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“Grave concerns regarding the adequacy of existing government policy” By Níamh Áine Ryan
A
legally–binding guarantee to maintain routes between Cork and Heathrow is being sought “before any sale of Aer Lingus should be considered”. Cork Chamber CEO Conor Healy appeared before a specially convened Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications on Thursday to discuss the future of Cork Airport, following International Airlines Group’s (IAG) offer to buy the government’s stake of Aer Lingus. Addressing the committee, Mr Healy said that Cork is the economic hub of southern Ireland and Cork Airport’s services and air connectivity are “critical” to the economic
health and global investment appeal of the region. “Clearly, the implications of losing this route would have severe consequences for our business sectors,” said Mr Healy. Aer Lingus has indicated that IAG’s raised offer of €1.38bn is at a level they are willing to accept. Mr Healy told the committee that Cork Chamber has “grave concerns regarding the adequacy of existing government policy measures to support a fair, balanced and effective approach to the development of Cork Airport as one of the three State airports”. Mr Healy concluded by saying “it is also essential that the terms of reference of the interdepartmental group to be established to examine the issue include a requirement to report specifically on the impact and implications of any
sale on Cork Airport, and not just take a national overview”. Fianna Fáil spokesperson on Transport Timmy Dooley is now calling on the Transport Minister, Paschal Donohoe, to clarify the government’s position on IAG’s bid to take over Aer Lingus. He shared Mr Healy’s opinion that the sale would not have a long–term positive impact on the region. In relation to Cork Airport, a spokesperson for Minister Donohoe told The Cork News that the process involving a potential sale of Aer Lingus is in the very early stages. “It is important to note that IAG has made a proposal to make an offer and that no formal offer has yet been made,” the spokesperson said. continued on page 2
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30 January 2015
Index
Bímse ag seinnt ceol
Editor’s letter
A
few weeks ago I received an e–mail from a gentleman who criticised me for not giving a balanced view of the campaign for equality for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people in Ireland. My response was to invite, with open arms, his point of view and, subsequently, the points of view of other people who took the time to write to The Cork News to state their points of view on matters of varying sensitivity, including free speech. The Cork News, and I believe every single reputable publication and media outlet in the country will echo this sentiment, welcomes and is grateful for any contribution to the very important national debates we’re having at the moment and will do our best to see that contradictory and potentially unpopular opinions are presented to the people of Cork so that they can make up their own minds. This does not, however, imply that all arguments are equal. The fallacy of providing ‘balance’ was brought home this week when a school in Dublin, Coláiste Eoin in Stillorgan, cancelled a very pertinent and important discussion on homophobia in order to give time to provide counterbalance to the position that victimising someone because of their sexual orientation is wrong. Civil rights groups around the country were left somewhat bemused by the sudden about face, but in a roundabout way Coláiste Eoin has highlighted something which, in the rush to be fair and equitable, we seem to have forgotten: not all opinons are equally valid, and we do ourselves a disservice when we pretend that they are. The BAI has mandated that the pro–equality position held by a great many broadcasters in Ireland be counterbalanced by the regressive views of a vocal minority who espouse the status quo; that we are not all equal, and that we do not all deserve equal dignity and protection under the law of the land. By all means — and once again I don’t think that any media organisation in the country would disagree with me on this — provide a platform for people who genuinely believe such things to air their opinons, but let’s not imagine that an unequal argument deserves equal footing. To make what may seem to be an absurd comparison: should nature programmes which show our beautiful planet whirling its way through the cosmos preface each shot of Earth from space with a reminder that some people still think the world is flat, and a mere six millennia old? Should the science curriculum warn students that dinosaur fossils may be a ploy to test their faith? Should the profound sorrow of the men and women who gathered this week to commemorate their time at Auschwitz have been subjected to the indignity of having to stomach the arguments of those who contend that there never was a Holocaust? Likewise, the argument that we, in all our shapes and sizes and colours and creeds, and in who we love and why we love them, are not all alike in dignity and deserving of happiness is untenable. It can be made, and I know it will be, but it falls to the majority to stand behind the march of progress and to reply — with, I hope, sincere respect and patience — that this opinion has had its day, that it is not relevant to a 21st century Ireland and that, provided no harm is being done to anyone, it is nobody’s business who lies down at night with whom. This week, as you’ll read in our pages, yet another talk will take place in Cork about the future of equal rights in Ireland. I believe and hope that equality is inevitable in our country. If you don’t then let’s talk about it, but maybe it might be a good idea to go along to the Metropole and hear what people have to say.
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Traditional Musician of the Year, Máirtín O’Connor (Gradam Ceoil) pictured teaching presenter of the Gradam Ceoil 2015 Aoife Ní Thuairisg how to play the accordion at the launch of TG4 Gradam Ceoil 2015 (Traditional Music Awards) at Triskel Christchurch Picture by Clare Keogh.
‘We will win even if the government has to be overthrown’ The latest in a long line of protests against water charges in Cork will take place tomorrow, February 1st. Starting at 2pm at Cork City Library on the Grand Parade, the demonstration will coincide with dozens of similar protests around the country, organised by local anti water–charges groups like Cork’s Right2Water, Mayfield Has Had Enough and Cobh Says No To Water Charges. The Cork groups have urged people to boycott bills from Irish Water and to resist the installation of water meters, and comes following a week when President Michael D Higgnins was called a “midget
parasite” by anti water–chargers advocate Derek Byrne for signing the Water Charges Bill. The President was constitutionally obliged to sign the proposal into law. “I wondered did he give much thought to it. People don’t have the money to pay for further taxes and charges,” said Con Brierley, a member of ‘Cobh Says No to Water Charges’ group. Mr Brierley told The Cork News that he expects this weekend’s march to be peaceful. Right2Water member Jim O’Connell said, “This is something we have to win and I believe we will win even if the government has to be over-
thrown.” “The buzz is good for Saturday” said Mr O’Connell when contacted by The Cork News. “This demonstration will show how widespread this issue of water charges is. I don’t know of any anti–water charges group in Cork not taking part on Saturday.” Karen Collins from the ‘Mayfield Has Had Enough’ group told The Cork News that the derogatory terms aimed at the President show how angry Irish people are with him for signing the bill, and how betrayed they feel by the Irish government: “It’s important that people realise that the cap of €100
will be gone by 2018 and our bills will keep going up and up. The protest on Saturday aims to make people aware of this. It’ll be a peaceful protest to show we disagree with water charges,” added Ms Collins. Meanwhile, RTÉ revealed that extra resources will be needed to cover the full cost of the €100 Water Conversation Grant. These include consultancy, legal and procurement costs. The protest is organised by ‘Cork Says No’, a coalition of more than 10 anti water– charges groups in Cork. February 2nd is the deadline for submitting billing information to Irish Water.
Cork Chamber stands up for airport’s future continued from page 1 Minister Donohoe has continually stated that the strategic importance of competition and connectivity in the Irish market remain vital considerations, and that issues in relation to jobs and access in and out of Ireland will need to be carefully considered. Work is ongoing on an independent report to look at all matters in re-
spect of any possible sale, and is expected in the near future. Minister of State for Development, Trade Promotion and North South Co–operation, Sean Sherlock, welcomed Minister Donohue’s proposals. Speaking about Cork Airport the Cork East TD said “we have 54 Cork–Heathrow Aer Lingus flights a week: that’s 27 out and 27 in to Cork Airport. We also have 14 Amsterdam Aer Lingus flights, which un-
derwrites the importance the airline plays in marking Cork as competitive”. Cork South Central Labour TD Ciarán Lynch also agreed that the region’s accessibility has a crucial role to play in the economic development not only of Cork City and County but the southern region of the country as a whole. Meanwhile, Anti Austerity Alliance councillor Mick Barry strongly criticised the Aer Lin-
gus board for recommending IAG’s share offer and indicated that Aer Lingus executives would be set to profit by €30m in share bonuses from a sale. “It is impossible to fully control what you do not own and if IAG secure full control of Aer Lingus they will find a way to get around any deal on connectivity, if it damages their profit potential in the medium to long–term,” said Councillor Barry.
To contact the editor: editor@thecorknews.ie 4 Carey’s Lane, Cork • t: 021 4252255 • e: info@thecorknews.ie • w: thecorknews.ie
thecorknews
News
30 January 2015
New skate park sought amid ‘anti–social’ problems By Maria Tracey maria@thecorknews.ie
A new, safer and larger outdoor concrete skate facility is being sought for Cork at the site of a new BMX track, following a spate of anti–social behaviour at the city’s two main skating areas. The local skating community has rallied behind the initiative following the recent vandalism of a ramp at Ballyphehane park and a series of incidents at the Mardyke skatepark. Father–of– one Noel Darcy, who is the administrator of the Facebook page SSICK (Skate Spots In Cork, Kid) outlined that a friend of his was attacked at the Mardyke facility, and that skateboarders are now being
associated with anti–social behaviour in the area simply because they use the facilities. “We are getting tarred completely in a bad light. Just because we are close to the anti–social behaviour that’s happening there,” said Mr Darcy. “The Mardyke is also too small, and is jammed on summer days. If you have five or six guys on bikes along with skaters and scooters, everyone is bumping off each other.” Mr Darcy, who lives in Midleton, outlined that he does “not feel comfortable” bringing his young son — a budding skater — to the Mardyke. He added the recent vandalism of the ramp at Ballyphehane has now meant “half the facilities in Cork are destroyed”. While there is a sizeable skate park in Bandon, Mr Darcy stated that for young city skaters, this is not convenient.
Picture from cork.ie
Equality to be highlighted The marriage equality referendum is to be the focus of a high–profile public meeting in Cork next week. The meeting, to be chaired by Fine Gael MEP Deirdre Clune, will feature guest speakers such as Minister for Justice and Equality, Frances Fitzgerald; Dr Conor O’Mahony of the Faculty of Law at University College Cork; USI president Laura Harmon; and Brian Sheehan, Director of GLEN. The discussion will be held next Thursday, February 5th, at 8pm at the Gresham Metropole Hotel. One of the meeting’s organisers, Cork South Central Fine Gael TD Jerry Buttimer, stated “now is the time to start getting ready for the campaign for the marriage equality referendum. That is why we have organised a public meeting to help individuals and groups to
get more information about the referendum on marriage equality.” Ted O’Connell, proprietor of Loafers Bar and one of the meeting’s organisers, outlined the announcement of the wording for May’s referendum has “placed an immediate spotlight on the issue of marriage equality”. “This meeting will be an opportunity for people in Cork to find out why this is so important,” he said. Loafers, based on Douglas Street, also hosted the first in a series of nationwide rallies for equality on Thursday January 29th. Cork campaigners were invited to #ShareTheLove, a campaign to support marriage quality. The initiative will culminate in a day of action on Valentine’s Day. People are being asked to make donations to aid the campaign.
He outlined that a new facility should be developed at Tramore Valley Park, at the national standard BMX track, which is due to open this summer. “Every suburb in the whole of Cork had a GAA pitch, or boxing club, and we’re not catered for… that upsets me, it’s wrong,” he said. “I have to stand up now, say something and do something about it. What we have is not enough, and if skaters had somewhere where they knew they could go which was save and free from anti–social behaviour and vandalism, then I reckon we would even get a bigger turnout.” Mr Darcy has started a petition for the skatepark on change.org. The development of a skateboard park at Tramore Valley was also tabled in a motion by Independent councillor Kieran McCarthy, but was recently rejected.
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30 January 2015
New service rolled out for Cork tenants in danger less because of the housing crisis.” The new Tenancy Protection Service for Cork will also provide a freephone helpline for everyone living in private rented accommodation who fears their tenancy may be at risk. The service — available at 1800 454 454 and operating from 9.30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday — has dedicated advisors answering the phones to explore different options available to callers. “The most vulnerable, low– income tenants are being squeezed out of the market” said Mr Horgan. He stated that Threshold are also getting calls from tenants who say their “landlord is selling up or gone into receivership”, adding this is “a legacy from the boom”. Threshold’s housing advisory service in Cork responded to over 4,000 housing queries from households in difficulty in 2014, and numbers turning to homeless services in Cork increased by 28% last year. “Emergency accommodation is filled to capacity and we want to prevent people from having to access homeless services in the first place,” said Mr Horgan.
By Maria Tracey maria@thecorknews.ie
A special arrangement is now in place to protect existing rent supplement customers in the city from becoming homeless, as concern grows over the ongoing housing crisis and rising rents. Under a new service, Threshold, the national housing charity, working with Cork City Council and the Department of Social Protection, will intervene when a family in receipt of rent supplement is in danger of losing their tenancy. Regional manager for Threshold in Cork Niall Horgan said the protocol will apply to existing rent supplement claimants residing within the city centre and its environs. “For a lot of people, living in the county is not an option due to work commitments, so that’s why the protocol focuses on the city and its environs. That’s where we are seeing the greatest demand for housing,” he told The Cork News. “We are also finding that people in receipt of rent supplement are at the greatest risk of being home-
“Emergency accommodation is filled to capacity.”
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30 January 2015
Cork’s lifeboats: Lifeboat Station Lifeboat Class
Crew
Youghal B Class Atlantic 75 Ballycotton Trent Crosshaven B Class Atlantic 75 Kinsale B Class Atlantic 75 Courtmacsherry Trent Union Hall B Class Atlantic 75 Baltimore B Class Atlantic 75 Castletownbere Severn
3 6 3 3 6 3 3 6
RNLI rescued 255 people in Cork in 2014 Last year in Cork, RNLI lifeboat crews launched 163 times, bringing 255 people to safety. The figures show more people are getting into difficulty on leisure craft and the charity has advised that proper safety advice and maintenance is vital to ensure people stay safe in Cork’s waters. The charity is calling for the public to think ahead and never underestimate the strength and power of the water.
The busiest lifeboat station in Cork last year was Kinsale, with 36 inshore launches rescuing 71 people. Baltimore made 36 launches, rescuing 16 people. The Crosshaven crew, with 34 inshore launches, brought 44 people to safety. Youghal recorded 17 launches, bringing 35 people to shore. Ballycotton all–weather launched 12 times, and Ballycotton inshore three times, saving 31 people. Castletownbere launched 14 times, with 7
people rescued, while Courtmacsherry made 10 launches which rescued 25 people.
Ronan Boyle, RNLI Divisional Operations Manager for Cork, told The Cork News
MOTION
Picture by: Rob Lamb.
S ENDN
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sible”. The system was fully restored the same day. In a statement, the HSE said contingency arrangements were put in place to continue to provide the required essential diagnostic services to the hospital departments, GPs and other community services, all of whom were informed of the technical issues. “The analysis of specimens proceeded with results being reported manually and urgent tests were processed before those classed as routine or non urgent,” it read. The HSE added that there have been no tech-
day, the enthusiasm shown by the crew and station management at Union Hall has been overwhelming and I am delighted that the volunteers there now have the opportunity to demonstrate the utility of a lifeboat in this location,” added Mr Boyle. RNLI said Cork’s 255 sea rescues are 255 reasons to respect Cork’s water. Water safety advice is available at rnli.org/safety and you can donate to the charity at rnli.org/donate.
SOO
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HSE: “Immediate action” taken after glitch in CUH lab IT system The Health Service Executive has said the “additional monitoring” put in place after a major glitch in the computer system as blood labs in Cork University Hospital last September “worked well” following another technical problem last week. The HSE said the glitch at the Regional Laboratory IT database system in CUH was identified by the additional monitoring arrangements in place and the hospital’s ICT Department “worked with the system supplier to restore the system as quickly as pos-
“It was another busy year for our volunteers in County Cork. These figures give a valuable insight into what our lifeboat crews face when they launch. 2014 saw the introduction of the RNLI’s 45th lifeboat station in Ireland when, in November, Union Hall RNLI went on trial for a 24– month period. Since its introduction the station has launched once. “From the initial meeting right through to the start
nical issues since those experienced in September 2014 and the additional monitoring that was subsequently put in place “worked well”, with the problem being identified at the earliest opportunity and immediate action taken. Funding has been allocated to upgrade the Laboratory ICT infrastructure in CUH, and the hospital is implementing this new system in a “safe and planned way”. To date, two new servers — one dedicated as an automatic back–up which will only be used if required — have been installed and commissioned.
Fianna Fáil Health spokesperson Billy Kelleher stated he received several calls from constituents who have been informed by their GPs that no routine blood tests will be processed until further notice. “According to a GP I spoke with, it is hard to get an urgent case through on a good day with the lengthy waiting time on hold, let alone now because they cannot even get to talk to someone,” said Deputy Kelleher, adding that he is calling on the minister and the HSE to “immediately investigate the situation”.
Cork is a centrepiece of new Gathering Cork is one of five cities to be involved in an annual week of events promoting entrepreneurship that will follow in a similar vein as The Gathering. The Startup Gathering, announced as part of the latest Action Plan for Jobs, will take place across five days in October and involve Cork, Dublin, Limerick, Galway and Waterford. The national week of events will showcase Ireland’s startup sector to entrepreneurs from all over the globe including the Irish diaspora, with the message ‘Start, Scale, Succeed from Ireland’. The initiative, which will be led by the not–for–profit organisation Startup Ireland, is said to be a “key building block” towards making Ireland a global startup hub by 2020. “Using the successful model of The Gathering, the week will leverage and augment many
existing events and projects themed around entrepreneurship, startups and existing industry clusters present in each city,” the Action Plan for Jobs report outlined. The five industries that will be the focus of The Startup Gathering will be information and communications technology; medical devices; biopharma; agri/food and business services. The goal is to facilitate in excess of 50 events and networking opportunities nationally during the week for at least 15,000 members of the Irish public and international visitors thereby creating the conditions for the creation of at least 2,500 new jobs in the following 12 months. One of the planned events is a national Startup Demo Day where national and international startups can pitch to Ireland’s top investors and mentors.
