The Cork News 06/02/2015

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Issue no. 275

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Friday 6th February - Thursday 12th February 2015

New law will cost Cork businesses thousands Claire Nash of Nash 19, Picture by Fiona Casey

‘An insult of the highest order’

By Maria Tracey maria@thecorknews.ie

C

ork’s restauranteurs have slammed proposals requiring them to post calorie details of all meals on their menus, saying the measure will have a “devastating effect” on the industry locally.

Drafting of calorie posting legislation will start immediately and is expected to be ready for enactment by next year. The proposed laws will require menus in restaurants, take–aways and other food service outlets to display the calorific value of food alongside the price.

Claire Nash of Nash 19 on Princes Street said the legislation will see all restaurants “lobbed into one big common pool of food and food production”. “Our industry is an artisan skilled craft and this legislation shows scant regard of what we have been doing right through the recession: flying the flag for tourism in Cork and Ireland. Now they are trying to ram this down our necks. We will cease to function,” she told The Cork News. “How is it possible for

us to do out a menu with calories when at certain times of the year tomatoes need salt and sugar, or food needs extra seasoning? This legislation is an insult of the highest order.”

Ms Nash added the rise in obesity in Ireland should be tackled through education rather than in restaurants: “Education should start with mothers when babies are conceived. The health agenda should not be a restaurant’s agenda,” she said.

Liam Edwards of Jim Edwards in Kinsale outlined that most restaurant owners “try and promote healthy eating”, and were in favour in trying to cure the obesity levels in the country, but the new legislation “is not the right way about it”. “How will it be monitored? How will a chef know the correct level of calories that he has going into every special?” he questioned.

“The chef can perhaps do an approximate calculation but really restaurants won’t be able to do it correctly.”

He added: “And if calorie details are introduced, where do they draw the line? Will the next thing be sodium content?

Will every restaurant become a health advisory centre?”Mr

Edwards also told The Cork News he is concerned about the cost of such an initiative, and the additional hours that will be needed to implement it. The Restaurants Association of Ireland (RAI) has said the introduction of calorie information on menus will cost businesses €5,000.

Mr Edwards stated that for fast–food outlets, where the food is consistent, the legislation would be feasible to introduce. He added that food outlets geared towards children should also consider introducing calorie details.

In his announcement of government approval for the new legislation, Minister for Health Leo Varadkar said the move is an effective way of encouraging people to choose a healthier option: “I am very concerned about levels of overweight and obesity in Ireland. Latest figures indicate that nearly two out of every three adults, and one in four children, are overweight or obese. This presents real risks for health and wellbeing and causes a high percentage of many of the chronic diseases like heart disease, cancer and continued on page 3 KK valentines Cork News 161x126mm jan 2015 PLACED.indd 1

28/01/2015 11:22

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6 February 2015

Index

Fourth space...the final frontier

Editor’s letter

L

ove is in the air, everywhere I look around. Well, not quite, but by the time our next edition is out it’ll be too close to Valentine’s Day for us to celebrate it properly, so we’re jumping the gun a little and taking this opportunity to wish our very best to all of Cork’s couples! Whether you’ve just met, are newly wed or are looking back on your golden anniversary with fondness; whether you have a family or one on the way, or are making your way through life as just a pair (for now), whether you’re starry eyed with blissful romance or snug and content with your constant companion, this is the issue for you and we hope you’ll find something in our pages which will make you both smile!

We’re all about the love this week, and we even have a little something or two for the singletons as well, but of course there’s lots more to see in the latest edition of The Cork News. As always, we have a mixture of great interviews — Maria Tracey’s chats with comedian Tommy Tiernan and local charity hero John Looney are particular highlights — and a close look at the news in and around Cork and how it affects you, and much more besides. For instance, if you’ve ever wanted to try your hand at making chocolate then go straight to Menu where the secrets are revealed and you might be pleasantly surprised to learn that it’s not as difficult as you might thing. If you’re anything like me though, it will still take several attempts to finally get it right, so be patient and, if you’re planning to surprise your significant other with one–of–a–kind handmade chocolatey treats, maybe don’t leave it until the last minute. Trust me on this.

Elsewhere, Style and Beauty are all about romance, fun and even a little sultry seduction and even our venerable Dr Magoo has been bitten by the Valentine’s bug. At least, that’s what she says is responsible for a worrying amount of scratching, but she’s a strange lady and I didn’t feel comfortable asking too many follow–up questions. She’s dispensing invaluable advice on page 18, though if you’re a fan of Kim Kardashian you may want to skip over her musings.

There’s been a lot of to and fro this week in my circle of friends about the status of February. Now that we’ve escaped January, and those inevitable end–of–month January blues (dreadful things altogether), it’s a matter of perspective whether or not we’ve entered springtime. Last Sunday was the feast of Imbolg, or Bridget’s Day, which is traditionally the beginning of Spring in Ireland, but I must confess that I haven’t seen a single bud or shoot yet. There’s still time I suppose, but the general consensus seems to be “if you’re feeling springy, in any fashion, it’s Spring, and if you’re not so inclined then it’s still Winter”. That seems fair enough to me.

One final thing to mention, to return to Valentine’s thoughts once again, and this time specifically for the couples: this week we have not one, not two, but three great romantic giveaways tucked away in our pages. Fine food and romantic nights away abound, and it’s a pleasure to be able to offer them as our first competitions of 2015. Enjoy!

The new West Cork Arts Centre – Uillinn – officially opened to the public this weekend in Skibbereen, with the unveiling of ‘Fourth Space’, the inaugural exhibition centre. Soirse McDonagh from Baltimore was there to enjoy it. Picture by Emma Jervis Photography.

Witnesses sought in petrol bomb attack Youghal Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to come forward after a house at the Upper Strand was petrol bombed in the early hours of Thursday morning, February 5th. The family in the house at the time of the incident — approximately 3.50am — managed to escape. Fianna Fáil County Councillor and Youghal native

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completely unacceptable” Deputy McLellan continued.

“It is only fortunate that nobody was injured as the home was occupied at the time but that does not excuse the nature of this most serious assault. I condemn this attack in the strongest manner.”

“I am calling on anyone with any information on this inci-

dent will go to the Gardaí to ensure that those responsible are quickly brought to justice. My thoughts are with the family.”

Gardaí say they are following “a number of lines of enquiry” and have appealed for anyone with information to contact them on 024 92200.

New law will cost Cork businesses thousands continued from page 1

Editor

Aaron O’Sullivan condemned the attack, describing it as “outrageous and extremely dangerous.”

Cork Sinn Féin TD Sandra McLellan, who is a Youghal resident too, also strongly condemned the attack saying “such actions are not to be tolerated anywhere”.

“This type of conduct is

diabetes,” he said.

“Giving calorie details on menus is a very simple but effective way of encouraging people to choose a healthier option. Food options can be deceptive. Some salads contain more calories than a burger meal. But if we make the information clearly avail-

able, at the very least people can make an informed choice.

It won’t work in every case but it’s a powerful tool which has proved very effective in the US.” Minister Varadkar said the government has listened to concerns about extra costs, and the Food Safety Authority of Ireland has developed a free online calorie counting model — MenuCal — which

allows providers to calculate the calorie content of a meal.

Cork personal trainer Sarah Milner of Cork’s Fit4Life says the legislation is a “good idea”, telling The Cork News it will serve as a ”constant reminder to people when they are making food choices”. “However there is so much more to a healthy diet and lifestyle than calories and I would hate to think people were choosing

their food simply on calorie count alone,” she said. “We should we working towards more knowledge and eating less processed foods. We need to work towards eating more and more whole foods that fill us for longer and give us consistent energy throughout the day and forgetting the low fat foods that may be low in calories but are full of sugar and don’t fill us for long.”

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

thecorknews

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6 February 2015

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Water protests continue Even though another deadline for submitting details to Irish Water has passed, anti–water charge protesters in Cork have pledged that the fight against charges is “far from over”. With the first water bills being issued in April, Socialist Party TD Ruth Coppinger is to launch the We Won’t Pay water charges non–payment campaign in Cork next Monday night, February 9th at 8pm at the Gresham Metropole Hotel.

A march is also planned for Saturday, April 11th at 3pm, departing from Grand Parade, with a rally planned for MacCurtain Street afterwards. An estimated 5,000 people took to the streets of Cork last week to protest about the water charges.

People Before Profit Cork’s spokesperson, Jim O’Connell stated: “People are hungry, they are cold, they cannot afford to pay any more and we support those who say enough is enough. The tide is turning, we have only to look to our comrades in Greece and Spain to see what soli-

“People are hungry, they are cold, they cannot afford to pay…this isn’t just about water charges any more”

Water charges protestors airing their views in a giant protest in Cork last year. Picture by: Billy MacGill.

darity and people power can achieve when the rights of society are at stake. This isn’t

just about water charges any more, people want change.”

This week, managing di-

rector of Irish Water John Tierney announced that the utility company is now in the

“final stages of preparation for billing to the 1.5 million households on the public

water network”. “Creating a national database of customers on the public water network for the first time is significant and we would like to thank people for confirming their details,” he said.

The first quarterly bills will be posted to homes from April, and unregistered customers will receive a default bill at the multi adult capped household charge of €65 per quarter.

Irish Water says the revenue will be used to invest in water services, maintaining and upgrading water infrastructure throughout the country.

The Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government confirmed to The Cork News that the deadline set for last Monday at midnight was an “administrative deadline for people to register in order to receive an accurate bill”. A spokesperson for the department stated that people can still register with Irish Water to receive the €100 water conservation grant.

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‘Cost of a can should be at least doubled’ Cork vintner speaks out on minimum pricing of alcohol

By Maria Tracey maria@thecorknews.ie

Plans for minimum unit pricing must be set at a “sufficiently high” level to deter harmful drinking, a veteran Cork publican has said. The landmark Public Health (Alcohol) Bill is to make it illegal to sell or advertise for sale alcohol at a price below a set minimum price, to be based on the number of grams of alcohol in the product. The targeted measure is designed to prevent the sale of alcohol at very cheap prices. It was outlined this week the setting of a minimum price will be done by way of regulations, as provided for under the primary legislation and in consultation with relevant government departments. The price will be set when the

bill is published and will be at a “level that the evidence shows will reduce the burden of harm from alcohol”.

Publican Con Dennehy, long associated with Dennehy’s Bar on Cornmarket St and who recently took over The Venue in Ballintemple, stated the bill is a “positive move in the right direction”. “It’s long, long overdue,” he told The Cork News, “this should have happened years ago.” However, he said the “proof in the pudding” will be the minimum price per unit. “If it’s not going to be set at some realistic level — sufficiently high — to actually do what the bill is designed to do, to make people cut back in this kind of drinking, then this whole thing is just a load of spin,” he said.

Mr Dennehy, who is Vintners’ Federation of Ireland (VFI) Cork PRO, stated the

“I don’t think it’s healthy for a young person on a Friday or Saturday night to consume half a bottle of vodka.” current situation means that people can buy 100 cans of alcohol for “approximately” €100 and “fill a keg”. “It’s costing us approximately double that,” he said. “Realistically, the cost of a can should be at least doubled, at €2 plus.”

He added: “None of us want to be a Grinch and say that you can’t have a few drinks

at home or a bottle of wine with the meal. We are not saying that, but I don’t think it’s healthy for a young person on a Friday or Saturday night to consume half a bottle of vodka and then go out afterwards. It goes back to the purpose of drinking. I’m drinking all my life but I never went out to get drunk.”

The bill also outlined structural separation, so that alcohol products will not be displayed near grocery products. Mr Dennehy said for large supermarkets above a certain square metres, this must be implemented.

The National Off-Licence Association has also welcomed the publication of the

bill, hailing the proposed introduction of a minimum unit price as a “very positive step”. “However we remind government that the effectiveness of the measure is entirely dependent on the introduction of an appropriate price which we believe must be €0.70 cent per unit of alcohol to have the required impact,” said Government Affairs director of NOffLA, Evelyn Jones. Like Mr Dennehy, Ms Jones expressed her support for structural separation, which she said will provide for the “clear demarcation of alcohol from other grocery products so that they are not available to under–age purchasers”.

Deputy Michael Creed, Fine Gael TD for Cork North West, said the bill should go further and include a sunset clause for alcohol sponsorship in sport: “Successive governments have failed to take action and this bill is a major step forward in tackling all of these issues. However we cannot compromise on public health and therefore we must look at completely eliminating alcohol sponsorship of sport,” he said.

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6 February 2015

Cork rallies to Penny Dinners dress drive Forty dresses have been donated to date for a heartfelt appeal put out by a Cork charity for First Holy Communion dresses and suits for children whose parents cannot afford outfits for the day. The long–established Cork Penny Dinners — which gives everyone who calls to their Little Hanover Street centre a hot midday meal — initiated the appeal after a member of the public offered the charity a Communion dress. Now upwards of 40 gowns have been donated, and the charity is to hold a pop–up shop experience, giving away the dresses free–of–charge, on Sunday, March 1st.

Volunteer co-ordinator with Cork Penny Dinners, Caitríona Twomey stated the appeal “took off quickly”, and the charity “never expected” the amount of donations it has received. “Someone offered us a Communion dress, and we initially thought ‘no thanks’, but when we thought about it, we did know someone with a child of that age. Then afterwards we thought we should try and get another one in case the first was too small or too big. That started the ap-

peal and we can’t believe what happened,” she said. “Everyone asks us, are we saddened by what we see, and of course we are, as we’re humans. But the thing that makes us cry is the goodwill.”

The plan now is to give away the dresses and suits donated on March 1st at the River Lee Hotel. The outfits are to be dry–cleaned by Cremins Cleaners while Simply Suits, Cinderella’s Closet and Buckley’s of Shandon Street will also be attending on the day.

Iris McCarthy of Cork Weddings and Events will set up the space, and Joseph’s Hair Salon in Glasheen will be providing free hairstyles for the little girls. Caitríona explained the shopping experience will be a “treat” for the children, and will be done on a confidential basis.

The charity outlined that donations of boys’ suits, girls’ Communion shoes, along with rosary beads and prayer books would be welcomed over the coming weeks, and appealed for parents with children preparing for their first Communion, who would like to avail of the service, to contact 021 4275604.

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6 February 2015

UK home buyers look to Cork Cork city and County Cork are attracting major interest from UK property buyers trying to secure their dream rural homes in Ireland, according to Real Estate Alliance, who have said that the prohibitive cost of buying a countryside or seaside home in Britain could prove to be a boon for

our property market.

The recent strength of sterling over the euro has seen enquiries about Irish property sales to UK–based purchasers increase significantly in the past two months, with REA Celtic Properties in Bantry reporting a 50% increase in UK enquiries. A survey of

REA members shows that enquiries from the UK have increased by 13% — on average — to agents outside of Dublin in the past two months.

