in Australia; Is Alf still calling everyone a flamin’ mongrel on Home and Away? And when are you going back?
O
la. My boyfriend Kevin has invited his parents over to my house next weekend so I can cook them Christmas dinner. What would you advise?
Sofia, Valencia and Skehard Road.
R
un for it. Seriously, this dinner is less likely to succeed than an episode of Mastermind in Killarney. Here are some tips in case you can’t get away. Don’t bother with spiced beef. To get the consistency Cork people like, the spiced beef should have gone on around July. Keep cooking the turkey and ham until it is almost inedible. Seriously, if there is any tenderness or flavour left in the meat, it will be nothing like Christmas. Finally, there’s a good chance the Mam will drink two glasses of wine and ask you why all Spanish women go so small and ugly once they pass 40. Dry meat and awkward silences around the table…now that’s what I call Christmas!
H
ey there. My husband and I are visiting your capital, Dublin, shortly and we would like to enjoy a few days in Cork. What is the best way to travel to your city?
Shannon-Colleen MagillaMurphy, Portland.
I
f you really want to enjoy your time in Cork, then don’t use the words ‘Dublin’ and ‘your capital’ in the same sentence. I’m fairly easy going about these things, and I already kind of hate you. Anyway, travelling to Cork: The train is great if you don’t mind listening to gangs of old people telling you how much they love free travel. Most of them are “only just back from Westport” and will want to talk to you about Winning Streak. If you are planning to drive, make sure you go to the toilet before you leave. Otherwise you’ll end up having to stop off somewhere in the midlands. It’s hard to describe that experience, unless you’ve seen the movie Deliverance.
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thecorknews 5 December 2014
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thecorknews
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5 December 2014
Bring ‘em back
Exhibition celebrates Boole A year-long, evolving exhibition is to honour George Boole, the famous mathematician who made his home in Cork in the mid-19th century, became the first professor of mathematics at UCC and is hailed as the father of computer logic. Sculptor Marie Foley is honouring Boole at the Triskel Arts Centre, with Aesthetic Logic launched
last night, Thursday, as part of celebrations in 2015 to mark the bicentenary of Boole’s birth and sesquicentennial anniversary of his death. The exhibition - a response by the visual artist and curator Jobst Graeve to the enormous contributions Boole made to the modern world - runs until November 2015. The project is marked by two fixed assemblages,
one for each anniversary. In between, the exhibition will continuously change. The public building linking Christchurch with the Triskel Arts Centre will start on the anniversary of Boole’s death and, over the year, will continuously change to eventually finish with the anniversary of his birth. Simultaneously, in the private sphere of Ms Foley’s
studio, the reverse process starting with his birth and finishing with his death, will take place. It has also been announced that UCC and Cork City Council are to restore Boole’s former home at Grenville Place near the Mercy Hospital, which has long fallen into disrepair. The house will be the subject of a compulsory purchase order in 2015.
A Cork city bar is to fly one lucky emigrant home for New Year’s Eve. Sober Lane on Sullivan’s Quay has pledged to fly a Cork person home for a New Year’s celebration with friends, after the bar’s staff were struck by how groups’ plans have been changed by emigration. Sober Lane’s Ernest Cantillon said that, as part of research into the bar’s plans for New Year’s Eve, a number of punters revealed traditions are now “messed up” because friends are working and living abroad. “They’d say we used to al-
ways go to Crosshaven or Fountainstown but now because John’s away or someone is home for Christmas and going back St Stephen’s Day, they are dropping traditions,” he said. “So we decided to have a bit of banter.” To be in with a chance of bringing a friend home for New Year, people are asked to send a “childish” letter to Santa courtesy of the bar explaining why their friend deserves to return Leeside. The winner will also get a reserved space in the bar for 15 of their friends to ring in 2015 in style.
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thecorknews 5 December 2014
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Cork images to aid Boston victims Cork landmarks feature in a new book in aid of the Boston Marathon bombing victims, with images captured by an American photographer who was touring Ireland on the day the tragic event occurred. A native of West Springfield, Massachusetts, Alanna Scully was so moved by the plight of the victims of the Boston bombings that she has published Céad Míle Fáilte in an effort to raise funds for their rehabilitation. The urban and rural landscapes of Cork, Kerry, Clare, Dublin, Wicklow, Kilkenny, Galway, Sligo, Donegal and Antrim all feature. Ms Scully was in Killarney on April 15th 2013 when she learnt of the two homemade bombs that had detonated at the marathon, killing three people and injuring hundreds more. “I was shell-shocked, feeling that I should be at home volunteering and helping in some way,” she said. “I felt so helpless being so far from
“I felt so helpless being so far from Boston when something so terrible had happened.”
The photographs from that three-month solo journey now appear in Céad Míle Fáilte, and proceeds from the sale of the book will benefit the Massachusetts Resiliency Centre, which provides support and services for people affected by the bombings. The images can also be bought at photos.alannascully.com.
Boston when something so terrible had happened.” Ms Scully explained that she had began looking for flights home and was prepared to leave that week, but was talked out of it by a Galway man who suggested “she open her eyes to the beauty of Ireland and finish her travels in a meaningful way”.
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26 News CORK NEWSAdvertorial (1):Layout 1
11/18/14
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thecorknews
Page 1
5 December 2014
Advertorial
New Salt Therapy Amazes Cork Pharmacists in the treatment of Respiratory Problems
C
ORK Pharmacists are amazed at the improvement in the health and wellbeing of their patients who suffer from chronic respiratory issues after they used Salin® Plus Air Purifier, a non-invasive alternative salt therapy treatment. According to Cork pharmacists, this award-winning natural salt therapy device improves the health of sufferers of debilitating issues including Asthma, Sinusitis, Rhinitis (hay fever) Bronchitis, Cystic Fibrosis, Allergies, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Snoring and Sleep Apnoea.
Works while you sleep
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By gently dispersing microparticles of salt rich in trace elements into the atmosphere, it helps to open the airways, clear excess mucus and reduce inflammation. Inhaled whilst you sleep, the Salin® Plus Salt Therapy effectively aids better breathing and eases symptoms associated with respiratory problems. It is suitable for everybody including young children and pregnant mothers as it contains no steroids. The Salin® Plus Air Purifier should be used in conjunction with existing medical treatment and not as a standalone therapy.
with the results and can, with confidence, recommend this natural salt therapy to patients of all ages”.
No masks or tubes This alternative treatment uses dry sodium chloride to help relieve respiratory problems – there are no masks or tubes – just plug in the small machine and leave it on while you sleep.
At the heart of the device is a filter containing a micro-crystallised deposit of salt. The salt used in the Salin® Plus Air Purifier is rich in trace minerals (98 % NaCl, 0.5 % calcium chloride and magnesium, 0.2 % iodine and sulphur) and unlike table and cooking salt, does not contribute to high blood pressure and has no known contra indications.
With the introduction of Salin® Plus, natural salt therapy can be used in the home for the first time. All you have to do is plug in a small machine about the size of a kettle and leave it on in the bedroom while you sleep This unique process ensures consistent availability of sodium chloride particles for the recommended therapeutic period of up to 8 hours whilst sleeping. Patients will get the maximum benefit from gentle and consistent inhalation whilst they sleep at night.
Pauline Hamilton MPSI Horgan’s Pharmacy Group Cork
Pauline Hamilton MPSI is Supervising Pharmacist of Horgan’s Pharmacy, Parkwest, Tesco SC, Mallow, which is part of the Horgan Pharmacy Group. the Horgan Pharmacy Group have nine pharmacies in County Cork and has been stocking Salin® Plus for a number of years now. She said “The development of this natural salt therapy that can be used in the home for the first time is revolutionary and has improved the wellbeing of many of our patients who suffer from debilitating respiratory conditions. I am impressed
Pauline went on to say “I have so many good news stories from patients who have used Salin® Plus for Asthma, COPD and various other respiratory problems and have found it really great. One example is a patient who has Asthma, they understood the value of salt therapy and had been for a number of treatments in Salt Caves which they found improved their symptoms, but that would be short lived and they would have to go back for more treatments. However when I introduced them to Salin® Plus which is a salt therapy that can be used in the home for the first time they were delighted. They plug the small machine in every night and it works while they sleep. The said they cannot survive without Salin® Plus”
HORGAN’S PHARMACY GROUP ■ Horgan’s Pharmacy, Parkwest, Mallow
■ Horgan’s Pharmacy, Market Square, Mallow ■ Horgan’s Pharmacy, Strand St, Kanturk
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The staff at Brosnan’s has been recommending Salin® Plus for some time now and have found it fantastic for people with different kinds of respiratory problems. Niamh Brosnan MPSI said “It was an easy decision for me to stock Salin® Plus as Pharmacists and doctors know the benefit salt therapy can bring in conjunction with regular therapy for patients with respiratory illnesses/conditions. I have been amazed at the immediate results our patients have had from using this non-invasive natural salt therapy. Several patients come to mind including a young child of 2½ who had a persistent cough from a nasal problem. It would turn into a chest infection and the parents had been to the pharmacy for regular antibiotics every couple of weeks I recommended they try Salin® Plus and they found an immediate improvement. The child is now over four years old and the parents are delighted as they rarely now need an antibiotic for the child. They plug in the machine every night in the child’s room and it ensures the child and the parents get a good night’s sleep as the persistent cough has stopped”.
Niamh concluded by saying that last Christmas a number of her customers bought the Salin® Plus as gifts for their family or friends as they had used it themselves and understood the value of this natural salt therapy.
Paul O'Keeffe MPSI Walshe’s Pharmacy Dillions Cross, Cork. 021-4501744
Pharmacist, Paul O’Keeffe MPSI said, “I heard from colleagues that Salin® Plus was excellent for conditions that caused breathing difficulties including asthma and bronchitis, and that it also eased nasal problems. As a result I decided to stock it in Walshe’s Pharmacy. Since I started recommending it my customers have found the results really good. What I like about salt therapy is that it primarily works by activating the cilia in the lungs. Cilia are tiny “hair like” structures that line the lungs and whose role it is to sweep mucus and dirt out of the lungs. Many lung conditions such as bronchitis, asthma and cystic fibrosis result in the cilia becoming clogged with mucus. Salt therapy clears this mucus”.
Paul continued “I would recommend Salin® Plus to anyone suffering from asthma, bronchitis and sinus conditions that do not get complete relief from medication. I have also found it can help ease hayfever and snoring problems”. Paul O’Keeffe advises that you should never go off your medication without speaking to your doctor; however he said that he considers Salin® Plus a good complement to your medication. Salin® Plus stockists in Cork have been specially trained to discuss this salt therapy with customers. For more information see www.salinsalttherapy.com
Salin® Plus is a product from Virginia Medical Supplies Salin Plus is available on the Hardship Scheme. For information contact your local Medical Practitioner or Community Welfare Officer.
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5 December 2014
Daytripper Interview by Maria Tracey Picture by Rob Lamb
Actor Noelle O'Regan, 37, lives at The Lough. She is playing Penny Farmleigh - along with her goose in Twas The Night Before Christmas at Bishop Lucey Park, part of Glow, A Cork Christmas Celebration.
I
’m a bit of a dreamer, and go through my dreams first thing. I never get up too early - maybe 9am or 10am - and then I’m off to do some form of exercise, like walking around The Lough. I do the loop two or three times, depending on my mood. It’s beautiful down there and, in this weather, it’s even more gorgeous. If the weather isn’t so good, or I’m a bit lazy, I pull out my yoga mat and so some stretches to wake the body up. Breakfast is juice from beetroot, carrot, apple, pear, and lots of ginger. I love the auld ginger. I’d have food a little while after that, like eggs and toast. Then I move onto computer stuff, with forms to be filled out, or I could spend the day working on my CV. Depending on what needs to be done, I try and get down to The Circus Factory, and work on different skills. At the moment, I’m practicing on a thing called a Cyr wheel, which is a big metal hoop. It takes months to master and when it falls down on you… well, it hurts! Truthfully, my bumps are always very stupid, like I’m walking down the street, looking at something and go right into a pole. I grew up on a dairy farm in Kinsale and was always hanging off things. Gymnastics, dance and musicals appealed to me. I remember my dad taking me to see My Left Foot, and that’s when I thought acting was amazing. I saw Daniel Day-Lewis and believed him. He’s one of my heroes. When I went to secondary school in Crosshaven, I was involved in shows there but was shy enough when it came to being on stage. When I left school I didn’t really know what to do and my mum said ‘why don’t you try acting’ and that’s what I did. I had a great year in Coláiste Stiofáin Naofa, worked on various projects and then went completely off track -
“It’s definitely a career you need to love because if you don’t, then forget about it.”
well, in another direction and into outdoor education. I was about 22, studied in Castletownbere and became an avid climber and kayaker. It’s funny, while the ocean was always a big thing in my life, with swimming and landing boats, I was always more interested in the arts. But then that changed, and I worked with marginalised communities in Dublin for years, and then went back and studied counselling. It was then I thought, ‘I miss
the arts’. I had 10 years of working in the outdoor education industry, which was great, but I felt it wasn’t for me. I remember talking to a friend of mine, who’s a standup comic, saying: ‘I don’t know what to do, go back to acting or become a counsellor. I’m at a crux!’ He looked at me and said: ‘You’re in your early 30s and were born to be a performer. Just do it. You can be in a counsellor when you’re 60... and also I get most of my material from
you!’ That was a real boosh moment in life. I love being involved in the arts, love the collaboration and the community. It’s definitely a career you need to love because if you don’t, then forget about it. It’s thriving in Cork, between music and theatre, and if you throw a stone anywhere, you’ll hit an artist. My cousin lives in London, and tells me I should come over and stay there but to do that, you have to be really brave. Landing into the
middle of London, with its 10 million people, you’d wonder where to start. I need to take baby steps and that’s how I build confidence. Too often I’m just jumping off proverbial cliffs so it’s nicer to stay still as I get older and relax into something. At the moment I’m playing Penny Farmleigh in Twas The Night Before Christmas at Bishop Lucey Park, part of Glow. I’ve a goose - a puppet - and it’s lovely working with it; like having another entity,
Christmas at
the
New Year’s Eve
having another part of you. Before I head to the park, I grab some lunch at The Rocket Man, which I’m a big fan of. I get the green juice and a salad with root vegetables. We meet at 3pm for Glow, head up to the green room to warm up, have the chat and get into character. By the time I’m in costume, I’m pretty much feeling like her, with this beautiful hat, and layer upon layer of skirts. Penny’s story is that she’s at the market selling her geese but not her best friend. This same goose, unbeknownst to me, does attack people with nips but is a bit quieter with the younger children. There is a certain time of the day, about two hours in, when I feel my energy goes down, but then I just look around for other characters to make sure they’re there and take 10 minutes off. Usually I’ll have a banana and some water. At the end of it all, at 8pm, we’re starving and usually eat in the market. Something like fish and chips, lamb kebab or a lovely bite from Barracuda. There’s also lots of stuff happening in Cork creatively, so after finishing I try and get in a few shows. Even though I’ve high energy, I’m quite a relaxed person generally, but still rarely sit down and watch a movie. And box sets are beyond comprehension! I’ve been doing Bikram yoga in the Tramore Road, when I’ve the time, and I also love hot baths. I do try and go to bed around 11ish if I’m not out, and my last thought is usually about what I’ll wear the next day. I’m human, so I do have regrets and while I could dwell on them, it’s better to be like the Dalai Lama, that, as thoughts come, let them go. If I had any advice to give to my 18-year-old self, I’d tell her to go for it. If it comes into your head just do it. Life is simple really, do things you enjoy and if you don’t enjoy them, well then, don’t do it.”