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thecorknews
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30 January 2015
Summer camp for Cork students Cork college students could be living the American dream, as the call goes out for Irish workers for US summer camps. International work adventure specialists Camp Counselors USA will be holding an information meeting at University College Cork next Tuesday, February 3rd at 5pm in Boole 6, looking for people who have skills and hobbies to teach and pass on to the American kids. “Camp directors love hiring Irish staff. I’ve had requests from camp directors that will say they specifically want Irish culinary students to work for them, or they want Irish sports students to coach the kids at their camp for the summer,” said Sarah McFeely of CCUSA. She added that the “job market is tough at the moment, especially for young people”: “I know so many people who have moved to Australia to work and travel. This is a way to get the same experience without moving half way around the world,” she stated.
Illegal dumping in the crosshairs Illegal dumping is to be tackled in Cork, with redeployed Cork County Council staff set to be utilised for clean–up operations. The local authority confirmed the new initiative to clean–up fly tipped waste and bring sites across the county, which will be operational from Monday, February 9th, and a new fleet of “technology–enhanced” vehicles will be in use shortly. The vehicles’ technology will facilitate Cork County Council staff to promptly locate and clean–up incidents of fly tipped waste reported by the general public. “Overall, this has been recognised as a necessary measure and has been wellreceived by staff and unions alike,” said a council spokesperson. The move comes as the council also announced the standardisation of opening hours at 11 civic amenity sites, in a bid to avoid “unscheduled closures due to unforeseen staff absences”. A staffing and operational review carried out by the local authority has been agreed with the unions. The council spokesperson
said the review had “been undertaken with a view to achieving a more standardised service delivery across the civic amenity sites network, as well as more ef-
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Rescued food on menu in Clon There may be such a thing as a free lunch after all, as top chefs from two Clonakilty restaurants will cook up meals made entirely from “rescued” ingredients. The event this Sunday, February 1st, will see meals created entirely from ingredients from Scally’s Super Valu and Harte’s Spar, whose sell–by dates have recent-
ly expired, or which are “unpresentable” for the shops’ shelves, but which are perfectly safe to use. Head chef at Inchydoney Island Hotel & Spa Adam Medcalf and owner of the award– winning Richy’s Restaurant and Bistro, Richy Virahsawmy, will use the ingredients that would be otherwise destined for the
waste bin. The meals they create will be served free of charge to the public at 12.30pm at O’Donovan’s Hotel. The event, organised by Clonakilty Tidy Towns to raise awareness about food waste, will include a talk on composting waste food, and a screening of the documentary Trashed.
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30 January 2015
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Hook uncorked Sport is walking a dangerous tightrope in Ireland, says George Hook, as the marriage between alcohol and specatorship continues. Is there a solution or are we heading for disaster?
T
hose of an obtuse disposition might argue against it, but Ireland has a long standing problem with alcohol. Drink plays a fundamental role in Irish society and as a country we continue to suffer for our alcohol tolerance. A walk through Barrack Street or Oliver Plunkett Street on a Saturday night provides ample evidence of Ireland’s binge–drinking culture. Of course, there is more to Ireland than just Guinness and whiskey, but the majority of Irish people build their lives around social events and social drinking. Weddings, christenings, funerals, birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, sporting successes... sporting defeats...barely an event goes by that doesn’t have alcohol as its guest of honour. The government knows this. The health bill alone from Ireland’s love affair with the pint stretches into millions of euros every year. And despite ample evidence, from a multitude of platforms, of the social cost of binge–drinking, particularly among young people, the government sits on its hands and does nothing. The recent decision by the government to keep the status quo of alcohol sponsorship in sport intact was hugely disappointing. The saturation of the sports market by drinks companies lends itself to the absurd notion that sport and alcohol go hand in hand; that Ireland as a nation is incapable of enjoying a sporting occasion without the prop of a pint to enhance the experience. That the very premise of sporting success is based on abstaining from drink seems lost on the sponsors and beneficiaries of sponsorship. But crucially, the link between sport and alcohol that we are
george@thecorknews.ie
“What odds on the ‘Guinness Leinster Lions’ or the ‘Murphy’s Munster Army’ entering the Champions Cup at some point in the future?”
sending to our children has the most potential for long– term damage. Almost every aspect of sports entertainment now revolves around alcohol. Even the GAA in all of its amateur glory sees nothing wrong with taking money from Guinness to headline its All Ireland series. In fact, last year’s decision by top brass at Croke park to sell its product to pay– per–view television appears like just another push to get people into the pub. All talk of growing the game outside of Ireland and reaching out to
the diaspora was just lip–service and a smoke screen. Can’t afford the subscription for Sky Sports? Go and watch the game in the pub! And bring the kids! It doesn’t seem to register anymore that dragging a bunch of children into a pub on a Saturday afternoon to watch United against Liverpool, or Leinster versus Wasps, is actually tantamount to abuse. Gaelic games, like rugby union, are slaves to the corporate dollar. But while the GAA continues to operate under the questionable premise of amateurism, Irish rugby is
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slowly but surely strangling to death in the grip of a professional and economic crisis. Watching Munster players throwing themselves into a meaningless battle at Thomond Park last Sunday was like witnessing a drowning swimmer struggle against the tide. Post–match interviews referenced ‘pride in the jersey’ and ‘pay–back for letting supporters down’. The 65–point thrashing of a pitiful Sale was, in reality, a waste of everyone’s time and effort. Triumphant cheers from the brave and the faithful were but token gestures of
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solidarity in support of a defunct regime: the screams of euphoria doing little to drown out the gnawing sound of inevitability. The harsh reality of Munster’s current financial plight mirrored itself in the thousands of empty seats that lay vacant around the ground on Sunday. Half–full stadia have been an unwanted stamp on Munster rugby over the majority of matches this season. Brand Munster is still a big draw, but the glory days of die–hard fanatics shelling out to see their heroes on any stage, at any cost, are gone.
The result is a financial migraine for the province. The revenue gap between France and Ireland, and England and Ireland, is growing at an alarming rate. While the Top 14 and the Aviva Premiership clubs buffer their balance sheets with hefty television rights deals, the Pro12 continues to drift along in limbo, begging for scraps. Where once the Doug Howletts, CJ van der Linde’s and Rocky Elsoms of this world jumped at the chance to play club rugby in Ireland, now the provinces must sift through the also–rans of the Southern Hemisphere in the hope of uncovering a hidden gem. Leinster, despite claims to the contrary, is not much better off. If investment is not forthcoming, it is difficult to see Irish clubs being able to remain competitive with their English and French counterparts over the next few years. So what is the answer? Well, if the current government continues to allow a link between alcohol and Ireland’s top sports brands, there may soon come a time when Munster or Leinster consider selling themselves off to the highest bidder in exchange for financial assistance. What odds on the ‘Guinness Leinster Lions’ or the ‘Murphy’s Munster Army’ entering the Champions Cup at some point in the future? If the open market on alcohol sponsorship and sport continues unregulated, the provinces will do whatever it takes to attract the necessary cash to compete at the highest level, regardless of what the IRFU think. As it stands, Leinster, Munster, Ulster and Connacht are playing financial catch–up to their European competitors. This gap will widen considerably over the next five years. Could a white knight ride in to rescue them on the back of a beer truck? Watch this space!
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160 years for Cork Opera House Cork’s historic Opera House is “building for the future�, as the entertainment venue embarks on a year–long celebration for its 160th anniversary. Chair of the Board Damian Wallace said 2015 is a “very important year� for the Opera House, with 160 years at the heart of Cork’s entertainment and cultural tradition a “long time by any stretch of the imagination�: “Change is ever present and the level of change in the last 160 years has been immense,� he said. “An outstanding feature of our history has been the loyal support of our patrons, constantly attending our shows, supporting us financially when needed and deriving huge entertainment from our various programmes. “As we look back on our history we have a lot to be proud of and a lot more to live up to as we look forward to the future,� Mr Wallace declared. He added that what’s ahead is a “year of excellent programming, building for the future and continuing the great tradition that has been a hallmark of Cork Opera House for so long�. Included in the programme
Cork’s historic Opera House embarks on a year–long celebration for its 160th anniversary.
will be a visit by legendary singer–songwriter Don McLean (June 4th), whose iconic American Pie made him a household name, while
Nathan Carter (February 17th & 18th) and Grammy Award nominee Ryan Adams (March 3rd) will also perform. The Three Tenors (April 11th);
The Fureys (April 12th); Aslan (April 18th); X Factor star Melanie McCabe (April 19th) and Sinead O’Connor (May 2nd) are due to play
Leeside in 2015. Following on from the success of The Sound Of Music, Grease and Hairspray, the Opera House is to put on Singin’ in
the Rain this year from Saturday, July 25th, and other treats include Dara O’ Briain (February 4th-7th), Brendan Grace (March 5th-7th), Kevin Bridges (August 21st & 22nd) and Alan Carr (August 27th-29th). Strictly Come Dancing star Brendan Cole will also perform his brand new show A Night to Remember on March 19th and 20th while Cork City Ballet makes an annual return for 2015 with Swan Lake (November 16th-21st). The programme launch comes a week after Cork Opera House CEO Mary Hickson announced she is to step down this October. “I said it from the day I signed up that I would do five years and fulfil my contract. I also made that commitment to my family, and I meant it,� she said. “That’s what I promised. I’m a woman of my word. I genuinely believe it’s the right thing to do: that it’s a positive thing for me and for the business. It’s a three– to five– year benchmark in senior arts management and it’s there for a reason. People can get too comfortable. It’s a good thing to move on. People and buildings need to refresh.�
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County postmasters demand progress Postmasters in Cork have called for social welfare payments to be a top priority for the new Post Office Business Development Group. The group is independently chaired by entrepreneur and former Dragon’s Den judge Bobby Kerr. The new group will explore how more business can be delivered through An Post to prevent large numbers of offices from closing. The IPU, which represents 1,100 postmasters, welcomed the process and said the key focus of the group’s work should be on securing the payment of social welfare through post offices, as this accounts for 30% of all An Post business. With the majority of post offices in rural areas of Cork depending on administering social welfare payments as a main source of income, they cannot afford to lose the contract. “If proposals to reduce the social welfare contract happen, there will be reduction in
turn–over for post offices and it will have a negative impact for rural post offices,” said Fine Gael Cork South West TD and west Cork postmaster Noel Harrington. “The Business Development Group will need to look at the An Post network with a business approach and look at ways of expanding,” added the Castletownbere postmaster. In recent years, the government has changed welfare payments to direct electronic transfer and 50% of payments
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are now made outside of the Post Office Network, which is threatening the viability of hundreds of smaller offices. Paddy O’Shea, IPU Executive member and Cork spokesperson, said that Mr Kerr, An Post and the government must work to address how post offices can continue to be crucialto the delivery of social welfare in an era of direct electronic transfers. A preliminary report is due to be issued at the end of March.
LÉ Aoife makes her way past Roche’s Point lighthouse on the foggy mainland at the mouth of Cork harbour as she begins a patrol. Picture by Michael MacSweeney/Provision.
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Another good year in store for Cork culinary champs Cork’s Cornstore has been selected as one of a small group of small businesses to take part in a showcase to highlight the best of Irish SMEs in Dublin on Thursday, February 5th. The Cornstore Group, which includes Cornstore restaurants in Cork and Limerick as well as Coqbull on French Church Street in
Cork, are among just six finalists in the food and drink category at this year’s 2015 SFA Small Business Awards. “We are delighted to be part of this showcase,” said The Cornstore’s Mags O’Connor: “With two successful Cornstore restaurants already operating in Limerick and Cork for the last seven years, the group’s new restaurant has
experienced huge growth since opening last June.” 33 companies in total will attend the showcase, each a finalist in their respective categories of the SFA National Small Business Awards. The aim of the event is to profile entrepreneurship, innovation and creativity at its best.
15 MINUTES TO SET YOU
Digital Skills Academy launches TechElevate Digital Training for jobseekers. Students, Anna Bielawska, Ben Coffey and Eoghan Kerton are with Andrew Flood, Prodigy Learning; Paul Dunne, CEO Digital Skills Academy and Kevin Marshall, Head of Education, Microsoft Ireland. Picture by: Mac Innes Photography.
Leeside jobseekers’ chance to elevate Digital Skills Academy has launched its level–6 digital technology programme TechElevate for eligible jobseekers in Cork. The programme has been specifically designed to help jobseekers gain ICT industry–recognized certification. The programme comprises of Microsoft Technology Associate certifications designed to validate core technical knowledge and enhance technical credibility with Digital Skills Academy certification accredited by Dublin Institute of Technology. TechElevate is a 32–week course which includes 20 weeks of theory and 12 weeks of work placement. Participants study Digital Industry, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Project Management and Self–Employment Business Skills. Paul Dunne, CEO of Digital Skills Academy told The Cork News “Cork has a growing technology sector and has the conditions to be a European centre in the future. We’ve got the indigenous talent to make this happen.” Mr Dunne explains that there are three streams to the course: “There’s a stream for web coders, IT Cloud OPS and IT project managers. It’s becoming more important for companies to have technically–minded sales people”. it@cork supports the programme by connecting participants with companies in
“Cork has a growing technology sector and has the conditions to be a European centre in the future. We’ve got the indigenous talent to make this happen.” the county. Ronan Murphy, Chairman, it@cork told The Cork News “it’s important to cost–train different skills sets. The digital skills gap is an issue and TechElevate will help in developing talent for Cork’s high growth digital sector.” To be eligible for TechElevate, jobseekers must be unemployed for 12 months or more. Registration closes on February 6th. Visit TechElevate.ie for more information.
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30 January 2015
Climate conference to be held at UCC UCC students are inviting the public to attend a conference about climate change on February 7th. The event will appeal to anyone with an interest in climate change, environmental issues and the work of NGOs around the world. Several UCC societies have come together to host the all– day conference, which is the brain child of Owen Murphy, a 23–year–old final–year law student from Douglas. Owen told The Cork News “this event isn’t about whether climate change is happening or not but how we to respond to it.” The conference will focus on countries in the developing world that are already coping with climate change and
will also examine what governments and corporations around the world need to do to tackle the global problem. “This isn’t the top of the government’s agenda as it mightn’t be what the electorate wants. As for corporations and businesses, they need to be aware that they are contributing to climate change too. The government needs to implement laws that restrict carbon emissions,” added Owen. The conference is free and takes place in UCC’s Aula Maxima on Saturday February 7th, from 11am to 5pm. Due to limited space, registration is essential by emailing conference@uccphilosoph. com.
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‘Ferocious’ end to winter is forecast for Cork By Nick Bramhill Don’t pack away the winter woollies just yet, because Cork is set to shiver throughout February in the severest Arctic freeze of the winter. The same forecasters who correctly predicted the bitter cold spell and snowfall of the latter half of this month across Ireland have warned that worse is to follow next month, in what could turn out to be the most brutal winter period in decades. Meteorologists at Exacta Weather told The Cork News that mercury levels will plummet even further in February, leading to ferocious storms and blizzards and prolonged heavy snowfall. James Madden, forecaster with Exacta, said “It looks very much like the cold and wintry weather theme that has started to develop across Ireland throughout the second half of January will con-
Enjoying the snow in Cork
tinue and tighten its grip in February. “Many parts of the country will enter a prolonged and more notable weather pattern change to much colder conditions, with more widespread snowfall than in January. “This will be due in part to sudden stratospheric warming and a split Polar Vortex, which places us in a vulnerable position for an enhanced blocking pattern to develop that will initially see much colder winds dominating from a northerly direction, before they start to veer in from a much more fierce easterly direction later in the month.”
Mr Madden said the indications are at this stage that the bitter spell could extend into early Spring, before mercury levels start to rise again. He continued: “February is likely to bring widespread snow events and well–below– average temperatures, particularly in some parts to the north and east of the country, where a number of potent winter storms and potentially memorable blizzards are likely to develop at times. “During these white–outs, it is quite plausible that some places could see up to a foot of snow falling at times. If we couple these snowfalls with the below–average tem-
peratures, snow lying on the ground for prolonged periods will become an issue for many at times throughout February.” He added: “February is going to be very cold. There are even some indications that it could be as bad as the brutal winter periods of 1947 or 1963. Our forecasting parameters strongly indicate an extension of these waves of cold and further widespread snow at times into spring.” More immediately, Met Éireann has predicted a cold and windy end to this month, with daytime temperatures peaking at six degrees Celsius tomorrow, Saturday.
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World of discovery for Cork students Sixth class pupils unlocked the secrets of forensic science, chemical energy and a century of great scientific discoveries, at the PepsiCo Challenge Science in the National Maritime College of Ireland in Ringaskiddy this week. Over 160 primary school students from Cork participated in the two–day interactive science workshops and experiments. Challenge Science is one of Junior Achievement’s suite of 20 programmes for primary and secondary schools which aim to prepare students for their future careers. The programme introduced pupils to the importance of science in today’s working world, especially in relation to the thriving science, engineering and technology sectors in Ireland. Sinéad Brady, Organisation Developer and Communica-
Josh O’Connor from Brooklodge NS at the PepsiCo Challenge Science workshops in National Maritime College of Ireland (NMCI), Ringaskiddy. Picture by: Gerard McCarthy.
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Funding for Kent Station projects Provision is being made for Irish Rail to make improvements to Kent Station as part of a multi–million euro allocation in funding for sustainable transport and accessibility projects. In total, €15.3m has been promised to 58 projects in Cork, Galway, Limerick and Waterford and a further €2.1m to enhance accessibility for wheelchair and other users. The projects include construction of a new entrance to Kent Station, along with a cycle link between the station and the city centre, incorporating road resurfacing and junction safety improvements. The funding will also cover the completion of the Car-
rigaline Green Route for bus services in Cork. Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport Paschal Donohoe stated: “As the economy develops, more people are going back to work. How they get there and the modes of transport they choose in their everyday lives is largely dependent on the ease with which they can be accessed and how they facilitate people in going about their daily business. The provisions of €17.5m through the NTA for 58 projects across Cork, Galway, Limerick and Waterford will allow sustainable projects in these counties to be progressed, and enhancements to be made to public transport services.”