“The average UK home now costs €236,635, whereas in Ireland it is close to €180,000, and the strength of sterling is magnifying this,” said Real

An rogha is fearr

Estate Alliance CEO Philip Farrell. “UK buyer interest is manifesting itself differently to the existing Irish market in a number of ways, with big surges in interest in many undervalued rural counties and also scenic and coastal locations. This presents many vendors with the opportunity of achieving better prices due to interest outside of the normal marketplace.

“Rural properties in the UK cost an average of €67,000

“Big surges in interest in many undervalued rural counties and also scenic and coastal locations.” more than urban properties — quite the opposite of the Irish market. UK buyers are being priced out of rural prop-

erties in their own country, so for many their only chance of an ‘escape to the country’ is a move to our country.”

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Hook uncorked "If you can't say anything nice..." George Hook complains eloquently about Ireland's complaints culture and wonders why we're so much less likely to be positive george@thecorknews.ie

I

t takes a certain type of person to enjoy making a complaint.

I listened with interest to a radio interview last weekend where the guest speaker actively boasted about the amount of complaints he had accumulated over the years. One could almost visualise the white chalk marks on his wooden club.

This guy complained about everything and anything.

No service was off limits, no product too small or insignificant to send back and bark about.

The smug tone of his voice and the triumphant way in which he recounted past complaints was enough to make me reach for the sick bucket.

He seemed genuinely aroused by it all.

The highlight of the piece came when he recounted a dinner out with friends. His loyal followers were genuinely disappointed, he recalled, that there was nothing wrong with the meal by the time the main course arrived.

When one of the group spotted a hair in a dessert, there was much merriment and excitement at the fuss and guffaws that would inevitably follow. The group was beside itself that it had found cause for complaint in the knowledge that the offending meal would be scratched from the final bill.

I remember thinking that if I ever found myself in the company of such beauties, I would be well within my rights to put my steak knife to good use. Miserable cretins the lot.

Don’t misunderstand me.

There is nothing wrong with making a complaint if the circumstances deem fit. Nothing frustrates me more than poor customer service or shoddy workmanship.

If something is worth charging for, it is worth getting right.

But for this particular misery guts, complaining was

“If I ever found myself in the company of such beauties, I would be well within my rights to put my steak knife to good use.

Miserable cretins the lot.” almost a full time profession.

He actively sought out reasons to hound companies and was openly brazen about his passion for doing so. Even his wife was an expert in misery.

I have also believed that complaints and praise should be afforded the same duty of care. I don’t go around telling the world and its mother how wonderful they are for no reason, but I also tread carefully before gathering myself to make an official complaint.

Complaining should be a reluctant last resort. And by complaining, I don’t mean reminding the waiter about the coffee you ordered five minutes previously, or a taxi showing up a couple of minutes later than promised.

Serious complaints should be reserved for serious problems. There is a huge differ-

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ence between a two minute delay on a taxi arrival and being half an hour late for work.

Similarly, a waiter temporarily forgetting a drinks order is entirely forgivable, but dishing out sub–standard food at an exorbitant price is not acceptable.

The way I see it, basic human error with an apology is almost always worth a pass.

There is usually nothing to be gained from beating a simple mistake to death. It almost always causes more embarrassment for the guilty and offended parties than it’s worth.

Social media has made critics out of everyone. Where once a caller might have queued for half an hour in the hope of getting two minutes to air a grievance on Live Line, now anyone can simply log on to the Internet and

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moan until their heart’s content.

This works wonders in exposing incidences of nastiness or meanness in order to protect the consumer, but the problem with complaining ad nauseam, over the slightest grievance, is that it becomes addictive and all too easy.

If a person wishes to smear a restaurant on a social forum or have a pop at a particular service, they can do so under the comfort of anonymity. If I decide to log on as CrankyMan123 this afternoon and rubbish a particular hotel, who holds me accountable for my words?

Look at any of the comment sections under newspaper articles these days and weigh up the positives against the negatives. I find it interesting that complimentary notes are al-

most always accompanied by the persons name. Negative comments usually come from anonymous trolls.

The value of the internet and social media to society in general is overwhelmingly positive. Social media has enhanced all of our lives, but with this amazing technology comes a certain amount of responsibility.

It is perfect ok to give a legitimate opinion based on an actual experience, but bitching and moaning at all and sundry just because one can is very poor practise and just plain mean. It probably says more about the person complaining than it does their intended target.

Just as a bad experience often merits a complaint, a positive, happy one is also worth sharing. There isn’t nearly

enough positivity to reward hard work and I firmly believe a good experience should be noted.

A happy worker feels like they are making a difference and even if financial remuneration is the main goal of most employees, a cheerful “thank you” or a small compliment from the customer often goes a long way.

Pessimism and crankiness make for difficult company.

The lovely Ingrid could write a book about it, living with yours truly. But the experience that comes with being a man of my age gives me a greater understanding about the wastefulness of contempt. Being pessimistic and moaning all the time is a tiring process; it takes a lot of effort. Positivity, on the other hand, sets the heart free. Give it a try.

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Raise your voice for equality

C

ork’s Choral Con Fusion LGBTS Inclusive choir is a choir with a difference.

Describing themselves as “a united voice against discrimination and exclusion and a message of welcome to one and all�, the group will release their first charity single in March. The track, We Love The Same, was recorded in Cork and will raise funds and awareness for marriage equality, aiming for chart success as it highlights the need for new laws in Ireland.

The choir has also been nominated for a GALA award alongside a number of esteemed entertainers, including Colin Farrell and fellow Cork man, Graham Norton.

The 40–strong choir has performed its extensive repertoire all over the country, including at The National Concert Hall, Cork City Hall, The Everyman and The Triskel. “Choral Con Fusion is not just a choir. It is at its heart a social group and a way for

people who hail from all backgrounds, all communities and all genders and ages to come together and sing and dance and be merry,� says founder and composer Karl Fradgley: “There are gay guys, lesbians, trans and bi members, there are parents of gay children, there are straight guys and girls and there are people who are all of the above. Our members come from everywhere.

The point is to live your life and celebrate who you are and where you come from.

Sing it out and sing it proud.�

Choral Con Fusion is one of the world’s first avowedly LGBTS choirs and the only one of its kind in Ireland.

Rehearsals take place each Wednesday in the city centre and new members are always welcome.

To take part, email join@ choralconfusion.com, or email pr@choralconfusion.com for information on bookings and upcoming events. You can also visit their website, choralconfusion.com and to cast your vote for the choir in the gala awards visit galas.ie.

“The point is to live your life and celebrate who you are and where you come from. Sing it out and sing it proud.�

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News

6 February 2015

Local campaign calls for speed ramps

By Maria Tracey maria@thecorknews.ie

A Ballincollig mother of two leading a campaign against excessive speeding in her area has appealed for speed ramps rather than signage to be erected, following the announcement of a €2m allocation for local authorities to implement 30km/h speed limits.

Oak Avenue resident Linda Atkinson, who has repeatedly raised the need for speed ramps around Oak Avenue and The Cedars in Classes Lake in Ballincollig with Cork County Council, outlined that she welcomed the announcement by Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Paschal Donohoe but added that signage is not a deterrant. “Speed ramps have to be put in place,” she stated: “We in Classes Lake have been told that our road is not long enough to justify speed ramps, I hope they do not still consider this to be the case.”

“We in Classes Lake have been told that our road is not long enough to justify speed ramps.”

Making the announcement this week, Minister Donohoe said “as the bodies charged with statutory responsibility for local speed limits, local authorities were asked to carry out this review in consultation with local residents, with a view to adopting bye–

laws to reduce the speed limit to 30km/h where appropriate. I have now set aside €2m that I am making available to local authorities who have identified a need for traffic calming measures and a reduction in the current speed limit. This funding will be allocated to local authorities as they come forward with their proposals to implement the lower speed limit and introduce new measures.”

The transport minister added that the 2013 guidelines on special speed limits are also being updated, and that further details of new speed limits to be implemented in rural areas around the country will be announced in the coming weeks.

Minister Donohoe issued a circular last October to local authorities requiring an examination of speed limits in residential areas and housing estates. The move was taken following meetings with the family of six–year–old Jake Brennan, who died after being struck by a car outside his home in Kilkenny.

thecorknews

News

6 February 2015

Watch this space: more jobs for Cork Fifteen new jobs are to be created in Cork with the opening of a new office by a leading monitored security company. PhoneWatch is actively recruiting for its sales team to lead the company’s expansion in the south. National sales director of PhoneWatch Alen Tully stated the company sees “great opportunities” to grow their business in both Cork and the surrounding counties: “We believe that the best people to drive that growth will be

people from the local area,” he said.

Meanwhile, a Cork–owned pharmacy group has expanded and safeguarded 16 jobs with purchase of its seventh outlet, in Blackrock. Phelans Pharmacy, Medical and Mobility Supplies has announced their purchase of the existing 3,500 square foot pharmacy space at Blackrock Hall Primary Care Centre.

Phelans also recently opened its state–of–the–art pharmacy with medical and mobility

showrooms at Grand Parade.

“Taking over this impressive facility will undoubtedly be welcomed by local communi-

ties in Blackrock and the immediate area, as well as those who visit the 30–plus doctors and health service professionals, and HSE offices, who practice in this building also,” said Denise Phelan. “Within easy reach of City Gate which houses Mater Private Hospital, Mahon Point Shopping Centre and the city centre hinterland, we are confident we can build on the existing offering and provide a competent and friendly service to our community.”

Aishling Tunney, Phone Watch. Picture by John Sheehan Photography

Cork’s Free LifestyLe MonthLy C o r k's F R E E lifestyle monthly Style / Be auty / Ce lebrity

M

North Cork Dairy Farmers benefit from investment Cork dairy farmers are set to benefit from a €35 million investment by government and businesses in the dairy processing industry, according to a recent announcement

by Cork TD Simon Coveney, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, and Richard Bruton, Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation.

“This announcement is really well timed for farmers targeting increased milk yields with the upcoming abolition

of quotas in April,” said Áine Collins, Fine Gael TD for Cork North West.

Moorepark Technology Limited (MTL), a joint venture company established by Teagasc with shareholders from the Irish dairy industry, will receive €10 million of the investment to expand its plant facility in Fermoy, and Enterprise Ireland will provide the remaining €25 million for a new Dairy Processing Technology Centre in the University of Limerick.

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6 February 2015

STEM growing in Cork A number of Cork initiatives will receive almost €150,000 in funding from Science Foundation Ireland, the national foundation for investment in scientific and engineering research. This support is part of a larger €1.6 million national fund put forward by the SFI to promote education in the fields of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) and to foster the public’s engagement in these areas through various projects. Supported by the Department of Jobs, Enterprise, and Innovation and delivered through the foundation’s education and outreach programme SFI Discover, the funding will support 39 initiatives designed to encourage people of all ages to develop an active interest, and involvement, in STEM. Over the course of the next year, it is projected that over 4.5 million people will engage with STEM projects over the course of 2015.

Sean Sherlock TD, Minister of State at Department

Dr Ruth Freeman, Director, Strategy & Communications, Science Foundation Ireland, Clair McSweeney, Centre Manager, CIT Blackrock Castle Observatory and Minister Damien English, T.D., Minister of State for Skills, Research and Innovation at the Science Foundation Ireland Discover Programme Grant announcement. Picture from CIT Blackrock Castle Observatory.

of Foreign Affairs with Special Responsibility for ODA, Trade Promotion and NorthSouth Co-operation has wel-

comed the news: “Cork is a strong player in the area of STEM and is continuing to grow at an incredible rate.

The work ethic by industry and the academic partners in UCC, CIT and other institutions is creating jobs and

marking Cork as a global leader in the area,” he told The Cork News.

The SFI grant will be dis-

tributed among several Cork organisations and include the Cork Electroncis Industry Association, the Lewis Glucksman Gallery, Cork Science Week 2015, Tyndall Institute and CIT Blackrock Castle Observatory.

Also speaking to The Cork News, Clair McSweeney, Centre Manager of Blackrock Obervatory, said “this grant helps us create a greater awareness of science and technology in this era of communications, to show how much fun it is learning about science.”

A key element of SFI’s agenda, the Discover programmme works with a number of strategic partners including SciFest, The Festival of Curiosity and National Maths Week, who have also received funding. These projects complement current SFI projects such as National Science Week, the Smart Futures initiative and work carried out by the SFI Research Centres nationwide to inspire the public to learn more about, and engage with STEM.

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thecorknews

Dr Magoo

6 February 2015

B

onjour. I have been nonchalantly observing a beautiful Cork woman at my workplace here in the Airport Business Park. I now need to make what we in France call ‘ze move.’ How do you think I should surprise her for Valentine’s Day?

Remy, Paris et Patrick’s Hill.

I

’d say if you stopped being so sleazy that might come as a big surprise. The correct way to make an impression on a Cork woman is to insult her. Your best bet there is ask her if she is from Dublin. Hopefully she will reply “I don’t know like, where are you from? Allo, allo?” That means you are in like ze Flynn. I know you Frenchies are mad for flowers and staring out windows for ages in the hope that people will think you’re deep, but you’re in Cork now, so romance means slagging.

Get what I’m saying, you daft frog?

See there now Remy, I kind of made a move on you.

I

’m in a bit of a pickle here. This new Spanish couple have moved in next door, very high flying as you can imagine if they can afford a place on our road. Anyway, your man Pablo has this habit of doing his morning stretches in the nip right in front of a window facing over to our place. What do you think I should do?

Monica, a part of the Blackrock Road where you’d probably only be allowed in the side entrance.

H

Email your dilemmas in confidence to drmagoo@thecorknews.ie

ave you tried Telescopes Are Us? Don’t bother messing around with a set of binoculars you get in Aldi. (It’s a German supermarket. One of your nannies probably uses it.) I wouldn’t go over and confront him about it. In my experience, that nearly always ends up in a threesome with him and the wife. I can’t go into any more details, but I still get a Christmas card from this Austrian couple who used to live next door. They were very persuasive people now looking back at it.

“The locals said they’d never seen anything like it before, a girl marrying someone who isn’t her cousin.”

H

ey there. My boyfriend and me are like really into Kim Kardashian. We’re visiting Cork around Valentines, because we want to retrace the magical journey she took around Ireland on her honeymoon last year. What would you recommend?

Macy, Nashville, Tennessee

I

’d strongly recommend you get a life. Honestly, we’re not that into your large–arsed friend here on Leeside. Do you know that she rushed away from Cork to spend some time in Limerick? That’s like leaving behind a plate of chocolate cake in a restaurant because someone offered you a bowl of worms.

After that Kim went to Laois. Laois!

The locals said they’d never seen anything like it before, a girl marrying someone who isn’t her cousin.

Of course Macy, you probably can’t see anything wrong with that carry on, what with being from Tennessee and everything. Pluck that banjo!

I

have some friends coming down from Dublin next week and I’m stuck for dinner ideas. I’ve heard that tripe and drisheen is trendy now again and I was thinking I’d serve that to them. Do you think this is a good idea?