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thecorknews 5 December 2014
Love is the oldest stor y of all. Never felt more strongly than at Christmas time. The dark days of winter promise a new beginning. Seal your stor y with a ring from Keanes.
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5 December 2014
A self-mud man
Milking it A Cork bioscience company is poised to take advantage of the huge growth in demand for milk globally. The worldwide appetite for milk is expected to rise to 350 billion litres in 2020, driven by demand from emerging markets in China and India, as well as the abolition of European Union milk quotas next year. Luxcel Biosciences uses innovative technology to steal a march in what is set to become an increasingly competitive market. Luxcel is launching the GreenLight and Oculer tests, which monitor the health of food cells, meaning it can
deliver products that are far ahead in terms of quality and hygiene. “The launch of the Luxcel Biosciences GreenLight test, which can test milk better than any other technology in the world, is a really exciting opportunity for us as a country,” said Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Mr. Simon Coveney. “I think that this will reinforce the message that Irish food is safe, sustainable, tastes better and is produced on family farms.” Luxcel was founded in 2002 by Dr Richard Fernandes and Prof Dmitri Papkovsky, and is based at Gateway UCC, the
University Business Incubation Centre, “The required standard for quality in dairy is now even higher due to the pressures raised by export, retailers and shelf-life demands,” said Dr Fernandes. “The existing standard microbial tests are designed principally to control milk safety but are missing significant levels of spoilage contamination in the finished products.” “Simply put, if something is breathing and growing in milk or dairy samples, the new GreenLight and Oculer tests will detect it,” said Prof Papkovsky.
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5 December 2014
I’m dreaming of a… By Nick Bramhill Forecasters have predicted that Ireland is set for a white Christmas, with a festive snowfall likely in Cork. With last Monday signalling the first official day of winter, meteorologists have warned that the unseasonal mild temperatures of late autumn will soon give way to plummeting mercury levels, brutal polar winds and widespread snow. The severest cold snaps have been predicted to take place later this month and into the new year, with December as a
whole likely to be as bitter as four years ago - the coldest in 100 years in Ireland. Forecasters also said the early weather patterns at this stage indicate that much of Ireland could be waking up to a blanket of snow on Christmas Day. James Madden, a leading meteorologist with Exacta Weather, said: “The prospect of a white Christmas is often rather remote due to the mild and wet climate of Ireland. “However, on current indications there is every chance that parts of Ireland could see some snow falling on Christmas Day this year, or at the
10/3 Odds of a white Christmas in Cork very least have lying snow on the ground in places.” Meanwhile, the Irish public have been warned to start bracing themselves for the arrival of the Arctic freeze in the coming days, as the mild weather most of the nation has enjoyed lately finally makes way for a more seasonal chill.
He said: “This is going to come as a major shock after the mild autumn temperatures and even though December is now odds-on to be a colder-than-average month, with a number of widespread snow events, our forecasting parameters have always indicated there is some the potential for some even more severe wintry conditions in the runup to and after the new year. “As we previously predicted, if any month could prove to be very severe or potentially record-breaking in terms of the cold and snow episodes that are likely to develop, then January looks like being the
6/1 For Ireland’s heaviest snowfall ever main contributor for this on current indications. “February and into spring may also not escape the extension of these waves of cold and widespread snow at times.” Meanwhile, bookies are making a Christmas Day snowfall as likely in Cork and Dublin as in Scotland.
With Cork on 10/3 not far behind Dublin on 3/1, odds of a white Christmas in Ireland closely mirror the odds in cities hundreds of miles further north in Scotland, with Glasgow and Edinburgh on 11/4 and Aberdeen on 3/1. “The winter coats are out, the electric blankets are on and the Christmas trees are up as we all prepare for the Christmas cold,” said Aoife Heffron of Boylesports. And while temperatures remain mild, Boylesports also has a bet for the doom-mongers: it’s 6/1 that this month will see the heaviest Irish snowfall on record.
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thecorknews 5 December 2014
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5 December 2014
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Waste initiative brings smiles internationally A Cork initiative allowing businesses to cut their waste management costs has been launched nationally by An Taoiseach Enda Kenny. SMILE Resource Exchange, established in Cork in 2011, brings Irish businesses together to make savings while reducing waste destined for landfill and developing new business opportunities. “I’m delighted to launch SMILE Resource Exchange and to lend my support to the bright idea of businesses coming together to reduce waste, save money and share resources,” said Mr Kenny. “SMILE provides a great free service to businesses and allows them to network with other companies to find opportunities of mutual benefit and help the environment. I hope more Irish companies will be able to find new efficiencies and make new connections through the SMILE network.” SMILE currently boasts more than 1,000 members, including Swedish homeware retailer IKEA, and project
manager Michelle Green commented on the extraordinary growth of the initiative. “The growth of SMILE from a small local project over the last three years illustrates a conscious move in Irish business towards greater resource efficiency,” she said. “We’re looking forward to welcoming additional members through our new website, while offering technical support and connecting more businesses around Ireland.” However, SMILE is not
merely an Irish initiative, said Ms Green. It is also a founding member of the European Industrial Symbiosis Association, which aims to foster cooperation across the European Union in diverting waste from landfill, reducing carbon and preserving resources, environmental measures which have the added bonus of increasing competitiveness, securing business sustainability and creating green jobs. For more information, visit www.smileexchange.ie.
thecorknews
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5 December 2014
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Online shopping grows in popularity for Christmas As Christmas shopping around the city begins in earnest, a new survey has bad news for high street retailers. In times when many people are still counting every cent, more than nine in 10 Irish adults believe online shopping is cheaper than the high street. Parcel Motel, the UKbased online delivery service, revealed the finding as it launched its partnership with Ireland-based deliverers, Nightline. More than half of Irish adults shop regularly on UKbased websites, and Parcel Line found items were between 20% and 67% cheaper online than in UK high street stores. For example, children’s Ugg boots were, on average, 20% cheaper online; a Longchamp ‘Le Pliage’ handbag was on average 22% less when bought online; and a Raymond Weil Mens watch was shown to be nearly two-thirds the price. Nightline general manager Orla Shiels said: “Both the
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5 December 2014
Leap post office to remain closed The decision by An Post to not re-advertise the vacant post office contract in the west Cork village of Leap has been described as “disappointing”. Leap Post office closed in February this year and local customers transferred to Skibbereen Post office and also to the offices at Union Hall and Rosscarbery. In October, the vacant Leap contract was the subject of a public consultation and the decision of that consultation was made this week. In a statement, An Post said that, “in coming to a final decision” a number of factors were taken into account, such as network coverage needs; the level of business at the office; customer access to services elsewhere and the capacity of nearby offices to handle additional business in the event of an office closure. Labour TD for Cork SouthWest Michael McCarthy stated the decision was “very disappointing news”. “Leap needs a post office to
Retail Therapie
The crowd at a customer night in Therapie, Opera Lane Cork. Picture by Rob Lamb
Michael McCarthy, TD
serve its customers in the area and to draw business into the village,” he said. “If it is lost, it would be a huge blow to the village and the businesses and jobs it supports.”
Mr McCarthy said that he is asking An Post to “review this decision, given the strength of feeling about the importance of the Post Office to the area”.
Play Page 83
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thecorknews 5 December 2014
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5 December 2014
Talking Heads “For the last two years I am pretty much out on the street.” Homeless man Jonathan Corrie is interviewed by David Brophy for RTÉ’s High Hopes Choir just months before his death close to Leinster House.
“If anyone wants to know about Roy, I’ll put it on your plate so you know: there’s absolutely no problem whatsoever.” Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert insists there was no bust-up when Roy Keane quit as assistant manager.
“Telling me we just needed to dig in and get through to tea.” Touching eulogy by Australia captain Michael Clarke at the funeral of cricketer Phillip Hughes.
“You’re a snide.” Actor Russell Brand labels a journalist as “a snide” in a now viral video after being questioned about his London home while campaigning over the rising cost of homes in the UK.
“It didn’t affect me as much right after as it did about four or five years later. It hit me so hard. I was so traumatised by it, I was like: ‘Just keep going’.” In a radio interview with Howard Stern, Lady Gaga implies that she was sexually abused when she was 19.
“These are the days you want to be involved in, the biggest days in a club jersey.” Munster captain Peter O’Mahony on Saturday’s sold-out European Champions Cup encounter against Clermont Auvergne in Thomond Park.
“When you’re too tired to care if the face cloth you’re using to wash your face was the same one used to wash your child’s arse.” Amy Huberman tweets about dealing with a new baby.
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thecorknews 5 December 2014
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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...
Buddy
Please let Christmas come early for these two friends! Buddy is a three-year-old jack russell terrier, he been with his owner since he was a tiny puppy but due to change in circumstances he and his best friend Trigger are looking for a new home.
Trigger
Trigger is nearly two, and he is a boxer/springer cross. He and Buddy are both lovely natured friendly, dogs,; neutered, house trained, used to children and fond of falling sleep by the fire, often squashing into just one bed. We would love for them to be homed together but they can be homed separately. If you can offer one - or both - of these two boys a loving home please contact 085 1251929.
Joey
Joey is a gentle seven-year-old female collie. She is neutered and house trained, used to children and being part of a family. Like all collies she is a clever girl, loyal and affectionate. She can be a little timid around other dogs so she would be best suited to being an only dog. If you would like Joey to be part of your family please contact 085 1251929.
5 December 2014
Talk to us We want to hear from you! Email your thoughts, comments, reactions and announcements to editor@thecorknews.ie
Try a little tenderness Dear Sir, I was moved by your Editor’s Letter in last week’s issue and in light of the tragic loss of life of a man, John Corrie, on the streets of Dublin this week I wanted to write to you to tell you and your readers my own story. I myself was homeless for 11 months in Dublin and Cork a decade ago and I still fill up with grief and fear when I think about those days. I did not know John Corrie and I never met the man but I could easily have been him, just like any of the hundreds of other homeless people trying to survive in Dublin and in Cork even to this day. The despair and the fear and the cold and the loneliness still haunts me to this very day. You don’t have to lose everything to end up on the streets, you just have to lose enough, but when you are there it feels like you will never have anything to call your own again. Even something as simple as a bed or a front door or a roof to keep you warm. All I had for my life was a sleeping bag and some blankets and I had to beg and go to shelters for the simplest things like a bite to eat or to wash or even sometimes just a glass of water or a cup of tea. I hated the way I was filthy from living in the street, I lay
down in the nights in fear of my life in case someone would come and rob me or beat me up, I hated the way I felt like less than a person. I needed help all the time but I only got it some of the time. You are right. It is very important to give money to homeless charities especially with the numbers of homeless people rising so fast now as you noted in your paper, but what I needed as much as food or shelter or help was just a bit of kindness or a normal chat or for people not to cross to the other side of the street when they saw me or to look at me as if I was a piece of dirt on the side of the street. Now when I look back that is what I remember more than even the cold and the wet and the dirt. Those looks that people gave me and judged me for my circumstances and not my character. I beg all of your readers to remember that charity is important but you can change someone’s day on the streets by just treating them to even a little bit of dignity. I implore all your readers to hear the Christian message at this special time and remember in the name of John Corrie RIP that the homeless are people just like you. Thank you, Michael S.
In Dulci Jubilo
Rhys Kavanagh, 4, pictured singing along with the Blackpool Youth Club choir as Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr. Mary Shields, turned on the Christmas lights in Blackpool. Picture by: Diane Cusack.
The latest technique in semi-permanent enhancement of sparse brows & recreation of non existent brows
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COMHAIRLE CONTAE CHORCAÍ For more information on any of these dogs, call 085 1251929.
CORK COUNTY COUNCIL
DOUGLAS PARKING Christmas 2014
Cork County Council wishes to advise of the following parking arrangements in Douglas for December.
No Parking Charges
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
on Saturdays 6th, 13th and 20th December.
No Parking Charges
10.00am – 12.00 noon weekdays from 8th - 31st December inclusive. PLEASE NOTE: PARKING TIME LIMIT RESTRICTIONS (1 AND 3 HOUR) REMAIN IN FORCE
GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE Contact Susan Ryan 85 Main Street, Cork 021 4275741 | www. susanryanbeauty.com
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thecorknews 5 December 2014
s hearing aid r los o f specialists nce sura ge with s n I e d i Fre ama aring a Hear Everything And Judge For Yourself or d e h d (George Eliot) cte Sele
Do you have a parent, grandparent or loved one who is hard of hearing? Now is the time to book them in for their Free, \No Obligation Hearing Test and demonstration of the latest hearing technology which could change their lives forever. Book your Free Hearing Test & Free on site Demonstration of the new digital hearing aid technology. PPS Grants Available. Home visits available
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75 NORTH MAIN ST., CORK. MON - SAT: 9.00 am – 5.30 pm T: 021-4276387 E: sales@romanhouse.ie W: www.romanhouse.ie
thecorknews
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5 December 2014
Carey’s Dukes Coffee Company- 4 Carey’s Lane, Cork City Coffee House T: 021 490 5877 W: www.facebook.com/dukescoffee www.dukes.ie Azure Jewellery - 5 Carey’s Lane, Cork City Amity - 5 Carey’s Lane, Cork City twitter.com/dukescoffeeco Exquisite Handmade Jewellery Boutique T: 021 490 5941 T: 021 427 5038 W: www.azurejewellery.ie W: www.myamity.ie www.facebook.com/AzureJewellery
One of the more colourful threads running through the rich historical tapestry that is Cork City is the atmospheric Carey’s Lane, home to the offices of The Cork News and a series of busy, Irish-owned, independent businesses. The bustling street seems to be constantly abuzz with people and a fantastic place to treat yourself this Christmas. Carey’s Lane is now a hotspot and a great shopping destination with Christmas filled with choice. Why not start your day with breakfast at Duke’s Coffee Company or Fellini’s Cafe? Soak up the ambiance and the quirky Bohemian vibe as you catch up with friends while sampling there delicious offerings. After refuelling why not pamper yourself at Jerry’s Hair Studio, choose from an instensive range of beauty treatements along with having your hair done. Looking fabulous, you are now ready for some serious shopping at the exclusive
Huguenot Bistro - 8/9 Carey’s Lane, Cork City French Bistro & Wine Bar T: 021 239 0535 W: www.hugenotbistro.ie Aroi - 6-7 Carey’s Lane, Cork City Asian Street Food T: 021 427 2388 W: www.aroi.eu
Cafe Mexicana - 8 Carey’s Lane, Cork City Mexican Restaurant T: 021 427 6433 W: www.cafemexicana.ie
Amity Boutique along with vintage inspired clothing you can also pick up some fun stocking fillers for Christmas. To finish of the outfit or simply treat that someone special for Christmas, Azure Jewellery with their handmade daringly different jewellery designs will have you in the good books. After that it’s off to Veritas Bookshop which offers an extensive range of religious goods, gift ware and greetings cards for all occasions. Why not stay on the lane for a bite? There is a range of options to choose from, the recently opened Aroi, specilaising in Asian food or the authentic and delicious Café Mexicana. There is also Brendan Cashman from the Huguenot Bistro and wine bar which is the perfect nod to the area’s history with its delicious and authentic French food.