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Waste not want not at Tyndall The Tyndall National Institute, Cork has entered into a collaborative project with Northern Irish and US researchers to turn waste into a renewable, useable energy supply. SuSChem (a portmanteau of ‘sustainable’ and ‘chemistry’) is a project aimed at designing and developing a new material, powered by sunlight, which can be deployed in power stations to turn CO2 waste products into liquid fuels. Tyndall’s lead researcher on the project, Dr Michael Nolan, told The Cork News “we are six months into our research and we plan to have a prototype in two years. Using simulation, Tyndall will design a cheap, non–toxic and readily available material to use as a renewable energy.” Tyndall will work in partnership with Ulster University, Derry, and Northwestern University in Illinois to draw on their expertise in photocatalyst materials, reactor design and synthesis and characterisation respectively. SusChem will have the dual benefit of reducing our harm-
ful CO2 emissions while also decreasing the global reliance on traditional fossil fuels: a double whammy in the crucial fight against man–made global warming. By reducing the amount of CO2 being pumped into the atmosphere, the alarming speed of global warming can be lowered. “This project has an international approach to it be-
cause it’s a global issue. It will remove CO2 emissions from the air and thus ease our reliance on fossil fuels”, added Dr Nolan. While SuSChem will initially aim to produce a prototype example, there is a significant market potential for a proven material, as the photocatalyst market is estimated to be worth €1.3 billion.
Kimberly Gray (Northwestern University); Michael Nolan (Tyndall NAtional Institute) and Tony Byrne (Ulster University). Picture by: Daragh Mc Sweeney.
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Funding needed for Cork student film projects Students at St John’s Central College in Cork have come together to make and produce four short films but, because of cuts to their funding, have had to ask for the public’s help. The four movies will be filmed at locations across Cork, the equipment and crew are ready, and the actors have been cast. However, the group of 19 students, who are studying Advanced Film and TV Production, need funding to shoot and produce the films, which they plan to enter for Irish and international film festivals The four films are Buachaill Bó, a modern day Western set in Cork; Tiger by the Tail, a love story; The Other Folk, a horror fairytale; and I Am Robot, a sci–fi love story. Christopher Pinfield, Buachaill Bó cinematographer and The Other Folk producer, told The Cork News “our funding was cut this year so we are trying to raise €1500 to make our four short films. This will go towards costumes, props, art design, special effects and
Port of Cork schools initiative 2014 overall winners Glasheen Boys NS pupils Aidan Sheehan, Adam Daniel, Corey O’Leary and Ben Shorten with their teacher Tim O’Neil. Picture by: David Keane.
Schools initiative for Port of Cork
“Our funding was cut this year so we are trying to raise €1500 to make our four short films.” make–up. All actors have been cast from outside St John’s Central College, too.” Filming is due commence
in February for four weeks. To donate, visit fundit.ie/ project/jcc-final-year-filmprojects.
The Port of Cork has launched their schools initiatie for 2015, encouraging the county’s 5th class primary school teachers to get their classes involved. This year’s theme, ‘RMS Lusitania – Commemorating 100 Years in 2015’ focuses on the sinking of the Lusitania, which is an important event in the history of Cork Harbour and the world, as it was the catalyst which brought the United States of America into World War I. The Port of Cork Schools
Initiative aims to educate 5th class students about the rich history associated with Cork Harbour and to highlight the importance of import and export trade to Cork and Ireland. All participating 5th classes who take part in the initiative will be treated to a boat trip around Cork harbour and each class will receive a certificate of participation. The best overall project will receive a tour on board one of the many large cruise liners visiting Cork during the summer of 2015. In addition
to this, an award will also be given for best artwork piece based around the theme of the historic attack. Projects are to be presented in artwork format using painting and models. All submitted projects will go on public display in Cobh’s Maritime Building before the winner is announced in May. The closing date for entries is March 27th. For more information, contact Sinead Keary at skeary@portofcork.ie or call 021 4625375.
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Cork singer–songwriter Kilian Pettit.
Big break for Pettit A Cork musician is to appear in a US show celebrating songwriters. Kilian Pettit, best known as frontman of the band Echogram, makes his US TV debut on the NBC– syndicated show The Jimmy Lloyd Songwriter Showcase, set to air across America in the coming weeks. The singer flew to New York in November to shoot his acoustic performance at the Gibson Guitar Showroom, formerly legendary recording studio The Hit Factory. “The walls were covered in pictures of the famous faces that had worked there,” he said. “Then, I turned a corner into a room and was told to
pick a guitar to use for the shoot — there were literally hundreds! I didn’t get to keep one, though.” The TV show appearance in November was a high point of what was a successful year for Pettit and Echogram. “My debut album hit number two on the iTunes Rock Chart, two tracks from the album were used on MTV shows in the US, while another was used on a radio campaign here for Guinness Amplify. Doing the TV show in New York was the cherry on top,” said Petit. The show will be broadcast in Ireland on Sky channel 237.
Cork’s Show Me Your Garden contestants
Cork garden enthusiasts to feature on Sky 1 programme Five Cork gardeners are to feature in a Sky TV series, visiting, appraising and judging each other’s gardens. The new six–part competitive gardening series Show Me Your Garden, which is currently airing on Sky 1 HD every Friday at 8pm, takes place weekly in
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a different region of Britain and Ireland. Tonight’s Cork– based episode will feature the garden belonging to B and Mike Fitzgerald, from Templebreedy, Crosshaven, who have built their garden in the grounds of an 18th century rectory over the last 19
years; while Harry Sexton and Erika Treutler, who live in Dunmanway, have created a space at 105m above sea level, where plants grow in spite of the wind and elevated position. Bruno Nicolai, who lives in Cork city centre, will also feature in the programme
with his urban exotic backgarden. To win the prize and the Show Me Your Garden golden trowel, each gardener must host an open day and demonstrate a horticultural skill or share a gardening secret with their peers.
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Daytripper Goleen Coastguard's Michael O'Regan is standing down as officer in charge, having served as a volunteer for the past 50 years. A building contractor by trade, the father of seven lives in Goleen with his wife Anne.
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I’m an early riser, up at 5.30am every morning. That inner alarm clock can be a curse at times, especially when away on holidays. Breakfast wise, my wife Anne used to make me great ones every morning, but now it’s two slices of toast — one for me and one for the dog. I have type two diabetes, so no more fry–ups. I’m a building contractor, and also serving as a volunteer with Goleen Coastguard. There are times you’d have a day’s work done before people even get up! I’m now retiring after 50 years: a length of service that will never happen again as you are supposed to be 18 before you join. I started when I was 15. My father had a horse that would draw the wagon for the coastguard, and when they were training, I’d join them after school. I always wanted to be part of it. In those days, it was quiet enough as there wasn’t hill walking, or pleasure boating. We also had to use our own private cars back then, and didn’t even have torches! We more or less had to supply what we needed ourselves. Eventually a body representing the coastguard was set up, but it was said there’d never be a vehicle in the coastguard. Something had to be done, and one day I saw an ESB van which could fit six people — exactly what we needed. We sat down and wrote to the ESB, stating our case and how important it was for the community, and lo and behold, we got a phone call from the head office in Cork. The ESB took an almost brand new van, painted it green, and presented it to us. While getting the vehicle was a highlight, a rescue we were involved with soon afterwards also stands out in my mind. There were two lads out on bikes in the Caha mountains, the range you see when
Interview by Maria Tracey Picture by Rob Lamb
“I can never understand how people can hold grudges or be bitter with each other. If they only knew what we’ve seen…”
travelling through the tunnels from Glengarriff to Kenmare. It was a very bad evening, with dense fog, and we got a call at 11.30pm saying that they hadn’t turned up in Castletownbere as planned. At that time, there were very few maps, no mobiles, so you had to follow the track. At about 3.30am, our lads came across the two fellows who had filled their clothes with grass to keep warm. One of them was starting to show signs of hypothermia, so they made him start walking. However, we lost all contact with them. That was my worst night-
mare. With the fog, the helicopter couldn’t take off from Shannon and we were driving around trying to access somewhere. It wasn’t until 8am that we saw a light, and found them. Imagine the relief we all felt! They had travelled six miles overnight, through bogs, and their biggest worry was if the torch gave up, they were finished. Thankfully, it turned out alright and I got my son, Micheál —who was one of the rescuers — home to his mother. There are successful rescue missions like that, but the recovery of a body is just as
important. It gives closure. Whether I should or not, I do get involved personally. There’s a huge bond there with the families, as you want to find their loved one as much as they do. It is very difficult, and after recovering a body you mightn’t sleep for a fortnight. There’s help for volunteers to a certain degree, but it’s really down to yourself to deal with it. Sometimes, we might sit down with a pint and talk about it. Friendship in the coastguard is huge thing, and everyone watches out for the other person. It’s a chain — we’re all linked and no one
breaks it. My way has always been it’s the coastguard first, family second and you are third. If you want to join the coastguard, it needs to come first, there’s no in–between. My family have always been supportive, including Anne. She’s a big part of the operation, as although she never joined the coastguard, she effectively did the day she married me. She’s the one making calls, and dealing with the press, like the time of the large drugs haul at Mizen. It can be tough, especially with the searches that last days. All our team are work-
ing so getting the time off can be difficult. But we never walk away. On the days I’m working, I tend to eat lunch out, a sandwich or a bit of meat, lettuce and tomatoes, and will be back home for dinner around 8.30pm. Bacon and cabbage is the favourite or some stew. I head to bed early as it’s such a long day. However, the mobile, pager, and the house phone are never switched off. Midnight to 6am is our busy time, and I’ve never cursed the phone when it rang. Nine times out of 10 it’s a problem. To relax, I like to garden, and grow my own vegetables. I also have a pleasure boat for fishing, but last year I never launched it as we were too busy. We had 18 call–outs in 15 days and saved five lives. I’m thinking that this summer I might be able to go out on the boat...and hopefully won’t be calling the coastguard! I love being out on the sea, as it’s a completely different life. However, the water must be treated with respect because it doesn’t care about you. Living where we do, the sea has always been part of our lives. It’s there when you get up in the morning and when you go to bed at night. It’s part of us. This attachment to the sea and being a volunteer with the coastguard has given me a certain outlook in life. I can never understand how people can hold grudges or be bitter with each other. If they only knew what we’ve seen, or witnessed families left devastated from the loss of a loved one. My philosophy is that you need to enjoy every day as you don’t know what’s around the corner. When I retire in February, it will be sad, as the coastguard is part of me. It’ll be strange seeing the vehicle leave with the blue light flashing, and wondering where are they gone. Anne will be the same, although she’ll never admit it.”
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thecorknews 30 January 2015
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30 January 2015
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30 January 2015
Mahon Point celebrates milestone Cork’s Mahon Point Shopping Centre is celebrating its 10th birthday this Sunday, February 1st, with a range of free activities, and there will be entertainment across the month for shoppers to enjoy. Among the birthday celebrations will be fireworks, Ireland’s biggest birthday cake and Spring and Summer fashion shows, all based at the Mahon Point complex. The party kicks of at 3pm on Sunday with Rio–style street entertainers, Ma Samba, and the budding popstars of Voiceworks Cork. The largest birthday cake in Ireland will be unveiled at the centre by a team of bakers from Cakes by Ruth. This giant confection can then be sampled by up to 1000 loyal customers. “Mahon Point Shopping Centre has been at the heart of Cork’s retail landscape for the past 10 years, employing thousands of Cork people. We are delighted to have introduced many new brands to the people of Cork over the decade,” said Justin Young, Gerenal Manager, Mahon Point Shopping Centre The party finale will be a specially commissioned fire-
“Mahon Point Shopping Centre has been at the heart of Cork’s retail landscape for the past 10 years, employing thousands of Cork people.” works display over Mahon Point Shopping Centre at 6pm and the centre will remain open until 7pm.
Mahon Point staff who have worked in the shopping centre for 10 years: Veronika Sienkiewicz, Julie Casey, Jerry Forde, Angela Cummins, Diana Dreiname, Mary O’COnnor, Finbarr O’Neill, Pawel Sienkiewicz, Tony Walsh, Vincent O’Driscoll and Tom O’Mahony. Picture by: Darragh Kane.
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Tesco shares with local charities As Mahon Point prepres for its tenth birthday celebrations, three good causes from Cork have received their share of Tesco Mahon Point’s fourth €1,000 Tesco Community Fund donation. The groups, — Le Chéile Cope Foundation, Mahon Young Entertainers and Nagle Community College ASD Programme — were chosen by the shoppers. Commenting on their involvement with the initiative, Patricia Hetherington of Le Chéile Cope Foundation said “It is great to see large companies like Tesco giving something back to small organisations in their local community. We are delighted to be involved in the initiative and the funding we received will go towards purchasing a new vehicle for the centre.” Every six weeks, three local causes are nominated in all Tesco store across Ireland by customers. Tesco Mahon Point has announced that its next three local good causes will be Cork Con Rugby Club in Mahon, St. Lukes Home and Cork’s Forógie Youth Club.
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thecorknews
News
30 January 2015
Gary O’Donovan delivering his Chairman’s speech.
Rebel trifecta at national awards Top Gear stars Richard Hammond, Jeremy Clarkson and James May.
Top Gear trio invited to Cork Top Gear stars Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May could soon be motoring into Cork after being requested to test out the Wild Atlantic Way. The trio, who have driven along some of the world’s great-
est roads as well as deserts and even to the North Pole have been asked to bring their famed BBC show to Ireland. Labour Party deputy for Cork South West Michael McCarthy has written to Top Gear inviting them to
CORK CLINIC OF ACUPUNCTURE & TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE
tour the “captivating coastal route as part of their programme”. “I have also written to Shaun Quinn, chief executive of Fáilte Ireland, seeking his support in bringing this invitation and suggestion to fruition,” he continued. “Top Gear has become a British television institution. In fact, the Emmy Award winning car show can be seen in over 200 countries around the world. It features some of the most beautiful cinematography
ever seen on the small screen and this type of marketing opportunity and exposure would be immeasurable and invaluable.” Deputy McCarthy stated the 2,500km Wild Atlantic Way — stretching from Malin Head in Donegal to the Old Head of Kinsale — will offer the show’s presenters the opportunity to drive routes that “ring great peninsulas reaching out into the ocean and tiny coastal roads that hug the shoreline”.
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Three Cork off–licences have won four awards at the National Off-Licence Association’s 2015 annual awards. Now in their nineteenth year, the awards recognise and showcase excellence in the alcohol retailing industry. The awards highlight those retailers that offer exceptional service to customers and demonstrate excellence in retail standards. The winners of the awards were: Responsible Retailer of the Year 2015: The O’ Donovan Group, Cork Specialist Off-Licence of the Year 2015: The O’ Donovan Group, Cork Best First Time Entrant 2015: Number 21, Cork Customer Service Award of the Year: O’ Donovan’s, Mallow Speaking at the awards, NOffLA Chairman and owner of the O’Donovan Group, Cork’s Gary O’Donovan, said, “To have three off–licences from Cork winning four
awards just shows the quality that the region has. It is important however, to remember that we are still operating in a very challenging economic climate where retailers as a whole are struggling day-today all across Ireland.” The organisation also called on the government to introduce updated legislation governing the sale and supply of alcohol. Speaking on the issue, Gary O’Donovan said NOffLA members are “ calling on Minister Leo Varadkar to follow through on his commitment to public health and introduce the Public Health (Alcohol) Bill as a priority.” The bill will see the introduction of a minimum unit price and restrictions on the marketing and advertising of alcohol. NOffLA members have also called for a ban on below–cost selling to limit the availability of cheap alcohol and discourage binge drinking, and associated health and public order issues.
CIT and CIMA are offering you the opportunity to study on a part-time basis for the CIMA Certificate in Business Accounting (CBA) at Cork Institute of Technology. The Department of Organisation & Professional Development, School of Business, CIT, will deliver the CIMA Certificate in Business Accounting in from February to June 2015.
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thecorknews 30 January 2015
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30 January 2015
Cork couple highlight beauty of Ireland An American woman has produced a DVD of Cork scenery aimed at the tourist market. JoAnn Cahill, who is originally from Missouri, but has been living in Mallow for the past 12 years, has created the self–funded project Visit Ireland with her husband, Cork man John Cahill. The couple have a small video production company called River Mist Media, which makes specialised videos. “We decided to produce this DVD because while living here, I have seen how truly spectacular and breathtaking Ireland really is,” explained JoAnn. “For me, the most ‘real’ and most beautiful is sometimes not always shown on the tourist trails. It is impossible to see all the beauty Ireland has to offer in the short time that most visitors have. Our DVD gives the typical tourist more than a taste, it takes them and shows them what they are really searching for, which is ‘real Ireland’.” She stated that the DVD is aimed at the 40 million people in America who claim Irish roots. “As someone who has left my homeland, I know
“While living here, I have seen how truly spectacular and breathtaking Ireland really is.” JoAnn Cahill and John Cahill, who have created the self–funded project Visit Ireland.
the pangs of homesickness only too well and so do those emigrants and partly for that reason we made this DVD,” JoAnn said. “The other reason of course is to bring Ireland to the 40 million, and they are our market.”
She added that Visit Ireland is “not just about north Cork” but also “full of surprises and was filmed all over Ireland” including in Northern Ireland. Local trad group Arundó provided the music for the
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DVD, which is to be launched this Sunday, February 1st, in Counihans Bar. Visit Ireland is available for sale at abitofireland.com, and JoAnn hopes to also make it available in tourist shops and airports.
Glanworth pictured in a scene from Visit Ireland.