Mairead, Glounthaune.

I

t’s right up there alongside using a chainsaw to shave your pubic hair. (The things I used to do for a dare!) In fairness, it shouldn’t be hard to impress Dublin people on the traditional food front. They always serve me coddle, which as we know is some stuff you found at the bottom of your compost bin, bound together with an out–of–date egg. Well hello, fit of the gawks. But it might still be better than tripe and drisheen. Anyone for milk, onions and the bits of a sheep that didn’t even make it into a lamb burger? I doubt it, Mairead.

I doubt it.

I

have to go to Dublin next week for lunchtime drinks with some very respectable people. Do you think a person of my standing would be ok on the bus, or should I stick with the train (first class, you know yourself)?

Hugo, the part of Montenotte that still says “shag the begrudgers” every time we crack open another bottle of champagne (Bollinger, you know yourself.)

I

think you should make a documentary about your life and put it up on YouTube, Hugo.

You sound hilarious, in a ‘laughing at’ rather than ‘laughing with’ kind of way. I’m worried that you might not be cut out for a trip on the bus.

My cousin Eddie found himself sitting next to the lady who cleans his plumber’s house. I mean Hugo, how low can you go? On the other hand, the train stops in places like Thurles and you could end up sitting opposite a farmer who hadn’t washed since last year’s All Ireland, so it’s a tricky choice for a stuck–up nobber.

You know yourself.

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6 February 2015

Port of Cork, Bantry Bay move 10 million tonnes Container traffic at The Port of Cork and its subsidiary, Bantry Bay Port Company, reached more than 10 million tonnes in 2014, according to a year–end report by the company.

Tivoli and Ringaskiddy container terminals in the Port of Cork handled over 190,000 twenty–foot equivalent units, which accounted for a growth of 13%, compared to 2013 figures.

“We are very encouraged by the significantly increased container volumes in 2014 and I am confident that we can sustain this growth in 2015 while continuing to seek other opportunities for increasing trade through the port,” said John Mullins, Chairman of the Port of Cork. “Consumer confidence is on the rise and we expect that this in turn will bring a surge in consumer goods imported during 2015.”

Despite the excellent performance in the container sector, trade traffic overall in both ports experienced a drop of 4% compared with 2013.

The exceptionally fine weather in 2014 meant less of a domestic demand for animal feed and cereals,

“Consumer confidence is on the rise and we expect that this in turn will bring a surge in consumer goods imported during 2015.”

Bantry Bay

resulting in a 22% decrease in imports in these sectors, while oil traffic through the Port of Cork last year marginally decreased by 1.5% due to a six-week maintenance shut down at the Whitegate Oil Refinery.

The Bantry Bay oil storage terminal, which accounts for 100% of the commercial traffic through Bantry Bay Port, saw an 11% decrease in oil traffic in 2014. Captain Michael McCarthy, Commercial Manager at Cork Port Company said that this was primarily due to a drop in the demand for oil as a source of power production in favour of alternatives such as natural gas.

However, he was optimistic that things will improve this year. “The general activity in the economy is the main barometer of what’s happening in the oil industry.

The economy is picking up and there’s been an increase in the number of cars and commercial vehicles on the road, so we predict an increase in the demand for oil usage. In addition, the reduction in oil prices should encourage more oil consumption.”

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6 February 2015

No plans for M20 review Budget constraints are continuing to hamper the progression of the M20 motorway project, which would connect Cork and Limerick. Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport Paschal Donohoe outlined that due to the “national financial position”, there have been large reductions in roads expenditure in recent years.

“The reality is that the available funds do not match the amount of work which could be undertaken,” he highlighted in response to a parliamentary question from Fine Gael Cork East TD Tom Barry on the plans to reactivate the Cork to Limerick project. “For this rea-

“It is simply unacceptable that an adequate motorway connection still does not exist between these two cities.”

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son it has not been possible to progress a range of worthwhile projects and the main focus has to be on the maintenance and repair of roads and this will remain the position in the coming years. The scope for progressing new major road improvement projects will be very much dependent on the availability of funding in the future as the economy recovers further.”

Minister Donohoe outlined that in 2011, his predecessor Leo Varadkar indicated to the National Roads Authority that it should withdraw its application to An Bord Pleanála for the M20 Cork to Limerick route. “I understand Minister Varadkar

was concerned that to proceed any further with the scheme to build the M20 would have exposed the NRA to significant costs arising from a consequent requirement to purchase the CPOd land within a limited timeframe. This would have had to be done without the reasonable prospect of proceeding to the construction stage quickly,” he said. “Given continuing budget constraints and the need to focus on road maintenance and renewal, I do not currently plan to review the decision.”

However, Cork North Central Fianna Fáil TD Billy Kelleher

Billy Kelleher, TD

stated the current N20 route is “unfit for purpose”: “Cork and Limerick are the second and third largest cities in Ireland,” he said. “It is simply unacceptable that an adequate motorway connection still does not exist between these two cities.”

Deputy Kelleher said the proposed M20 motorway link between the two cities is of “vital importance for the entire south west region”. He added it will lead to “greater economic development across the area and will help drive down transport costs” and called for a “clear commitment” to be made on the project.

23

thecorknews 6 February 2015

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6 February 2015

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Post offices are “lifeblood of our communities” Áine Collins, Fine Gael Cork North Central TD, has stated her support of The Post Office Network Business Development Group, which was formed by Minister Alex White to explore potential commercial opportunities for post offices.

Following the group’s first meeting held at the end of January, Ms. Collins said, “Our rural post offices across North Cork including Kanturk, Millstreet, Charleville, Macroom, Newmarket and Ballincollig are the lifeblood of our communities and I am delighted to

see that a group has been established to look at safeguarding their future. I look forward to the outcomes of this group, coming up with practical solutions to secure this vital hub of our rural communities. I wish the Group and their Chairperson, Bobby Kerr, well in their new role and look forward to their first report at the end of March.”

Ms. Collins added that, in order to stay relevant, it important for local resources to change and evolve to meet the needs of the community now and in the future.

Bulk up your mussels West Cork shellfish farmers are appealing for help to keep open the indigenous industry. The Irish Shellfish Association, a member of the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA), has put a case to Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Simon Coveney outlining the crisis in the mussel production sector in west Cork and Kerry as a result of “highly unusual” algal blooms this winter. Some bays have been forced to close down for five consecutive months. IFA’s aquaculture executive, Richie Flynn, said, “By closing their harvesting operations, the mussel farmers ensured the consumer and food safety comes first but unfortunately they have no control over the length of time these natural blooms can persist in the ocean. Producers are not arguing with the science or criteria which closed them down. In fact, IFA members work very closely with the agencies such as the Food Safety Authority, Marine Institute, HSE and BIM to ensure we have the safest shell-

fish system in the world.

“The EU has recognised this major sacrifice can be extremely painful and must be balanced by a special scheme to allow producers to stay in business. That official recog-

nition was enshrined in EU regulations over seven years ago. Minister Coveney must use these EU rules now to find a scheme to help dozens of small family businesses along the south west coast to

stay in business.”

The Irish Shellfish Association chair Jerry Gallagher appealed to Minister Coveney to find a financial solution to the problem as allowed under the EU Fisheries Fund rules.

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Daytripper Interview by Maria Tracey Picture by Rob Lamb

Chair of Cork City Hospitals Children's Club and security officer with the Health Service Executive John Looney (50) lives in Togher with his wife Carol and their four daughters, Pamela (29), Karen (27), Noelle (25) and Clodagh (21). See facebook.com/corkchildrensclub for more details.

“

As my hours are quite varied, it wouldn’t be unusual to call to my house at 4pm and see me with a bowl of Cornflakes. Working as a security officer, I don’t have a 9–5 roster, and once a month I work 84 hours of nights one week, from 7pm to 7am.

Funnily enough, I can always get up for work, there’s no need for an alarm. I don’t have breakfast, just a cup of tea, and then head to CUH, where I’ve worked for 35 years. I started as a young lad in catering in the Regional, before porting in the main reception, and now I’m a security officer.

Every day, in some form, Cork City Hospitals Children’s Club is in my life. I’ve two phones, one for myself and the other for the charity…which is always hopping.

The club started 21 years ago, as my first three daughters were born with medical problems. My eldest had two tumours on her spine, and was brought to Alton Towers with the Bubblegum Club. At the time, I said to myself that Cork is big enough to have a similar organisation so a few of us got together and started doing bed pushes to raise a few bob. We brought children to Lapland for Christmas and later thought, ‘why not Disneyland instead?’ and started fundraising again.

Now, 21 years on, it’s gone from strength to strength, and we go to Disneyland Paris every year and Fota House at Christmas. It’s absolutely fantastic to see the nurses, emergency services, and doctors all on board, giving up their time for the charity.

This month, I was awarded the Special Merit Award at the LAMA Community and Council Awards, which was a proud moment. However, I was collecting it on behalf of the club, as it’s about all the volunteers. It’s grand for me to talk, but if the right peo-

“It’s absolutely fantastic to see the nurses, emergency services, and doctors all on board, giving up their time for the charity.”

ple weren’t behind me, we wouldn’t have this club in the first place.

The kids are from CUH, Mercy Hospital, St Gabriel’s, the Cork Deaf Association and nominated from members of the gardaí. These children have witnessed traumatic experiences, are suffering from illness or have endured trauma. A child might have been the one who found a parent who died through suicide or was in a car crash.

Through the group trips, the

children find out they’re not the only one going through what they’re going through.

That helps. I was aboard a flight going to Disneyland Paris once, with two children next to me. Both were trying to look out the window at the same time and the little girl said ‘my mammy is up there in heaven’, and the boy answers, ‘my mum must be with her so, playing Ring a Ring o’ Roses’.

That image has stayed with me, and shows what impact

see the light

bed by day. When she’d come in in the morning, she’d prepare the dinner, I’d cook and my sister would do the wash– up. I love experimenting and making homemade pastry with my own fillings…although sometimes they don’t always work! Also to relax, I enjoy the soccer coupons and watching matches — I’m a big Manchester United supporter.

I love the international games as well and as a family we try and get away as much

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the charity has on the young people. I think the reason the club is also so successful is because not one person gets paid a penny. Every cent goes to the children.

I’m pretty much on the go all day, and have snack in the morning — a sandwich — and then a big dinner. I need it as I’m starving! I’m the chef in the house as one of my hobbies is cooking.

I’ve been doing it since I was eight, as my mother used to work nights, and would be in

as possible. We’ll go to the Ireland and Gibraltar game in Portugal this September and make a holiday out of it.

My children are my greatest moments. They’re all grown– up, and the main thing now is that they enjoy themselves.

It’s great to stand back and see that. I was always a bit strict with them about looking after each other. If you’re out with your sister, you come home with your sister. And they’ve always done that.

I’m a night owl and don’t normally get to sleep until 1am. Think it’s the routine of night duty. I did learn something from a consultant once that some people don’t need as much sleep as others. I think six hours constant sleep does me. My last thought is ‘what am I doing tomorrow?’ and ‘who am I meeting?’ I like to set my mind right before going to sleep. One time, I was in bed at night thinking about this family whose child couldn’t go to Fota as she was waiting on a transplant and might catch an infection from the other children.

I remember thinking, ‘that’s not right’ and it was a simple thing to do to get a Garda escort just for her, and have Santa come down from the North Pole. The family were all so grateful.

My inspirational figures are the 44 children who’ve passed away since the club started. Anyone who knows a seriously ill child knows they don’t want to hear moaning or groaning; or about the recession or money problems.

These are kids with regard for life and just want to enjoy themselves.

The children give you perspective, and I don’t believe in regrets, as everything happens for a reason. When you do something wrong, you should learn by it. My motto is to take every day as it comes, and often what you might think is problem is not always, really.”

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thecorknews 6 February 2015

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I found my time in New Minds Beauty Academy fantastic. I enjoyed the experience. The course itself had a mixture of theory and practical and was well worth it because Advanced Waxing, Gel Nails, Spray Tanning and Eyelash Extensions are included at no extra cost. After 13 weeks, I am a fully qualified beauty therapist. The staff at the New Minds College were very supportive and I would highly recommend this course to anyone who is interested in working in the beauty industry.

I recently graduated from New Minds Beauty Academy, Ireland’s largest independent private ITEC accredited college. I really enjoyed going to college everyday. The staff and tutors were really friendly and supportive. Class sizes were small and all students had individual attention and feedback to help our learning.

I am delighted to be fully qualified beauty therapist.

I found my time at New Minds Beauty Academy very enjoyable.

It was particularly good and very efficient as it was only a 13-week course to become a fully qualified beauty therapist. The course includes add-ons such as Dermalogica and professional make up techniques including correct use of cosmetics, make-up application, contouring and make-up for special occasions, all of which are included in the course at no extra cost. I would definitely recommend anybody to do this course as it was the most enjoyable 13 weeks and I was sad to leave!

During my time at New Minds Beauty Academy I really enjoyed myself. There was always a great atmosphere as everybody got on really well and great friendships were made. There is a great mix of both theory and practical, which made the days interesting. The course fee included ITEC Registration, Exam Fees, Beauty Kit and College Uniform. I loved our uniforms as the colours are gorgeous. The college itself is beautiful and such a friendly place to go, as everyone working in the building is so nice. I have loved my time in New Minds Academy and I cannot wait to become a qualified beauty therapist thanks to them.

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6 February 2015

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6 February 2015

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Honours for Cork kids in maths challenge Three Cork schools have won accolades across various categories of the MATHletes challenge, a free online and in–person maths tournament for Irish students. The fun and engaging four–month challenge develops students’ confidence and competence in maths and is based on an approach devised by the Khan Academy, the global leader in free online learning.

Beaumont Girls School, Cork, won fourth place across Ireland in the MATHletes Challenge January Cup, earning them the title of Munster Provincial Champion, while Scoil Naisiunta an Chroi Naofa, Glounthaune, were runners up in fifth place against stiff competition in the Primary Division Field.

Hamilton High School in Bandon also won the Munster title in the Secondary Division ‘points per eligible student’ category. All three schools will defend their titles in the February Cup, which is now underway and open for new registrations.

Over 10,000 students and 250 schools are now competing in the MATHletes tournament. Students and schools from fourth class in primary

“Over €20,000 in prizes and the title of MATHletes Challenge All-Ireland Champion are at stake.” school to fifth year in secondary school (Primary 6 to Year 13 (NI)) are eligible to compete. The competition culminates with top scorers advancing to in–person playoffs, where over €20,000 in prizes and the title of MATHletes Challenge All-Ireland Champion are at stake.

Registration is free and is now open – it’s not too late to join!

For further information, visit mathletes.ie.

Entrepreneur and inventor Seán O’Sullivan, with pupils from Beaumont National School for Girls, Cork, launching MATHletes Challenge 2015 Picture by Diane Cusack.

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News

6 February 2015

Easier to Cope with new website Cope Foundation, a not– for–profit organisation that supports more than 2,300 children and adults with intellectual disabilities and/or autism, has launched a new website that is more easily accessible to the people who use their services.