#care
Small business S Supporting
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thecorknews 5 December 2014
thecorknews
Fellini Jerry’s Hair Studio Hugenot Quarter, Carey’s Lane, Cork City Beauty Salon T: 021 427 4986 W: www.jerryshairstudio.ie
eysxmas
Saturday 6th December local retail business
Fellini 3 Carey’s Lane, Cork City T: 021 427 6083 W: www.facebook.com /pages/Fellini-Tearooms
Veritas Bookshop - Carey’s Lane, Cork City Religious Bookshop T: 021 425 1255 w: veritasbooksonline.com
One of the area’s most special features is its history and, of course, its traders. “There’s such a vibrancy to the place, an atmosphere that people find a bit magnetic” says Aidan Duke of the Carey’s Lane Traders Association, the cooperative group formed by the neighbouring businesses of the historic lane. “The history is fascinating, and the present day owners and operators are keeping that independent spirit of trading alive.” Forming part of Cork’s famed Huguenot quarter, the lane’s legacy of trade is a long one. After the Edict of Nantes took away their rights and freedom, the Huguenots fled France to avoid religious persecution, and 5000 settled in Ireland. 300 of their number came to Cork and became part of commercial and civic life here: many were gifted artisan craftsmen and textile manufacturers, and 11 members of the community served as Mayor of the city between 1694 and 1840.
The Cork News - 4 Carey’s Lane, Cork City Media T: 021 425 2255 W: www.thecorknews.ie
By 1712 the Huguenot Community had established their church at Lumley Street, which soon became known as French Church Street, and in 1733 acquired the adjoining alms house in Carey’s Lane, which became the Huguenot Burial Ground. It has since been restored and forms a central element of the Huguenot Quarter. Carey’s Lane itself was extensively redeveloped; pedestrianized to allow shoppers to meander freely and visit the thriving shops, eateries and coffee houses on the lane. Carey’s Lane offers a vibrant mix of cultures, conviviality and convenience, all on a little lane steeped in history. Explore it and enjoy the experience...
#careysxmas
thecorknews
Cork Biz 5 December 2014
Crossing the Rubicon Róisín Thornhill takes a trip to CIT to visit the highly regarded Rubicon Centre, where some of Cork’s most promising business dreams become reality
D
id you know that Ireland’s leading business innovation hub is based here in Cork? Over 300 companies have graduated from Rubicon Centre business programmes in the past 16 years and have led to the creation of over 2,600 jobs. Based at the Cork Institute of Technology Campus, Paul Healy, the centre’s manager, and his team of innovation specialists continuously help to develop some of Ireland’s leading innovative businesses, with many recognised for their achievements on both domestic and international levels. “The centre acts as a focal point for early entrepreneurs who want to take their business to the next stage” says Healy. “We help them build a prototype, raise finance, and help get them their first customer.” The Rubicon primarily deals with entrepreneurs in the information and communication technology field, such as software and technology products, and doesn’t usually engage with busi-
nesses in the service space. It does however makes an exception when the service can be described as a niche one. Healy holds up Technically Write IT Ltd as an example of one such company. Patrice Fanning is a graduate of the centre’s PINC programme, an intensive programme for female entrepreneurs who want to take their business ideas to the next stage. After realising through PINC that her business idea was viable, she progressed on to the Genesis programme (now known as New Frontiers), also run by the Rubicon Centre, where she availed of extensive mentoring and support, as well as office space and grant aid from Enterprise Ireland. Fanning eventually set up Technically Write Ltd, a Cork-based company that delivers outsourced businessto-business technical writing, editing, and managed documentation solutions; she and her team work on training material, user guides, manuals and other instructional content, mainly for clients in the IT field.
Paul Healy. Picture by Darragh Kane.
Since its initial inception and incubation period at the Rubicon, Technically Write Ltd moved recently to new offices in the Carrigaline Industrial Park to facilitate expansion and now employs 49 people, putting it almost on target for its projected workforce of 50 by year end. “My success is testament
to the quality of the programmes available to entrepreneurs through the Rubicon Centre and I hope that my story can inspire more female entrepreneurs to take the leap and progress their business ideas. The support is there, you just need to make it happen!” says Fanning.
Of course Fanning’s is not the only success story to come out of the Rubicon. Healy notes that despite the hardships of the last few years, the spirit of entrepreneurship is booming in Ireland: “The recession was very good for us” he tells me. He particularly highlights the closure of Motorola in 2007 as a positive
THINKING OF STARTING A NEW BUSINESS? SME START-UPS. Call for your initial consultation on (021)4774500 or visit www.fitzgeraldandpartners.com Follow us on
At Fitzgerald & Partners Accountants we welcome people who are about to start in business, or those with new businesses, to come and talk to us so we can help them in the process. We can help you from day one by looking at your business plan and projections by helping you to find the best book-keeping system for your business so we can add value. We have worked with a lot of entrepreneurs and start-ups to help them become successful SMEs.
for such entrepreneurship in Cork: “We got at least six business ideas through that closure, all investable businesses” he says. Healy, however, advises that businesses in the early stages of development need to “know their shopping list before they seek investment … know how much money
thecorknews
Cork Biz
5 December 2014
Seán Creedon resists the urge to put the pedal to the floor and elects to sit back and relax in the new Opel Insignia Tourer
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they’ll need for the first 12 months.” There are a number of avenues that companies seeking investment can pursue with help and guidance from the Rubicon: “We’re very much into hand holding” laughs Healy; “we are the people to come to for help and advice when looking for finance.” With partners such as the Local Enterprise Office, Enterprise Ireland and an alliance with AIB, the Rubicon has helped companies attract over €100million in investment over the last 16 years through its programmes with 70% of them still in existence - an extremely high figure bucking all international trends in relation to start-up survival rates.
One glowing example of just how far the support and advice from the Rubicon can get you on the road to big investment is Radisens Diagnostics, a company which also graduated from the centre’s Genesis programme. Radisens, who manufacture a hand-held device for checking bloods levels using a number of technologies, recently announced their second partnership with the European Space Agency, worth €1million, in May of this year. With such stamps of approval and the knowledge that Ireland is tentatively leaving the austerity of the last few years behind, Healy notes that things in the business world are looking positive: “We have absolutely
“We have absolutely noticed an upturn… almost all the companies based here in the Rubicon are currently hiring.” noticed an upturn…almost all the companies based here in the Rubicon are currently hiring”, he highlights. Paul also highlighted new emerging trends in business, seeing a definite increase in the amount of fe-
male and young (under 30) entrepreneurs applying to the centre’s programmes. One such ‘young’ company is Dog Day Media, a fast growing production company which counts UCC and Red FM amongst its clients. The
company provides a range of services across the media of animation, video production and aerial photography. Being based on the CIT campus means that the Rubicon is ideally located to dip into the well of talent emerging from the college. However, eager not to not play favourites, Healy says that the Rubicon supports and champions all 60 companies based on site and as many again located across the length and breadth of the Rebel County. With the centre performaing as an incubator to aid the development and evolution of early stage, knowledge-intensive businesses, and by its provision of in-house management support along with physical
THINKING OF STARTING A NEW BUSINESS? SME START-UPS. Call for your initial consultation on (021)4774500 or visit www.fitzgeraldandpartners.com Follow us on
At Fitzgerald & Partners Accountants we welcome people who are about to start in business, or those with new businesses, to come and talk to us so we can help them in the process. We can help you from day one by looking at your business plan and projections by helping you to find the best book-keeping system for your business so we can add value. We have worked with a lot of entrepreneurs and start-ups to help them become successful SMEs.
space and access to resources, Healy and the team at the Rubicon know exactly what it takes to build a successful business. With more people turning towards entrepreneurship than ever before, they have sound advice on the pitfalls to avoid when taking those first tentative steps towards what may be a lifelong dream of becoming an entrepreneur. So, as 2014 draws to a close and you find yourself longing to scratch that itch, to perhaps make that change and do something with that seed of an idea rattling around in the back of your mind, it might be time to give Healy and his team at the Rubicon a call. Who knows what the future may bring?
thecorknews
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5 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
thecorknews
Festive Food
5 December 2014
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Let the feasting commence!
T
he Christmas Dinner is a tradition that is almost universally loved - a time to sit around the table with your nearest and dearest, wear silly hats, repeat the awful jokes from the crackers, eat, drink and be merry. The feast has changed a bit over the last few decades - we’re a nation that’s very fond of turkey at the expense of the old favourite, goose, for instance - but, for most of Cork’s households, your own personal variation on the theme is something to which you’ll return year after year. In Cork in particular (and Ireland in general), we’re amply blessed with some truly phenomenal produce, whether it’s turkey, ham, vegetables or otherwise - or perhaps some alternative fowl, which you can find out about in page eight of this section. In the city, of course, the English Market can supply nearly all your
needs, but Cork has exceptional butchers in profusion in the city and county, and nearly every household will have their bird and their ham reserved by now. Turkey and delicious glazed ham (try a blend of honey, cloves, lemon juice and Coca Cola for a fantastic glaze) are likely to form the centrepiece of your dinner on December 25th - and to form a significant part of your meals and/or snacks on the 26th, 27th and 28th too! Don’t forget that your turkey, especially, needs to be looked after carefully and you must be absolutely sure that it’s cooked through, along with any stuffing you have in the cavity. We don’t recommend it (see page 5 of Festive Food to find out more) but if you absolutely insist on having your stuffing in the bird, use a thermometer to keep a close eye on its progress. Your turkey will need to approach room
temperature before cooking in order to reach perfection, so take it out of the fridge an hour or so before you’re going to put in the oven. If it’s frozen, allow it to thaw in the fridge for a day or even two or three before you need to prepare it and be sure that it’s fully thawed out before you start working with it. As a rule, allow 24 hours of thawing for every five pounds of bird. You can also thaw or cure it in brine, which will result in extra-succulent meat. If you’re thawing in a salt solution, though, remember you’ll have to change the water every hour. To roast, pre-heat your oven to 230 C. Allow the skin on your turkey to dry out a little before rubbing it with salt, pepper, herbs and butter this will result in crisp, brown, delicious skin. Once everything is ready, get it into the bottom of the oven with a few cups of liquid on the bottom of the roasting tin; you’ll use this to baste
every 45 minutes until it’s done. After 10 minutes or so reduce the temperature to 180 and place strips or a lattice of streaky bacon over the legs and wings to make sure they don’t get too crispy. Allow 13 minutes per pound and remember that you’ll have to let it stand after you’ve taken it out too; you can use that time to make gravy from the juices in the roasting tin. Once all is gone, carve with an extremely sharp knife (otherwise you’ll tear the meat and waste the juices) and sit down to enjoy your roast meats, roast and mashed potatoes, brussels sprouts (the secret to making them delicious is lots of salt and butter), carrots, parsnips, cranberry sauce, gravy, bread sauce, stuffing, wine, beer (an IPA is a great accompaniment for such a rich meal) and whatever you’re having yourself! Bon appetit agus beannachtaí na Nollag!
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Festive Food
5 December 2014
Christmas Sweet Treats Traditional Christmas Cakes
• Fruit Cake • Maderia Cake • Cherry Cake • Lemon Drizzle Cake • Christmas Pudding • Christmas Yule Log • Mince Pies
Gluten Free Christmas Treats
Christmas Puddings • Christmas Cake • Mince Pies
Sinful Options
Selection of Homemade Salads & Tasty Bread Stuffing available on Christmas Eve
Chocolate Mars Bar Cake • Chocolate Toblerone cake • Chocolate Fudge Cake • Chocolate Crunch Cake • Profiteroles • Fresh Fruit Pavlova • Fresh Cheesecake Lemon, Baileys, Strawberry, Malteasers or Oreo Fresh Cream Gateaux - Black Forest, Pear & Chocolate, Strawberry & Vanilla or Mandarin
Savoury Options
Quiche • Homemade Sausage Rolls Vol au Vents • Homemade Chicken Liver Pate
Fitzpatrick’s Signature Brown Bread or Multiseed Brown Bread
(Freezes perfectly over the Christmas Season)
To place your order please contact us on 021 4353299 / 4353093 All orders to be confirmed and paid for in full by Monday 22nd of December www.fitzpatricksfoodstore.ie
We may have our selection boxes, snowballs, chocolate Santas and copious amounts of Christmas cake to keep our sweet tooth at bay but somehow that’s just not enough. If you want to try your hand at some delicious homemade Christmas sweet treats we have picked out three simple festive recipes that would also make fantastic gifts. Peppermint bark not only looks the part but is terribly easy to make – just don’t tell your dentist. Break up five candy canes into little pieces. Melt 340g of your favourite milk, dark or white chocolate. Add ½ tsp of peppermint extract and stir. Then pour the melted chocolate onto a greaseproofpaper lined baking tray and
spread out evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle on the crushed candy cane and freeze for five minutes or until hardened. Break into pieces and serve (or keep some in an airtight container for later). Cake pops are really quite simple and can be made with very few ingredients. They’re essentially lollipops made of cake, covered in chocolate! What’s not to like? Take your favourite homemade or store bought sponge cakes (we like chocolate sponge for this one) and simply mix 280g of cake crumbs with 80g of butter cream, roll into balls, attach to lollipop sticks, dip into melted chocolate and allow to cool. Cake pops are easily decorated with edible flow-
ers, silver balls, edible glitter and much more. They’re also a perfect activity for creative kiddies to keep them busy while they wait for Santa. Last but not least, don’t forget the traditional Christmas favourite: gingerbread. Cream 75g of butter and 75g of sugar then add ½ tsp of bicarbonate of soda, 50g golden syrup and one egg yolk, and stir well. Sift 250g of flour, ½ tsp of ground cinnamon and ½ tsp of ground ginger into the mixture stirring until well combined. Shape into a ball and knead lightly. Chill for 30 minutes then thinly roll out the dough, cutting it into shapes of your choice. Bake at 180C/Gas 4 for about 10 minutes or until golden.