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thecorknews 30 January 2015
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30 January 2015
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Pictured at the launch of the Talking Heads art exhibition in Cork, exploring the issue of mental health at the 2020 Art Gallery, were‌ 1 Michael, Heather and Helen Daly, Glanmire. 2 Part of the large crowd at the launch of the Talking Heads Exihibition. 3 Annette Rundgren, Margaret Walsh and Fiona Morrissey, all Cork City. 4 Evana Downes, Cork City and Peta Beagan, Cork City. 5 Maeve Hickey and Orla Flynn, Head of CIT Crawford College of Art.
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Designing your unique smile beautifully, efficiently and discreetly Dr. Crotty has recently been appointed to the European Advisory Board for Invisalign. Specialist Orthodontist registered with the Dental Council of Ireland.
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30 January 2015
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The Home Pages thecorknews
30 January 2015
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30 January 2015
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Starting Bid+ €99,000 • 3 Bedrooms • 5 minutes to Garryvoe Beach • West Facing Garden Call 021 4634022
Starting Bid+ €210,000 • 7 Bedrooms • Detached House • Private Parking Call 024 92419 Unit B, Transtown, Watergrasshill
pt i n g em a t x E RR BE
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44 Lower Gerald, Griffin Street, Limerick City n E1Rati
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Auction Invite
Roo East, Ardnacrusha, Co. Clare in C1Rat
BE
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Lyredaowen, Rathmore, Co. Cork
BE
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Arus Suain, Killeshin, Co. Carlow
“The Town House”, East End, Cahirciveen
R
No Entry or Marketing Costs Agreed Sellers Reserve Fixed Timeframes
Starting Bid+ €40,000 • 9 Bedrooms • Commercial • 4 Bathrooms Call 066 947 3016
Fah An Looscane, Ballymartle, Riverstick
Killawillin, Castlelyons, Co. Cork
g in C1Rat
BE
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Starting Bid+ €395,000 • 6 Bedrooms • Detached House • 0.75 Acre Site Call 021 4777999
NOW TAKING ENTRIES
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Starting Bid+ € 195,000 • 5 Bedrooms • Dormer Property • 0.8 Acre Site Call 059 9131678
E2Rat
BE
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Starting Bid+ €119,000 • 4 Bedrooms • Bungalow • Elevated Site Call 025 31577
Clounleharde, Ballyhahill, Co. Limerick g in D2Rat
BE
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Contact us today to register your interest.
g in D1Rat
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Starting Bid+ €175,000 • Warehouse/Office Area • Secure Fencing • 0.945 Acres Site Call 021 4277 877
from 6.30pm
To find your perfect property or to simply find out more about the Modern Method of Auction, join us at our next live event.
Starting Bid+ €115,000 • 3 Bedrooms • Bungalow • Wooden Garden Shed Call 029 70700
BE
March
Rochestown Park Hotel, Cork,
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Starting Bid+ €289,950 • 4 Bedrooms • Detached House • Large Garden Call 061 413 511
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12
th
Starting Bid+ €134,950 • 5 Bedrooms • Detached Bungalow • 2 Double Stables Call 058 56109
Starting Bid+ €229,000 • 6 Bedrooms • Detached House • Suitable as B&B Call 024 92419
Contact us today to discuss selling your property. 12 College Road, CastleIsland
G Rat in
BE
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Starting Bid+ €65,000. • 3 Bedrooms • Semi Detached House • Rear Garden Call 068 32141
g in C3Rat
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Starting Bid+ €149,950 • 3 Bedrooms • Detached House • Landscaped Lawn Call 064 66 34582
BE
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Glen South, Dingle, Co. Kerry
Cullenagh, Kealkill, Co. Cork
Starting Bid+ €245,000 • 3 Bedrooms • Detached House • Separate Detached Apt Call 066 9152684 Ballynoe, Middleton, Co. Cork
G Rat in
BE
n E1Rati
Starting Bid+ €145,000 • Long Lease • Residential & Commercial • Investment Opportunity Call 063 89277
R
2 Ashton Meadows, Killarney
6 Lower Cork Street, Mitchelstown, Co. Cork
Starting Bid+ €155,000 • 4 Bedrooms • Detached House • Oil Fired Central Heating Call 069 77055
g in B3Rat
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Starting Bid+ €65,000 • 4 Bedrooms • Terraced House • Approx. 10% Yield Call 061 413 511
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Starting Bid+ €39,000 • 2 Bedrooms • Semi Detached House • Large Private Garden Call 021 4634022
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Starting Bid+ €89,950 • Development Site • Planning Permission • 2.2 Acre Site Call 021 4777999 Tullamore, Ballybunion, Co. Kerry
pt i n g em a t Ex R R BE
Starting Bid+ €49,950 • 0.6 Acre Site • Bungalow • At Roof Level Call 068 24793
Powered by
The Home Pages 30 January 2015
thecorknews
5
Roofing – but better Go from “for sale” to “sold!” IAM-SOLD Property Auctions held their first public Munster Property Auction in 2014, where 16 of the 20 properties offered were sold successfully. Since then, the company has become one of the major auction providers in Ireland, working in partnership with over 100 auctioneers, and held eight more auctions during 2014 with an impressive 87% sell
rate. The first Munster Property Auction of 2015 will be held at the Rochestown Park Hotel in Douglas on March 12th at 7pm. “We are the only property company in Ireland currently offering an online auction system through munsterpropertyauction. ie,” said Company Director Patrick Convey. “We are also the only auction com-
in roofing which is suitable for all flat roofs, conservatories and balconies. Offering a fast, easy fit out, it is high strength and fire resistant, and available in a broad range of colours. FibreTech leaves customers with
a virtually maintenance–free roof and the assurance of a 20– year materials guarantee. For more information on the next generation of flat roofing solutions, contact Martin on 021 4355620.
pany in Ireland which does not charge an upfront entry or marketing fee, making us particularly appealing for those looking to sell their properties.” “We are inviting properties owners to contact us to discuss selling their properties with us,” said Mr Convey, who can be contacted via munsterpropertyauction.ie or at 021 234 9696.
3rr + r + r suite Was €1999 noW €1599 red storage pouffee/ tray Was €159 noW €120 orbit Coffee table Was €169 noW €99 orbit Console table Was €189 noW €119
leather Corner reClining suite Was €1999 noW €1599
In a place as wet as Cork, a flat roof can sometimes be a bit of a gamble. Unless it’s absolutely perfect, it’s likely to leak at some stage, and may even start to sag as the years go by. FibreTech is a new technology
all bedroom ranges reduCed
Cameron table plus 6 Chairs must Clear
Was €1149 noW €399
Lissarda, Crookstown. (Directly oppsite Mai Fitz’s Bar) 021-7335680 | Open Mon-Sat 9.30-5.30 & Sun 2-5pm
w w w. h o u s e o f m c g r e g o r. c o m
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The Home Pages thecorknews
30 January 2015
Draper armchair in silver grey (€698) and sheepskin rug (€69.95), both from Meadows & Byrne
Add some style to your home with this designer throw from Ben de Lisi’s home range. It’s from Debenhams, and priced €67.50
Powder by Patrick Thorne, a perfect Alpine–themed coffee table book from Easons, €36.50
Chalet Chic If you can’t make it to the slopes this year, then channel the ski chalet look at home. All achieved without a plane journey.
Adour Lantern, EZ Living, medium reduced to €111.20 and small down to €79.20
Curve curved coffee table, Caseys, €579
OH WOW! (Most common phrase heard in Eden Tiles)
EDEN Tiles & Bathrooms, Tramore Road, Cork. Tel: 021 4322352
The Home Pages 30 January 2015
thecorknews
Keep it contained Whether you like metal, glass or wood, there is a storage option for your kitchen... Kinsale Under Snow, by Giles Norman, €95 framed
Zero is a wood fireplace designed for pleasant outdoor moments. It’s available from minimafurniture.co.uk and priced €3,700 – €3,900.
Red deer stag antlers on skull, Dandy & Libertine (dandyandlibertine.com) of Cork Vintage Quarter, €250.
7
Hammered metal bread bin, Next, €38
Considered by Helen James utensil tray, Dunnes Stores, €20
At Home with Ashley Thomas sugar jar, Debenhams, €6
Springtime stoneware February means a whole new campaign from Tiger, which includes these great looking stoneware mugs for just one euro each!
Egg run This stylish wire egg spiral always ensures you have eggs to hand — providing you keep it topped up! And it keeps your eggs in order by date. Pick one up for €17.11 plus delivery from cuckooland.com.
Newbury black armchair, Next, €374
OH WOW! (Most common phrase heard in Eden Tiles)
EDEN Tiles & Bathrooms, Tramore Road, Cork. Tel: 021 4322352
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The Home Pages thecorknews
30 January 2015
Taking care of the garden It’s time to think once again about the garden and plan your spring planting!
This metal trough will be available at Tiger Stores from March, priced €3
Cacoon is perfect for hanging in the garden and its high quality, weather–proof fabric resists all the elements. It’s €299 from design-3000.com with free delivery
Gardena wide hand trowel, Woodies, €4.49
Hand–made bird feeder by Irish ceramicist Mary Neeson. It’s €40 from maryneesonceramics.com
Wire basket with three pots, Harvey Norman, €29
HUGE SALE
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Wide Range Of Sofa's Available Solid White Bunk Beds NOW €225
Pine Bunk Bed NOW €199
Under New Management
“We Guarantee We Won’t Be Beaten On Price’’
The Home Pages 30 January 2015
thecorknews
PINE & ALUMINIUM ATTIC STAIRS SUPPLIED AND FITTED FROM JUST €195 ALSO ATTIC FLOORING & LIGHTING
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9
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The Home Pages thecorknews
30 January 2015
SaleS
endS
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2 r o f 3 linds
B l l a on ) e e r f d n i bl
Elux *ExCEPT V
t s e p a e h (c
Visit our showrooms: Southside Industrial Estate, Pouladuff Road, Togher, Cork. Opening Hours (Togher): Mon-Fri: 10.00am-5.00pm Sat: 10.00am-2.00pm Bank Hols Mon: Closed Phone: (021) 4320111 Email: sales@theblindmaker.ie www.theblindmaker.ie
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CONTRACTOR ID: 11268
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The Home Pages 30 January 2015
thecorknews
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
Mob: 087-6474565 Tel: 021-6019077 • BEST VALUE ON OUR NEW RANGE OF PALLADIO DOORS • BEST VALUE ON ALL PVC WINDOWS & DOORS • BEST TRADE PRICES - SUPPLY ONLY OR PIN IN
LIKE US ON
Grab a great deal at Cash & Carry Kitchens Cash & Carry Kitchens Ltd. is Ireland’s leading manufacturer and retailer of fitted kitchen and bedroom furniture, with over 25 years experience designing, making and delivering units for the Irish public. The Cork–based company recently refurbished
their showrooms on the Tramore Road and at the Fota Retail Park in Carrightwohill. Right now, the Cash & Carry Kitchens sale is offering huge discounts, but it ends tomorrow, Saturday, January 31st. No need to panic, though: get to one of their showrooms and
put a deposit on something great that catches your eye — such as these super popular High Gloss Cream and Traditional Ivory kitchens — and you’ll have between now and the start of June to get your new kitchen or bedroom organised!
FACEBOOK FOR SPECIAL OFFERS
We are located on Tower Road, Blarney, Cork (formally O’Reilys Travel Agents)
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Avail of our FREE on site consultation service LED Lighting Specialists, save up to 80% on energy Stockists of Philips Quality LED Lamps Unit 5 Kinsale Road Business Park Kinsale Road, Cork (Opposite Harvey Norman) Open: Mon - Fri 8.30pm-5.pm / Saturday 10am-2pm T: 021 4971110 E: john.oshea@medlocks.ie
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To Airport
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The Home Pages thecorknews
30 January 2015
Visit us @ www.slideglide.ie
Walk-in Closets and Pocket Door Room Dividers
WINTER SALE ENDS SOON MASSIVE DISCOUNTS ACROSS OUR RANGE • High quality door systems • 10 Year Guarantee • Superb value for money • Adaptable to all room shapes • Totally made to measure
Southside Ind.Estate Togher, Cork (Bottom of Forge Hill, Formally of Wilton)
For FREE Brochure and FREE Home Quotation Ring 021 497 5444
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thecorknews
News
30 January 2015
Great news for Cork City
Talking Heads “I think as far as coloured actors go, it gets really different in the UK, and a lot of my friends have had more opportunities here [in the US] than in the U.K., and that’s something that needs to change.”
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
Sherlock star Benedict Cumberbatch later apologised for this comment on PBS talk show Tavis Smiley, saying he’s “devastated to have caused offence”.
“They persuaded me that I’d be bored sh**less, pretty much waiting for them to get into government before being able to help generate any national discussion on the issue of ending partition.” Singer Sinead O’Connor indicated on Facebook that she is not joining Sinn Féin, after meeting two officials from the party this week.
“Little midget parasite!” Anti-water charges protester Derek Byrne later apologised for calling President Michael D Higgins (pictured) “a midget” but will not apologise for calling him a “parasite”.
“I never knew that I was going to cause such a story. I thought it was common knowledge that RTÉ didn’t show any boxing last year.” Katie Taylor and RTÉ settle their differences with plans for the broadcaster to produce a documentary on the boxer. Taylor had been critical of RTÉ’s boxing coverage.
“My mum went to register my birth, and she accidentally spelled ‘ei’ instead of ‘ie’ because my mum’s crap at spelling.” Hollywood star Keira Knightley reveals to Elle UK that she was supposed to be named after Russian ice skater Kiera Ivanov.
“I see no circumstances in which the Fianna Fáil party should be returned to government. They wrecked this economy. They wrecked the lives, the careers and aspirations of hundreds of thousands of people.” Taoiseach Enda Kenny rules out forming a coalition with Fianna Fáil after the next general election in an interview with Pat Kenny on Newstalk.
thecorknews
News
30 January 2015
51
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thecorknews
News
30 January 2015
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...
Talk to us
IMPLANT PR
ENDS
OMOTION
We want to hear from you! Email your thoughts, comments, reactions and announcements to editor@thecorknews.ie
SOON w:
smil t: 021 estore.ie 432 0 004
Enterprising young minds
Hayley This little dote was found at the side of the road, abandoned over Christmas. We arent sure of his breed but guess he will be small to medium in size. His name is Hayley and he will be ready for his new home in a couple of weeks. He loves people and cuddles and is used to other dogs. He will
need a home where someone is home a lot of the day, and children over five only.
Lulu Lulu is a beautiful 11–month– old German shepherd. She’s quite timid and shy and very gentle. She is good with other dogs. Lulu is housetrained and loves her walks. Like all German shepherds, Lulu is an extremely intelligent and loyal dog.
Aoife O’Callaghan, Ursuline Secondary School Blackrock, Dáire Brady, Coláiste an Spioraid Naoimh and Niye Aihie, Bishopstown Community School at the launch of The Cork City Schools Enterprise Programme2015 Business Ideas Competition at The River Lee Hotel. Picture by: Darragh Kane.
You are not alone
Kida Kida is an eight–year–old American Akita. When Kida came to us she was very overwhelmed at all her new surroundings as she had spent a lot of her life isolated: she had been kept in a shed, her coat was filthy and she was generally in serious need of TLC. A secure garden is a must and because of her age she will need to sleep indoors all year round. Because of her size and strength she would best suit a family with children over the age of seven, a young couple looking for a companion for their own dog or mature fami-
National Learning Network provides free training and educational services for people who are out of work or education due to disability,injury or illness. Are you interested in learning how to surf, do athletics, swimming, soccer, gym and core workouts, while at the same time learning about health related fitness, human biology and food & nutrition? lies or couples willing to give her the time and loyalty she deserves. In the time we have had her she has turned from a timid scared dog into a happy, confident one.
For more information call Pauline’s Rescue on 087 9172474 or find us on Facebook.
Sport & Recreation Course (Now enrolling) If so this course might be for you!!! • 12 month, full time course, 30 hours a week • FETAC level 4 major award • Progression pathway to level 5 Sport & Recreation courses in Cork • Support in workplace skills • Training allowance paid subject to current eligibility rules NLN is seeking expressions of interest in this new course. For further information contact Alice McHugh or Maria Healy at 021 4341028 between 9 am and 5 pm.
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
National Learning Network Seward House, Cork Business & Technology Park, Model Farm Road, Cork
Dear Lorcan, You Are Not Alone will hold a coffee morning, for those who are bereaved or affected by suicide, in the Montenotte Hotel in Cork on Tuesday February 3rd from 11.30 to 1pm and the first Tuesday of every month for the rest of the year too. All are welcome and please feel free to bring some friends. Coffee, tea and scones, kindly donated by the Montenotte Hotel, will be
served at the coffee morning. The coming together of those similarly bereaved can offer the opportunity to gain strength and understanding from individuals who have experienced the loss of a loved one through suicide. For more information contact Collette on 087 1897315 or Anthony on 087 6838861. Kind regards Collette
Come help the hospice Dear Editor, Monkstown Golf Club will hold its annual coffee morning in aid ot St Patrick’s Marymount Hospice at 10am on Thursday, February 5th. The morning will kick off at 10am and it’s not only for a great cause but is open to all,
so come and enjoy a complementary coffee and scone in our beautiful clubhouse. There’ll be lots and lots of prizes to be won on the morning too. Kindest regards, Anne and Bernard O’Gorman
All Greek to me Lorcan, The Cork branch of the Socialist Workers Party is hosting a discussion about Syriza, featuring a live video link up with activists in Greece, in the
Metropole Hotel on Tuesday February 3rd, at 7:30 pm. All are welcome. Thank you, Socialist Workers Party (Cork)
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thecorknews 30 January 2015
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thecorknews
Cork Biz
There’s no “I” in it...
30 January 2015
One of the highlights, if not the highlight, of last year’s digital business calendar was the much lauded Web Summit. Held in Dublin and heralded as a rousing success, the organisation and planning of such an immense event was no mean feat. Róisín Thornhill finds out that the company whose software was used to plan the mammoth summit is among the best kept business secrets in Cork.