The new site uses an easy– to–read format that presents text using simple, short sentences in large, clear font accompanied by images to explain the core message of the information.

The new website includes comprehensive information about the projects and initiatives that the Cope Foundation provides in all of its 65 locations throughout Cork city and county, as well as opportunities for the public to fundraise and volunteer. Of particular interest on the site are the impressive image galleries that capture the excitement and fun of people living their lives to the full.

Creating easy–to–read electronic information is part of Cope Foundation’s commitment to keeping the people they support at the core of what they do by involving them in important decisions

“My opinion really mattered and it was great to use my knowledge to put important information up for everyone to access.”

LtoR Back Row: David Leland, Jason Ryan, Sharon Lane and Front Row, Niall Murphy and Con Creedon who are all supported by Cope Foundation, launch a new easy–to–read website.

that affect them.

“It was really great to be part of making the new website,” said Jason Ryan, who is supported by Cope Foundation

and was part of the project team that created the new site. “My opinion really mattered and it was great to use my knowledge to put impor-

tant information up for everyone to access.”

Also supported by Cope Foundation is Sharon Lane who said, “I have a visual

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To view the new website, visit cope-foundation.ie.

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thecorknews

News

6 February 2015

Search is on for Cork’s Outstanding Young People Junior Chamber International Cork is seeking local nominations for The Outstanding Young Persons of the World Program. JCI is a worldwide community of around 200,000 young active citizens aged 18–40, who are committed to creating positive change. The TOYP Program recognizes the achievements of young people in a range of categories, including humanitarian work, business, medicine and culture.

Those who are honoured at local level will be entered into the national JCI TOYP Program, and those selected as international honourees will receive a free round–trip airline ticket to Kanazawa in Japan to attend the JCI World Congress, where their accomplishments will be acknowledged.

Last year, Stephen Spillane won in the humanitarian category at local and national levels and is now Community Director with JCI. “It’s important for young people

“Awards are normally given to those who are already established in their field, but the JCI awards encourage young people to stay on their chosen path.” to be recognised for the work they do because there’s not a lot out there - awards are normally given to those who are already established in their field, but the JCI awards en-

Diversity is goal for Carrigtwohill school

courage young people to stay on their chosen path,” he said.

JCI Cork will launch this year’s TOYP Program at Sugar Cube on the South Mall on

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Nomination forms for JCI TOYP can be found online at jcicork.ie/index.php/toyp and must be submitted by March 10th.

A new primary school is to open this September in Carrigtwohill, one of seven schools to be established across the country over the next two years to meet a predicted rise in the number of primary school–age children in Ireland. A patronage determination process will be run shortly for the east Cork school, which will place a particular emphasis on “parental demand for plurality and diversity”. Making the announcement on the new schools — which will cost €24m to construct and support some 240 direct jobs and 48 indirect jobs — Minister for Education and Skills, Jan O’Sullivan stated “parental preferences will be at the centre of considerations about

the type of school to be recognised”.

David Stanton, Fine Gael TD for Cork East, highlighted that a new primary was “very much needed” in Carrigtwohill where the two primary schools already in existence — Scoil Mhuire Naofa and Scoil Chlochair Mhuire — are “severely under pressure due to high demand”. “This is very good news for parents and pupils in the Carrigtwohill area, but it is important that this development comes alongside the amalgamation of the existing schools. This is an issue I have been raising with Minister O’Sullivan and which I will continue to pursue in earnest,” said Deputy Stanton.

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thecorknews 6 February 2015

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thecorknews

News

6 February 2015

Cork Opera House launches new website

Jim Bolger and Davy Russell with their Hurling For Cancer Research fundraiser — which has raised over €300,000 for the Irish Cancer Society — pictured here presenting a cheque to Mark Mellit of the Irish Cancer Society. Picture by: Andres Poveda

Russell’s fundraiser is on the money A Cork jockey has helped raise €300,000 for cancer research. Youghal native Davy Russell along with Wexford trainer Jim Bolger have raised the substantial sum of money for the Irish Cancer Society through their annual celebrity hurling match, which takes place in Kildare each August and brings together stars from screen and sport. Last year’s event brought in just over €100,000, contributing to the overall total. Hurling for Cancer Research began in 2012, and since then Jim Bolger’s Stars have faced off against Davy Russell’s Best.

This year’s game will take

place Tuesday, August 11th at 6.30pm in St Conleth’s Park.

Bolger outlined it takes an “army of support to make an event like this possible”, and added that both Davy and himself are “grateful for all the backing received”. “The enthusiasm and dedication of all involved makes for a wonderfully entertaining evening and a tremendously successful fundraiser for a very important cause,” he said.

For further information on the Irish Cancer Society’s Research Programme or Hurling For Cancer Research see cancer.ie.

Cork Opera House has launched its new website ahead of their 160th birthday celebrations, focusing on a more user-friendly experience across all platforms with a clean, modern design by Smarttech Digital. The website will keep the corkoperahouse.ie domain and features include an interactive events calendar, detailed information on everything from upcoming events to Cork Opera House itself and the option to share information across all major social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Google+.

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thecorknews 6 February 2015

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6 February 2015

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thecorknews

News

6 February 2015

‘Feirm’ TV rivalry for two Cork families Two Cork families are to go head–to–head next week in the hope of being named Ireland’s top farming family. IFTA-nominated Clann Feirm Factor on TG4 will see the Crowleys from Enniskeane and the Hanleys from Charleville and Kenmare compete in the semi–finals on Sunday, February 15th at 8.30pm. The show’s producers outlined that it’s a “clash of two very strong teams and the competition is fierce”. The Hanley’s team captain Lisa, along with her cousin David, will take on the meat identification task,

against brothers James and Tim Crowley. The farmers must also work closely together in the machinery task, where tractor driving skill, accuracy and good communication and understanding are vital. Clann Feirm Factor’s judges include Macroom dairy farmer Seán Ó Lionáird, veterinary surgeon Peadar Ó Scanaill from Ashbourne, Co Meath, and organic enthusiast and former presenter of Garraí Glas, Connemara’s Síle Nic Chonaonaigh, and the show’s new presenter is Síle Ní Bhraonáin.

CLANN HANLEY LtoR Pádraig Hanley, Maria Ring, Lisa Ring, Daithí Hanley.

CLANN CROWLEY LtoR Tim Crowley, Helena Walsh, James Crowley, John Crowley.

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People like us...

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3

Pictured at the opening of Griffith College’s new campus on Wellington Road in Cork are: 1 Deputy Lord Mayor Cllr Tim Brosnan, Sister Berch Manis and President of Griffith College, Professor Diarmuid Hegarty.

2 Sian Langley, Griffith College, Anne O’Leary and Aoife Lohse, Ambassador Hotel 3 Eoin O’Conaill, Nora Conway, Holly Johnson and Rachel Andrews 4 Alice Richard and Carol O’Leary, Eazy City.

5 Clíodhna Dineen, Law Dept Griffith College and Sinéad O’Dea, Marketing Griffith College.

6

6 Olivia Hegardy and Steven Roberts, Griffith College Cork.

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thecorknews 6 February 2015

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thecorknews

Special Report

6 February 2015

What happens if I am Insolvent?

Mark Ryan, Personal Insolvency Practitioner and Director with Quintas, takes a closer look at insolvency under the new legislation and what it means for an individual in the third of our special personal finance reports.

The new personal insolvency legislation brings certainty to a person’s finances and allows them to return to solvency within a five or six year arrangement. Where possible the insolvency process keeps the debtor in their family home. Obviously there are a number of hurdles along the way but this is the core principle.

A person is considered to be insolvent if they cannot meet their debt repayments as they fall due. In most cases people have really just been trying to spread a little amount among as many of their creditors as possible.

These payments may not even cover the monthly interest charges on the loan so the debt increases month on month, and the situation keeps getting worse. One of the most difficult aspects of this is the stress that is caused from the constant contact by

“A person is considered to be insolvent if they cannot meet their debt repayments as they fall due.”

their creditors as they chase them for payment, either by phone, email, or letter or through a debt collection agency.

In most cases this situation is unsustainable but with the introduction of the new personal insolvency legislation there is now a clear path for those in

debt that will take them from their current financial position to solvency again.

The legislation introduced three new arrangements:

- Debt Relief Notice (DRN) – for unsecured debts (credit cards, personal loans, credit union loans etc) with a total value of € 20,000

- Debt Settlement Arrangement (DSA) – for unsecured debts in excess of € 20,000 with no upper limit - Personal Insolvency Arrangement (PIA) – for secured loans (home loans, investment loans etc with max total value of €3m) and unlimited unsecured debts.

Subject to approval at a creditors meeting this would involve a debtor paying a monthly dividend to their creditors for six or seven years and any balance due at that stage is written off.

The average write down to date is 80%. In a PIA arrangement the average write down for secured debts is 16%, and 89% for unsecured debts. 75% of the proposals that have made to creditors have been approved.

The above options are an alternative to bankruptcy.

If you are insolvent then it is time to explore your options with a Personal Insolvency Practitioner. Quintas is currently running open information evenings on debt resolution: if you would like to avail of a free one–on–one appointment with Mark Ryan contact 021 4641400 or email info@ quintas.ie.

PUBLIC NOTICE

Surprising Cuts

CORK LOCAL GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE INVITATION FOR SUBMISSIONS Notice is hereby given that Mr. Alan Kelly, T.D., Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, has established a Committee to prepare a report under Part V of the Local Government Act, 1991 into the most appropriate arrangements for local government for the City and County of Cork.

The Cork Local Government Committee, chaired by Mr. Alf Smiddy, will examine:a.) whether the boundary of Cork City should be altered, and if so, recommendations with respect to the alteration of the boundary; OR b.)whether Cork City Council and Cork County Council should be unified.

And that’s just our new prices Every service, every day

Full details of the terms of reference can be found at www.corklocalgovernmentreview.ie Submissions, in writing (by post or email), are invited in relation to the Committee’s work, which should be provided to the undersigned not later than Friday, 27th February 2015.

Following consideration of submissions, including any consultations undertaken, and a review of the issues, the Committee will make such recommendations as it considers necessary in the interests of effective, efficient and innovative local government and will prepare and furnish to the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government a report in writing of that review and its recommendations.

The Committee is independent in the performance of its functions.

Cork Local Government Committee, Floor 3, Civic Offices, City Hall, Cork.

Tel: 021-4924378 Email: submissions@corklgreview.ie

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Page 81

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Try a little Tinderness Being a singleton isn’t exactly the easiest thing in the world at this time of year, but technology — and in particular online technology — has been making it easier and easier to meet new people, whether for a fun fling or maybe something a little more substantial.

Tinder is probably the best known “quick meet” app: its lightning–fast format is based around a quick appraisal of someone’s photo and a few short words about themselves, which are liked or disliked. If someone you like has liked your photo and blurb, the app puts you in contact with them and you can choose to chat, or just to rendezvous on a more or less ‘site unseen’ basis.

Tinder and its imitatators are often derided as being little more than one–night– stand advertising, but the author of a new guide to online dating has dismissed this reputation as “mostly unfounded

“Though the app and others like it can be used for one night stands, it can also lead to more stable, serious relationships.”

and overall misleading”. ‘The Tinder Advisor’ says the book, Tinder For Experts, is a self– help guide to online dating for men and addresses “common online dating mistakes”, highlighting the difference between meeting someone online and meeting them,

Online dating sites like these can be a great option for people who are too busy to meet people casually.

say, in a pub or at a club. And, even the anonymous author admits that though the app and others like it can be used for one night stands, it can also lead to more stable, serious relationships.

Whether it’s Tinder, match. com, Plenty Of Fish or any of the hundreds of apps and websites like them, online dating — once laughed at as the preserve of the furtive and socialy inept — are now mainstream options for meeting people, particularly

in the hectic, fast–paced, busy, not–enough–hours– in–the–day world of modern young single professionals.

Sure, like any new technology, they take a while to reach their full potential and to settle down into a format everyone’s familiar with, but this Valentine’s Day you don’t have to feel so bad about being alone. You might not have time to play the dating game, but you’d be surprised what can come of a random online matchup!

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Your Commercial Insurance Specialists 021 427 9999

From a business perspective, Cork is on the move again and commercial activity is increasing

Email them oninfo@mig.ie or visit www.mig.ie

To find out more, contact MIG’s commercial executives who are based in Cork, Kerry, Dungarvan and Dublin, on freephone 1800 501111.

Charles McCarthy Insurances Ltd t/a McCarthy Insurance Group is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.

insurers. Every one of us at McCarthy Insurance Group is on your side."

12. There is access to legal and counselling helplines 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year that are not only available to staff but to the proprietors, directors and family. A business advice helpline is also available** Terms and conditions apply.

MIG Cork City, McCarthy Insurance Group Cork City, 2 & 3/4 South Mall, Cork City

T: (021) 427 9999 W: www.mig.ie E: cork@mig.ie

Advice that’s all about your needs rather than our sales objectives.

The final word goes to Paul Kavanagh, who says "We employ 180 people and have been around since 1952, so we must be doing something right and, if you ask me, that something is that we listen. We listen to you, we research the market, we advise and we recommend, and we never, ever try to push the wrong product on the wrong person. It's our job to help; we're not salespeople. We work for our clients, and we definitely do not work for the

your needs and circumstances before tailoring a plan especially for you.

11. Accidental loss recovery following a traffic accident is included.

10. Full access is provided to the DAS up–to–date employment manual.

9. Contract dispute cover for the purchase, hire, sale or provision of goods or of services is included.

6 February 2015

• Standard Home • Elite Home • Let Houses • Property Portfolios • Holiday Home • Houses with previous claims: Subsidence, flood, etc.

weekly. MIG has been to the forefront of looking after their clients through good and not so good times, and now the group is keen to help new start ups and give them the benefit of some sound business advice. MIG also has a specialist farm division — Farm Business Brokers — who call to farms regularly to review farmers' changing needs and advise them on the most competitive alternatives on the market. MIG has eight qualified financial advisors whom you can call to see, or make an appointment for them to call to you, and who will take stock of

8. Bad debt recovery in excess of €750.

5. Statutory licence appeal is covered.

One of the many differences between McCarthy Insurance Group and the big international insurers is that MIG are, first and foremost, brokers for Cork. The group has eight offices in Cork, provides jobs in Cork, and is an active and vital part of the Cork community, proud of the support they give to local clubs and communities all over the city and county. "We are Rebels to the core," says CEO Paul Kavanagh with a proud smile.

7. Motor contract disputes, including motor debt recovery.

6. Legal defence, including motor prosecution defence cover, is provided.

4. Property protection and bodily injury legal representation is included.

no waiting period under the Employment Awards section.

thecorknews

Home Insurance Hotline 021 422 4843

As well as offering existing and perspective clients advice on a choice of covers from over 120 insurers, MIG can add protection so wide that it could save clients thousands of euro and, at the same time, ensure the continuity of their business into the future.