AWARDED RESTAURANT 17 Cook Street, Cork. Phone: (021) 4251959 E-mail: info@lesgourmandises.ie www.facebook.com/lesgourmandises
3 Course €32.50 Prix Fixe Menu Available for Christmas Season HAVEYOU BOOKEDYOUR TABLE?
Phone: (021) 4251959
thecorknews
Festive Food
5 December 2014
Christmas Cake vs
Christmas Pudding Everyone has their favourite Christmas cake recipe, handed down through the generations. Whether you like it dark and rich or pale and sweet - or even not at all - it goes without saying that Christmas cake in all its forms can take pride of place as a festive masterpiece. From the booze soaked fruits and festive spices to “feeding” the cake with whiskey for up to twelve weeks you can’t deny that it is an integral part of the Christmas spirit. Even the pickiest of eaters has a special place in their hearts for the aesthetics or even the smell of this traditional winter fruit cake. If you don’t have the time
or the grá for baking that’s essential to constructing the perfect Christmas cake there are plenty of superb store-bought alternatives. Even if the baking side doesn’t appeal then you can still show off your creative skills by transforming a storebought cake into an artistic masterpiece with extra marzipan or icing. Christmas pudding - or plum pudding - has its roots in a traditional 14th century Christmas Eve meal called frumenty. Frumenty was eaten as a fasting meal in preparation for the Christmas festivities. Over the years frumenty evolved into
the rich, heavy pudding we’ve all grown to know and love. Christmas pudding is steeped in traditions, one of best known being that every member of the household should stir the mixture and make a wish to ensure good fortune for the coming year. It was also commonplace to hide silver coins in the pudding, a practice believed to bring wealth for the coming year to whomever found it. Popular serving suggestions include flambéing with brandy - adults only for this, and be very careful - before serving with custard, cream or even ice cream.
Unwind this Christmas FRENCH BISTRO & WINE BAR
GIFT VOUCHERS NOW AVAILABLE NOW TAKING BOOKINGS: (021) 239 0535 WELCOME TO THE RELAXED QUARTER
8/9 Careys Lane, Cork City Facebook: Huguenot Bistro E: info@huguenotbistro.ie www.huguenotbistro.ie
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Festive Food
5 December 2014
Buon Natale in the heart of Douglas Village Send some Irish goodies this Christmas & bring them closer to home
Christmas Irish Hamper
ONLY
€49.99 + P&P
www.justlikehome.ie
Elio Tavolieri of La Tana on Barrack Street is bringing his passion for traditional Neapolitan pizza to Douglas Village this Christmas with his latest venture: Palmento. His newest pizzeria is on schedule to open next week on the redeveloped site of the old Cashman’s Bookmakers on Church Street in Douglas. “It has the look and feel of a casual NY pizza joint for people to come to eat in or to take out” says Elio “but the oven is 100% Italian.” At the heart of the premises is a traditional hand-built oven shipped from Napoli; the only one of its kind in the country. Nothing tastes as good as handmade pizza from a wood-fired oven; the flavours are mouthwatering and the pizza perfect every time. Inspired by the traditional methods of Neapolitan masters, Elio spent the summer with the master pizzaiolo Ciro Salvo at the world famous 50Kalo in Napoli learning a few tips and tricks (with a Cork twist of course) to bring back to Douglas. According
Elio (right) training in the Kitchen of 50Kalo with Ciro Salvo.
to Elio, “Ciro’s obsessive approach to Neapolitan pizza has been a huge influence on how we do things in Palmento”. Palmento will be serving a selection of Neapolitan pizza, craft beers and Italian wines to eat in or take out. Customers can look forward to a large selection of classic Italian
pizza, as well as some inventive gourmet offerings, all made with the finest of fresh ingredients – and what better way to spend a chilly winter evening than enjoying a terrific pizza straight from a real Italian oven? Follow them on Facebook at: Palmento or contact 021 4365241 for collections.
Many thanks to all our customers for your continued support & we wish you all a Merry Christmas and the very best for the New Year
Gift Vouchers Available
Parties Catered for up to 40 people or more Take out facilities provided Full Wine, Beer & Spirit Licence Free parking Get a
Complimentary
Starter or Dessert with every main course purchased (Eat-In Only) Sun - Thurs 5.30 - 12am Not available on the 24th and 31st December
Open for lunch during Christmas Lunch Menu from €11.50 including tea or coffee Sun 14th - Tues 23rd Dec 12.30pm -2.30pm Closed Christmas Day & St. Stephen’s Day | Reopening Saturday 27th
thecorknews
Festive Food
5 December 2014
53
Get Stuffed Back in the good ol’ days - the 80s, for instance - you were lucky to get some breadcrumbs mixed with thyme and a bit of crudely chopped onion. However nowadays, with the rising popularity of celebrity chefs and their spectacular culinary inventions, humble Christmas stuffing is starting to get notions. This Christmas add a bit of flair to your meal and get creative with chestnuts, cranberries, apricots and of course the old favourite – sausage meat. Try a chestnut, cranberry and bacon stuffing for something a little bit different. Soak 100g of cranberries in a splash (or three) of port for an hour. Fry one small onion (chopped) and two unsmoked rashers (cut into strips) in a knob of butter until cooked. Add in two cloves of finely chopped garlic and fry. Then add in 450g sausage meat, 140g of peeled cooked chestnuts and herbs to taste. We recommend two tbsp of chopped parsley and ½ tsp of chopped fresh thyme. Add in the cranberry and port mixture as well as one medium
Three great ways to experience Greenes Restaurant
As a Choice:
Dine with friends our loved ones - Seasonal Menus available from €29.50 - €45.00
As a Gift:
Choose to give a gift, of whatever value you like, for Greenes Restaurant or Isaacs Hotel and we will even send it direct to them by post.
For The Foodie in your Life – Give a present that keeps giving into 2015! Fixed Cost Voucher only €50 save €30 - includes: 1. 2. lightly-whipped egg to bind. This mixture can be baked in an oven dish at 190C/ Gas mark 5 /170 C fan for 40 minutes or rolled into stuffing balls and cooked until golden brown. Wondering what to do with leftover stuffing? Make stuffing balls, wrap them in bacon and stick them in the oven until crisp for some tasty savoury treats to have with the
obligatory Christmas dinner sandwiches later that evening. Stay safe this Christmas, though and remember that stuffing can be a recipe for a food poisoning disaster. When in the cavity, the stuffing often doesn’t reach the desired temperature of over 165 degrees. If in doubt, cook your stuffing outside the bird to avoid any unpleasantness for you or your guests.
3. 4. • •
Early Bird Dinner for 2 people in January and February 20% off our legendary Table d’Hote Menu - Dining with a Party of Four or More, when Dining Sunday to Friday. Complimentary Glass of that week’s ‘Featured Wine’ for each of your party when you dine mid-week. Membership of our new ‘Supper Club’ giving access to preferred offers/ discounts and special food events in 2015. One offer per visit. Full terms and conditions are available just email: gm@isaacs.ie or visit www.greenesrestaurant.com Total Offer Value is in excess of €80.00 If you are interested in receiving information on our Supper Club and Invite Only Food Events email Arthur Little: gm@isaacs.ie
Greenes Restaurant , Hotel Isaacs & Apartments, 48 MacCurtain Street, Cork Tel: 021 450 00 11
LUNCH SPECIAL Bento Box €8.99
Rice, Miso Soup, 2 Sushi & 3 daily dishes OPEN 7 DAYS Monday to Thursday
Lunch from 11.30am - 3.30pm Dinner 5.30pm - 11.30pm
Lunch from 11.30am - 3.30pm Dinner 3.30pm - 11.30pm
WINTER OFFERS 04/12/2014 - 01/01/2015 Valid Monday to Thursday ONLY Spend over €69 and get a voucher for a Lunchtime Bento Box free.
Friday to Sunday
FIRST SUSHI NOODLE RESTAURANT IN CORK CITY
SakuraJapaneseCuisine
SakuraJapaneseCuisine
www.sakurajapaneserestaurant.ie 3 8 M a cCu r t ain S t . , C o rk C i t y Ce n t re
021 4508228
WINTER OFFERS 04/12/2014 - 01/01/2015
Valid Monday to Thursday ONLY Lunchtime spend over €10 and get two pieces of Sushi Nigiri Free WITH THIS VOUCHER ONLY
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thecorknews
Festive Food
5 December 2014
Hot Mulled Cider
pizzeria opening early December 2 church st, Douglas FinD us on Facebook
| wooD burning oven | genuine | authentic | italian |
FOTA Collection
Gifts for HER onlInE GIFT vouCHERs available on www.fotaisland.ie
Hot Buttered Rum Ingredients: • 100 ml dark rum • 6 tsp vanilla syrup • 2 tbsp unsalted butter • 6 cloves • 2 star anise Method: Add all the ingredients to a saucepan, stirring well to ensure all the butter melts; top up with a little boiling water and serve in a mug with a cinnamon stick.
Homemade cocktails for festive fun Homemade cocktails are a delightful way to fill yourself and your guests with Christmas cheer. Here are a couple of simple and interesting cocktail recipes you can try this festive season.
The
Hotel luxury in Cork
Ingredients: • 1 litre apple cider • ½ inch fresh ginger, peeled and finely grated • 2 lemons, sliced • 1 cinnamon • 3 star anise • 1 vanilla pod, slit down the middle with the seeds scooped out • 200 ml bourbon whiskey • 1 red apple Method: Combine the apple cider, ginger, lemon, cinnamon, star anise and vanilla pod in a saucepan and simmer on a low heat for 45 minutes. Remove the spices and fruit with a slotted spoon. Pour a 50ml shot of the bourbon in to a glass; fill up with the hot spiced cider mixture and garnish with cinnamon stick and slice of apple.
www.fotaisland.ie www.fotaisland.ie
www.thekingsley.ie www.thekingsley.ie
Christmas Kiss Give the gift of relaxation. Indulge your loved one with a spa treatment, or Afternoon Tea at either Fota Island Resort or The Kingsley.
Gift Cards for either property, call 021 4883700
Find us on
Fota Island, Cork, Ireland. www.fotacollection.ie T +353 (0)21 488 3700 F +353 (0)21 488 3871 E info@fotacollection.ie
Ingredients: • Angostura bitters, to taste • 350 ml cold champagne • 500 ml blood orange juice • 500 ml cranberry juice • 25 ml Cointreau, or other orange-flavoured liqueur • Orange peel and maraschino cherries to garnish Method: Take some chilled champagne flutes and sprinkle some angostura bitters into the bottom of each. Half fill with champagne, then add some of each of the fruit juices - slowly or the champagne will froth. Top up the glass with Cointreau and garnish.
Snowball Ingredients: • 1 handful ice cubes • 2 shots Advocaat liqueur • ½ shots lime cordial • ½ shot sherry • Lemonade Method: Fill a tall glass with ice cubes; pour in the Advocaat, lime cordial and sherry. Top up with lemonade; give it a good stir and serve immediately.
thecorknews
Festive Food
5 December 2014
Christmas treats aplenty at Dukes Coffee Company
Merry Merry Christmas Christmas && Thank Thank You You To To All All Our Our Customers Customers
‘Tis the season, people! Shopping is under way in earnest, and you’re going to need to find somewhere in town to take a breather and get second wind for the mammoth task of gathering gifts. No better place for a pit stop than Duke’s Coffee Company on Carey’s Lane, purveyors of fine foods and coffees. Dukes are getting into the Christmas spirit with seasonal offerings guaranteed to make your mouth water. Aside from their legendary scones, expect mince pies, chocolate Yule log, traditional chocolate bunt cake and a selection of special seasonal sandwiches on Arbutus breads with turkey, spiced beef and
chicken from Tim Mulcahy of the famed Chicken Inn at the English Market. Warm up from the inside out with Duke’s selection of amazing coffees – coffee aficionados know Dukes have some of the best roasts in the business. Seasonal sweetness if also on offer with orange hot chocolate, mint hot chocolate, Turkish delight mocha and gingerbread cappuccino. Add a little luxury to your beverage with Chocolates by David; fresh locally handmade chocolates that are sinfully delicious. Once you sit down in the buzzing atmosphere of Dukes and taste the festive fare you may be reluctant to relinquish your seat! #careysxmas
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40A Cornmarket Street , Cork T: 021-4274777 E: cork@cornstore.com
19 Thomas Street, Limerick T: 061-609000 E: limerick@cornstore.com
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Festive Food
5 December 2014
Roast duck
Quail
Bored of the same old bird? Do you suffer from fowl fatigue every Christmas? As if dinner on the day wasn’t enough, there are days of turkey sandwiches, turkey curry, turkey stir-fry, and still the carcass lingers like an unwelcome relative. Try an alternative bird this Christmas. There are plenty to choose from as increasing numbers of people decide to turn down the turkey in favour of more interesting fare. Goose has a long tradition as a festive favourite and tends to be at its tastiest mid-winter, whereas turkeys are farmed all year round. Goose is surrounded by a layer of fat that keeps it moist and succulent, so it won’t dry out like turkey sometimes
Partridge and pheasant
Roast goose
does, and that fat brings a life and flavour to roast potatoes that is hard to beat. Lightly baked apple slices cut through the fat for a nice taste counterpoint. Duck is another popular alternative; you can serve it in a number of ways but because it doesn’t have the large breast that a turkey does, you need to be dextrous with a carving knife. A four-pound duck will feed four or five people with all the trimmings, and you can serve the legs and wings separately after carving up the breast meat. Game birds such as pheasant, partridge (of Twelve Days of Christmas fame) and guinea fowl are a healthy choice as
they are wild and very lean, and therefore low in fat. As it is hung after shooting, game develops oodles of flavour. Bear in mind that these birds are a lot smaller than the traditional turkey so you might need a couple, or a brace in shooting parlance. Quail are even smaller but they look great on the plate, even if eating it requires a bit of delicate surgery to work around the bones. All game birds are delicious when slow-roasted and served with a sauce that showcases the flavour through contrast, like blackcurrant and beetroot, orange and five spice or a honeyed glaze. The carcasses can also be used for richly-flavoured stock, a
perfect base for soups and sauces. If you’re feeling really adventurous and decide you’d like to have a mixture of birds for your Christmas feast this year, then you can use a wide variety of bones and offcuts to create some really stunning flavour combinations. Game birds will have a stronger flavour than plump, farm-reared turkey and so you’ll have even more flexibility when it comes to mixing and matching tastes. Remember, if you think the taste is a little too strong or rich, then even a small bit of acid - think classic orange with duck, or the tart tang of Christmas cranberries - can cut right through and make a difference.