I
’m speaking with DC Cahalane, Vice President of Growth and Marketing at Teamwork, a highly successful project management platform company that you may never have heard of. “We’ve been a quiet business up until now and not really in the public eye, because until recently the majority of the company was made up of software developers who were busy progressing the product
and dealing with customers. However, all that has changed since the end of last year: it’s becoming harder and harder to keep us under the radar due to the success we’ve been having’’, he enthusiastically informs me. But what is Teamwork exactly, and how has it allowed its core original team of five software engineers to grow to a workforce of 21 and reach a monthly turnover of between 500k and one million dol-
lars a month? According to DC the answer is simple: “To break it down, the platform allows a business to put all the tasks that it needs done into our project management programme, which then allows the user to assign projects to various team members and to check on upcoming deadlines”, he explains. Like most of the world’s most innovative products, Teamwork — or at least its first iteration — was born out of necessity. In 2007 Peter Coppinger and Daniel Mackey, founders of Digital
Crew — one of Cork’s leading web design and development agencies — were struggling to keep track of the many projects in which they were involved, so they developed and built teamworkPM.net to help streamline their workload. Bolstered by the almost instant wave of positive feedback they received from clients regarding the company’s improved productivity, along with requests from these same clients to use the platform for their own project management needs, Coppinger and Mackey were prompted to re-
think their company’s future. They decided to leave the design work aside and focus solely on the development of their new software: Teamwork was born. Fast forward to 2015 and the company’s signature product, Teamwork Project Manager, has 1.5 million plus users around the globe with as many as 350,000 teams online at any point during the day. Clients include internationally recognised names such as PayPal, EBay, Disney and Adidas, and while the majority of Teamwork’s cli-
ents, over 70%, are based in the US, the company plans to tackle the European software market in the very near future. While the company looks forward, its thoughts never stray too far from home. Loyal to their home county, the Teamwork team has pledged to stay in Cork for as long as the company is in business. With the majority of the staff hailing from Cork, it’s not just the promise of job security, state–of–the–art working facilities and a parking space at the North Point Business
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thecorknews
Cork Biz
30 January 2015
Volkswagen’s Passat has been updated for 2015 with sleeker styling, more gadgetry and, of course, that Volkswagen reliability. Seán Creedon takes a spin and likes what he finds.
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Drive
Picture by Gerard McCarthy.
Teamwork in action
Peter Coppinger and Daniel Mackey, Picture by Gerard McCarthy.
Park that keeps them working with Teamwork: “I always invite people to come along and see our offices. You’re always hearing how amazing Google’s offices are in Dublin, well we’re the Cork version of that!” laughs Cahalane: “We have pool tables and games rooms for our staff ’s exclusive use”, he highlights. Such an environment might lead to the assumption that Teamwork is a male–dominated workplace, and while that might have been true just a few years ago, change is afoot. Software develop-
ment has up until the recent past mainly been the sole dominion of men, but recent times have seen an upsurge in female programmers joining the workforce. Teamwork has captialised on this change and made some recent additions to its previously exclusively male team. “Things have definitely changed for the better around here”, says Cahalane. “Men can be very single minded and focus specifically on one task. Since we’ve hired our female developers, the whole culture in the office has changed. In fact, by the end of
2015 we hope to have at least one third of our workforce made up of women. Since the end of last year we’ve started an aggressive stage of hiring new personnel and hope to have 30 new team members on board over the next twelve months.” In these still financially sensitive times, is this something Teamwork is capable of? Certainly, says DC: “Our destiny is our own to steer.” What he’s referring to is a rare and highly covetable situation most of Teamwork’s peers can only dream of: The company is 100% owned by Coppinger and Mackey, and is funded entirely by revenue. Teamwork prides itself on having no investors of any kind, and the duo, having seen the negative impact the introduction of third parties has had on technology companies in the past, are determined not to compromise the ethos and focus of Teamwork. Without a doubt, this bold move has paid off. With Teamwork.com enjoy-
“It’s becoming harder and harder to keep us under the radar due to the success we’ve been having.’’ ing growth of 75% plus year on year, work at the North Point Business Park continues apace. In the next few months the company hopes to launch and add more products to the Teamwork spectrum and the signs are more than positive
for their projected triple–digit global revenues by 2019. This year will also see the formation of a division devoted exclusively to research and development: Teamwork Labs. Such monetary success hasn’t dented the company’s social conscience however, and they regularly support local charitable initiatives, be it working with NGOs or providing software and technology to CoderDojo, the global coding club for young people. This, along with the active placement programme they run from their office for school
and university students, could possibly also be considered an investment in the company’s future. Perhaps some future coders have already been through the doors of the Cork office and have decided that programming with Teamwork is the future for them. 2015 also sees the company in line for the Cork Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year and, with Teamwork’s incredible success so far, it’s hard to see how they wouldn’t be the company to beat. For more information visit their website, teamwork.com.
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30 January 2015
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thecorknews
Menu 30 January 2015
Rice up!
W
e’re just about at the bleakest time of the year now, in that weird patch between Christmas and Spring where it can be hard to get motivated and easy to feel down. So, to combat those late– winter blues, here’s a great recipe for simple, traditional comfort food with a little bit of a twist! Our delicious, thick, creamy rice pudding is great on its own but for extra indulgence we’ve added a generous help-
ing of sweet, boozy fruit: bear in mind the fruit isn’t to everyone’s taste though, so serve it on the side. This recipe is perfect for curling up on the couch, especially in the middle of a cold snap! This recipe serves eight. Ingredients Boozy Fruit • ½ cup light brown sugar • 2 tablespoons dark rum • 2 tablespoons orange juice • ½ cup dried fruit: we recommend raisins
Rice Pudding • 4½ cups milk • 1 cup arborio rice or sushi rice • ½ cup heavy cream, if you can get it, or whipping cream • ½ cup of sugar • 2 cinnamon sticks • A 1” piece of orange peel • Kosher salt • 1 vanilla pod, split lengthwise • 1 large egg yolk Method Boozy Fruit Combine the brown sugar, rum, orange juice, and a
For ‘You’ and ‘The Foodie’ in your life Join Greenes Supper Club Members of Greenes Supper Club receive 40% Discount off our Table d’Hote Menu when dining as a group of 4
little water in a small saucepan over medium–high heat. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until sugar is dissolved, which ought to take about four minutes. Stir in the dried fruit and cook until liquid is syrupy; about two minutes more. Set it aside while you prepare your creamed rice. Rice Pudding 1. Combine the milk, rice, cream, sugar, cinnamon sticks, orange peel, and a pinch of salt in a medium saucepan. 2. Scrape in the seeds from
vanilla pod and then drop the pod itself in too. Bring to a rapid simmer, stirring occasionally to ensure the mixture doesn’t stick to the pan. Reduce heat to medium low and simmer, stirring occasionally and scraping all the way down to the bottom of the pot to make sure it doesn’t stick or scorch, until the rice is tender and mixture is thickened: this will take about 20–25 minutes and you’ll have to stir pretty much constantly. 3. Once it’s thickened up, remove the pan from the heat and let it sit for five minutes.
Discard the vanilla pod, cinnamon sticks, and orange peel. Quickly and thoroughly stir in the egg yolk until completely incorporated. 4. Serve warm or chilled, topped with boozy fruit, honey, nuts, seeds or berries and cream. This rice pudding will keep for at least two days in the fridge: Reheat it over a medium heat or in a microwave on medium setting, with a splash of milk or cream. It’s great as dessert, or as a snack in its own right, snuggled up in your comfort clothes under a blanket!
Members Benefits: • No Membership Fee • Complimentary Bonuses for new Members. • Preferential invitation to Food Events at Greenes & Isaacs Hotel • Discounts and Concessions throughout the year. • Member only ‘Flash Sale’ opportunities. • Monthly newsletter including recipes
Becoming a member is simple: Call into Greenes; telephone 021 4500011 or email gm@isaacs.ie You can also become a member by logging on to www.greenesrestaurant.com Follow us on Facebook and Twitter
Greenes Restaurant and Isaacs Hotel are proud to be supporters of the Everyman Palace Theatre.
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30 January 2015
Discovering the past: scientists prepare to map the DNA of old wine varieties.
DNA project probes past and future of wine
Do you tofu? Tofu has been an important foodstuff for 2000 years, but is only just starting to make inroads into the Irish diet. We’re all familiar with it: it’s a mainstay of Asian food from Korea all the way down to Viet Nam and Myanmar and, as it’s a protein–packed vegetarian option, it’s had an unfortunate association — in this part of the world, anyway — with beatniks and hippies. As Asian food becomes more popular and varied, however, tofu is undergoing a bit of a renaissance and its usefulness and adaptability are just starting to get noticed. Cork’s wide choice of top–notch Asian eateries,
such as Aroi and Ramen, have also helped to bring the magic of this smooth, springy bean curd to people who may not have been too anxious to experiment with it at home, but who are happy to eat it when it’s served to them in stir fries, curries, or even desserts. Tofu is usually made of soya milk, coagulated and shaped into blocks. There are lots of different types, ranging from silken, to smooth, to springy, chewy firm tofu, and its subtle flavour means it can be adapted to suit just about any style of meal, from sweet to sour to savoury. It’s great at absorbing flavours, and so can be used to pack
lots of taste and a unique texture into dishes you make at home, whether savoury or sweet treats. You can buy it plain or pre–flavoured, and it comes in a few different colours too, apart from the familiar white. Red tofu, for instance, or dried tofu, or tofu noodles or deep fried tofu or even pickled tofu. Each is delicious, and it’s very very easy to work with: cut it and pop it into your dish and you’ve just mastered 90% of what cooking with tofu is all about. No longer just available in health food shops, you’ll now find tofu in most supermarkets or, for a wider variety, in any of Cork’s many Asian supermarkets.
For ‘You’ and ‘The Foodie’ in your life Join Greenes Supper Club Members of Greenes Supper Club receive 40% Discount off our Table d’Hote Menu when dining as a group of 4
A team of researchers from Spain’s national research council has set to work at the oldest herbarium of grapevine varieties in the world, in a drive to identify the varieties there — some of which are thought to no longer exist — through DNA testing. The herbarium, created by
Simón de Rojas Clemente y Rubio, consists of 186 different varieities of leaves and dried buds from Spain, currently kept at the research centre in Madrid along with roughly one million other plants. DNA evidence from the samples will allow biologists
to trace the development of modern vines, as well as giving an insight into some rare or even vanished varieieties, some of which could be brought back from extinction through cloning or used for crossbreeding with surviving relatives, producing new types of grape in the future.
Farmgate in Top 10 for amazingness The Farmgate Café in the English Market has been named among the top ten places to stop for tea in the British Isles — and one of only two in Ireland — by the tousim blog GoEuro. The travel blog selected The Farmgate for the quality of its brown bread, lemon tart and people watching. “Definitely make a stop at the Farmgate Cafe for an afternoon tea,” enthuses the author, Canadian Hannah Sinclair: “The cafe looks out over the Old English Market and makes a perfect spot for people watching. Compliment your tea with some of the fresh Irish soda bread…or their incredible lemon tart.” Visit goeuro. co.uk to read more.
Picture by Jessica Spengler
Members Benefits: • No Membership Fee • Complimentary Bonuses for new Members. • Preferential invitation to Food Events at Greenes & Isaacs Hotel • Discounts and Concessions throughout the year. • Member only ‘Flash Sale’ opportunities. • Monthly newsletter including recipes
Becoming a member is simple: Call into Greenes; telephone 021 4500011 or email gm@isaacs.ie You can also become a member by logging on to www.greenesrestaurant.com Follow us on Facebook and Twitter
Greenes Restaurant and Isaacs Hotel are proud to be supporters of the Everyman Palace Theatre.
thecorknews
Family 30 January 2015
CUH app answers breast cancer questions Cork University Hospital is behind the launch of a new breast cancer app, FYI: Breast Cancer, which has been created in response to the startling statistic that one third of women attending breast cancer clinics in Ireland don’t know enough about the disease. The app, which has been funded entirely by the CUH Charity, answers the top 50 most searched–for questions about breast cancer in straightforward, plain English. It explains what breast cancer is, the different types of breast cancer, what a breast cancer diagnosis means and what treatments are available. The app was developed in conjunction with the National Adult Literacy Agency and the Department of Computer Science and School of Nursing and Midwifery at University College Cork, following the results of research conducted by CUH, which found that a lack of knowledge
Epilepsy: fact vs fiction about breast cancer means that people are more likely to miscalculate their risk, with 83% of women actually overestimating their risk of developing it. CUH Consultant Breast Surgeon Mark Corrigan said “as much as 90% of medical information on the internet is inaccurate or difficult to read. To counter this, and to clearly explain the facts about breast cancer and dispel the myths, we have developed the FYI: Breast Cancer app.”
“With 90% of patients using a mobile phone on a daily basis, we decided that an app would be the best way to communicate correct, easy to read information. We hope the app will make a major difference to the hundreds of women attending breast cancer clinics who find themselves overwhelmed by the medical information they are given,” he said. The FYI: Breast Cancer app is available to download for both Android and iPhone.
February 9th is World Epilepsy Day, and this year will see a campaign aimed at increasing public awareness of the condition, as well as dispelling myths and making sure people know how to help someone who is having an epileptic seizure. Epilepsy affects 37,000 people in Ireland and approximately 5,000 people in Cork. This year Joe Schmidt (above), the Irish rugby coach — whose son has epilepsy — is fronting a campaign for Epilepsy Ireland. The campaign focuses on how to assist a person with epilepsy in the event of a sei-
zure by being a TEAM player; T – Take care to protect the person, E – Ensure you stay with them, A – Allow the seizure to run its course, M - Move the person on their side when the seizure is over. Consumer research conducted by Epilepsy Ireland over the past two years has found that many people still misunderstand epilepsy and are lacking in knowledge about what to do if someone has a seizure. The disorder still carries an unfair stigma, which means some epileptic
people hide the fact that they suffer from it. The hidden nature of epilepsy has given rise to myths, misconceptions and even superstitions, some of which linger even today. Perhaps the most common myth is that you should put something onto a person’s mouth if they are having a seizure to stop them swallowing their tongue. Another is that everyone with epilepsy must avoid flashing lights: neither of these beliefs are true. To find out just what’s true and what’s a myth when it comes to epilepsy, visit epilepsy.ie.
Sync your body for a good night’s sleep By Nick Bramhill It’s a condition which affects up to 15% of the Irish population, including tens of thousands of night–shift workers and frequent fliers. But the hundreds of thousands of people in Ireland who suffer from insomnia and disrupted lifestyle patterns could soon look forward to a proper sleep, thanks to a medical breakthrough. Scientists have invented a pill which they claim can reset the body clock and end the
ordeal of sleepnessness. Disruption of the body’s pattern of sleeping at night and being awake during the day, known as the circadian rhythm, can cause stress, heart disease and even cancer. But an experimental drug, created by medical researchers, has managed to synchronise blood cells and in effect fool the body into believing night is day and vice versa. Researchers suggest the pill could be particularly helpful to people who work nights, as well as business travellers who fly through differ-
K E E W L A N I F
ent time zones and need to change their sleep patterns
ahead of meetings and conferences.
The tablets — which were devised by experts at McGill University in Montreal and Canada’s specialist Douglas Mental Health University were tested successfully on 16 healthy volunteers. The report’s authors said that although the pills were not yet ready to be released for general use, they may “open the door to innovative therapies” for those suffering as a result of broken sleep patterns. Dr. Diane Bovin, a researcher on the project, said: “Problems adjusting to atypical work schedules are a major
issue for society. “Our previous studies clearly show that desynchronised circadian clocks disrupt the sleep, performance and cardiac parameters of night–shift workers.” Previous studies have found that disrupting the body clock has a negative impact on health, raising the risk of heart attack and stroke by over 40%. Experts believe that disruption of the usual sleep/ wake cycle affects production of melatonin, the sleep hormone, which is believed to have anti–cancer qualities.
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Talking can be the first step PCI Counselling Service, a nationwide, low–cost counselling service, has been relaunched by Dr Harry Barry. Dr Barry has written several books which highlight the benefits of counselling in the treatment of depression, anxiety and everyday mental health issues. The service operates at a number of venues around Cork City and County Cork, including community centres, GP practices and health centres, and with the help of voluntary organisations such as the Irish Carers Association, Cork. The number of people accessing the service increased by 25% in 2014. Those who contact PCI Counselling Service seek help on a wide range of issues, including anxiety, stress, relationship issues, bereavement and depression. For many people dealing with mental health issues like these, talking to someone who can help is the first step to recovery. Sessions typically cost €10 to €25 and counselling
is provided on a completely confidential basis. PCI Counselling Service Coordinator Louise Brennan–Moroni says “the service has grown from strength to strength and we are keen to reach out to more GP’s, community organisations and healthcare professionals who are interested in providing
counselling alongside existing services in Cork. We are inviting them to contact us to find out more.” PCI Counselling Service is open Monday to Friday, with appointments available during the day, in the evening and at weekends. Counselling is provided by male and female
counsellors and the service is completely confidential. To contact PCI Counselling Service for an appointment or more information, call 0818 555 450 or email info@pcicounselling.ie Full details of the Service are also available on pcicounselling.ie or facebook.com/pcicounsellingser-
Time to get gardening Springtime is nearly here, and even though February looks like being a cold, wintery month there’ll still be plenty to do in the garden in order to get it ready for action for the rest of the season and into the summer. Gardening is becoming more and more popular in Cork, whether it’s for decorative or practical purposes, and of course it’s one of the best
activities you can do as a family. To celebrate the imminent return of Spring, Griffin’s Garden Centre in Dripsey is bringing back what they say is the “coolest kids’ gardening club in Munster” from next week. Aimed at primary kids, the club’s workshops will teach all about planting, looking after and harvesting your own
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K E E W L A N I F
vegetables to recycling and respect for nature. “The kids always have a great time making friends and learning the magic of the great outdoors, all while supervised by our trained Slug club leaders. We understand that these days, more than ever, it is so important to get children to stay active and healthy and we are proud to say that over the past few years we have inspired many children to spend time outdoors and get involved in
nature and the wonderful benefits of gardening!” says Griffins Garden enthusiast Miriam. For full details check out the Slug club on griffinsgardencentre.ie and to pre–book email info@griffinsgardencentre.ie or simply text 087 9008235. And, mums and dads, don’t forget to dress your budding horticulturalists in proper outdoor clothing, as they will be getting very hands on and pretty dirty!