Complete Business Legal Protection is the platinum product for complete peace of mind. Below are 12 good reasons, why you should choose it.

Yes, you can get some legal expenses cover as standard, so why choose MIG for business protection?

We asked business clients what they wanted most from their broker, and the majority want a broker who will listen to them, understand their business and offer them impartial advice and complete business protection. With this in mind we listened, researched and built a product that no one else can offer Irish Businesses.

McCarthy Insurance Group, offering complete protection for Cork businesses.

42 thecorknews

6 February 2015

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thecorknews

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6 February 2015

Network Cork

1

2

3

Pictured at February’s Network Cork meeting at the Hayfield Manor Hotel in Cork are...

1 Deirdre Heffernan, UCC and Gina London, Better Communications.

2 Nora O’Sullivan, AIB, Mary Kingston, VM Ware, Orla Kelly, Orla Kelly Publishing and Carol Rich, AIB. 3 Sian Horn, Elite Pilates and Zuzana Brosnan, The Blarney Hotel.

4 Orla Flynn, Vice President for External Affairs CIT and Ailis Crowley, Ignite 5 Carla Mannning, CACM Accountants and Joan Walsh, Partnership Europe.

6

6 Peigín Crowely, Irish Women Magazine and Ciara Wilson, The Salon Shop.

5

4

Pictures by Darragh Kane.

LIVE MUSIC with Aristocrats

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thecorknews 6 February 2015

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www.educogymcork.ie Fully Insured & qualified Personal Trainers & Nutritionists

46

thecorknews

News

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

Fit for the future!

Poppy

Poppy is about six months old, still young and excitable and super smart. She would be best in a home where she is the only dog or with a mature calm dog. Due to her age she would be best with children over seven as she can get a bit excited. Poppy initially can be a bit wary of strangers — especially men — but is fine once she gets to know you, and she is good on the lead but will benefit from further training.

She is full of love and affec-

tion and will make a perfect pet. Contact 083 1520224 or complete an adoption form on dogactionwelfaregroup.ie.

Sally

Sweet Sally is a lovely girl.

She’s a two–year–old Jack Russel cross. She is sociable, playful, affectionate and smart. She loves her cuddles and comforts and is currently fostering with five dogs; she likes them all, particularly the older ones, and is good with people and older children. She loves going in the car and for walks and will make a lovely pet, perhaps with another dog. Sally is vaccinated, neutered and wormed, waiting

Students Leah Dilworth, Naoise Flynn, Dylan Tynan, Kathleen O’Connor, Stefon Sigurdsson and Aideen Higgins from Scoil Réalt na Mara, Ballycotton, Cork who are taking part in Super Troopers with Laya Healthcare, one of the most ambitious schools campaign ever undertaken to help parents and children achieve the recommended 60 minutes of physical activity a day. Picture by Darragh Kane.

for her new family to adopt her. Contact 083 1520224 or complete an adoption form on dogactionwelfaregroup.ie.

Sunny

Sunny is a great puppy and will be the best companion dog you could ask for. He’s got a sweet personality and loves attention and cuddling.

He’s also got energy to spare and loves running, going on walks, and playing on the beach. He’s good with other dogs and he loves children. If you would like to meet Sunny please contact 083 1520224

or complete an adoption form on dogactionwelfaregroup.ie.

For more information call Pauline’s Rescue on 087 9172474 or find us on Facebook.

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

Shouldn’t equality imply respect?

Dear Mr MacMuiris, With reference to your editorial piece in last week’s issue of The Cork News admonishing people to open their minds and accept different points of view from their own, that is all well and good but you might consider taking your own advice.

Support for traditional families and traditional marriage is, always has been and will remain strong in Ireland.

Equality is a goal to strive towards but with the recog-

nition, as you say, that some viewpoints are not as valid as others.

As far as I and many others are concerned, it is your views which are invalid and lectures and political movements which seek to impose an unhealthy agenda on the people of Ireland are intolerable to religious people of many faiths. Surely your “sensitivity” and efforts at inclusion should cover us too?

Le meas, Bernadette Cashman–Ryan

Come sing a song Dear Cork News, The Cantabile Vocal Ensemble will hold an open night on Thursday February 12th at 8.00pm in Bishopstown G.A.A. club, and new members are always welcome.

Come alone and say hello and find out all about us!

More details are available at cantabilevocalensemblecorkireland.com.

Many thanks and best wishes Jean Healy

Following the Opening of our City Centre Office and the impending Launch of our Consumer Booking App, we have a limited number of Vacancies for Owner Drivers.

Further Details Brian 0872055895

47

thecorknews 6 February 2015

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Visit our NEW kitchen and wardrobe showrooms on Forge Hill in Cork City.

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48

thecorknews

News

6 February 2015

Talking Heads “It’s a boy! @hotpatooties & I would like to introduce Art O’Porter, our gorgeous baby.

Well, I’m pretty sure he’s ours.�

Chris O’Dowd shares a photoshopped image of a baby with his facial hair and his wife, Dawn O’Porter’s trademark bob on Twitter.Â

“The god who created this universe, if it was created by God, is quite clearly a maniac.

Utter maniac, totally selfish.�

Stephen Fry on the concept of a creator in an interview with Gay Byrne on RTÉ’s The Meaning of Life.

“They shouldn’t have control over my uterus.

I deserve that choice and it was taken away from me by my government. You deserve to be treated as a human and not as a criminal.�

Cork woman Tara who travelled to England for an abortion, and appeared in BBC3’s Abortion: Ireland’s Guilty Secret?

‰

ˆ ‡

‚ „ Š

 �

� �  �  ­ € ­ ‚ ƒ � ƒ ­ „ … � † � � �

“The legal dispute between Rory McIlroy and Horizon Sports Management has been settled to the satisfaction of both parties who wish each other well for the future.

The parties will be making no further comment.�

The case between golfer Rory McIlroy and his former management company Horizon Sports Management has been settled.

“It was because a couple of players were overweight and I didn’t think chips were good for their diet.�

Former Manchester United manager David Moyes reveals to FourFourTwo why he banned chips during his spell at the club last season.

“I didn’t want to come off arrogant or conceited, or basically how I’ve been acting the past year, year and a half. I’m not who I was pretending to be.�

Pop star Justin Bieber releases a video apologising for his recent antics, prompted by an interview he did with Ellen DeGeneres.

49

thecorknews 6 February 2015

Great news for Cork City

All Q-Park parking charges reduced in Cork!

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

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

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

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

50

thecorknews

Valentine’s Day Feature

6 February 2015

V lentine’s Day Gift Guide Love is in the air and it’s time to start thinking about Valentine’s Day. We’ve picked out some top non–cheesy gift ideas that are guaranteed to please...

For Her

For Him

Mulberry Bayswater Leather Bag, Brown Thomas, €1230

Memo’s Irish Leather, Brown Thomas, €190 (It’s unisex, so is also a sneaky gift for girls too!)

Folli Follie Watchalicious rose gold watch, Kilkenny, €300

Valentine’s card

by Cork artist Molly Ellis, aka Ewe Sir. It’s €3.50 and available from Cork Craft and Design in Douglas, and Cork Flower Studio on Douglas Street

Disco Ball earrings, Azure on Carey’s Lane, €55

Ashwood men’s leather wash bag, Kilkenny, €54.95

You Wash And I’ll Dry tea towel, grandgrand.ie, €10

Mercanti hand–crafted Italian leather brogues, Salingers in the Winthrop Arcade, €175

thecorknews

Valentine’s Day Feature

6 February 2015

Blu Valentines The Cork News and Cork’s Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa at Little Island have teamed up to provide one lucky couple with five–star Valentine’s four–course dinner treatment, complete with champagne and strawberries to really set the tone on the most romantic night of the year.

The Radisosn Blu Hotel’s menu is legendary, and they’re pulling out all the stops for

Valentine’s Night. Does de– constructed goats cheese tartlet with toasted walnuts and plum reduction float your boat, or are you more inclined towards crab and seaweed terrine with shaved truffle, pickled mushrooms and hazelnut dressing? How about pepper and herb crusted hake with butternut squash puree and lobster sauce? Or pan– fried sirloin steak with celeri-

ac and caraway puree, roasted heirloom tomatoes and shallots and orange pepper sauce?

Just a small sample of the options for February 14th!

If you’d like to treat your beloved to the Radisson Blu’s legendary hospitality, just email the answer to the following question to comp@ thecorknews.ie: where in east Cork can you find the Radisson Blu Hotel and Spa?

, s r e w o l f Forget ! s e k a c p u c order

Anti-wrinkle injections and dermal fillers

1 area - €120 2 areas - €240 3 areas - €240! www.doctorbtx.ie

All products can be ordered online order@johnniecupcakes.ie or at Kiosk in Mahon Point Shopping Centre www.johnniecupcakes.ie

Doctor BTX Cork Riverside Clinic, 9 Penrose Wharf, Cork T: 021 4554663

Doctor BTX Dublin 10 Anne St South, Dublin 2 T: 01 6773623

51

thecorknews

Cork Biz 6 February 2015

On top of their game…

Róisín Thornhill visists the Top Of The Rock Pod Páirc in west Cork to find out just how a lofty farm near Drimoleague has become a must– see for hillwalkers, and a ‘must stay’ for eco tourists

W

hen I ask D a v i d Ross, the third– generation farmer who runs the Top of the Rock Pod Páirc and farm with his wife, Elizabeth, what being eco-friendly means to him, he has a very philosophical response: “We’re responsible for the land around us, to our neighbours, to the locality and to our history,” he says.

History is very much to the fore in this, the very heart of west Cork. The Ross farm is nestled on 48 acres near the village of Drimoleague, the highest point of which boasts panoramic views of Castledonovan. Such a picturesque location has long been popular with walkers and so, a few years ago, the Rosses, along with neighbours and other local communities established the Drimoleague Heritage Walkways, along the eastern side of the Sheep’s Head Way. One of the most interesting

“As farmers we’re always being told

by Europe to embrace diversification, so that’s what we did!”

and popular walks in the area is a 37km ancient pilgrim path to St Finbarr’s hermitage at Gougane Barra.

“The oral tradition in Drimoleague is that St Finbarr visited the Top of The Rock and admonished the people to return to Christ, then went on his way to Gougane Barra” David informs me.

This route has proved popu-

lar with tourists wishing to follow the saint’s journey, which begins at the Sheep’s Head Lighthouse and heads on towards St Finbarr’s hermitage at Gougane Barra, via Kilcrohane, Durrus, Bantry, Drimoleague, the Mealagh valley and Kealkil, which is quite a journey even for seasoned walkers. “It’s like our Irish version of the Camino!” says David enthusiastically. referring to the traditional pilgrimage to Santiago in northern Spain.

The tour consists of six days of walking and seven nights’ accommodation along the route, however, the lack of suitable accommodation in the area set the ball in motion for the Rosses to develop their farm, and seize on the opportunity that was presenting itself. “When we started the walking tours there was definitely a need for more accommodation, and as farmers we’re always being told by Europe to embrace diversifica-

tion, so that’s what we did!”

David tells me.

A substantial grant from the West Cork Development Project, along with a matched sum loaned by AIB, allowed the Rosses to build the Pod Páirc, and while eco–tourism might seem at first glance to

“We understand business people’s needs and treat them like you would family.”

be a clever gimmick to lure in the tourists, David is more pragmatic: “To be honest, our eco–friendly approach to the farm and the Pod Páirc is really just us continuing to apply the methods we’d been doing all along anyway. We farm in an agri–environmental man-

ner, as we’re part of the AEOS farming scheme.”

The Agri–Environment Options Scheme (AEOS), which the Rosses’ farm has been a part of for the last twenty years, has allowed them to specifically allocate five acres of their farm to sowing bird

Your Commercial Insurance Specialists: 021 427 9999 Electricians, Plumbers, Hairdressers, Motor Traders, Community Events, Festivals, Offices, Hospitality, SME Business, Allied Trades, Shops, Pubs, Clubs and Hotels.

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

thecorknews

Cork Biz

6 February 2015

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Page 70

Picture by Clare Keogh.

Drive

Picture by Clare Keogh.

cover, which sees flocks of finches and other birds arrive every November to harvest the seeds. Pheasants are also reared on the land by the local Island Valley Game Preservation Society.

Back at the Pod Páirc the Rosses harvest rainwater for

toilets, use solar panels for heating, and even provided their own timber and sourced local stone for the pods’ construction. “We employed a local firm, Laide and O’Brien, who are located not more than three miles away from us, to build the pods. We like to keep

everything local, and that’s the west Cork way; it’s a bonus to us if it’s also seen to be ecofriendly,” David highlights.

But what exactly is a pod, and what kind of accommodation does the Páirc offer?

There are seven pods in total ranging in price from €39 for a standard pod through to €69 a night for one of the luxury ones, which include a small kitchen and dining area. And while the standard size pod is all an overnight walking visitor might need, the larger pods are available for families with young children looking for a viable alternative to camping.

If visitors do decide to bring the children along there’s a wealth of interesting things to see and do here, says David: “We’re a working farm; we have suckler cows, sheep, goats, and lots of ducks. The

children also have the opportunity to take part in our Farmhands programme and join us along with their parents in the main shed for three hours and get stuck into farming.” And if the children haven’t seen enough animals at the Top of the Rock, there’s also the neighbouring Waterfall Alpaca Farm to visit.

The Rosses rear their own beef, and all food served on the farm is sourced within one mile. In fact David’s halfbrother Alan Kingston, and Alan’s wife Valerie, are producers of the popular artisan dairy products Glenilen Farms, whose yoghurts appear in the much-lauded ‘Top of the Rock Breakfast Bag’. For the very reasonable price of four euro, a bag is hung from a hook outside your pod which contains two of Glenilen yo-

“We understand business people’s needs and treat them like you would family.”

ghurts, along with Glenilen butter, home–made jam, and scones baked fresh by Elizabeth Ross that very morning.

“I really want to pay tribute to Elizabeth,” says David; “She’s really very good at making people feel welcome since we opened the Páirc a year ago.” However, it would seem that both David and Elizabeth

have the gift of making people feel welcome to their farm, as from May to November last year the Páirc was fully occupied almost every weekend.

“60% of our visitors are from the greater Cork area, 30% from the rest of Ireland, and 10% from overseas”, says David. He is quite adamant that the number of foreign visitors is set to rise this year. He recently attended the Vakantiebeurs Tourism Expo in Holland as part of the Fáilte Ireland delegation, and with over 117,000 people attending the event David is feeling very positive: “There was great interest from the Dutch people in visiting Ireland, especially in walking the Wild Atlantic Way, so we’re hoping good things will come from that.”

In the meantime there’s the 2015 Irish Responsible Tourism Awards to look forward to, and the Pod Páirc has been longlisted for recognition — a testament to the incredible work ethic and high standards that the Rosses have achieved since the Páirc’s opening, just over a year ago.