Afternoon Tea At Actons Hotel Vouchers for Afternoon Tea in Actons Hotel will be on sale during the run up to Christmas. It is the perfect Christmas present or stocking filler. This voucher includes a wide selection of teas, coffees and freshly baked delicious treats.
€30 for 2 People Afternoon Tea Opening Times: Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 2-5pm Available from Thursday 8th January up until Saturday 28th February. Advanced booking is essential. Contact Mary Kirby O’Donovan for Bookings and Vouchers: Call: 021 477 9900 Email: mkodonovan@actonshotelkinsale.com
The Olive Stall English Market
thecorknews
Festive Food
5 December 2014
1 0 %F ! OF
Twice as Nice with jam!
ALL Christmas Stock
See, Taste and Smell a jam-style Christmas! Enjoy a weekend of jam’s festive food menu - mince pies, mulled wine, cakes, puds, trifle, tarts, patés, chutneys and pies with some warming mulled wine to add to the cheer!
THIS WEEKEND ONLY!
It’s all happening from Saturday 6th to Sunday 7th December from 12 noon to 5pm each day.
Friday 5th to Sunday 7th December JAM CORK Hanleys of Cork, Frankfield Road, Ballycurreen t: 021 432 3018 info@jam.ie | www.jam.ie connect with us on: facebook.com/jamcafes
Get inspired with Easy Christmas Entertaining with jam-proprietor Easy Xmas Entertaining James Mulchrone on Sunday
OPEN 7 DAYS for breakfast, brunch, lunch, snacks, takeouts, home-catering and whatever you’re having yourself!
7th Dec at 12 noon, 2pm, 4pm and Cake Decorating Hints ‘n Tips with jam’s own artisteextraordinaire Susan Harrington!
CHRISTMAS MULTIBUY • HALF BONELESS HAM € • LARGE TURKEY BREAST • €5 JANUARY VOUCHER
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30.00
AVAILABLE TO PRE-PURCHASE NOW
The Best For Less
Christmas Gift Vouchers Available
THIS WEEK’S MULTIBUY MULTIBUY DouglasTHIS Branch WEEK’S Carrigaline Branch Ballincollig Branch OPEN TO TRADE AND PUBLIC
The Cork Meat Company is a family owned meat business. We stock a full range of Beef, Lamb, Poultry, Pork, Bacon and a selection of Potatoes and Frozen Food all sold at amazing prices!
Unit 5,JOINT Whitakers Business Park Unit 8a, •• PORK ALL PORKLOIN LOIN JOINT Carrigaline Industrial estate, West Link ALLBusiness Park ONLY Kilnagleary West Link, ONLY •• 55CHICKEN FILLETS CHICKENCarrigaline, FILLETS Co. Cork. Ballincollig, Co. Cork. €€ T: (021) .00 .00 T: (021) 4852909 4875304 •• 66BEEF BEEFBURGERS BURGERS •• 1LB www.corkmeatcompany.ie 1LBBEEF BEEFPIECES PIECES •• 750G 750GBACON BACONJOINT JOINT Unit 1B, Dosco Business Park, South Douglas Rd, Cork. T: (021) 4366218
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5 December 2014
It's been our busiest year in a long time, this is just a few of the jobs we have done!
Cap & Band Troy Stripe & Cream Laminate tiles fitted recently.
MUNSTERS LARGEST FLOORING STORES
OUR BEST SELLING WOOD!! Rustic American Walnut, 12mm Laminate Gloss Flooring,
FREE MEASURING SERVICE OVER 500 BEDS & MATTRESSES IN STOCK WITH IMMEDIATE DELIVERY AVAILABLE
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only €10.99 sq yrd
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ORDER THIS WEEK FOR GUARANTEED FITTING AND DELIVERY FOR CHRISTMAS OVER 2000 CARPETS IN STOCK!
All the staff at factory carpets would like to thank all our customers for all there business & support throughout our busiest year since 2007 & would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!
FACTORY CARPET Open Mon - Sat 9am - 5.30pm | Sun 2pm - 5.30pm Kinsale Rd Roundabout, Cork (Near Smiths) Tel: 021 4319363 Unit 7, Millfield Ind. Est, Commons Rd, Cork Tel: 021 4396683
thecorknews
Cork Homes 5 December 2014
Gonatt light grey cot, Ikea, €170
Neutral nursery Nurseries no longer have to be awash with pinks and blues and instead can take on a modern and fresh vibe with a neutral colour scheme.
Alex Clark Hot Dog mini print, Kilkenny, €6.95 For contrast against the soft lines of a nursery consider this strip chandelier. Caseys, €125
The Babylo Oxford glider chair and foot stool, Smyths, €149.99
This Tree House Wall Art Kit features a magical tree surrounded by woodland animals. dressmyhome.ie, €27.95
UP TO 40% OFF
CHRISTMAS ON SALE
ALL CHRISTMAS CANDLES, GIFTSETS & ACCESSORIES
Consider knitting a baby’s blanket with gender-neutral colours. Vibes and Scribes on Bridge Street has a great selection of wool and pattern books.
Trent wardrobe, EZ Living, €499
Kinsale Road Retail Centre, Cork. (Beside Smyths Toys)
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Cork Homes
5 December 2014
20,000
Customers every year ask us to look after their
Irish Table Top set of four tumblers, Carraig Donn, €25
Sláinte!
Insurance
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Four vintage tumbler glasses, Marks & Spencer, €47.50
CAR, VAN, HOUSE AND BUSINESS Insurance
Jamie Oliver plastic milkshake glass with straw, Debenhams, €15
Prepare for the festive season by upping your vegetable and fruit intake with this Breville VBL096 Blend-Active Blender & Smoothie Maker from Soundstore for €49.99
O’Mahony Boylan Golden (Munster) Ltd
Insurance Brokers Insurance House 23 Parnell Place, Cork
021- 4270048 SERVING THE PEOPLE OF CORK FOR OVER 30 YEARS O’Mahony Boylan Golden (Munster) Ltd. is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland
A cut above Never get stuck again about wondering where a cut of meat comes from with this butcher’s apron, priced €25.95 from Cork company Darling Violets (see darlingviolets.com)
UP TO 40% OFF
CHRISTMAS ON SALE
ALL CHRISTMAS CANDLES, GIFTSETS & ACCESSORIES
Kinsale Road Retail Centre, Cork. (Beside Smyths Toys)
thecorknews
Style
5 December 2014
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BLARNEY WINDOW S Y S T E M S PVC WINDOWS AND DOORS BLARNEY CO CORK Tower Road, Blarney, Co Cork Email: blarneywindows@gmail.com www.blarneywindowsystems.ie
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CHRISTMAS
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thecorknews
Family 5 December 2014
Therapy for Alzheimer’s sufferers
In the family way? Fertility is becoming more and more a hot-button topic over the past year or two in Cork, and The Cork News wanted to find out why. Speaking to Pillar Healthcare MD Mark Whitney, we asked “Is it simply because people are more open to talking about their problems conceiving?” “Sadly no,” was the reply, “Our fertility standards have dropped dramatically in the past 40-50 years. In the past, a diagnosis of infertility was given to around one in 12 couples. Today, this number is halved, with one in five people being diagnosed as infertile. We spent €175 million in 2011 on IVF in this country alone. 3,000 children were born in that year through IVF. 4% of all children in Denmark and Finland have been born through IVF, the same as our little island as well.” The numbers seem to indicate a worrying trend - can it really be that we’re becoming less fertile as time goes on, or have diagnostic techniques simply improved so much over the last few decades that the medical profession is now better at detecting problems? “Let me give you one example” said Mark: “In Scotland in the 1940’s, the average
sperm count was 113 million/ ml. When re-examined in 1990, that value had dropped to 66 million/ml. In many cases infertility is the result of multi-factorial conditions, in both the female and the male. Factors including a declining nutritional status, a more toxic environment, irregular hormonal profiles and high stress levels; they can all impair our fertility.” Little wonder, then, that fertility treatments are becoming more and more common - and more and more affordable. Mark Whitney explains a typical process: “The first thing that we always recommend is getting the couple as healthy as possible. The healthier you are the more likely you are to
Tips to improve your fertility by Pillar Healthcare’s nutritional team: • Stop smoking • Reduce alcohol. • Eat better • Consider nutritional supplements • Maintain a healthy weight • Reduce stress
Now launching our 3 month UNLIMITED Access package
just €350
conceive. This goes equally for the gentlemen out there, as they supply 50% of their future child’s DNA. We are naturally big fans of improving your diet and lifestyle.” Surprisingly, there are tailormade nutritional supplements on the market which can actively improve your chances of conception: “The demands of our lives increase the need for extra nutrients” he clarifies. “We manufacture pre-Conceive which has been shown to improve fertility in men and women, while also improving fertilisation rates in assisted reproductive technologies. We always have a team standing by to help couples navigate their way through this process. On our website, we provide dietary and lifestyle advice for both men and women looking to improve their fertility. This advice is backed by institutes like Harvard, the ACOG, the American Fertility Association and organisations here at home as well.” Pillar Healthcare’s dietary supplements are available in Cork at Here’s Health on Patrick St, An Tobairín in Wilton and Douglas Court shopping centres and Bandon, and at Organico in Bantry.
Alzheimer’s and related dementias currently affect approximately 38,000 people in Ireland, and unless new therapies which may stall the progression of the illness are developed this figure is set to rise exponentially in the next few years due to the country’s ageing population. The impact of diagnosis reaches far beyond the sufferer and touches the lives of everyone close to them as Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia, can cause irrevocable damage to the brain characterised by chronic memory loss, loss of intellectual function, language deterioration and personality change. Cork man Richard Lane, of Memory Lane Productions, explains how he developed an innovative new way of helping
sufferers and loved ones reconnect: “ I lost my job in 2010, and I wanted to do something to support my family but I also wanted to do something worthwhile...I created a slideshow for my mother and father’s 50th wedding anniversary and they and my family got so much pleasure out of it. A family member then asked me to do one for their mother, who was suffering with dementia. I did and she said it gave her mother great joy. My interest started from that,” he said. Having spent the last year researching reminiscence therapies Lane developed and launched his product earlier this year. The process is threefold: firstly he records family members of a person suffering with dementia or Alzheimer’s in front of a green screen, they
reminisce and share personal stories relating to the person along with photos, which are shown in chronological order. “What we are trying to do is connect the dots between the long term memories to the short term memory” he said. Secondly, he creates a slideshow of all the pictures set to music that is personal to the sufferer and thirdly a CD of the music featured is made for the sufferer to relax to. Lane’s system has helped dementia sufferers and their families across Cork but unless funding is increased by the government to assist the cause, care and cure of Alzheimer’s in the near future the number of people diagnosed with Dementia in Ireland is predicted to rise to 58,000 by 2021 and 104,000 by 2036.
Richard Lane of Memory Lane Productions
Maintain your Balance A summer camp for Cork adults and children with special needs has received a welcome boost this week with news of additional funding. Balance, which in runs a charity shop beside the Chapel Gate Cafe in Ballincollig, has received €8,000 towards the cost of its summer camps from National Lottery funding. Cork North West Fine Gael
TD Áine Collins weclcomed the award, saying: “This grant is more than financial support. It is also about valuing the time, toil and talent given by all those involved with Balance. “We all know that the money raised by the National Lottery goes to good causes. I’m delighted that we, here in Cork North West, now know that a portion of our Lotto and
scratch card spending is going straight back into Ballincollig.” However, Ms Collins urged people to continue to support the charity. “I’m asking the people of Ballincollig to continue their generous support of the Balance shop,” she said. “Families of adults and children with special needs face a number of additional costs. “
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thecorknews
Family
5 December 2014
63
Anti-water charges protestors march through Cork city. Picture by: Billy MacGIll.
BUMBLEance - Christmas in the Quad in UCC Santa will be leaving his sleigh behind and travelling by motorbike on the evening of Thursday, December 11th, to help launch a very special fundraising event at UCC in aid of BUMBLEance, the world’s first interactive ambulance service for children BUMBLEance, which receives no state funding, transforms what can be very difficult journeys for critical-
ly ill children and their families into something much more pleasant using its stateof-the-art vehicle. Dr Louise Crowley, law lecturer at UCC and also board member of BUMBLEance, said: “(It’s) a travelling playroom of fun and entertainment with room for Mum and Dad too… It provides an invaluable service.” Activities planned for the
event include: a candlelight walk, where those participating will be serenaded by buskers and carol singers dotted along the route; a raffle, and a concert by Voiceworks Studio featuring 120 students in the Boole basement of the college at 6pm. Entrance to the concert is free, although donations will be welcomed and used to get a second BUMBLEance
on the road in 2015. Co-organiser of the event Pat Cotter is encouraging members of the public to come along on the night and enjoy the activities on offer. “It will be a great family event in the run-up to Christmas,” he said. The festivities will begin in the Quad at 5pm with the candlelight walk starting at the Student Centre.
Get your skates on with Santa! families. Enjoy an unforgettable morning on the ice and then relax with a gourmet hot chocolate at the rinkside O’Conaill Chocolate Café afterwards! Plus, this year there will be Christmas Storytelling at the Gingerbread House with Mrs Claus and, because this is a special Christmas present, there is no extra charge for the Skate with Santa sessions and spectators watch for free.
Santa is making a special appearance at Cork on Ice during the 10.30am and 11.40am sessions for the next three Saturdays and Sundays, December 6th, 7th, 13th, 14th, 20th and 21st. Families can book off-peak tickets as normal at corkonice.com and enjoy a skating session with Santa to show off a few tricks on the ice. Saint Nick will also be available for photos with
Now launching our 3 month UNLIMITED Access package
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Sufferers support water protests Sufferers of two rare diseases have added their voices to anti-water charge protests in Cork and elsewhere in the country in the run-up to another round of protests over December. Yvonne Evans Nevin, chairwoman of EDS Awareness Ireland, said: “Many of our members need extra water for various reasons. Having to monitor or cut down on water usage will lead to many health problems for those living with EDS and Dysautonomia” Ehlers Danlos syndrone (EDS) is a connective tissue disorder which weakens joints, ligaments, muscles and other organs. It can range from mild to life-threatening. Dysautonomia is caused by the malfunction of the autonomic nervous system, which regulates all the unconscious functions of the body, including the cardiovascular system and gastrointestinal system. Irish Dysautonomia Awareness founder Lette Moloney revealed the impact water charges could have on sufferers. “We are required to drink more water than the average person to help regulate
our blood pressure and blood volume levels and to keep us hydrated as we dehydrate quickly,” she said. “Fainting can be a part of the condition, as well as serious gastric issues.” EDS sufferers are impacted by dexterity issues that mean extra water spillage, while dysautonomia can cause gastrointestinal or bowel problems that require additional washing machine use. In severe cases, both conditions can mean multiple surgeries, the use of feeding tubes and other equipment requiring sterilisation, and frequent hand washing, all of which mean excessive water use. “Many EDS sufferers are unable to work, or only able to work part time,” said Ms Evans Nevin. “The idea of having to pay hundreds of euros per annum means sufferers will find it difficult to pay for much-needed physiotherapy sessions, medications and private appointments. “This is a huge stress for people and it is always those most vulnerable in society that get the raw end of the deal.”