Credit problems? Here’s how to cope Mark Ryan of Quintas is a Personal Insolvency Practitioner and an expert on solving the money problems which face a lot of Cork families. Here is his second special report on how to cope with financial issues; this week, Mark explains how to handle creditors: Having unsustainable debt is a very difficult and stressful position to be in. Thankfully with some hard work and straight talking we can get to a point that in most cases there is a solution that both parties can be agreeable to. The single biggest flaw in the relationship between the debtor and their creditor is a lack of trust and poor communication. It is likely that the debtor has been dealing with the problem for the last 7/8 years since the economic collapse of the Irish economy and the free line of credit from the banks stopped. My role in these cases whether as a PIP (Personal Insolvency Practitioner) or as
part of a debt restructuring arrangement for my client is to act as a mediator or ‘referee’ between the parties. In most cases there is a middle ground that can be agreed on in the short term. Quintas are currently running open information evenings on debt resolution and if you would like to avail of a free one–on–one appointment with Mark Ryan contact 021 4641400 or email info@ quintas.ie.
Mark’s advice for dealing with your creditors: 1. Communicate with your creditors at all times, 2. Mediate: if you are unsure what to do ask a friend, parent, family member or business associate assist you in your discussions. 3. Co-operate: follow the bank’s protocols and providing them with the information that they have requested, 4. Calculate: work out what you can afford to pay and spread this among your creditors. 5. Prioritise your secured creditors, especially your family home. 6. Be honest: if you are struggling tell the bank and keep them up to date. 7. Take notes: keep a copy of all correspondence and note what was discussed as you may need this information in the future. 8. Understand the ground rules: the bank wants to be paid what they are owed but
will work with you if they can. 9. Educate yourself on the new personal insolvency and bankruptcy legislation. 10. Know your rights: make sure you understand how you should be treated fairly by your creditor, 11. Face your problems: be proactive rather than reactive with your financial situation. 12. Look after your physical and mental health: if your health deteriorates your financial position could get worse. 13. Don’t give up: there are plenty of solutions and options. 14. Get good advice: Signing up to the wrong deal will only make the situation worse. 15. Be patient: it can take some time to get an agreement in place. 16. You are not alone: no one has been left untouched by the crash and there are many people in a similar position to you.
thecorknews
Style 30 January 2015
Work the trench coat
Fashion designer Rick Owens caused some controversy last week, with his collection featuring pant–less male models. Not as revealing but still very stylish is this great blue cropped trench coat from Zara, priced €85.95.
Loving Lace The lace look is always being revived, and we’re loving that the trend can suit any budget.
Splurge Self-portrait lace sequence dress, Brown Thomas, €275
Save
City Style Pictured: Jessica Willis What I’m wearing: Entire outfit from River Island Bag: Michael Korrs
Long–sleeved lace dress, H&M, €49.99
Get personal This hand cut bar pendant (€56) from aboxformytreasure. com sits between strands of delicate rose gold fill chain to create a feminine, minimal necklace that’s perfect for layering and everyday wear. And you can get up to eight symbols on it, including hearts! What’s not to love?
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30 January 2015
Accessorise the look
Aideen Bodkin Samba dress, Kilkenny stores, €274.95
Flight of Fancy pleated shirt dress, French Connection, €190
Bloombird pencil skirt, Oasis, €50
Kurt Geiger Blossom platform heels, Brown Thomas, €315
Blooming brilliant We’re coming into spring and nothing represents the season like floral. With designers such as Miu Miu and and Céline endorsing flower power for 2015, the look is in full bloom!
Black Pacha floral print bandeau swimsuit, River Island, €43
Coleen Rooney floral geo print t–shirt, littlewoodsireland.ie, €48
Jacquard floral coat, Zara, €79.95
Bracelets from Chrysalis’ Flourish Collection, Chic The World of Jewellery on Oliver Plunkett Street, from €29
Floral print snood, Penneys, €3
thecorknews
Beauty 30 January 2015
MAC lipstick in Relentlessly Red, Brown Thomas, €19.50
Bumble and bumble Straight Shampoo, Sobe Brown on Morrison’s Quay, €30
Clarins Rouge Eclat Lips in Passion Red, Sam McCauley, €23
Sleek Beauty Hollywood star Emma Stone rocked two on– trend looks at the SAG Awards, both the sleek ponytail and bold red lip. Pick up these beauty finds to recreate the red carpet look at home. Dior Addict Gloss — Mirror Shine Volume & Care in Rouge Défendu, Debenhams, €30
L’Oreal Elnett Extra Strength Flexible Hold Hairspray, Boots,€8.99
Remington ‘Frizz Therapy’ paddle brush, Sam McCauley, €9.99
30 pack of skinny hair elastics, Claire’s Accessories, €2.50
Nicky Clarke Desired Hair Dryer, Harvey Norman, €44.99
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Beauty
30 January 2015
The Beauté of Delevingne
Nude Purism by Catrice Quattro 01
Nude Purism by Catrice Nude Nail Lacquer in Pure Blue
Nude Purism by Catrice Pure Shimmer Highlighter
Sneak peek M
ake–up brand Catrice has a new limited edi-
tion collection coming out this March called Nude Purism. It picks up on the “no make-up” look trend and offers long–lasting quattro eyeshad-
ows (€4.99), lipsticks with a glossy finish (€4.99) as well as nail polishes in taupe, coffee, rosé and a cool light blue (€2.99). The absolute eye–
Diary of a laser hair removal newbie: Part III In September, The Cork News reporter Maria Tracey began a course of laser hair removal at Therapie Clinic on Opera Lane. Now three treatments in, the results are showing. Undertaking my third course of laser hair removal at Therapie Clinic, I decided to try different strengths on each underarms. Being more sensitive on my left side, my therapist Noelle used the gentler method, emitting the same energy, but at a lower setting. This meant the medical–grade laser went over the area a number of times, emitting wavelengths of light that were absorbed by the pigment in the hair. If the surrounding skin is
relatively light compared to the colour of the hair, then the entire energy of the laser is concentrated on the hair shaft, effectively destroying it without affecting the skin or the follicle. On the right underarm, the treatment was as standard, — again just lasting 10 minutes — going over the area once but at a higher setting. For me, the sensation during the standard setting and the setting used for sensitive areas was quite similar, the
equivalent of a ‘ping’ of an elastic band against the skin. And the latter option means there is no need to shy away from using laser hair removal on areas such as the bikini line. “Results wise, you shouldn’t see any difference from one method to the next,” explained Noelle. And she was right, as after three procedures, my quest to banish the razor from my life is coming closer. Half way through, just three treatments remain.
Nude Purism by Catrice Gentle Lip Colour in Silky Rose
catcher of the collection is the highlighter with a 3D relief structure (€3.29) for subtle light reflections on your face and neckline.
A beauty
pearl The new Nivea Q10plus AntiWrinkle Serum Pearls boasts the highest–ever dose of coenzyme Q10, with the formula proven to visibly reduce the appearance of wrinkles and delay the onset of new ones. It’s priced €14.99 for 40ml and available from pharmacies from February.
Model Cara Delevingne has been announced as the face of the Yves Saint Laurent Beauté makeup campaigns. With her iconic brows and compelling eyes, Delevingne captured the fashion world’s attention at the age of 16, and started her modelling career in 2009. In 2011, she was already rated one of London’s 1000 most influential people by the London Evening Standard. “I am particularly proud to represent the audacity, the modernity of the Yves Saint Laurent Beauté woman. It’s a view of femininity that I relate to and am happy to be part of,” she says.
YOGA POSE OF THE WEEK Setu Bandhasana ( Bridge Pose ) Benefits: stretches the chest,neck and shoulders. Strengthens and lengthens the front of the thighs, gluteus, hamstrings, lower back muscles and all the posterior thoracic muscles are strengthened, improving posture. Improves circulation of blood, stimulates the lungs, thyroid gland and abdominal organs. Improves digestion. Reduces fatigue, anxiety, backache and headache. Rejuvenates tired legs. Relieves symptoms of asthma. Therapeutic for hypertension, osteoporosis and sinusitis.
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
thecorknews
Beauty
30 January 2015
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Coffee substitute Want to quit caffeine? Dandelion could be the answer. Dandelion tea is often used as a substitute, and prepared from the roots of wildcrafted dandelions. It’s also caffeine and lactose free. Here’s Health on Patrick’s Street and in Douglas and Wilton have the Symingtons brand, priced at €8.99 for 33g.
Light
See Red
up
Enhanced with a 77-Mineral Moisture Complex, MAC’s Lightness of Being Mineralize Glass has a sophisticated formula that keeps lips soft and silky, providing a luminous, modern shine. It comes in a number of pearlescent shades and available at Brown Thomas for €24.
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Advertising
30 January 2015
Super Slimming Weight Loss Tea Causes a Stir!
Yes, it’s really true folks.... an ancient Chinese Lotus Leaf tea or Yo Chi Tea as it is known, is becoming a global sensation! You see, this is simply no ordinary tea; far from it in fact, this is an amazing revolutionary tea blend which, because of its ancient Chinese herbal properties, is helping people everywhere to shed excess weight quickly, naturally and safely, simply by drinking two cups of it every day. Weight loss and detox could not be any easier than this, ever! Already, everyone wants to get their hands on this natural miracle worker and let’s face it why wouldn’t they? Already, J-Lo is singing its praises (sorry, we couldn’t resist that little pun!), blissfully sipping it till her heart’s content as she marvels at its benefits in terms of weight loss. Oprah too is a firm believer
in it so if it is good enough for two of the world’s biggest showbiz celebs, we are pretty sure it is more than just a little bit good! The good news? Yo Chi is available in Ireland, exclusive to Therapie Clinic. Clinics have reported waiting list around the country as Therapie have been struggling to meet the demand for tea both in store and online with many customers eager to aid new year weight loss using a more holistic approach. Commenting on its arrival at Therapie Clinic, Manager Jennifer O’Donovan said: “The response to Yo Chi Tea so far has been fantastic, it’s flying off the shelves! The great thing about Yo Chi Tea is it’s 100% natural, and has been proven to be effective in aiding weight loss and detox in a easy, safe way”
The blend contains Lotus Leaf, Oolong green tea and number of other ancient Chinese herbs, all of which have been specially selected because of their proven natural ability to purify and cleanse the body, and to essentially act as a nuisance in stopping the body from storing up food as excess weight, and burn excess fat which is stored in the body! Drinking just two cups of lotus leaf Yo Chi weight loss tea a day over a 14 day period will help to increase weight loss by up to 50%! Yo Chi Tea is exclusively available from Therapie Clinic nationwide, including 17B Opera Lane in Cork. Simply call them direct on 021 427 8736, to find out more or to order. For more information on Yo Chi tea and the 14 day detox you can visit www.yochitea.com.
thecorknews
Going Places 30 January 2015
Barcelona the beautiful By Lizann Peppard in association with Hotels.com My boyfriend’s 30th birthday is coming up and I’d love to organise a few days abroad for us and some friends to celebrate. We’d like to go somewhere where there is plenty to see and do during the day and great nightlife too. Is there any city in particular that comes to mind?
B
arcelona, the capital and crown jewel of Catalonia in Spain, is a city with boundless energy and the ideal getaway destination for a celebration. Alive with a distinctive, creative Catalan culture and awe–inspiring art and architecture, Barcelona blends the old and new like no other and it is hard not to
become captivated by this effortlessly cool city. Begin your trip at the heart of this cosmopolitan destination with a visit to La Boqueria, Barcelona’s favourite market. Located in the middle of Barcelona’s most famous thoroughfare, Las Ramblas, this is the perfect place to begin your adventure and get a grasp of the city. One of Europe’s best–loved food markets, La Boqueria is a feast for the senses and the loud stallholders, vivid colours and aromatic smells all contribute to the charm of this unique experience. Get there early to avoid the crowds, browse the stalls and sample local delicacies to experience the full effect of the authentic and busy marketplace. No visit to Barcelona would be complete without witnessing the spectacular architecture of La Sagrada Família. The eccentricity of its creator,
architect Antoni Gaudí, is reflected in the theatrical façade of the building and intricate details in the design. And while the building is still under construction some 80 years after his death, the scaffolding does not detract from the awesome magnitude of this Modernist masterpiece, which is probably Barcelona’s
most celebrated icon. The intriguing Park Guell is another fine example of Gaudi’s work overlooking the city. If you get some spring sunshine during your stay — which you will, more likely than not — and feel like escaping the busy streets for some tranquillity, head east from the city to Barcelona’s
beaches. Here you will find a palm–lined promenade with plenty of waterfront bars to tempt you for an afternoon drink overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. When it comes to eating and drinking, Barcelona is second to none. Tapas are an essential pillar in the gastronomic scene and these delicious morsels
Where to Stay: Hotel Duquesa de Cardona (****) Prices start from €111 per room per night on Hotels.com Hotel Duquesa de Cardona is ideally located overlooking the harbour and just minutes from Las Ramblas. The guestrooms are spacious and welcoming and there is a rooftop terrace for you to enjoy panoramic views of the city. Hotel Barcelona Universal
(****) Prices start from €67 per room per night on Hotels.com Ideally located in the city centre, the Hotel Barcelona Universal is close to some of Barcelona’s top attractions. The hotel features complimentary WiFi, a gym and a rooftop pool.
per night on Hotels.com Andante Hotel can be found in the heart of Barcelona, just minutes walking distance from the city’s popular sights. The hotel is stylishly designed and there is a buffet breakfast available to guests. Prices depend on availability at time of booking
Andante Hotel (***) Prices start from €65 per room
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are the perfect way to start a long dinner with friends. Head to Tapas 24 for a gourmet version of authentic tapas and Catalonian cuisine, and a glimpse into the exciting culinary landscape Barcelona has to offer. After your meal, stroll up to La Pedrera, another of Gaudi’s outstanding accomplishments, and see the colourful, quirky construct illuminated at night. If you’re looking for somewhere to continue the night, head to the trendy Es Born area for some eclectic and electric nightlife. Be sure to bring your dancing shoes: Barcelona is truly a city that never sleeps! Here you’ll find something to suit everyone’s taste with music from tango to techno and parties that sprawl onto the city’s cobbled streets. A lively city bursting with culture, Barcelona is the perfect city for a celebration.
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On this 8 day ultra-luxury river cruise combine a passion for the good life with art, culture and brillant landscapes and you have Northern France. Visit Monet’s Garden in Giverny. Stand on the beach of Honfleur and walk in the footsteps of Van Gogh in Auvers-Sur-Oise. Flights & taxes included
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thecorknews
Going Places
30 January 2015
Go west!
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Set in the middle of a vast olive grove, Sun Hotel Majestic Palace is a large hotel complex comprising several different buildings set around the swimming pools and tennis court. With its great amenities, picturesque setting, friendly service and lots of special attractions, including afternoon tea and a light buffet lunch with drinks included, 4 days a week. There really is something here for everybody - families, couples and friends alike.
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We spend so much time planning to get out of Ireland for our holidays, we sometimes tend to overlook the reasons why thousands upon thousands of people make a point of visiting this island every year, from places a far flung as the US, Australia and China. We live in a remarkable part of the world. One of the big draws since it opened has been the Wild Atlantic Way. As you may have read elsewhere in The Cork
Superbly located overlooking Rosscarbery Bay and Galley Head, with the historic Cathedral village of Rosscarbery on its doorstep, the Celtic Ross Hotel is the perfect destination for your holiday or weekend break.
Say I Love You with our VALENTINE SPECIAL
• Extensive Menus served daily, 8am – 9.30pm in the Kingfisher Bar • Leisure Centre facilities, including 15m swimming pool • A choice of treatments in our Holistic Suite • All major sporting events shown on our HD 8ft screen • Regular music entertainment and events • Free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel and ample parking
1 Night B&B & a romantic 3 Course Dinner incl. a Dessert Platter to Share and a Glass of Bubbly
Wake up to St. Valentine’s Day in stunning West Cork
News, an invitation has now been officially extended to the Top Gear trio of Jeremy Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond, and if they accept there’s certainly a treat in store for them. Stretching from Kinsale right the way around the convoluted west coast of the island, the Way has but a single rival in the world (in California) when it comes to extensive seaside routes. It’s 2500 km long, and takes in some of the world’s
most spectacular scenery, following the jagged peninsulas and bays of the west all the way to Inishowen in Donegal. The route is perfect for driving, ideal for cycling (if you have the time and the stamina) and increasingly popular with walkers, who tackle it in stages. What better time than this Spring to follow a Camino tradition and manage it by walking a little at a time? There’s no better way to see Ireland.
February Family MIDTERM BREAK 3 Nights B&B & 1 Dinner for two adults and B&B for two children under 12 years.
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Many other Special Offers available on our website, or just call in!
thecorknews
Drive 30 January 2015
Passat, present and future One of the most popular cars in Ireland for generations, Volkswagen’s Passat has been updated for 2015 with sleeker styling, more gadgetry and, of course, Volkswagen reliability. Seán Creedon takes a spin and likes what he finds.
A
t the launch of their new Passat in Wicklow earlier this month VW showed the media a nostalgic video where Irish people expressed their love for the Volkswagen brand. One pensioner summed up the general feeling when he said ‘‘you won’t beat them.’’