“There’s more to tourism than doing it solely for economic reasons”, says David.

“What we hope to offer people and their families is really nice weekend, where they can experience peace and quiet; it’s a bonus to us if it helps to keep our farm going and if it also benefits the other businesses in the area.”

You can’t get more friendly than that.

For more information see: topoftherock.ie and westcorkwalking.com.

SEE YOUR BUSINESS

GROWING IN 2015?

SO DO WE...

To arrange your free, no obligation consultation, visit www.taxassist.ie/cliveaherne or call us on 021 242 7447.

Your Commercial Insurance Specialists: 021 427 9999 Electricians, Plumbers, Hairdressers, Motor Traders, Community Events, Festivals, Offices, Hospitality, SME Business, Allied Trades, Shops, Pubs, Clubs and Hotels.

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

thecorknews

54

6 February 2015

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Page 84

Playtime

thecorknews

Menu 6 February 2015

The sweetest thing…

F

or something a little different this Valentine’s Day why not push the boat out? Instead of buying chocolates, really impress your significant other by making your own from scratch! It’s not as difficult as it sounds, though you will need some care and patience; but isn’t your beloved worth it? You can pick the ingredients up at most health food stores and gourmet shops around Cork. And,

as chocolate is very sensitive to changes in temperature, you’ll need a food thermometer. And don’t forget the most important rule of making chocolate: no water, not even the tiniest drop, can come in contact with your mixture, otherwise it’ll seize and you’ll have to start all over again!

Ingredients

• 250 grams of cocoa butter • 6-7 tbsp raw cocoa powder (or cocoa powder) • 3-4 tbsp coconut sugar or,

if you can’t find that, honey or maple syrup • 1/2 tsp rock salt • 1/4 tsp vanilla powder • Nuts/seeds of your choice for decoration • 1 tbsp coconut flakes • 1 tbsp dried berries of your choice

Instructions

1. Bring a 1/4 saucepan of water to the boil, then turn the heat down to simmering. Put your cocoa butter in a heatproof bowl and place

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

over the simmering water in the saucepan. Remember: make sure no water gets in! Melt the cocoa butter, stirring gently all the time, and keep a close eye on the temperature. Make sure you don’t go over 48°C: if you’re getting to that temperature and the butter hasn’t melted fully, take it off the saucepan and the rest ought to liquify just from the ambient heat.

2. When the cocoa butter has melted, add your cocoa powder, vanilla and sugar

and whisk until it’s incorporated. Again keep a close eye on the temperature: keep it at about 34°C, warm it up more over the hot water if you must, but keep it below 45°C to keep it smooth and silky. Slow and steady is the trick with chocolate: no sudden changes!

3. Add the salt and whisk together until smooth. Line a tray with baking paper, pour the chocolate in slowly and spread into a thin layer or, even better, get a flex-

ible silicon mold and make individual shapes.

4. While still melted and hot, sprinkle in your seeds, nuts, coconut flakes, dried fruit and whatever else you fancy adding: for an extra romantic touch, consider candied rose petals.

5. Let it cool slowly. Don’t keep it in the fridge for longer than about 10 minutes, or it’ll ’sweat’ and won’t set properly. Let it aside to solidify, which could take up to an hour.

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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thecorknews

Menu

6 February 2015

Cork’s foodies can take the “Greene” option Greenes Supper Club in Cork is launching its first ever ‘Foodie’ event on February 12th, just in time for lovers of tasty treats and fine wine to celebrate Valentine’s Day in style.

The club aims to help Cork’s gourmands to experience wine which has been perfectly paired with outstanding food.

Each wine will be described by Master Wine Maker Ed Adams from La Bascula Wines in Rioja, Spain.

The evening will commence at 7.30 with an introduction

by Ed Adams — accompanied by a delightful Cava — before club members enjoy the first of six courses and five different wine accompaniments, all prepared by Greenes Executive Chef Bryan McCarthy and his team. As the evening progresses there will be an opportunity to learn from Ed Adams and share your food experiences with other foodies from all over Cork and beyond. As with all great dining experiences, the meal will finish with

Celtic Ross Chefs Graeme Campbell and Alex Petit.

Greenes Restaurant and Hotel Isaacs, MacCurtain Street, Cork. Picture by: Joleen Cronin.

port and selection of artisan cheeses from all over Ireland.

More ‘foodie’ events are planned for the coming months: register to become a member by emailing greenes@isaacs.ie or call 021

455 2279 to book your place.

And, because it’s coming up to Valentine’s and we adore our food here at The Cork News, we got together with Greene’s to offer two of our readers a place at the Supper Club,

worth €118, absolutely free!

For the ultimate in culinary indulgence, simply email your answer to the following question to comp@thecorknews. ie: Greenes is associated with which hotel?

Get your brew on!

Cork’s multi–award winning Franciscan Well Brewery is heralding the return of its famous Winter and Cask Ales Festival over Valentine’s weekend. The Well will play host to Ireland’s leading microbreweries, who will descend on the North Mall brew–pub for the weekend–long festival, now in its fifth year.

Beers from stellar breweries including Brú, Dungarvan, Carlow Brewing, Carrig, Independent, Blacks, Mountainman, 9 White Deer, Rascals, Rising Sons, West Cork Brewing and Trouble Brewing will be served along with the award–winning Franciscan Well line-up including rising star Chieftain IPA, Rebel Red, Friar Weisse and some special cask brews.

This year’s festival kicks off

There’s a lot to celebrate in Rosscarbery. Not only is it a fairy–tale beautiful place, with that lovely lagoon facing out towards the Irish sea, and not only is it coming up to Valentine’s Weekend at the Celtic Ross Hotel, but the Celtic Ross has scooped a culinary win with the appointment of Head Chef Alex Petit, who’s pictured here with Executive Head Chef Graeme Campbell and a sample from the Celtic Ross’s outstanding lunch menu. And to celebrate all of these good things and more, The Cork News has teamed

with the ‘Meet the Brewers’ sessions, offering visitors a chance to meet the minds behind each beer on show, running across the full weekend.

Participating breweries including Rising Sons, Rascals Brewing, West Cork Brewing and Torc Brewing will be heading up tutorials in which they will speak at length about each beer, offering guests an insight into their breweries and what makes them unique.

Resident pizza chefs Pompeii Pizza will be firing up the pizza ovens all weekend too, serving their legendary stone–fired pizza. The Winter and Cask Ale Festival will open at 5pm on Friday 13th, and 2pm on Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th. Admission is free.

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

Win a stay in romantic Rosscarbery up with The Celtic Ross Hotel to give you a chance to win a Valentine’s gift for you and your beloved.

We have a night’s bed and breakfast and a superb dinner for two people sharing to give away to one lucky reader on a date of your choosing (subject to availability), but you’ll have to be quick off the mark with your answer to this question: In which west Cork village is the Celtic Ross Hotel located?

Email your answers to comp@thecorknews.ie and we’ll announce the winner in next week’s issue. Good luck!

Something new

Try out the outstanding cooking of Alex Petit and Graeme Campbell with a three–course meal at the Celtic Ross Supper Club for just €20, or a traditional carvery lunch every Sunday from 12pm to 3pm, or how about afternoon tea, family breaks, pamper packages, leisure centre activities and more? Visit celticross.com.

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

Cork Homes

See red

6 February 2015

It’s the season of love, so there’s no better time to inject a bit of red into your home.

Add strategic pops of the bold colour into a space for instant impact. What’s not to love?

I Knew I’d Find You print by Irish artist Francis Leave, available at fabcowdesign.com and priced €34.95

Textured silk cushion, littlewoodsireland.ie, €11

Blanket, TK Maxx, €34.99

Dahli chair, Caseys, €599 down from €1,049. Sale ends this Sunday, February 8th

Red glass bullet vase

by Ben de Lisi, Debenhams, €54

“You will talk to a Cork person who knows and understands your problem and who, more importantly, genuinely wants to help you.”

Paesana Italian stool, Meadows & Byrne, €119.90 for a set of two

Home Insurance Hotline: 021 422 4843 Elite Home, Holiday Home, Let Houses, Property Portfolios, Standard Home, Houses with previous claims: Subsidence and Flood.

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

58

thecorknews

Cork Homes

6 February 2015

It’s only natural Bring the great outdoors in with DFS’s French Connection Chalk range in lime. Scott Coggan, DFS design director, says the on–trend botanical look is perfect for escaping the pace of modern life regardless of whether you live in an urban or country environment...

“Start with neutral colours on the walls and flooring to give a light and spacious feel, imitating the outdoors.

When choosing your pal-

ette, look for warm, earthy colours such as lime, forest green, rusty brown and mustard yellow. Add tonal layers to your furniture with

painterly scatter cushions to create a natural effect,” he says.

“Accessorise your room with flora and fauna in eclec-

tic clay pots and vases and pick items made from natural materials. For example, wicker baskets are great for storage, and overturned

wooden crates make fabulous footstools or side tables. Finish the look with a statement plant — oversized palm leaves are the perfect

Quirky finds For those looking for something a little out of the ordinary and unique, the treasures from Cork Vintage Quarter are now online. Dandy & Libertine is the pseudonym of Cork–based couple Sara Taylor and Peter Duggan whose love of all things vintage, antique, bizarre and beautiful has bought them on a journey from a small stall in Camden Market in the 90s to

5kw Boyne Stove €299

Radiator Covers 10% off ALL sizes

opening Cork Vintage Quarter last year. They have now launched dandyandlibertine. com, which is a site specialising in decorative antiques, taxidermy, antlers, antiques and fine curiosities. The quirky finds include these vintage 1940s theatre seats, reclaimed from Cork Opera House, for €360 and a large taxidermy stag head Circa 1908 for €800.

Laminate Flooring from €4.99 per sq.yd

way to add a touch of luxe to a space.” The four–seater sofa is €1299, down from €1429 and the accent chair is €575, down from €625.

thecorknews

Cork Homes

6 February 2015

59

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thecorknews

Family 6 February 2015

Silence speaks volumes If today were the last day you could use your voice, what would you say? This is the question that the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association (IMNDA) is asking you to consider as Valentine’s Day approaches.

Motor Neurone Disease (MND) is a progressive, neurological condition that destroys motor neurons, the cells that control the body’s muscle activity. A lot of people who live with the disease will eventually lose their voice.

Emma Fitzpatrick, who lives in Kinsale, was diagnosed with MND in 2010 and no longer has the ability to speak, relying instead on Eyegaze technology to communicate.

This Valentine’s Day, she will not be able to say the words “I

love you” to her husband Jonnie or her two children, Kitty and Rowan.

This month, the IMNDA hopes to raise funds and increase awareness by encouraging people to participate in a sponsored silence. Pick a day, time and location that will allow you to be silent for thirty minutes. During this quiet period at home, work or school, reflect on what you would say if it you knew you were going to lose your voice.

Share your last words on Facebook and Twitter (@IMNDA) by using #Voice4MND. For sponsorship cards, email fundraising@imnda.ie or text MND to 50300 to donate €2.

For further information, visit imnda.ie or contact 01 873 0422.

Ballycotton’s active schoolkids Picture by Darragh Kane

Active homework for Cork kids

C

hildren of primary school age in Cork city and county are participating in a new health initiative that will help them achieve the recommended sixty minutes of exercise per day.

More than 10,000 pupils from 61 schools throughout the area have signed up for ‘Super Troopers with Laya Healthcare’, an ambitious program that encourages parents and children to

treat the task of daily activity with the same importance as regular school homework.

Parents are asked to sign off each activity at the end of the week just as they would regular school work.

The program aims for physical activity to become part of a child’s daily routine and provides an easy–to–follow physical activity ‘homework’ planner based on short– burst activities that combine daily exercise with imaginative fun that kids and parents

can enjoy together.

“As a busy Dad myself I fully appreciate how hard it was to ensure my children got the recommended minimum sixty minutes of physical activity a day. The fact that over 10,000 children from 61 Cork schools have already committed to take part is incredibly encouraging,” said Dónal Clancy, Managing Director of Laya Healthcare.

Super Troopers with Laya Healthcare takes place over thirty weeks and was de-

signed by a team of experienced health and fitness experts including Youth Development Coach for Leinster Rugby, Brian Smyth.

“Physical activity among primary school students is key to the development of critical skills such as balance, stamina, speed, suppleness and strength. The brilliant thing is that Super Troopers with Laya Healthcare is not about winners or losers; children of all abilities are welcome to take part,” Mr. Smyth said.

Mobile pharmacy bound for Cork

A

Cork ‘branch’ of Irefirst land’s mobile pharmacist service is to open in June. The Dundrum–based pharmacy, Healthwave — founded by Cork pharmacist Shane

O’Sullivan (pictured) — has launched a new initiative that will enable customers in Cork to benefit from the HealthPass subscription service, which guarantees the best pricing for medication and prescriptions. Previously customers had to visit a Health-

wave Pharmacist in Dundrum to comply with Irish legislation, which states that patients must present their prescription to the pharmacist in person. The new service will allow customers to book a home visit from a Healthwave pharmacist who will review

their prescriptions and discussing medication dosage and frequency. Medications are then delivered the next day. The service will be rolled out nationwide, with pharmacists in place in Dublin, Cork and Galway for the new mobile service.

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thecorknews

Family

6 February 2015

61

Jim O’Leary, vice-chairman, Ballincollig Business Association; Dr Benjamin Martin, Optimal Chiropractic; Martin O’Brien, secretary, BBA; and Emer Cassidy, chairman, BBA; at the launch of the Restart the Heart fund in Ballincollig, Co Cork. Picture by: Neil Danton.

Defibrilator campaign gets underway in Ballincollig Optimal Chiropractic Clinic in Ballincollig, in association with Ballincollig Business Association, has launched a fundraising drive which aims to make three life–saving defibrillators made available to the community within the next six months.

The “Restart the Heart” fund will kick off on Monday, February 9th, with Optimal Chiropractic offering first– time patients the opportunity to avail of a reduced price consultation fee of €25 with

all money going directly to the purchase of Ballincollig’s defibrillators.

Speaking of the fundraising drive and “Restart the Heart” fund, Dr. Benjamin Martin of Optimal Chiropractic said “this is a really important campaign for the town and the people of Ballincollig, as the provision of 24/7 defibrillators will undoubtedly mean that lives which may otherwise have been lost can be saved.”

Also speaking of the initia-

tive, Emer Cassidy, Chairperson of Ballincollig Business Association, said “none of the existing defibrillators (which are housed in businesses in Ballincollig) are available outside of the trading hours of their current locations. Not only do we need this service on a 24–hour basis, but we need to initiate an awareness campaign highlighting all locations where they exist, so that in the event of a crisis that they can be easily put into use.”

‘Pink lady’ Maisie Costelloe from Kinsale leaves as actress and writer Tara Flynn; singer Sharon Crosbie and all the volunteers wave goodbye at the launch of the fourth Kinsale Pink Ribbon walk on Sunday 1st March 2015 at 12pm in aid of Action Breast Cancer. Picture by: John Allen.