Sinus Problems, Hayfever or Coughs & Colds our natural, drug free treatment is for you.
“ John- Chronic Asthmatic
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salt life therapy.ie Unit 9a Hazelwood Centre, Glanmire, Cork T: 021 4823097 Grange Road, Grange, Douglas, Cork T: 021 4360060 / 021 4365852
thecorknews
Style 5 December 2014
Lovin’ it Drape yourself in this gorgeous devore velvet kaftan from Zara, priced €79.95
Hit the right note Whether you are an aspiring musician or simply love listening to good tunes, this pair of 50 Denier tights is just what you need to express your musical side! The Musical Notes Flocked Fashion Tights by Pamela Mann are €10.95 from dressmylegs.ie.
City Style
Up-cycled chic
Pictured: Jamie Thermann What I’m wearing: Scarf: Penneys Cardigan: River Island Top: Diesel Leggings: Penneys Boots: Schuh
Kinsale-based Mamukko with its up-cycled bags were winners in the Design Sustainability category at the recent IDI Design Awards. Established by two Hungarian brothers, Levente and Attila Magyar, Mamukko repurposes reclaimed boat sails, leather and other materials for a second life application as bags. The brand is making a name for itself among the sailing community, as well as the eco-conscious urban market.
Annual Super Sale NOW ON! HUGE REDUCTIONS ON ALL STOCK Sterling Silver name chains made to order within 3 days. All names €50 including Chain
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Keep your lo ved ones close to your heart with our laser engraved ph oto pendants, av ailable in Gold or Si lver to order.
thecorknews
Style
5 December 2014
Accessorise the look Cecile watch from Fossil in rose gold and pink, Kilkenny, €149
Edie jacquard embellished top, Oasis, €56
DKNY + Cara Delevingne satin-crepe blazer, net-a-porter.com, €295
Suit up Looking for a new party look? Consider the suit an option as sharp tailoring, statement jewellery and show-stopping heels allow for the perfect work to play look…
Victoria Beckham small zip python pouch, Brown Thomas, €575
A timeless fit and wear-anywhere shape makes this Whisper Light classic jacket a wardrobe essential that can be easily dressed up with a statement necklace and killer heels. French Connection, €190
Black art deco jewelled cape, River Island, €75
Loose fit pants, Vero Moda, €34.95
DKNY + Cara Delevingne satin-crepe tapered pants, neta-porter.com, €215
Bring velvet bang up-to-date with these velvet trousers from Zara, €59.95
Leather court shoes, H&M, € 59.99
Annual Super Sale NOW ON! HUGE REDUCTIONS ON ALL STOCK Sterling Silver name chains made to order within 3 days. All names €50 including Chain
Up to 50% of all watch’s including Rotary, Citizen, Seiko, d’Alton, Tissot, Festina, Casio and more...
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STEPHEN GLEESON JEWELLERS, 11 CASTLE STREET, CORK. TEL: 021 427 1866
Keep your lo ved ones close to your heart with our laser engraved ph oto pendants, av ailable in Gold or Si lver to order.
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Style
5 December 2014
Winter ready Keep your head warm this winter with these fashionable finds...
Made to order Mauve fleck herringbone 1920s hat. evelyn.ie, €60
Faux Fur Bow Earmuff, littlewoodsireland.ie, €10
Boucle Faux Fur Pom Beanie, Oasis, €19
SHANAGARRY
Design Centre Pink felt roller-bowler hat, Accessorize, €39
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For an appointment call 021 435 9118 Mahon Point Shopping Centre, Cork Late nights Wed - Fri. Open Sunday 11 - 5pm
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Shanagarry Design Centre, Shanagarry, East Cork. T:021 4645838 Christmas Opening Hours 7 days -10am -6pm ShanagarryDCAd.indd 1
03/12/2014 14:04
thecorknews
Style
5 December 2014
20% OFF ALL BOOTS Mahon Point Shopping Centre | Wilton Shopping Centre
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Style Beauty
thecorknews
5 December 2014
thecorknews
Beauty 5 December 2014
Inglot O2M Breathable Nail Enamel number 637, Inglot, €13
Charlotte Tilbury’s Matte Revolution lipstick in Glastonberry, Brown Thomas, €30
Colour match Co-ordinating lip and nail colour might seem old-fashioned and passé, but it can be quite quintessentially modern. And, best of all, there is a colour to suit everyone…
Clinique’s Different Nail Enamel in Chocolate on my Pillow, Debenhams, €16
GOSH Velvet Touch Lipstick in Nougat, Sam McCauley, €9.99
Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Pur Couture Rebel Nudes number 58, Boots, €33
Mavala Mini Colour in Daring Pink, Boots, €6
MAC lipstick in Relentlessly Red, Brown Thomas, €19.50
OPI Red Nail Lacquer, Debenhams, €14.50
Stylish Maternity and Breastfeeding Wear Beautiful Christmas Gift Hampers Vouchers Carolls Quay, Cork. Phone: 021 455 8937
New website now live.
Buy online at www.beautifulbumps.ie
€5.50 next day delivery in Ireland
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Beauty
5 December 2014
Quiff with lift For the men out there, if you fancied Ben Haenow’s ‘Quiff with lift’ in last week’s X Factor, the show’s stylist Jamie Stevens reveals how to get the look Step 1: After washing, treat the scalp with TRESemmé Renewal Hair & Scalp (€7.49), a vital step to keep hair and scalp healthy now the weather is getting cold. Use the product’s nozzle to section the hair so you can apply the tonic directly to the scalp, then massage in with your fingertips. Step 2: For long-lasting height and hold, apply TRESemmé 24 Hour Body Amplifying Mousse (€7.79) to hair while
Oh honey, honey For a great little beauty trick that leaves your skin soft and smooth, mix up a homemade scrub of honey and sugar. The frugal worker bee in all of us would approve.
it’s still damp. Then blow dry, using a brush to pull the front of the hair upwards. Work TRESemmé 24 Hour Body Sky High Plumping Powder (€7.79) into the roots for extra volume.
YOGA POSE OF THE WEEK Prasarita Padottanasana Intense Wide Leg Posterior Stretch
Step 3: To finish, apply a couple of pumps of TRESemmé Texture Style Velvet Crème (€7.79) through the roots and mid-length sections for separation and definition.
Benefits; Lengthens the hamstrings, adductors (inner thigh muscles), gluteus, calfs. Releases the lumbar (lower back) region of the spine. Improves blood flow to the brain. help to regulate blood pressure, calms the mind. A wonderful end of the day pose or end of any activity pose.
(All products are available in Boots)
Butter up Enriched with 20% shea butter, the supercreamy L’Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream (€23 for 150ml) penetrates quickly to protect, nourish and moisturise hands.
Buy of the week
Tip: Focus on lengthening the upper body more then lengthening the legs. Stay for 10-20 breaths then release kneeling on the floor.
Bobbi Brown mini long-wear cream shadow stick trio, in fan-favourite shades Pink Sparkle, Smokey Topaz and Espresso Bean can shade, define, highlight and smoke up eyes. Plus, they won’t crease, flake or fade. They are €39.50 from Brown Thomas.
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. 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
Stylish Maternity and Breastfeeding Wear Beautiful Christmas Gift Hampers Vouchers Carolls Quay, Cork. Phone: 021 455 8937
New website now live.
Buy online at www.beautifulbumps.ie
€5.50 next day delivery in Ireland
thecorknews
Beauty
5 December 2014
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thecorknews
Going Places 5 December 2014
The Venice of the North will float your boat Short breaks by Lizann Peppard In association with Hotels.com My wife and I are hoping to take a short break away in early January. We have always been interested in visiting Amsterdam as we hear it’s a beautiful city but have never got around to it. Can you recommend the best things to see and do there? We’re planning to go for three nights.
S
et against a backdrop of gentle canals, decorative houseboats and flower markets, Amsterdam is a truly spectacular city and ideal for a mini break away. The city, known for
having the highest density of museums in the world, is brimming with culture and blends history with urban flair in a unique way. Known as the Venice of the North thanks to the meandering canals that flow lazily through the city, one of the best ways to get to know Amsterdam is by taking a canal tour. The trip will give you an informative introduction to the geography and background of the city and you’ll also visit some of its many sights from the waterways, named as part of the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2010. A visit to the Anne Frank House, where the wartime diarist and her family hid during World War II, is a must. The historical site has been preserved and transformed into a biographi-
cal museum and focuses on the Secret Annexe, a dark space where the Franks hid each day for over two years. The museum pays tribute to Anne Frank’s life and her incredible story and a visit is a deeply moving experience. Avoid the queues by booking online for a reserved time. If you are an art lover, Amsterdam certainly does not disappoint. The world’s most extensive collection of Vincent Van Gogh’s work can be found at the Van Gogh Museum in Museum Square. This awesome collection is organised into five periods, mapping the artist’s life. It also includes some of his most famous work such as his beautiful painting Sunflowers. While you’re in the area, visit the nearby Rijksmuseum, another of
Amsterdam’s finest galleries. It reopened last year after a multi-million euro renovation and exhibits an exceptional array of masterworks from Rembrandt to Vermeer. If you’re looking to escape the usual tourist eateries, get a feel for how the locals live by sampling the plethora of street food on offer before stopping off at one of the bustling pubs for a frothy beer. No visit to Amsterdam is complete without experiencing the city’s floating flower market, De Bloemenmarkt. Located on the Singel canal, the market is set along a row of barges and is the city’s most colourful attraction - just one of the many beautiful elements that make Amsterdam so magical.
Where to Stay: Renaissance Amsterdam Hotel (*****) Prices start from €152 per room per night on Hotels.com *Prices are subject to availability at the time of booking The Renaissance Amsterdam Hotel is located centrally to Amsterdam’s famous landmarks. This five-star hotel is stylish and modern. It contains a fully-equipped gym and the rooms are spacious and comfortable. Room Mate Aitana (****) Prices start from €119 per room per night on Hotels.com *Prices are subject to availability at the time of booking The Room Mate Aitana hotel is located just a short walk from the Central Station and the busy Dam Square. The hotel design is contemporary, with impressive overall architecture. It also contains a luxurious bar and lobby. Hotel Sebastian’s (***) Prices start from €110 per room per night on Hotels.com *Prices are subject to availability at the time of booking Hotel Sebastian has been designed with romance in mind and can be found in the heart of Amsterdam overlooking one of the many picturesque canals. The boutique hotel has a unique and trendy design and there is complimentary wireless internet access available.
Terms and conditions apply. Subject to availability. November - February.
thecorknews
Going Places
5 December 2014
Eastwards ho!
Cars big as bars, rivers of gold
The shopping trip to New York is becoming “a thing” once again as many of us notice that we have a little more money in our pockets now than we’ve become accustomed to. Likewise the winter sun holiday, whether it’s to the Canaries, the Azores or even Florida (oh my!). Word is slowly trickling out about a destination which combines both glorious sunshine and stupendous shopping, however, as Irish people find themselves more and more familiar with Dubai. The tiny emirate, little over half the size of Co. Cork and perched on the Arabian peninsula on the shores of the Persian Gulf, has garnered a reputation as a playground for the ultra-rich; that’s reinforced by its spectacular growth and remarkable architecture, including the phenomenal Burj Khalifah, the world’s tallest building. However, although you will certainly find the ridiculously wealthy there, Dubai is a hidden gem for people who want a great value sun holiday or a shopping trip which won’t break the bank. You can get there from Dublin with Emir-
New York is the number one city searched for this year by Cork people who want to get away over the festive period. New data released by the travel experts at Hotels.com shows the top international destinations where Irish people would like to spend this Christmas and New Year based on hotel room searches. After New York, the city where Corkonians fancy spending some of the festive season is London. England’s capital transforms into a Christmas cornucopia with the stunning Oxford Street Christmas lights, Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park and the famous New Year’s Eve fireworks over the Thames. The third most popular destination searched for is Istanbul in Turkey. Because December 25th is not a public holiday in Turkey, everything is open. That means visitors can enjoy all the sights and attractions over the festive break and the city is renowned for its New Year’s Eve street parties. Paris, Amsterdam, Rome
ates for under €500 (with a gargantuan 30kg luggage allowance!), so it’s little wonder that upwards of 4000 Irish holidaymakers see it for themselves every year, experiencing mountains, desert, beaches, dunes, lush parks and greenery and some of the world’s best golf courses within a few minutes of each other. It’s an ideal winter destination for people like us, because what seems chilly to the natives is still a gorgeous sum-
mer’s day from our perspective. It’s 23 degrees there today, for instance, with blue skies and sunshine, while here in Cork our teeth are beginning to chatter. And, just in case you have a hankering for a winter feeling, there’s always Dubai’s famous all-year ski slope, just an air-conditioned taxi ride from the expansive Persian Gulf beaches. It’s not all shopping centres and swanky upmarket stores either; Dubai still retains its
old character in the shadows of the gleaming skyscrapers of this generation, and traditional markets can be a treasure trove for gifts, food, antiques and sundries of all descriptions. The Dubai Shopping Festival takes place in January, and is well worth checking out if you’re a fan of retail therapy. For more information on guided tours and other things to do in Dubai, check out arabianadventures.com or, to book, visit emirates.ie.
and Edinburgh feature on the list as Cork’s travellers, recovering-but-not-quiterecovered from the recession, search for destinations close to home this December. Edinburgh, especially, is renowned for its festive atmosphere on the far side of Christmas week as the city gives itself over wholesale to the famous Hogmanay new year’s festivities.