I suppose the only one who can beat them in this category is Ford with their new Mondeo and it certainly looks like there is going to be fierce competition for sales between the Passat and Mondeo in the coming months. The Passat was launched in 1973 and has been a great seller in Ireland and the rest
of the world for VW. The official figure is 22 million units sold worldwide in the past 42 years, and it was the best selling car in its segment in Ireland last year, with 12% of the market. The eighth generation is more evolution than revolution and you would need to be wearing your anorak to notice all the subtle changes
but there have been improvements: The car now has a new shoulder line and generally a more aggressive look to it, the side mirrors have been altered slightly and there are a lot more connecting lines in the exterior design. You need to look closely, but the lines seamlessly extend from the lights at the back and front. Inside, there is more head room and the infotainment screen on the dash is tilted ever so slightly towards the driver. Overall, there is a more executive feel to the cabin. The car is lighter than the previous model and you get a full–size spare wheel underneath a spacious boot. The Ford Mondeo was two years late coming to Ireland and now it’s really going head to head with the Passat. As a nation we are fairly conser-
vative when it comes to buying cars, and for people who will find it difficult to decide, it will probably depend on which garage your family always bought their cars at. VW are well aware that the Mondeo will be their biggest rival, but they are also hoping to tempt some Opel Insignia and Mazda 6 owners. With such competitive pricing, the very comfortable and luxurious Passat might also appeal to BMW 3 Series and Mercedes Benz C–Class owners. Park Assist and Area View are common extras in most new cars, but later this year the Passat will offer a new extra called Trailer Assist. At the launch no price was given for the new extra, which will basically handle that tricky operation of reversing a trailer into place.
After many years with only a diesel line–up, VW is now offering the Passat with a 1.4 petrol engine. Petrol is certainly back in favour and prices start at €27,295 for the 1.4 petrol Trendline version. Diesel prices start at €28,940 for the 1.6. VW are also pushing a PCP package, where you can get a new Passat for €329 per month over three years. Apparently more and more Irish buyers are opting for this hire–purchase type package. As with most VW cars there are three trim offers, Trendline, Comfortline and Highline. Road tax is €190 for diesel and €270 for petrol versions. Volkswagen dealers in Cork include Blackwater Motors in Cork, Fermoy and Skibbereen, Newmarket Motors and O’Leary’s of Lissarda, near Macroom.
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30 January 2015
“Hearty” Irish welcome for new Opel technology Opel is set to welcome over 550 journalists from across Europe to Ireland next month for the international launch of two brand new engines. It has been over 15 years since there has been a major international launch by any car manufacturer in Ireland, let alone a launch featuring two brand new pieces of engineering. The new engines, a 1.6l turbo diesel and a 2.0l turbo diesel, will be showcased in Opel’s Insignia and Mokka. The event will run from February 16th – 27th in Dublin and Kildare. Opel will be launching a new ‘Whisper’ 1.6 litre turbo diesel engine in the
Opel Mokka and a new 2.0 litre turbo diesel engine in the Insignia. Johan Willems, Vice President of Communications for the company, said “in recognition that Ireland is also on the path of a comeback, Opel wanted to launch two engines of major significance for the company here. In addition, we have good memories of Ireland, thus we are coming back with new efficient diesel engines to a country where it’s easy to get a hearty welcome.” Dave Sheeran, Managing Director of Opel Ireland continued: “Opel has always had an affinity with the Irish
people, so it was a natural fit for the company to stage the international launch of our new engines in this territory.” In Ireland, sales of diesel engines are now far more popular than petrol, with 73% diesel versus 25% petrol engine sales recorded during 2014. The Insignia, Opel Ireland’s best–selling model in 2014, accounted for 30% of the company’s sales and was the second best seller in its segment. When they finally reach the mainstream market, you can try out the new engines at Johnson & Perrott Opel, Kevin O’Leary Opel and Greenhall Motors in Buttevant.
Banteer man eyes World Championship Jonathan Leonard, Service Technician at Eamonn Tarrant & Sons Ltd in Banteer, has been awarded the prestigious title of national ŠKODA Service Technician champion, as part of the ŠKODA service challenge 2014. Jonathan will now go on to compete in an international competition representing Ireland in the
Service Technician category and compete for the title of Individual World Champion. The ŠKODA service challenge has become an important benchmark for measuring the qualities of the best employees in the global ŠKODA service network. With over nine years’ experience in the motoring indus-
try, Jonathan has previously claimed a ŠKODA award for distinguished performance in the national skills competition. During his time at Eamonn Tarrant & Sons nine, he completed his apprenticeship with a merit, and received a phase 6 best motor mechanic apprentice CIT 2009.
NEW DIESEL ENGINE. NEW DIESEL PRICE! Octavia Range from €179* per month including servicing.
One of Ireland’s best loved cars with over 40,000 happy drivers on the road the Octavia needs no introduction. For 2015 we have made the Octavia even more attractive with the introduction of a brand new fuel efficient 1.6 TDI, 90bhp diesel engine that delivers on average 69 mpg (4.1l/100km). With a new engine comes an even more attractive price with the Octavia diesel now starting from €21,745. That’s €700 better value than before. To cap it off, for a very limited time you can avail of 0% APR PCP on the complete Octavia range starting from just €179* per month inclusive of three years servicing.
E Tarrant & Sons,
The Square, Banteer, Co. Cork. T. 029 56014. W. www.etarrant.ie
skoda.ie
Terms and conditions apply. Prices displayed exclude dealer delivery and related fees. Every effort is made to ensure accuracy, however errors may occur and specifications may change without prior notice. 0% APR PCP Finance is available with the Octavia model only, for terms and conditions see skoda.ie. Typical Finance example: Octavia 1.2 TSI* 86 bhp OTRP €19,595. Deposit €5,948.64. 36 monthly payments of €179 (including service plan at €10.99 p/m). Optional Final Payment €7,598. APR 0%. Total Cost of credit €0. Minimum deposit is 10%. Hire purchase agreement, subject to lending criteria. Volkswagen Bank GmbH Branch Ireland, trading as SKODA Finance is authorised by the Federal Financial Supervisory Authority in Germany and regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland for conduct of business rules.
thecorknews
Drive
30 January 2015
ENJOY LOWER MONTHLY REPAYMENTS WITH ŠKODA PCP SOLUTIONS
Fabia from €159 per month.
Octavia from €179 per month.
Yeti from €269 per month.
Superb from €279 per month.
Including three years servicing.
Including three years servicing.
Including three years servicing.
Including three years servicing.
Noel Deasy Cars, New Mallow Road, Blackpool, Cork. T. 021 4395024. W. www.noeldeasy.com Terms and conditions apply. Images used for illustrative purposes only. Every effort is made to ensure accuracy, however errors may occur and specifications may change without prior notice. 0% APR PCP Finance is available with the Octavia model only, for terms and conditions see skoda.ie. Typical Finance example: Octavia 1.2 TSI 86 bhp OTRP €19,595. Deposit €5,948.64. 36 monthly payments of €179 (including service plan at €10.99 p/m). Optional Final Payment €7,598. APR 0%. Total Cost of credit €0. Minimum deposit is 10%. Typical Finance example: Citigo OTRP €11,365. Deposit / Part Exchange€3,389.33. 36 monthly payments of €129 (Cost of service plan is included in your monthly payments at €10.99). Optional Final Payment €4,306. Total hire purchase price €12,093.69 including acceptance fee (€75) and completion fee (€75). Minimum deposit is 10%. Subject to lending criteria. This offer is made under a hire purchase agreement. ŠKODA Finance is a trading style of Volkswagen Bank GmbH Branch Ireland, authorised by the Federal Financial Supervisory Authority in Germany and regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland for conduct of business rules.
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Drive
30 January 2015
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Tel: 021 432 0266 www.danseamanmotors.ie
thecorknews
Drive
30 January 2015
73
The ultimate driving machine? Lorcan MacMuiris straps in for an hour of being delighted and impressed in BMW’s power–packed 530D GT; part luxury car, part low– slung SUV, part space ship.
T
he BMW 530 D GT is an odd beast. It’s a big, impressive car, and its strange looks belie the German maker’s intent for it. This car sits somewhere between the run–of–the–mill 5 series, the vast, palatial land–ships of the 7 series and the gigantic BMW X6 SUV, taking the best of each and concentrating it to distill a car of sublime comfort, exceptional spec and blistering, face–melting power and acceleration. Even though it’s very much like driving an extremely well appointed living room, getting behind the wheel of this 3.0l diesel behemoth can encompass, depending on your mood, anything from relaxing, stately comfort to teeth– gritting, maniacally laughing fun. “GT”, as you no doubt know, stands from Gran Turismo, or Grand Tourer. With its top
level trim, tremendous head– and leg–room and weird, split–level boot, this would be a car you’d be only too happy to take on a trek around Ireland or, indeed, pretty much anywhere. The first sensation upon sitting into the bright, technologically advanced cabin, seated on white leather and staring at the array of gadgets and doohickies, is the sheer luxury the GT has to offer. The dash is bright and pleasing, well laid out enough so that its wealth of information just about stays on the civilised side of cluttered, and the centre console is dominated by a chunky, intuitive bezel which controls the many, many functions of the onboard computer; zooming you in and out of the built–in GPS, controlling the radio, altering the car’s personality from comfort to normal to sport to the intimidating sport+ settings and more. Pokes and prods reveal
The
Drive used car review
panels which slide back to reveal litre after litre of storage and, overhead, the ceiling retracts to reveal a panoramic glass double–sunroof. With the press of a button, the car starts keylessly and the engine whispers into life. It’s hard to believe this car is a diesel, let alone four years old. Not only is it quick and responsive, whizzing from 0–100 in pretty much no time at all (I was having too much fun to time it properly), but it’s almost irritatingly quiet. I say irritatingly quiet because when this car takes off like a bullet from a gun, which it does with breathtaking eagerness in sports mode, you’d expect to hear at least some sort of a roar from the engine,
but instead the three litre, 241 BHP plant sighs almost imperceptibly until all of a sudden you’re going 120 kph and
it’s time to ease off. The automatic gearbox is the best I’ve ever come across, handling all that power brilliantly, but
A monster is coming A firm favourite on Cork’s calendar of events, The Monster Motorcycle Show, hosted by The Cork Motorcycle Racing & Vintage Club, will return to the Silversprings Moran Hotel Conference Centre this Sunday, February 1st and promises to be a not–to–be– missed event for fans of motorcycles. The show will feature stars of Irish road and circuit racing such as William Dunlop, Derek Shiels, Micko Sweeney
and others, who will be on hand to sign autographs and speak about their success on track, as well as two floors of bikes, including modern, classic, race, vintage, off– road, dragbike and custom– built machines, courtesy of custom guru Ger Conlon. Main dealers will have a range of new motorcycles and accessories on show, while insurance, training, safety, racing and more will also feature.
Top race photographer, Stephen Davison will give a presentation at 8.30pm on the evening before the show, focusing on the career of Joey Dunlop, along with a Q&A session with some of the stars of Irish motorcycle racing. Tickets for The Monster Motorcycle Show are €10 (on the door) and children under 12 go for free, doors open at 10am. Tickets for the Steven Davison slideshow are limited and also €10.
FOR YOUR NEXT NEW CAR & Fantastic Deals visit www.noeldeasy.com
there’s only a tiny snippet of growl at the very outer edge of each of its eight speeds. And, of course, as a counterpoint to all that power and acceleration, it has brakes which feel like they could stop a train, or a space shuttle, or a small asteroid. It’s far more agile than it has a right to be, and it’s packed with all sorts of sensors and cameras, and presumably some form of warp drive. Better than all that, though, and in contrast to its unusual outside lines, is the sleek, artistic, functional beauty of the cabin. I only had an hour to test drive this weird and wonderful beast, and after five minutes I was already starting to feel a pang of regret at having to bring it back to Dan Seaman Motors on Forge Hill, where you can experience the same fascination and excitement I did for a bargain price (considering all you get) of just a whisker under €36,000. This car is one of those rare finds where you’re just as content to sit luxuriating in traffic as you are to glide down a motorway or gobble up tarmac on a back road. It may not be the most gorgeous thing you’ve ever seen — at least, not from the outside — but this car’s personality, power and unmitigated enthusiasm for the road will make you fall in love with it the second you set off.
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Drive
30 January 2015
FANTASTIC SAVINGS ON
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Models shown Clio R-Link 1.2 with optional 17” alloy wheels RRP from €17,890 and Fluence Dynamique 95 1.5dci RRP from €22,690. Prices exclude delivery and dealer-related charges. Maximum recommended dealer delivery charge €700. *FREE accessories upgrade to the value of €500 (Retail price inclusive of VAT and fitting.) **10,000km of free fuel based on a Clio dCi 90 up to a maximum value of €500. Finance Example: CLIO Dynamique 1.2 16V 75 RRP €16,490. Deposit €4,700. 36 monthly payments of €166, Optional Final Payment €7,008, APR 6.9%. Total cost of credit €1,844. Terms & Conditions. Total cost of credit includes a documentation fee €75 and completion fee €75. Excess mileage plus excess wear and tear charges may apply upon return of vehicle. Offer is made under a hire purchase agreement as defined by the Consumer Credit Act 1995. Repayments are drawn down monthly. Renault Finance is a trading name of RCI Banque Branch Ireland and is authorised and regulated by the French authority and supervised by the Central Bank for conduct of business purposes. Subject to lending criteria. Visit your local dealer for more details.
thecorknews
Drive Company Profile
30 January 2015
75
Dan Seaman Motors: a family affair
D
an Seaman, the patriarch of a family which is a pillar of Cork’s car market, has been in the trade of selling and servicing family and commercial vehicles for four decades. It’s a tribute to him, and now to his children, who have been part of the family business from an early age, that in 2015 he still has customers whom he first got to know in the 1980s when, having worked in the car business for a number of years, he first set up his own dealership in Clonakilty. They return, year after year, because they know they can trust the Seamans to put their interests first: the Seaman philosophy is to find a car that’s right for the client, not to make a deal that’s best for a manufacturer. Dan and his family amalgamated a number of dealerships from around the county when they moved to their current two–storey, purpose–built showroom and workshop on Forge Hill near Cork Airport in 2002. Now, the Dan Seaman Motors complex is a one–stop shop for Mitsubishi, FIAT, FIAT Professional, Alfa Romeo, Chrysler and Jeep, as well as a state–of–the–art service and repair workshop
“We all grew up as part of the business, so we’re all very hands on. Nobody’s afraid to chip in.” Rohnan Seaman, Gavin Seaman, Damien Dempsey and Dan Seaman. Picture by Rob Lamb.
catering for all makes and models. Like automobile technology itself, the Dan Seaman Motors showroom and workshop are constantly evolving, and always with the customer in mind. “The fact that we’ve been here since 2002 means that we’ve had a chance to perform a number of minor facelifts” says Marketing
Manager AnnMarie Seaman: “We’ve changed the layout and really brightened up the showroom to show off our cars at their best. We’ve made sure that we have a very comfortable waiting area for our customers, too: tea, coffee, Sky News, newspapers…we want to make sure they enjoy their time here.” The Seaman family is as
committed to Cork as to their customers, and showed that last year by raising almost €40,000 for Marymount Hospice, which provided respite care, intermediate palliative care and continuing care for older people. To raise the money, the Seamans raffled off a brand new, supremely stylish FIAT 500L from their showroom.
“We listen to you, we research the market, we advise and we recommend the best.”
At Dan Seaman Motors the drive has always been towards finding the best possible way to meet their customers’ high expectations. “Being a family business sets us apart,” says AnnMarie, “as we’re not a corporate extension run by a franchise. We all grew up as part of the business, so we’re all very hands on. Nobody’s afraid to chip in and, because
we’re a family business, we understand a family’s needs too. People want different things, so we always try to find out what people need and to give them the options. We want our customers to be happy. We want to get it right for them.” The commitment to putting the customer first can be seen every day at Dan Seaman Motors, whether it’s Service Manager Gareth or Sales Manager Gavin personally picking people up or dropping them off while their cars are being repaired, or Dan himself catching up with old friends who’ve trusted him with their business for 45 years. The Seaman family’s dedication to ensuring absolute customer satisfaction, as well as their huge range of cars and sterling reputation for service, is what really puts them on the map in Cork, and what inspires them to continually improve. With six brands under one roof and respect for their customers that’s second to none, the Forge Hill dealership is undoubtedly one of Cork’s premier destinations when it comes to cars and vans. If you’re in the market for something new for 2015, come and see for yourself what sets Dan Seaman Motors apart.
One call motor quotes: 021 427 6135 Car, Van, 2 Vehicle Fleet, Couriers, Haulage, L&N Drivers, Large Fleet.
Cork • Fermoy • Mitchelstown • Skibbereen • Castletownbere • Bantry • Dunmanway W: www.mig.ie E: cork@mig.ie MIG Cork City, McCarthy Insurance Group Cork City, 2 & 3/4 South Mall, Cork City
Charles McCarthy Insurances Ltd t/a McCarthy Insurance Group is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland
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Drive
30 January 2015
O’BRIENS GARAGE • MIDLETON
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Tel: 021 4631904 www.obriensgarage.ie
thecorknews
Drive
30 January 2015
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thecorknews
Drive
30 January 2015
TOYOTA IN THE CITY
TIME FOR YOUR NEW
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South Douglas Road, Cork. Tel 021 4817700. www.lehanemotors.ie
thecorknews
Sport & Fitness 30 January 2015
Xcess to rugby 2015’s Xcessible Adapted Tag Rugby Initiative programme began in January and is proving to be a great success. The aim of the programme is to give children with disabilities access to rugby in the community. Pádraig Healy, Sports Inclusion Disability Officer with Cork Sports Partnership, told The Cork News “we are delighted to deliver this initiative in partnership with Munster Rugby, Ballincollig RFC and Our Lady of Good Counsel Special School, Ballincollig. The aim is to make rugby more inclusive and this programme will promote links between the local club and the special school”. The first four sessions of the programme will be delivered at Our Lady of Good Counsel special school with the final two sessions taking place at the Ballincollig RFC grounds. This will give the students an opportunity to be part of the local rugby club by playing on the grounds and being coached by club volunteers.