Pretty in pink to fight cancer The end of this month will see registration opening for Kinsale’s popular Pink Ribbon walk, a 10km event in aid of Action Breast Cancer.

The walk has become a mainstay of the west Cork town’s calendar in just three years since it first took place, and attracts huge support from families and businesses in Kinsale and the environs.

Since 2012, 3,000 walkers have raised an astonishing €285,000 to aid the fight against breast cancer and this year’s walk, which is being

organised with the involvement of over 200 volunteers, looks to be the biggest yet.

Registration for the 2015 Kinsale Pink Ribbon Walk, which will take place on March 1st at 12 noon, will take place on February 28th from 11am to 6pm in the Temperance Hall right in the middle of the town, which will be bedecked with vast amounts of pink to celebrate.

Registration will also be open from 9am to 11.30 am on the day of the walk itself. Participation in the event costs €20.

The 10km walk is suitable for all levels of fitness; it’s not a race, it’s a social event.

There will be no cross–country walking involved. The Kinsale Pink Ribbon Walk is open to everyone — women, men and boys and girls — and the Kinsale Good Food Circle and Cully & Sully will provide refreshments on the day.

Contact 086 271 9556 or visit pinkribbonwalk.ie for more information, and get on your walking shoes for a great cause!

Have a heart this Valentine’s Day Show your love and appreciation this Valentine’s Day with something more meaningful than a generic greeting card and a box of chocolates, and lend your support to the Mater Heart Appeal while you do.

CleverCards is Ireland’s fastest growing social gifting company, allowing users to create one–of–a–kind personalised greeting cards on their smartphones, tablets or computers. For Valentine’s Day 2015, they will donate €1 from the cost of each card

sold to the Mater Heart Appeal, directly helping Mater Private patients in Cork. Users can capture their favourite memories in beautiful card templates, customise a message and have the cards delivered all over the world within 48 hours, from just €4.00.

CleverCards also integrates with Facebook so users can easily create unique cards and calendars using their Facebook or camera roll photos. To find out more visit clevercards.com.

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thecorknews

Style

Mesh it up

6 February 2015

These mesh heels add a high fashion edge to any outfit, and the block heel makes them super comfortable too!

Wear them on their own or with tights or socks to highlight the detail. They are €49 from folkster.com.

Save A-line paisley skirt, Zara, €39.95

Splurge Etro printed stretch–ponte mini dress, net-a-porter.com, €800

City Style Pictured: Tess Craig What I’m wearing: Jacket and Scarf: Penneys Jumper: H&M Jeans: Dorothy Perkins Shoes: Public Desire Bag: Michael Korrs

Pretty in Pink With a full tulle skirt, this sash dress from Paul Costelloe Living (€65) is the perfect flower–girl dress or special occasion outfit.

It’s available at Dunnes Stores.

thecorknews

Style

6 February 2015

63

Accessorise the look

Column Sleeved Midi, Oasis, €62

Pull–on denim leggings, Next, €25

Heidi Higgins coral and red wool crepe Olivia dress with grosgrain trim, heidihiggins.com, €395

Folli Follie rose gold Heart 4 Heart necklace, Kilkenny, €140

Style to love Think of a romantic colour palette for your Valentine’s Day outfit, like hot reds, sultry purples and soft pinks. These gorgeous picks will have you feeling fun and flirty all night...

Arrow studs, Warehouse, €5

Hyper Bloom skirt (€155) and Bliss top (€110) both from Coast

L’Agent by Agent Provocateur Vanesa bra in violet, Brown Thomas, €70

Desert suede belted jacket, French Connection, €400

L’Agent by Agent Provocateur Vanesa bra in violet, Brown Thomas, €70

thecorknews

Beauty 6 February 2015

MAC Pigment in Vanilla, Brown Thomas €24.50

BareMinerals High Shine Eye Colour in Flash, Debenhams, €18

Come–Hither Eyes For come–hither eyes, look no further than Angelina Jolie. Think luscious lashes and feline flicks for the perfect Valentine’s make–up look this February 14th.

Benefit They’re Real! Mascara, Debenhams, €26

Eylure brow crayon, O’Sullivans Pharmacy in Wilton, €8.99

Lancôme Liner Plume, Boots, €29

Bobbi Brown Smokey Eye Kajal Eyeliner, Brown Thomas, €23.50

Valentines @ Priya FREE ORGANIC AVOCADO OIL (€20) WITH EVERY 60 MIN. VOUCHER VALID 8TH - 15TH FEBRUARY

Priya 15 French Church St., Cork 021 4905986

www.priyatherapy.com

thecorknews

Beauty

Mask it… love

6 February 2015

65

Everlasting

Nourish your dry and chapped winter skin with a decadent face mask this weekend.

Trilogy Mineral Radiance Face Mask, Sam McCauley Chemist, €23.95

GlamGlow Supermud Clearing Treatment, Brown Thomas, €45

Trilogy Mineral Radiance Face Mask, Sam McCauley Chemist, €23.95

Malasana

#1centsale at Thérapie An innovative promotion is now underway at a leading laser hair removal clinic. For this month only, Thérapie Clinic on Opera Lane is offering any existing or new customer who purchases an area of laser hair removal to avail of a second area for only one cent. For example, customers purchasing lower leg laser can avail of any bikini laser treatment for a cent, while customers purchasing any bikini laser treatment can avail of underarm laser for the same price. Every customer who avails of the #1centsale will also be entered into a competition to have the cost of their first laser hair removal treatment refunded in full.

YOGA POSE OF THE WEEK ( deep yoga squat ) Benefits: stretches the achilles and calf muscles, stretches the front of the thighs, opens and lengthens the lower back.

Opens the groins, strengthens the abdomen and ankles. A great calming, strengthening and lengthening pose.

My kingdom

for Dior The new do–it–all Dior Kingdom of Colours palette will dress up the face, eyes and lips. It’s perfect for those on the go who want a full beauty makeover. It’s priced €74.50 at Brown Thomas.

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

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thecorknews

Beauty

6 February 2015

Clean up

Priya sale Pick up a beauty bargain at Priya Massage & Beauty, at 15 French Church Street, with 50% off skincare, essen-

tial oils, and salt lamps.

The sale ends tomorrow, Saturday, and we’re loving the Orange Flower Toner scent-

ed with lavender and neroli, that’s suitable for normal to oily skin.

Spritz over your face after

Home hair repair cleansing and before applying your daily skin cream.

It’s just €8.50, reduced from €17.

Banana and honey might sound like a delicious breakfast, but it’s also great for luscious locks. Bananas are rich in potassium, which strengthens hair and reduces break-

age, while the honey locks in moisture and leaves tresses looking shiny and soft. Just combine the two for an easy and low cost DIY hair repair treatment.

Amazing Offers from Cork’s Leading Health Stores

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thecorknews

Beauty

6 February 2015

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67

thecorknews

Going Places 6 February 2015

Love is in the air

By Kate Hopcraft in association with Hotels.com I want to surprise my girlfriend with a quick break to Paris for Valentine’s this year, and I’ve arranged for us both to take a little time off work to get the most out of it. I haven’t been to Paris since I was a teenager and with so much to see and do I want to make sure we see the best of it. Any advice? Thanks!

A

s one of the most romantic cities in the world, Paris is the ideal destination for a Valentine’s trip away: your girlfriend is a lucky woman!

The Champs Élysées is a wonderful starting point to take in your surroundings and get your bearings in the French capital. Taking the

trip to the top of the world– famous Eiffel Tower offers panoramic views and will allow you to reacquaint yourself with the city. Standing at 324m tall, the Eiffel Tower is the tallest building in Paris and is a must–see during your stay.

Notre Dame Cathedral on the Île de la Cité is another of the city’s most popular attractions. The long history of the church dates back to is construction in 1163 and it is a beautiful example of French Gothic architecture.

Once home to French royalty, The Louvre is now one of the best–known museums in the world and is a must during your few days. The Louvre houses an incredible collection of art from around the world, including of course the famous Mona Lisa by Leonardo Da Vinci. The museum is closed on Tuesdays so be sure to plan your visit to make it on an alternative day.

If you have a few hours to spare, take a trip outside of the city to Versailles for a wonderful, supermely romantic afternoon. The historic royal château is a true symbol of France

and transports visitors back to a time of indulgence and excess. The gardens at Versailles are another beautiful part of the trip, as is Marie Antoinette’s estate and the Grand Trianon.

If you are looking to hit the shops, the Rue de Rivoli is one of the city’s best shopping destinations. Whether purchasing or merely window shopping, the Champs

Where to Stay: Hotel Bel Ami (*****) Prices start from €231 per room per night on Hotels. com This luxury hotel is situated in the heart of the chic Saint Germain des Prés area and is within a short distance on numerous art galleries and boutiques. Enjoy a gourmet breakfast or Sunday brunch at the BA Café with resident chef Christophe Hay. The hotel also features a full– service spa and fitness centre.

Guestrooms are equipped with complimentary wireless internet access, iPhone docking stations and flat screen TVs.

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Terrass Hotel (****) Prices start from €140 per room per night on Hotels.com This Art Deco style hotel is set above the city in the 18th arrondissement of Paris and is situated only four blocks from Blanche Metro Station, giving easy access to the heart of the city. The hotel bar is beautiful and offers a cosy base to relax in during your stay.

Full of character, guestrooms are decorated with a range of designs. The hotel is a short stroll from the Boulevard de Clichy which has a range of restaurants and shops, and the infamous Moulin Rouge theatre is also nearby.

Enchanting Danube

Hotel Le Marcel (****) Prices start from €133 per room per night on Hotels. com Located in the heart of the city centre, the Hotel Le Marcel is within walking distance of many of the city’s most beloved attractions, including the Louvre and Notre Dame. Complimentary wireless internet access is available throughout. All guestrooms are fully air conditioned and include mini bars and safes. Rooms are equipped with flat–screen TVs and digital channels.

Élysées is lined with exclusive designer brands such as Dior, Gucci and Valentino and Cartier. The Galeries Lafayette is another of the great shopping sites in the city and the building in which it is situated alone makes it worth a visit.

With something to suit all tastes, you will not be short of intimate dining options while in Paris. Hidden in the heart of Saint Germain des Pres, Huitrerie Regis is one of the best places in the city for fresh sea food and serves up an impeccable plate of oysters — great as an aphrodisiac!

Run by Chicago–born chef Daniel Rose, Spring on rue Bailleul serves up contemporary takes on classic dishes and is another great dinner destination. Charbon Rouge is another fantastic restaurant and serves up sumptuous steaks in a relaxing atmosphere.

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Let the “Enchanting Danube” carry you away on this regal journey through Hungary, Austria and Germany, visiting UNESCO World Heritage sites, like historic Salzburg and the stunning Wachau Valley.

This itinerary promises to be unforgettable for lovers of Old World history, architecture, art and culture and exquisite food and wine.

UNIWORLD’S 5-STAR ALL-INCLUSIVE PACKAGE INCLUDES: Other cruise destinations available  Return flights, including taxes & port taxes  All-day onboard meals & snacks  Unlimited beverages onboard  Programme of daily shore excursions, onboard entertainment & signature lectures  Exclusive wine tasting  All gratuities  Accommodation in an ultra-luxury riverview stateroom, with handcrafted beds from Savoir of England & luxurious marble bathrooms stocked with L’Occitane en Provence body products  And much more. *Price is per person, twin share, includes return flights, taxes & port taxes, is based on a Cat 4 riverview stateroom.

thecorknews

69

Going Places

6 February 2015

by the Romans and Germanic tribes, settling on the periphery of Europe, which is where we find ourselves today.

This formerly extensive range means that the surviving Celtic nations cover a decent variety of locations and cultures: following our ancestors’ footsteps will take you

Fly dire c from C t ork

et aw ay s

“The Spring and Autumn equinoxes are a great excuse for a knees up!”

through Ireland, of course, up to Scotland after a stop off on the Isle of Man, down to Wales and into Cornwall and then across the channel to Brittany. The Galicians in northern Spain claim Celtic heritage too, which is as good an excuse as any to visit there on your trek!

On the way, you can experience the still strong heritage in each place: Celtic music, song and dance still thrive and you can treat yoursef to the melifluous sounds of Irish and its close relatives Scottish Gaelic and Manx as well as the slightly more exotic sounds of Welsh, Cornish and Breton if you choose your social experiences wisely (Manx and Cornish have been revived after dying out). The Spring and Autumn equinoxes, just as they are in Ireland, are a great excuse for a knees up in each destination, so aim for March and September and you’ll have a great time as well as appreciating your heritage a little more.

G

If you’re casting about for ideas for an active summer, autumn or late–spring getaway (and now’s the time to do it), then why not try something a little different and get in touch with your Celtic roots? Or, if you have no Celtic roots to speak of (and there’s no shame in it if you don’t) then why not see what all the fuss is about with a hiking tour of the Celtic nations, on the periphery of Europe?

Long ago, the Celts dominated eastern, central and western Europe and even Asia, encompassing a swathe from Galatia in the east, in what’s now Anatolia, through Austria, Switzerland, Germany and northern Italy (lots of the place names still attest to this: Vienna is a Celtic word, to quote just one example), down to Iberia and, of course, France, the low countries, and Britain and Ireland.

Nowadays, though, things have changed and in historical times the Celts have been pushed out of the heartland

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The Tuscan Coast is a beautiful, sun-kissed region with a choice of stylish seaside resorts, all boasting long stretches of sandy beaches and promenades lined with elegant shops, and restaurants. Towns such as Viareggio, Forte dei Marmi, Lido di Camaiore and Marina di Pietrasanta offer a relaxed beach holiday experience with easy access to cities like Florence, Lucca and Pisa.

Your Holiday Includes  Return flights from Cork to Pisa  Return direct transfers  €50 Drinks Voucher included  7 nights accommodation at the 4 star Hotel Palace with breakfast included  Airport taxes and checked in bags Price based on 10th June departure. For other dates please talk to one of our friendly sales staff.

Call 01 240 1750 • Visit www.topflight.ie • See your Local Travel Agent

All prices quoted are ‘from’ prices and are subject to availability. All holidays are licenced by the Commission for Aviation Regulation under Licence Nos: TO 074 & TA 055

thecorknews

Drive 6 February 2015

Everything in its place Among the largest in its class, Hyundai’s i20 packs a surprising amount of space into a not–very– large frame, writes Seán Creedon

L

iving on a small island on the extreme western seaboard of Europe, most bulky items that are offered for sale here have to come by sea.

Every time I see a car transporter carrying new cars to a local garage I am reminded of the various species of geese I see every morning in public

parks feeding furiously after making their long journey to Ireland. However, unlike the birds that come from the north of Europe, the cars tend to come from warmer locations and of course they won’t be going back home in the autumn.