Hit the Slopes!! Fly from Cork
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• Visit representative in resort, checked in bag and on-line discount of €30 per person.
thecorknews
Drive 5 December 2014
Tour guide Seán Creedon resists the urge to put the pedal to the floor and elects to sit back and relax in the new Insignia Tourer from Opel
I
t’s probably as easy to get penalty points for speeding in a 20-year-old car as it is in a new one, but if you are driving new cars every week the temptation is always there to see how fast they can go. That’s why I was happy to see a digital speed counter on the dash when I sat into the new In-
Aygo
signia Country Tourer last week. The speed counter certainly helps focus the mind on any possible speed traps that might lay ahead, but really this is a car to relax in and do a bit of ‘country touring’ at your leisure, rather than see how many seconds it takes to get to 100 kph. For the record, Opel says you should
be able to get from zero to 100 in 11.4 seconds. Opel’s Insignia has been getting good reviews and the Country Tourer is really an estate or ‘station wagon’ version. It’s really long and sturdy. I drove a 4x4 version, but didn’t have any reason to go off road last week. Motoring writers are spoiled in that the cars we get are packed with
This is
extras; I had heated front seats and reversing sensors and both were appreciated. The boot is massive and it could take three or four suitcases plus a set of golf clubs, and if you have a dog, he/she would really appreciate the boot space available. Despite all that space it was disappointing to find a repair kit instead of a spare wheel. However, there is space provided for a space-saver or full-size spare wheel if you are buying a new Tourer yourself. Inside there is plenty of room for five adults and plenty of head and leg room for the back seat passengers
also. My test car came in a deep green colour, which was unusual. Black or white are good colours for the regular Insignia, but I suppose green added to the rustic look. I showed the Country Tourer to a colleague, who has recently bought a regular Insignia; he previously owned an Opel Vectra, which the Insignia has replaced, and he still can’t get over the improvements that have been made. There is keyless entry and stop-start technology. And if you leave the key in one of the cubby holes in the cabin as you exit the car horn sounds. It’s a great way to
ShowTime November 6th-10th
remind you to go back and fetch your keys, but if it happens late at night it might be annoying for the neighbours. It’s a powerful motor and if you have a caravan or need to tow a trailer there is a hitch discreetly located underneath the boot. I thought the 2.0-litre diesel engine was frugal. I enjoyed it. Prices start at €24,995, for the regular Insignia while the Country Tourer starts at €37,995. In Cork you can check out the Tourer at: Greenhall Motors in Buttevant, Johnson and Perrott on the Douglas Road and Kevin O’Leary Motors in Silversprings and Bandon.
TOYOTA IN THE CITY
Call us today to book yours...
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?
SALES - SERVICE - PARTS - BODYSHOP
South Douglas Road, Cork Tel 021 4817700
www.lehanemotors.ie
toyota.
thecorknews 5 December 2014
EXTENDED until Dec 9th Extra Cars Added
Drive
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thecorknews
Drive
5 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
Mitsubishi ASX Price: €16,950 Engine: 1.8 Diesel Transmission: Manual Year: 2012 Mileage: 45,983 miles Colour: Metallic blue Dealer: Dan Seaman Motors, Forge Hill, Kinsale Road, Cork Tel: 021 432 0266
Skoda Superb Price: €17,450 Engine: 1.6 Diesel Transmission: Manual Year: 2012 Mileage: 95,000 miles Colour: Grey Dealer: Mallow Road Motors, Kinap, Mallow Road, Co. Cork Tel: 021 439 2066
BMW 3 Series Price: €18,900 Engine: 2.0 Diesel Transmission: Manual Year: 2009 Mileage: 85,994 miles Colour: Silver Dealer: Kearys BMW, Eastgate Business Park, Little Island, Co. Cork Tel: 021 500 3600
€20,000 to €25,000
Citroen C3 Sky Price: €5,900 Engine: 1.1 Petrol Transmission: Manual Year: 2008 Mileage: 58,492 miles Colour: Metallic brown
Nissan Qashqai SVE Price: €12,750 Engine: 1.5 Diesel Transmission: Manual Year: 2009 Mileage: 58,000 miles Colour: Black
Fiat 500 Lounge Price: €14,950 Engine: 1.2 Petrol Transmission: Manual Year: 2014 (142) Mileage: 185 miles Colour: Metallic blue
Dealer: Great Island Motors, Rushbrooke, Cobh, Co. Cork Tel: 021 481 1609
Dealer: CAB Motors Monaghan Road, Ballintemple, Cork Tel: 021 429 0600
Dealer: Lee Garage, 11-13 South Terrace, Cork Tel: 021 431 3344
RELAX We can fix most minor repairs for less than the cost of your INSURANCE EXCESS NO FUSS. NO HASSLE. NO PROBLEM.
SEND US A PIC OF THE DAMAGE AND WE’LL SEND YOU BACK A NO-OBLIGATION QUOTE!
Opel Mokka SUV Price: €22,500 Engine: 1.7 Diesel Transmission: Manual Year: 2014 (141) Mileage: 12,559 miles Colour: Blue Dealer: Kevin O’Leary Group Silversprings, Cork Tel: 021 450 3397
BEFORE Prices start from as little as €150
Volkswagen Passat Price: €23,500 Engine: 1.6 Diesel Transmission: Manual Year: 2013 Mileage: 50 miles Colour: Brown Dealer: Newmarket Motors, Main Street, Newmarket Co. Cork Tel: 029 601 00
Skoda Octavia Elegance Price: €23,950 Engine: 1.6 Diesel Transmission: Manual Year: 2014 (141) Mileage: 8,000 miles Colour: Red Dealer: Finbarr Galvin Motors, Clonakilty Road, Bandon, Co. Cork Tel: 023 882 0555
AFTER For Minor scuffs, dents and scratches. We’ll restore your car to a ‘like-new’ finish.
We’ve worked hard to become one of the country’s most trusted repair specialists - we won’t let you down.
SEND TO DENIS:
087 2628728
NOW OPEN IN POULADUFF Unit 1C, Sitecast Industrial Estate, Pouladuff, Cork. Tel: 021 5005026 Unit J1, Marina Commercial Park, Centre Park Road, Cork. Tel: 021 4317673 | Mob: 087 2628728
Email: info@dineencrashrepairs.ie | www.dineencrashrepairs.ie
thecorknews
Drive
5 December 2014
MAHONPOINT 021 461 5220 Mahonpoint Retail Park, Cork. www.jpmahonpoint.ie
our Gift to you this Christmas!
DOUGLAS 021 491 6300 Douglas Road, Cork. www.jpdouglas.ie
Buy any quality approved used car during December using Johnson & Perrott Approved Finance and...
the first payment is on us! Call or drop into us today for more details. Johnson & Perrott is regulated & authorised as a Credit Intermediary by the National Consumer Agency. Finance offers available on selected models when ordered, registered & financed through Johnson & Perrott Approved Finance. Lending criteria and terms & conditions apply. Finance is provided by way of a hire purchase agreement. Deposit may be required. Credit applications open to over 18’s only. Offer expires 31st December 2014
}
www.jpdouglas.ie Douglas 021 4916300
www.jpmahonpoint.ie Mahon Point 021 4615220
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Drive
5 December 2014
Peugeot award for Johnson & Perrott’s David Ryan Johnson & Perrott at Mahon Point have further secured their reputation as the only name in town when it comes to Peugeot with the announcement that Peugeot brand manager David Ryan has been awarded the Peugeot Sales Person of the Year 2014 title. Following an eight-month sales challenge, the top 10 Peugeot sales executives in Ireland were brought to Stuttgart to take in the sights and to enjoy the Oktoberfest Beer Festival. David was declared the overall winner of the Peugeot Sales Challenge 2014 at a gala dinner, where he was presented with his trophy. Recognised by Peugeot for his outstanding performance in sales and marketing of new and used Peugeot cars and LCVs, David’s joint-biggest selling car models this year have been the new Peugeot 308, the European Car of the Year 2014, and the awardwinning Peugeot 5008 sevenseater compact MPV, followed closely by the Peugeot 3008 Crossover. David, originally from Fairhill but now living in
Bernard Fitzpatrick, Douglas, winner of the Juke, with Amy Meehan, Marketing Manager Kearys, Kelvin Flanagan, Sales Manager Kearys Motorworld, Grainne Murnane, Red FM and Brendan Keary, Director Kearys. Picture by: John Sheehan Photography.
New Kearys dealership opens in style From left: Des Cannon, managing director at Gowan Distributors Limited, Peugeot Importers in Ireland; David Ryan, Peugeot brand manager at Johnson & Perrott Mahon Point and winner of the Peugeot Sales Challenge 2014; and Colin Sheridan, sales and marketing director at Gowan Distributors Limited.
Watergrasshill, has worked in the motor trade for 28 years. A member of Cork Bushido Kickboxing and a coach at Riverstown Football Club, Glanmire, he is married with two boys. On receiving his award, David said: “It’s been a very busy year for new Peugeot models and I am delighted to win the Peugeot Sales Challenge 2014. At Johnson & Perrott, we strive constantly to ensure our customers receive a secondto-none experience. It is
extremely gratifying to win such an accolade.” Colin Sheridan, sales and marketing director at Gowan Distributors, Peugeot’s importers in Ireland, said: “I warmly congratulate David for leading the team at Johnson & Perrott Mahon Point to achieve their sales targets in 2014. Johnson & Perrott’s Customer Satisfaction score provides clear evidence of David’s absolute focus on providing excellent customer service. I wish him every continued success.”
Kearys celebrated the launch of their new state-of-the-art Nissan dealership on the Carrigrohane Road, formerly the premises of Windsor Motors, by giving away a brand new Nissan Juke in association with Cork’s Red FM. Bernard Fitzpatrick from Maryborough Hill in Douglas won the 151 Nissan Juke in a game called Kearys’ Finders Keepers. In one of the biggest deals in the motoring trade in 2014, the acquisition of Windsor Motors consolidates Kearys’ position as Cork’s largest motor group, and it now becomes the exclusive name for Nissan in
Cork. As part of the acquisition, Kearys secured all 16 jobs of the former Windsor Motors team. Speaking at the launch of Kearys Motorworld, Bill Keary, managing director of Kearys Motor Group, said: “This is a great day for us at Kearys. We have a state-ofthe-art new flagship Nissan showroom that offers all of the latest Nissan cars, along with used cars, servicing, parts and much more. “We have the stunning new Nissan Pulsar now on display and we welcome car lovers and anyone in the market to buy a 151 C Nissan to call in to see us and see what
fantastic deals are to be had.” Sales manager Kelvin Flanagan will lead a team of 20 at the dealership. Commenting on the launch, he said: “It was really positive news that we were able to secure the positions of all former Windsor Motors team, they are hugely experienced and are critical to the future success of Kearys Motorworld.” Kearys are one of Ireland’s largest motor groups, with a number of dealerships around Cork city and county. Ireland’s newest Nissan dealer, Kearys also represent Hyundai, Renault, BMW, MINI, Motorrad and Dacia.
Our range is within yOur range
Drive a new ŠKODA from as little as €129† per month including servicing. From the luxurious Superb to the fuel efficient Octavia, the city-smart Citigo to the rugged Yeti, with ŠKODA PCP Solutions, our versatile ŠKODA range is always within your range. Our competitive finance rates start from just 3.9%APR with repayments from €129† 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*. To find out more, call into your local ŠKODA Dealer during our Open Event from 8th November.
ŠKODA OpEn EvEnT from november 8th.
E Tarrant & Sons, The Square, Banteer, Co. Cork. T. 029 56014. W. www.etarrant.ie 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. Finance example: 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.
thecorknews
Drive
5 December 2014
The Hyundai i20 Newly redesigned with upgraded exterior styling and interior upholstery, the Hyundai i20 is a car built for every occasion.
Book a test drive today. Hyundai, Believe Everything You Hear. Cork www.kearyshyundai.ie
Kinsale Road Roundabout, Cork Telephone: 021 4929 800
Mallow
Limerick Road, Mallow Telephone: 022 54000
Midleton
Cork Road, Midleton, Co. Cork Telephone: 021 462 1300
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thecorknews
Drive
5 December 2014
TOYOTA IN THE CITY
YOUR NEW
TOYOTA AWAITS!
Order your 2015 TOYOTA from Lehane Motors before December 8th and get 3 Years’ Free Service
TOYOTA
The Best Resale Value in Ireland
YEARS FREE
SERVICING
Call in to our new premises on South Douglas Road to view the complete range of 2015 Toyotas or for an excellent deal on your winter service.
Remember, if you order your new TOYOTA before December 8th, 2014 you can avail of our fantastic free 3 Year service offer.* *TERMS & CONDITIONS APPLY
SALES - SERVICE - PARTS - BODYSHOP South Douglas Road, Cork Tel 021 4817700 www.lehanemotors.ie
thecorknews
Sport & Fitness 5 December 2014
Munster prepares for Champions Cup action
M
unster are set for an epic challenge with an European Champions Cup encounter against Clermont Auvergne in Thomond Park this weekend. Captain Peter O’Mahony stated that the game tomorrow, Saturday (ko 5.30pm), will see Munster take on a “hugely competitive” French side. “Just look at their performances in the French Top 14 in the last few months,” he said. “Even when they’re not going well, they’ve got guys in the team who can punish you from any part of the pitch and when they’re going forward they are a very tough side to stop. We’ll have to be on our game at the weekend.” O’Mahony will line out for Munster for the first time since playing a pivotal role in Ireland’s Guinness Series victories over South Africa and Australia. “It just doesn’t get any bigger, European-wise,: he said. “It’s nearly on a par with an international game.
Pictured at today’s launch (L-R) Scarlets Ken Owens, Ulster’s Rory Best, Munster’s Peter O’Mahony, Leinster’s Jamie Heaslip, Osprey’s Alun Wyn Jones, Benetton Treviso’s Antonio Pavanello and Glasgow Warriors Henry Pyrgos. Picture by: Billy Stickland
It’s going be hugely intense. In fact it’s never anything but when we play each other,
always fiery with both teams not wanting to give an inch.” Meanwhile, Cork man
Donncha O’Callaghan, who was cited for allegedly kicking an opponent during
the Ulster game last weekend, will receive a two-week sanction after the citing was
upheld. At an independent Guinness PRO12 Disciplinary Committee in Glasgow, it was found that O’Callaghan had committed an act of foul play and upheld the citing complaint. In determining sanction, the disciplinary committee’s view was that O’Callaghan’s actions had been reckless, that the primary contact with the opponent had been on his shoulder and chest area, and that, in terms of seriousness, the player’s actions were at the lower end of World Rugby’s sanctions for foul play, which carries a four-week entry-point suspension. Team manager Niall O’Donovan stated that O’Callaghan has a “long and unblemished professional rugby career” spanning 17 seasons and “takes great pride in his conduct on and off the field”. “The committee accepted the action wasn’t intentional and decided the entry point for the offence to be at the lower-range, the four weeks reduced to two in mitigation,” he said.
Basketball showdown
City travel determined after heavy defeat
C&S UCC Demons forward Lehmon Colbert has not written off Dublin rivals Killester as the sides face each other this weekend as the opening rounds of the Men’s and Women’s National Cups come to a conclusion. The average points gap heading into the second leg of the Men’s National Cup is 13 points, but Killester has the highest mountain to climb after giving the Demons a 25-point head start. Killester has averaged just 64 points a game since the first leg but Colbert pointed out that if the Cork side “want to win trophies this season”, they “have to be willing to go through Killester”. “We’ve played them a couple of times now and it’s heating up but they’ll know us inside and out,” he said. The sides meet tomorrow,
Cork City travel to Morton Stadium to take on Raheny United in a Continental Tires WNL game this weekend after suffering a heavy defeat last week. The Leesiders lost 5-0 to Galway WFC at Eamonn Deacy Park. Manager Charlie Lynch stated that his team are a “little disappointed” about the result in Galway, but added that the players “have the character to overcome these trying times”. “We will give 100% against a tough opponent in Raheny,” he said. “We should be welcoming a few players back from injury or unavailability this weekend and that will hopefully be a welcome boost to the side ahead of the trip to Morton Stadium.” The game kicks off at 2pm this Sunday, December 7th.