Picture from Cork City WFC
Marina Pinteño Bustillos and Charlie Lynch
New signings for City WFC
Euan Gee from Munster Rugby added “It is clear from the first two weeks of the programme that the students are really enjoying the games and
activities, for many it is their first time playing rugby and they love it”. For further information on this programme or dis-
Stand by for launch
In attendance to launch the Tesco HomeGrown Ladies Football National League was Cork’s Doireann O’Sullivan. The first round of the league begins on February 1st and will continue at local stadia for the next few months with finals taking place in Dublin’s Parnell Park in May. Supporters of Ladies Gaelic Football have been urged to get behind their county and support the Rebels!
ability sport in Cork, contact Padraig Healy, Sports Inclusion Disability Officer with Cork Sports Partnership, on phealy@corksports.ie.
Cork City WFC has announced the signing of three more players into the squad for the remainder of the season. The Leesiders have added Norma Healy, Rachel Harty and Marina Pinteño Bustilles to the side. It’s perfect timing for the club as they take on UCD Waves this weekend. Rachel Harty joins the club from Chareville AFC and went straight into the side against Wexford last weekend, which the Leesiders lost 10–0. The defender’s versatility throughout the second half of the season will be a major
asset to Lynch’s side. Marina Pinteño Bustillos signs for Cork City having represented CIT Ladies team this season. The Andalusian forward has previously represented Sevilla FC and her experience will be invaluable to the team. Norma Healy has joined the club from UCC, debuting as a defender for City in the match against Wexford last weekend. The Leesiders take on UCD Waves on February 1st in Bishopstown Stadium. Kick off at 2pm.
A marathon challenge Cork City Marathon is challenging 16– to 18–year–old youths to sign up for one of Ireland’s largest and best– loved Marathons, taking place on June 1st. Pupils from Ballincollig CS, and Gaelscoláiste Mhuire AG attended the official launch along with one of their sporting heroes from the 2014 All-Ireland winning football team, Orlagh Farmer. ‘We have 83 post primary schools in Cork and we want as many of them as possible to put forward a team’, said John Fitzgibbons from Cork Education and Training Board. ‘The feeling of being part of a big city marathon and having that medal placed over your head is often recounted as a stand-out moment in a person’s life. We want as many of our young people as possible to share that elation,” explained Michael Carey, Junior Cycle for Teachers, who is actively involved in promoting the event.
Cork Ladies GAA player Orlagh Farmer with Conchúr Ó’Buacháin, Charlene Ní hAolláin, Aaron Ó’hUiginn and Rebecca De Paor at the launch of the Cork City Marathon Youth Challenge Picture by: Darragh Kane.
The Cork Youth Challenge is part of the popular Cork City Marathon team relay and is open to anyone aged 16 years or older on 1st June 2015. A team must have five members and a team leader who is
over 18. The event is open to schools and youth clubs nationwide, with early bird cost per team €60 before the end of March. Download an entry form from corkcitymarathon. ie.
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Sport & Fitness
30 January 2015
Hang tough Cork’s third annual Toughathlon has been launched, with its military–style obstacle courses taking place over four weekends throughout the year including March 14th and 15th; June 27th; August 29th; and October 24th and 25th. The challenges are particularly beneficial for groups looking to strengthen teamwork. Toughathlon’s obstacles include military–style crawls, sandbag carrying, 10–foot walls to scale and the infamous Devil’s Ladder. “It can be done on your own but it’s easier if you do it as a team. Anyone can get involved though; families, corporate teams, sport groups and gym members,” said Darren Brosnan, Event Organiser of
Chris Mintern in First or Last
Keeping Fit With… Chris Mintern
Toughathlon, at the launch in Rearden’s Bar. Thoughathlon has teamed up Marymount Hospice as a charity partner. Also at the launch was their Chairman of Fundraising, Dan Cowman, who told The Cork News “we were delighted to be approached by Toughathlon. We’ve a target of €2 million to raise every year and money raised from this will go towards keeping the doors open at our 44–bed palliative care unit.” Ticket prices range from €45 to €75 per person for individual and team (5+ people) tickets. A series pass is also available for €149.99. Tickets and information are available at toughathlon.ie.
Pedaling from Fort 2 Fort Cork GAA legend Seán Óg Ó hAilpín joined former Operation Transformation leader Deirdre O’Donovan to officially launch this year’s Fort 2 Fort Charity Cycle. Now in its fourth year, Fort 2 Fort has firmly established itself in Cork’s cycling calendar with its 60km and new 85km and 125km routes around Cork Harbour. The cycle takes place on March 29th and will raise funds for the Mercy Hospital Foundation — where Deirdre O’Donovan is a care worker — Lions Clubs of Cork, and Camden Fort Meagher Restoration. To date, 1,365 cyclists have participated in Fort 2 Fort, and over €63,000 has been raised for the local beneficiary charities. Thanks to the support of sponsors Ulster Bank and Victoria Cross Cycles, all funds raised by participants will go directly to the chosen charities. For anyone interested in rising to the challenge, an early bird registration fee of €39 is available until February 1st. After that, registration is €45 for those who sign up before March 28th, and for those who want to register on the day at Trabolgan Holiday Village between 8.15am and 9.30am, it’s €50. Register online at mercyfundraising.ie.
Chris Mintern is the subject of an exciting new sports documentary, First or Last, which is nominated for Outdoor/ Adventure Film of the Year 2014. The University College Cork athlete and third–year maths student spoke to Niamh Áine Ryan about training for triathlons and his epic barefoot run with a bicycle in tow. Chris completed his first triathlon when he was only 12 years old and has been a competitive swimmer since he was 10. By the end of his first season as a senior athlete in 2014, he had won 12 triathlons including the Intervarsity National Championships and Munster Championships.
Morning
Chris’s day starts at 5.30am. “I usually have brown bread as soon as I wake up and then head off to training,” says Chris. His first course of training for triathlons is swimming for an hour. Post– training breakfast consists of orange juice and an omelette as this gives him the protein he needs to keep going throughout the day. It’s not just physical energy he needs nutrition for, but brainpower for his lectures in maths and science too. “After my morning lectures, I get on my bike. I could have a two to three hour gap between lectures so this is perfect for cycle training,” he says.
Lunch
GAA legend, Seán Óg Ó hAilpín and former Operation Transformation leader Deirdre O’Donovan,who is a care assistant in the Mercy University Hospital, officially launching this year’s Fort 2 Fort Charity Cycle. Picture by Adrian O’Herlihy
Chris explains that it’s hard to be disciplined when it comes to bringing in a packed lunch into college. He tries to bring in sandwiches and fruit, as it’s too easy to buy greasy food on campus. “The hardest thing is disciplining myself to bring in lunch. If I don’t, I give into temptation and eat sausages and chips. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not very strict with my diet. I train up to 20 hours a week so I will burn it off. I’d never deny myself a cheeky trip to KCs with the lads!” he laughs.
“I’d never deny myself a cheeky trip to KCs with the lads!” Dinner
“I’m still lucky that my mother has the dinner on the table for me when I get home,” he jokes. He eats pasta and fish with either broccoli or green beans as this supplies him with carbohydrates and iron for his last training session of the day. “Running is usually the last training I do every day. I find it great for keeping my mind off maths and science for a few hours. I’m training with top athletes who can’t believe what I’m studying and then my friends in college can’t believe I’m a tri–athlete. I wouldn’t give either of them up though, it’s a great balance to have,” he says. The multifaceted nature of what it takes to become an elite athlete is previewed in First or Last. This low–budget film initially set out to document an athlete in an adventure sport. However, it developed into a drama about a unique character in a unique sport. It’s not every day you see a top-level tri–athlete running barefoot with a bicycle along a country road. “I didn’t plan to run to barefoot. I never bring a spare tube with me when I’m competing, you lose too much time changing it. When the puncture happened, I got off the bike and saw I was ahead of most of the competitors and because your cycling shoes are connected to the bike I had no choice but to run, with the bicycle, in my bare feet,” he says. The winner of the Outdoor/ Adventure Film of the Year 2014 will be announced in February.
thecorknews
Play Weighing In has all the right ingredients
30 January 2015
From Father Ted to Carrigstown to Cork, Rose Henderson has been around. Niamh Áine Ryan spoke to her about her successful acting career, life, love and dieting as she prepares for her upcoming play, Weighing In, in the Everyman Palace Theatre. strangely and then I tell them ‘on the telly,” she laughs. I query if people ever call her Val or Sister Assumpta. “Some would.” She begins to laugh again and it’s so infectious I start smiling. “Once or twice there’s been a shop announcement that Sister Assumpta is in aisle two and I look around to see where she is,” she giggles. We speak about her role on Fair City, the relationship her character had with Christy and the fans’ shock when Christy died. She uses the metaphor of a train to describe soap acting: “The train keeps going with everyone on it but you have to step off the train and watch the crew move on,” she says.
Photograph by Jonathan Hession
R
ose Henderson’s acting career has enveloped a variety of characters. Best known as Val from Fair City and Sister Assumpta from Father Ted, Rose’s CV has been growing since she was in her late teens, having started her career with walk–on roles when she was in fifth year of secondary school. “Most people recognise me from Fair City and Father Ted, and will often come up to me when I’m out shopping and ask where they know me from. I reply that I’ve been in their house. They look at me
Isobel Mahon as Pam and Rose Henderson as Breda. Photograph by James Davis
Rose plays the role of Breda in Weighing In. The play focuses on a double–act; Breda and Pam, portrayed by Isobel Mahon. It’s set in Easi–Slim, a weight loss club, and new member Pam has it all: a fabulous home, two perfect kids and a successful husband. Having lost four stone, Pam is only attending meetings to maintain her svelte figure.
Then, on another set of scales, is Breda, struggling with her weight and is thinking about abandoning the diet. That’s until Pam takes her in hand and power walks her into a new way of life. “We’ve performed this play over 100 times in Dublin, once in Antrim and now we’re coming to Cork for two nights. None of us could have predict-
“People recognise me from Fair City and Father Ted and ask where they know me from. I reply that I’ve been in their house.” ed that the play would still be going,” she admits. Rose is very witty. Her sense of humour emulates her talents as an actress. I ask her about preparing for the role of Breda, and the tone of her voice becomes very serious. She starts to describe how she had to put on weight for the role and how difficult it was. I ask how much weight she had to put on. “Oh
loads,” she gasps. “Are you serious?” I ask. “No, I’m only messing you,” she says. She duped me. “The play is about a person’s relationship with their body. Women get antsier about their appearance than men do. Weighing In shows us that it’s all about balance in your life and how it’s not easy to lose weight. Pam loses four stone but at the same time loses her family,” she expands. The mother of four is looking forward to coming to Cork. This will be her debut performance in the rebel county. She’s starred in children’s television, comedies, soaps and stage plays. I ask her which she prefers. “Well you know that’s the great thing about acting. It’s so versatile, I couldn’t pick.” I asked Rose to describe Weighing In in three words. She pauses. “Life, love and dieting. And sure what more is there in life than living, loving and dieting?” Weighing In runs from February 11th to 12th in the Everyman Theatre Palace. Tickets are €20 — €22 from everymancork.com.
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thecorknews
Play
30 January 2015
Feathered Friends Flock to Triskel Feathered Friends, a solo exhibition by Diana Kingston, is the artist’s first Cork outing in twelve years. The exhibition signifies a return to her rural roots and is part of John P Quinlan’s guest curatorial series Calling Up The Vangard. In this new body of work, Kingston reflects on her formative years growing up on a farm in west Cork. In this world, poultry formed a chorus and a backdrop to her daily routines. The remem-
brance of things past sent her travelling around the country observing and photographing birds at numerous farmyards and agricultural shows. It became a labour of love and a test of patience to capture that ideal moment where the personality and attitude of the bird is most evident Feathered Friends opens in Triskel Christchurch at 6pm on February 12th. See triskelartscentre.ie for more information.
Carrie on at CIT CIT Musical Society is proud to present the Irish premiere of Carrie The Musical. The CIT Cork School of Music Curtis Auditorium will be theatrically brought to life over three evenings of performances from February 19th to
CORK ARTS THEATRE Wednesday 28th to Saturday 31st January @ 8.00pm
THE WOLFE STAGE SCHOOL STUDENT SHOWCASE
The students of the Wolfe Stage School take to the boards for their first show of 2015. Join them as they entertain us with a variety of dramatic pieces both comedic and serious. Tickets: €10 / €5 conc.
Wednesday 4th - Saturday 7th February @ 7.30pm Cork Arts Theatre present
WRITERS WEEK
Tickets: €10, €8 students and OAP’s, Special Offer: See all six plays over two nights for just €15.
The six shortlisted plays from our 2014 One Act Playwriting Competition will receive their first ever performances this week. Each play will be performed twice with 3 different plays each night. The winners of the Writing and Production Awards will be announced after the Saturday performances.
Wednesday 11th - Saturday 14th February Munster Literature Centre presents
CORK SPRING POETRY FESTIVAL
Bookings for the Cork Spring Poetry Festival must be made through the festival website: www.corkpoetryfest.net up until Sunday 8th February.
PORTIA COUGHLAN
lentlessly bullied at school for being different and is harshly controlled at home by her fanatical mother. This story is a fairy tale of adolescence and understanding. In a fleeting moment of happiness, Carrie dreams of
what her life could become, but the cruelty of her classmates unleashes a terrifying power that will change the lives of all who have hurt her. Tickets are priced from €10 — €15 and are available from events.cit.ie.
Patrick’s Day Irish film Patrick’s Day opens at Triskel Christchurch on February 6th. Written and directed by Terry McMahon, Patrick’s Day tells the story of a schizophrenic 26–year–old man as he falls in love with Karen, an alcoholic, suicidal young woman. Patrick’s overprotective mother is blind to the reality that sometimes the only thing more damaging than hate is misguided love. The film has garnered high praise from critics and cinema–goers alike. Patrick’s Day runs from February 6th to 9th. Tickets are €8.80 from triskelartscentre.ie.
Thereafter at the Cork Arts Theatre.
Thursday 19th - Saturday 21st February @ 8.00pm Brideview Drama presents
February 21st. Carrie The Musical is a thrilling and engaging retelling of Stephen King’s classic thriller novel Carrie. It tells the story of Carrie White, a teenager from a small town in New England, who is re-
In this powerful drama by Marina Carr, Portia Coughlan is haunted by the death, fifteen years previously, of her twin brother and she has become, in turn, a ghostly figure. Tickets: €10 / €8 conc.
Booking - Tel. 021 450 5624 Full details of our exciting Winter programme at...
www.corkartstheatre.com
Rep
The return of Eddi Reader Eddi Reader returns to Ireland for her seventh tour of the island. The internationally acclaimed and enigmatic Scottish singer will be performing with with John Douglas and Boo Hewerdine on guitars, Alan Kelly on piano accordion and Kevin McGuire on double bass.
With a career spanning over three decades, Eddi Reader has developed into one of popular music’s most thrilling and affecting performers. Eddi will release an EP entitled Back the Dogs on February 13th which includes her versions of both the 1950’s Ray Evans and Jay Livings-
ton song Mona Lisa and the 1960s classic Moon River by Henry Mancini and Johnny Mercer. Eddi plays in Skibbereen’s Abbeystrewry Church on February 21st and at the Ballymaloe Grainstore on February 22nd. For tickets visit eddireader.co.uk.
thecorknews
Play
30 January 2015
Daunt Square, Cork City Tel 021 425 3931 www.thewoodford.ie
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thecorknews
Playtime 30 January 2015
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Friday
Saturday
Louis Lovett plays the role of Peggy O’Hegarty as she leads the audience on an untamed adventure in The Girl Who Forgot to Sing Badly. Peggy and her parents are packers, but as the work stops coming in she steps outside to find that winter has arrived and everyone in the city is gone. Audiences will be touched by Peggy’s attempts to save the day. There are two chances to see this play today, at 10am and 12pm. Tickets are €12 from everymancork.com
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Your guid e to what's happenin g in Cork this week ...
Karl Spain takes to the stage in The Comedy Club tonight. The comedian has performed stand–up comedy in Ireland and abroad for over fifteen years. Audiences will be thoroughly entertained! Doors open at 8.30pm and admission is €15.
Sunday
Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors make their Cork debut as a support act for the Hot House Flowers as the Ballincollig Winter Music Festival concludes tonight. The band is based in East Nashville, Tennessee and includes Drew Holcomb’s wife Ellie. The band takes the stage at 8pm in The White Horse. Admission is €20 from tickets.ie
02 Monday
Wild stars Reese Witherspoon as Cheryl Strayed, who hikes more than a thousand miles across the Pacific Crest Trail alone as a way to emotionally heal herself. Film starts at 8.30pm in Triskel Christchurch and tickets are €8.80 from triskelartscentre.ie.
03 Tuesday
The King’s Singers return to Cork Opera House for a night of musical excellence. The six–piece a cappella group will bring their Cork audience on a harmonious journey beginning at 8pm. Tickets are available from corkoperahouse.ie.
04
Wednesday
One of Ireland’s most famous faces brings his live show, Crowd Tickler, to Cork Opera House. Dara O’Briain, best known for being the host of BBC’s Mock the Week, will entertain his audience with brand new stand–up comedy. Tickets are available from corkoperahouse.ie.
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Thursday
Cork Arts Theatre presents Writers’ Week, at which six shortlisted plays from their 2014 One Act Playwriting Competition will receive their debut performances. Each play will be performed twice, with three different plays on each night. Tonight’s plays start at 7.30pm with My Friend, Fredo by David Barnwall Maguire, followed by Journey of the Junior A’s by Annemarie McCarthy and finishing with Blue Love by David Butler. Writers’ Week runs until February 7th. For ticketing information, visit corkartstheatre.com
thecorknews
Trades & Services
30 January 2015
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brokers
Mindfulness
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30 January 2015
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