Saturday, at the Mardyke Arena (3.15pm). Equally, while UCD are 18 points ahead of Cork’s own BFG Neptune, the Dublin side’s head coach, Ioannis Liapakis, stated that that number is “nothing”. BFG Neptune and UCD Marian meet at Neptune Stadium tomorrow, Saturday, at 7pm. In the Women’s National Cup, a Cork derby gets the weekend underway tonight, Friday. Team Montenotte Hotel came away from their game against Singleton SuperValu Brunell in the Parochial Hall in the first leg with a 26-point cushion. However, Glanmire’s Marie Breen stated that “every cup round throws up a crazy result and we just need to be sure it’s not us”. The sides meet at Upper Glanmire Sports Hall at 8pm.
Lehmon Colbert, C&S UCC Demons, in action against Michael Westbrooks, Killester, in the first leg of the Basketball Ireland Men’s National Cup semi-final at Neptune Stadium, Cork, last week. The Demons have a 25-point advantge going into the second leg. Picture by: Brendan Moran
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Sport & Fitness
5 December 2014
Countdown to 10 Entry for one of the biggest races in the Cork sporting calendar opens today, Friday. Thousands are once expected to line out in Ballycotton for the town’s annual 10 mile race, taking place in 2015 on Sunday, March 8th. Numbers are limited and there will be a combination of entries, with an online option opening today Friday at 2pm when the first 1,300 accepted. At 8pm this evening, a further 1,000 will be accepted, making an online total of 2,300. A PDF copy of the entry form will be published on ballycottonrunning.com on
Monday, December 8th while forms will also be available in John Buckley Sports, Tri n Run in Midleton and Ger Wyley Sports, Dungarvan, the same day. The first 200 nonclub entries to arrive by post will be added to the number, giving a total of 2,500. After that, only AAI club members and those who ran the four races in the Ballycotton Summer Series 2014 will be accepted up until Friday, December 19th and for those living overseas up until Tuesday, January 6th. Entry fee is €15 with a booking fee of €1.05 if entering online.
Veronica set for Operation Transformation Dunmanway’s Veronica Horgan is to be one of five team leaders in the eighth series of RTÉ’s Operation Transformation. The 24-year-old is to follow in the footsteps of last year’s Cork leaders Jennifer Bonus from Douglas and Deirdre O’Donovan from Carrignavar. Collectively, last year’s six leaders - including Jennifer and Deirdre - lost 13 stone 9.5 pounds.
In October, presenter Kathryn Thomas put out a nationwide call on John Murray’s radio show, looking for candidates who were willing to radically change their eating and exercise habits, and be prepared to inspire listeners and viewers to follow them on their journey. Veronica will now be one of the leaders for January’s series, who currently weighs 16 stone
5 lbs. Born in Mazara del Vallo in Sicily, she moved to Ireland with her Italian mother, Irish father and two sisters at the age of four. Her Sicilian grandfather used to call her ‘Sweetie’ in Italian, which directly translates to ‘little ball’ and she told the show that she was bullied because of her weight and the fact that she was ‘foreign’. Hence, she turned to food for comfort.
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It’s all good
5 December 2014
Lorcan MacMuiris chats with Damien Dempsey ahead of his gig in Glamire this weekend
U
n a s h a m e d l y, deeply, proudly a product of Dublin’s hard times, Damien Dempsey has forged, through might and main, a one-of-akind path through the Irish music scene. Declamatory lyrics, by turns plain-spoken and subtly poetic, married to a voice which crashes into you head on and can either push you around or pick you up and carry you, his big moment came when Sinéad O’Connor, bowled over by what she heard when he sang and spoke, lent him her not inconsiderable support. Damien credits her and a solar system of other strong Dublin voices with not only getting him where he is today but also shaping who he has become. Every inch a self-made man, Damien is humble, even bashful, when he praises his early musical heroes, some of whom are now among his biggest fans. “I got great wisdom from Sinéad, and Christy Moore and Luke Kelly,” he tells me after a reverent pause. “I try not to judge my own stuff. I let the other people who’ve listened to me tell me about it. Lots of people say it helps them. If I can help them, help someone, help anyone through a dark time, then
I’m very happy with that. I think hope is very important. Without hope I’d have been bol***ed!” He’s a very easy man to talk to, without a trace of any of the airs and graces someone less conscious of their own roots might develop after more than a decade of being a bona fide star in the Irish musical firmament. He’s not prone to laughter, but he has a hearty chuckle. He swears enthusiastically, but never gratuitously. And, in conversation as in song, he tells it like it is but leaves you in no doubt that this is his own perspective and that he’s deeply respectful of yours. He says he got great wisdom from others, but it appears that he’s still putting it to good use. Politics and religion, not usually prominent in this type of conversation, take centre stage, as they have done throughout his career. “I’m trying to impart some wisdom to the younger heads,” he discloses. “It’s important to pass wisdom down to young people. Modern life is very hectic. It’s full of mixed messages and there’s not much focus. I think, with the breakdown of the church, people don’t believe in all that much anymore, and that’s dangerous so, on the spiritual side, I suppose I’m trying to tell them to keep the faith. “My ma and my granny were
what they’d call themselves ‘white witches’ - they could see things that were going to happen before they happened. I think I have a bit of that. I have moments and experiences which help me to keep the faith, so I try to pass it down.” So, I ask, is your faith a very central part of who you are and what you do? Not just him, he tells me, but all of us. Not faith in a particular denomination, but in a certain something that maybe we’ve stopped trying to put our fingers on. “We were all a spiritual people, the Celts, the Irish, very connected, and to have that taken away from us under the Roman Catholic Church was not necessarily a good thing. I try to encourage people to go into a church even if there’s no one there and to just say a prayer. You don’t have to mention names or imagine faces - just go in and be quiet and experience it.” And what of his own experiences? Music has taken him far afield from Donaghmede in north-east Dublin, and his career started before the boom
“I get pissed off with kids on X Factor who think that singing is about being able to afford a mansion. It’s not.” and is still going strong now the Celtic Tiger has been lain to rest and we’re starting to make our way in a post-recession Ireland. That’s involved suffering and strife, two more constants throughout his music. “During the Celtic Tiger,
community spirit faded away, but it’s come back,” he says. “In a recession we have to look after each other. The people in the poorest parts of the world survive like that. It’s encouraging to see people marching for the water charges, but I think it’s more than just that. People are sick of being ripped off and fobbed off by the people in the country who just look after billionaires and bankers. “You can walk around and see the restaurants and bars full and think it’s not too bad, but the people who are still being affected are still at home - they can’t afford to go to restaurants. Another generation has left. It’s very hard if you’ve a sick parent to have to go half ways around the world and not see them. It should be a choice. You shouldn’t have to leave. There are lots of lonely young people out there in the world at the moment.” He feels the emotions of others very easily, I think. The anger which drove his earlier work seems to have softened, tempered by empathy and a vein of sadness that, for some people,
not much has changed. But he uses that to be more conscious of what he says and how he says it, and how he gets his point across when he’s on a stage in front of hundreds or thousands of people, all of whom are listening closely. “I used to be eyes closed, mouth open and that was it, but I always did the best I could. But especially after playing with Springsteen - Jesus….it was like he bottled the first rock and roll song that ever moved him, and then he opens it on the night and it’s all there in that performance… now I try to enjoy myself more and not take it so serious. I want to send people away feeling better about the world, maybe re-align them if they’re a little off track. After a great gig you wake up the next day and you’re flying. It carries through your sleep. I always get them to sing, it’s an amazing spiritual thing which can carry us through life. I get pissed off with kids on X Factor who think that singing is about being able to afford a mansion. It’s not.” Wisdom indeed. His upcoming album is still being written and he leaves me in no doubt that it’s a difficult process: “I’ll have to write 100 songs to get the next album. I write 10 to get one good one. I’d say I’ve got three good songs now for it; one about bullying, text bullying and cyberbullying and Facebook… God, you think you’d better off just talking to your friends than being on there. It’s a bit lonely I think. I was on Facebook myself for a while and I thought it was a bit weird. The thoughts of kids getting bullied in that way would break your heart. If someone doesn’t care about you, then don’t care what they think or say about you, is what I try to tell them. In January I’ll get the head down and go off the drink and get fit and be writing every day. I’m hoping all the experiences over the last few years stick with me.” If you want to share in those experiences, Damien will be playing at The Castle in Glanmire at 8pm this Saturday as part of the Glanmire Weekender. Tickets are on sale now from Entertainment.ie at €15.
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5 December 2014
O Holy Night Over 70 singers and musicians combine to present the timeless Christmas story in concert with O Holy Night. Conductor Frank Buckley has put together a programme of Christmas music to suit all tastes for the performance at St Francis Church on Liberty Street, on Friday December 19th at 8pm.
“We want to ensure that the concert will be enjoyed by everybody, so I have designed a programme of music that will concentrate on popular highlights from the music that we all know and love,” he says, “with the accent firmly on the great traditional carols with a leavening of humorous songs and seasonal favourites.”
Soloists will include mezzo Louise O’Sullivan along with baritone Darragh McGann, who recently appeared on The Voice and Britain’s Got Talent. Proceeds from the concert will go to the Cork Simon Community and tickets are €15 from Pro Musica, Oliver Plunkett Street.
Ukulele magic Two years since the West Cork Ukulele Orchestra played a headline show in Cork, they return with a sleigh full of new material, including a selection box of classic - and not-so-classic - Christmas songs. Leapfrogging over all known barriers of genre, time and taste, the West Cork Ukulele Orchestra has blazed comet-like since their start four years ago. Founder Kevin McNally explains the band was born “out
Family ties Iconic composer and pianist Mícheál Ó Súilleabháin will join his New Yorkbased sons Owen and Moley later this month at the Ballymaloe Grainstore. Ó Súilleabháin is internationally renowned as a traditional musician, classical composer, recording artist and musicologist, while his
sons have a unique songwriting and singing style that incorporates sean-nós, Gregorian chant, rap and beatboxing.
The trio performs on Friday, December 19th at 8pm with tickets €25 at ballymaloegrainstore.com or by phone on 021 4651555.
Return of God Knows
of a desire” to form one with his friends, “despite the fact that few of us could play any instruments”. “That’s where the ukulele came in,” he says. “Our first ever gig was actually playing Christmas carols at the fin-
ishing line of a marathon. Nobody was interested in hearing them.” The group play Monday, December 15th at 8pm and tickets are €20/ €25 from corkoperahouse.ie.
After a Cork show in September, God Knows, mynameisjOhn and MurLi, return to the TDC at the Triskel Arts Centre for a New Year’s Eve bash. Following on from last year’s The Struggle EP, God Knows and mynameisjOhn continue to keep things focused, and Rusangano / Family is the fruits of their labour, an 11-track album that cements the duo’s ongoing collaborative adventures. Exploring issues such as identity and belonging, the album delivers a hefty dose
CORK ARTS THEATRE Friday 5th December @ 8.00pm + Tuesday 6th January 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 LD OUT at - SOand h DEClabour conception, delivery, and FRI. 5tpregnancy, d!! - January 6th addea newborn. te with adjusting to life New Da Book early for January 6th! Tickets: €15
Tues 9th and Wed 10th December @ 8pm + 3pm matinee on Wed. Riuchi presents
THE TALE OF THE ANCIENT LIGHTS
“...a treat... an inspiration for the mind...”
A story of magic, beauty and poetic amazement that invites the child-like spirit in all of us combines circus, dance and magic on a modern journey through an ancient Asian legend. Tickets: Adult €12/€10 conc.; Child u12: €5; Family: €20 ( 2/1 adult + 2/3 children)
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
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
Booking - Tel. 021 450 5624
Full details of our exciting Autumn programme at...
www.corkartstheatre.com
Rep
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of honest double-edged lyricism over skewed soul samples, 808 beats and sliced-up breaks. Also appearing on the night Wednesday, Decem-
ber 31st, will be Shookrah and Tongue Bundle. Doors are at 9pm and pre-sale tickets for €14 are available from Plugd Records.
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5 December 2014
Daunt Square & Paul Street, Cork www.thewoodford.ie
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Berlin-based DJ Rødhåd always finds the perfect balance of timeless techno to lift the dance floor. His style is deep, powerful and melancholic and you can catch him at Cyprus Avenue, with doors at 11pm and tickets €15.
Fred Cooke’s style of comedy simply cannot be imitated. The comedian has appeared on RTÉ’s Republic of Telly and The Savage Eye… and as Fergus in the series of Spar ads. As part of a Christmas special, the performer will join Ross Browne and Ruairi Campbell at City Limits Comedy Club. Doors are at 9pm and admission is €18.
Friday
Saturday
Your guid e to what's happenin g in Cork this week ...
7 Sunday
Sunday night brings two concerts to Cork suburbs, with the Fleischmann choir’s concert in St Michael’s Church Blackrock at 5.30pm performing Schubert’s Mass in G Major and Saint-Saens’ Oratorio de Noël with the Cork School of Music Symphony Orchestra and soloists; while there will also be a 100 Gospel Voices concert in Our Lady & St John Church, Carrigaline at 7.30pm.
8
Monday
Don your Christmas jumper and rock on up to Reardens with a night of entertainment from Bog the Donkey and Pat Fitz. Doors are at 10pm and admission is free.
9
Tuesday
Featuring Keira Knightley, Say When sees Megan suffer from a quarter-life crisis after her boyfriend proposes. Escaping for a week, she hides out in the home of her new friend, 16-year-old Annika, who lives with her world-weary single dad. It’s being screened at the Triskel Arts Centre at 8.45pm with tickets €8.80.
10 Wednesday
This Is The Kit is returning to these shores for the first time since appearing on RTÉ’s Other Voices and supporting The National in The O2. Kate Stables plays banjo and guitar and has a voice of unaffected clarity, and will bring her alt-folk flavours to Coughlans at 9.30pm. Tickets are €12, available from the venue or online at coughlans.ie.
11
Thursday
The Irish Chamber Orchestra with acclaimed soprano Ailish Tynan brought the house down in both Bregenz and Wiesbaden and now they are back on home soil performing at St Fin Barre’s Cathedral. A festive French feast with popular classics by Saint-Saëns, Vivaldi, Francaix and Debussy will be performed along with the sensational Les Illuminations by Benjamin Britten. Doors are at 8pm and tickets are €20/€18 from uch.ie..
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5 December 2014
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