This week’s test car, the Hyundai i20, was made in Turkey. It’s not in the least

bit bulky; in fact it’s very neat and should help the Korean company to climb further up the new car sales graph, a graph which is expected to really grow this year.

The i20 has been described as a ‘supermini’ or a ‘megamini.’ But I doubt if Hyundai want to use the word ‘mini’ at all, as this is decent sized car in its own right. I’m not mad

about car companies who use numbers to describe their car and find that names are simpler. However, Hyundai are not the worst offenders. They work from i10 up, so the i20 is their second–smallest car.

This is a car that will challenge the likes of the Ford Fiesta, Renault Clio, Volkswagen Polo and the newly launched Opel Corsa. It’s a decent size and I reckon there is enough room in the back seat for three adults. There is also plenty of head and leg room for front and back seat passengers.

My test car was white and looked great for a few days, but the driving wind and rain in January meant that after a week I was driving a very dirty

Check out our Listings on page 72 ... for fantastic offers on Quality Used Toyotas

car. White and Ireland don’t really go hand and hand.

There was only a limited amount of sunshine in January, but I was able to absorb any rays that came my way thanks to a full length retractable sun roof.

I liked the way the side mirrors folded in when I applied the central locking. Inside, the controls on the dash are idiot proof, well laid out and easy to use. It’s not a huge car, but my version did have the luxury of reversing sensors.

The boot is spacious, and while there is a well provided for a spare wheel, there isn’t an actual wheel and you have to make do with the repair kit. Apparently the reason for this is to do with weight: the

less weight, the lower the C02 emissions. I did encounter problems opening the boot, until it was explained to me how to do it properly.

The entry level 1.2 petrol version starts at €15,995, while the entry level in the diesel is the 1.1-litre, and that will cost you €17,495. You may have noticed that most car companies are now really pushing PCP and in the case of the i20 the figure quoted for a hire–purchase deal is €169 per month. There is a five–year unlimited mileage warranty.

In Cork you can check out the i20 — and the rest of the Hyundai range — at Keary’s on the Kinsale Road and in Mallow and Midleton.

TOYOTA IN THE CITY

And to view the complete range of 2015 Toyotas Call in to our showrooms on South Douglas Road

SALES - SERVICE - PARTS - BODYSHOP South Douglas Road, Cork Tel 021 4817700 www.lehanemotors.ie

thecorknews

Drive

6 February 2015

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

Under â‚Ź15,000

71

â‚Ź15,000 to â‚Ź20,000

Renault Grand Scenic Price: â‚Ź16,995 Engine: 1.5 Diesel Transmission: Manual Year: 2011 Mileage: 64,000 miles Colour: Grey Dealer: Cashman Car Sales, Cork Road, Midleton Tel: 021 463 2999

Audi A5 Price: â‚Ź18,600 Engine: 2.0 Petrol Transmission: Manual Year: 2010 Mileage: 96, 014 miles Colour: Metallic Silver Dealer: Great Island Motors, Rushbrooke, Cobh Tel: 021 481 1609

Ford Focus Price: â‚Ź19, 950 Engine: 1.6 Diesel Transmission: Manual Year: 2014 (141) Mileage: 12,738 miles Colour: Silver Dealer: CAB Motors, Monahan Road, Ballintemple, Cork Tel: 021 429 0600

â‚Ź20,000 to â‚Ź25,000

Audi A4 Price: â‚Ź475 Engine: 1.8 Petrol Transmission: Manual Year: 1998 Mileage: 149,000 miles Colour: Silver

Fiat Panda Price: â‚Ź6,500 Engine: 1.1 Petrol Transmission: Manual Year: 2010 Mileage: 6,500 miles Colour: Red

Toyota Yaris Price: â‚Ź14, 650 Engine: 1.0 Petrol Transmission: Manual Year: 2014 Mileage: 13,678 Colour: Marine Blue

Dealer: Donal O’Brien Motors, Kinsale Road Industrial Estate, Kinsale Road, Cork Tel: 021 432 0625

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

Dealer: Grandon Car Sales, Sallybrook House, Glanmire Tel: 021 485 8300

Toyota Auris Price: â‚Ź20,495 Engine: 1.4 Diesel Transmission: Manual Year: 2014 (141) Mileage: 7, 364 miles Colour: Barcelona Red Dealer: Lehane Motors, South Douglas Road Tel: 021 481 7700

Skoda Octavia Price: â‚Ź21,750 Engine: 1.6 Diesel Transmission: Manual Year: 2014 (141) Mileage: 22,680 miles Colour: Silver Dealer: Noel Deasy Cars, New Mallow Road, Blackpool Tel: 021 439 7658

Honda Civic Price: â‚Ź24,900 Engine: 1.6 Diesel Transmission: Automatic Year: 2014 (141) Mileage: 1,791 miles Colour: White Dealer: Johnson & Perrot Motor Group, Mahon Point Retail Park, Cork Tel: 021 461 5220

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To you it’s the new and affordable Outlander PHEV. Price quoted includes ₏5,000 SEAI Grant!

Sales Parts Service Forge Hill, Kinsale Road, Co. Cork

Tel: 021 432 0266 www.danseamanmotors.ie

72

thecorknews

Drive

6 February 2015

TOYOTA IN THE CITY

For great value and great choice call in and see us today...

Vehicle description

Mileage

Colour Desc

Price

Tax

2014

Vehicle description

Mileage

Colour Desc

Price

Tax

2010

AURIS 1.4 LUNA 1.4 D4D AURIS 1.4 D4D TERRA

14k

Ultra Silver

€22,495

€190

7k

Ultra Silver

€18,900

€190 €200

AVENSIS 2.0 AURA SAL 4DR

5.5k

Granite Grey

€23,900

AURIS 1.3 TERRA

3.9k

Pure White

€16,900

€270

AURIS 1.4 D4D AURA

19k

Barcelona Red

€20,495

€190

AURIS 1.4 D4D AURA ESTATE

28k

Avantgarde Bronze €21,495

€190

AURIS 1.4 D4D TERRA ESTATE

13.5k

Avantgarde Bronze €20,495

€190

Galaxy Blue

€22,900

€190

Night Sky Black

€20,700

€190

AURIS 1.4 SOL D4D Panoramic Roof AURIS 1.4 TERRA D4D

8.5k 1k

AVENSIS 2.0 AURA SAL 4DR AVENSIS 2.0 LINEA LUNA SAL 4DR

18.6k 6.8k

Avantgarde Bronze €23,900

€200

Ultra Silver

€26,900

€200

AVENSIS 1.6 TERRA SAL 4DR M 220 AVENSIS NG 2.0 D4D AURA

59k 148k

Astral Black

€13,900

€390

Black Metallic

€13,900

€280

COROLLA 1.4 LUNA

73k

Grey Mica Metallic

€11,900

€570

COROLLA 1.4 LUNA

85k

Dark Blue

€11,900

€570

€10,900

€570

€8,900

€200

COROLLA 1.4CC 1.4 TERRA

79k

Silver

YARIS 1.0 TERRA

84k

Silky Gold

2009 AVENSIS 2.0 LUNA D4D AVENSIS 2.0 TERRA SAL 4Dr D4D

127k 77k

Silver

€12,950

€390

Blue

€12,900

€280

€385

2008

AVENSIS 2.0 TERRA SAL 4DR

5k

Granite Grey

€21,900

€200

Silver

€9,495

AYGO 1.0 X-PLAY 5 Door

1k

Flash White

€12,900

€180

COROLLA 1.4 LUNA SAL 4DR

133k

Red

€8,900

€385

Barcelona Red

€18,900

€270

COROLLA LUNA 1.4 D4D

102k

Blue

€11,495

€270

COROLLA 1.3 TERRA SAL 4DR

21k

COROLLA 1.4 LUNA

92k

COROLLA 1.4 D4D TERRA SAL 4DR

5k

Ultra Silver

€20,900

€180

HILUX SINGLE CAB 2.5 - P/U 2DR

124k

Astral Black

€17,900

€333

COROLLA 1.4 D4D TERRA SAL 4DR

3k

Ultra Silver

€20,900

€180

TOYOTA RAV 4X4 2.2 D4D LUNA

101k

Black

€13,900

€750

COROLLA 1.4 D4D TERRA SAL 4DR

2.6k

Ash Grey

€16,900

€270

YARIS 1.0 LUNA Auto

RAV 2.0 D4D LUNA MPV

6.6k

Night Sky Black

€28,900

€270

YARIS 1.0 AURA 5 DR

22.9k

Night Sky Black

€14,900

€180

2007

YARIS 1.0 LUNA 5DR

22k

Marine Blue

€14,900

€180

AVENSIS 1.6 STRATA SAL 4DR M 20

2006

YARIS 1.0 SOL 5 DR

6k

Ash Grey

€17,495

€180

YARIS 1.0 SOL 5DR

22.5k

Ash Grey

€16,900

€180

2013

COROLLA 1.4 TERRA

33k

Blue

€9,495

€270

129k

Blue

€6,950

€514

Green Mica Metallic

€7,495

€385

79k

LEXUS

PRIUS+ 1.8 AUTO + Sat Nav

16k

Silver

€26,900

€180

2014 NX 300H NX 300h FWD Dynamic

7k

Mecury Grey

€47,900

€270

1k

Sonic Titanium

€37,495

€190

AURIS 1.4 D4D TERRA

22.7k

Island Blue

€17,900

€180

2014 IS300H IS300h S-Design

VERSO 2.0 LUNA MPV

46k

Polar Blue

€23,900

€280

2014 RX450H MC RX hybrid Dynamic Fwd

10k

Black

€64,900

€280

YARIS 1.0 LUNA 5DR

4.6k

Burning Red

€14,495

€180

2014 GS 450H Executive Sat Nav, L/Seats

34k

Black

€46,900

€280

€180

2014 IS300H IS300h Executive

20k

Grey

€39,995

€190

€180

2014 RX450H MC RX hybrid Dynamic Fwd

42k

Garnet Red

€61,900

€280

€280

YARIS 1.0 LUNA 5 DR

38.5k

YARIS 1.0 LUNA 5 DR

38.5k

Silver Silver

€13,900 €13,900

NON TOYOTA

2012 AVENSIS 2.0 AURA SAL 4DR

47k

Granite Grey

€19,900

€200

AVENSIS 2.0 STRATA SAL 4DR

34k

Blue

€20,495

€200

YARIS 1.0 LUNA 5 DR

31k

Burning Red

€12,950

€180

YARIS 1.0 LUNA 5 DR

19k

Red

€12,950

€180

2011

‘13 KIA SPORTAGE EX

55k

White

€23,900

‘13 ASTRA SRI 2.0CDTI 165PS Sat Nav, L/Seats

15k

Red

€22,900

€270

‘13 PEUGEOT 3008 ACTIVE E-HDI S-A

15k

Silver

€19,900

€280

‘13 SKODA RAPID LIMO AMB

10k

Red

€18,900

€200

‘12 BMW 320 LUXURY High Spec

24k

Grey

€29,900

€200

‘12 VW POLO TL 1.2

17k

BLACK

€12,900

270

‘11 NISSAN PIXO 1.0

33k

Silver

€7,900

€180

AURIS 1.3 LUNA

23k

Island Blue

€13,900

€280

‘11 RENAULT CLIO 1.2 5DR HB

61k

Grey

€9,900

€280

AURIS 1.4 D4D TR

43k

Night Sky Black

€15,495

€200

‘11 RENAULT FLUENCE 1.5 DCI TOM TOM

59k

Grey

€12,900

€200

AURIS 1.4 D4D TERRA

86k

Blue

€13,500

€200

‘10 MAZDA 6 2.2D

76k

Grey

€13,495

€390

AURIS 1.4D4D TERRA

56k

Silver

€13,900

€200

‘09 BMW 520 D SE Edition Touring L/Seats , Sat Nav 151k

Brown

€15,900

€280

65k

BLACK

€8,495

€570 €270

AVENSIS 2.0 AURA ESTATE

65k

Pacific Blue

€16,900

€280

‘09 NISSAN TILDA

AVENSIS 2.0 D-4D 4Dr STRATA SAL

69k

Grey

€17,900

€280

‘09 MITSUBISHI COLT Diesel Auto

78k

Black

€6,900

AVENSIS 2.0 TERRA SAL 4DR

40k

Astral Black

€15,900

€280

‘08 OPEL ZAFIRA LIFE

89k

Silver

€7,900

€514

COROLLA 1.33 TERRA

24k

Silver

€13,900

€280

‘07 MAZDA 31.4 COMFORT SE 5DR

45k

Blue

€7,900

€385

COROLLA 1.4 D4D TERRA

58k

Grey Mica Metallic

€14,900

€270

‘06 HYUNDAI SANTA FE 2.2 2WD 7 Seater

SALES - SERVICE - PARTS - BODYSHOP

163k

BLACK

South Douglas Road, Cork. Tel 021 4817700. www.lehanemotors.ie

€8,950

€951

thecorknews

Drive

6 February 2015

73

World class Comfort, top–class ergonomics and as much space as the old R&H Hall silos (RIP), this enthusiastically red Avensis from Grandons will get you wherever you want to go, better than most, says Lorcan MacMuiris.

The

Y

ou always know where you stand with a Toyota.

The smoothness, the feeling of efficiency, the sense of reliability...there’s a good reason the company hails its products as “the best built cars in the world”.

This gleaming red Avensis 2.0 D–4D Terra from Grandons is probably the archetypal Toyota from the Japanese manufacturer’s last round of models. It’s quiet and solid, and although it may not be the most refined car on the road it’s got that comforting, solid feel that you associate with Toyotas in general, and the Avensis range in particular.

And, as is also typical for Toyotas, it’s very very clever. Not just the electronics which seem to keep a closer eye on what you do than you might think is reasonable, but the use of space, the ergnomics and even the intuitive layout of everything

from the dash to the controls leave you in no doubt that this is a machine designed by remarkably smart people.

The first impression on sitting into this Avensis Terra is one of remarkable comfort.

It may look just a little sparse and utilitarian at first glance, but that misconception is done away with as soon as you’re seated. This is one of the most comfortable cars I’ve ever driven and, given recent outings in BMWs and Volvos and the like, that’s no faint praise. The driving position is instantly perfect for me; obviously the last person who took her out was of a similar build, and so I waste no time adjusting the driver’s seat (even though I have myriad options should I wish to do so) and point the nose up the M8 towards Dublin, zipping along in a quiet and dignified manner.

Unlike some other cars which take delight in covering the interior with a vast array of bells

Du rive

and whistles, the Avensis leans towards a more subtle aesthetic and, of course, everything is exactly where you presume it ought to be and works just as you think it should. Bluetooth? No problem. Air conditioning? Yes, sir.

Radio, CD and MP3 controls?

A doddle. No vulgar overstatement, no over–eager “hey! look at this gizmo here!”, just an eminently sensible approach to

sed car review

putting everything you need right at your fingertips.

Another huge plus for anyone who’s interested in buying this car as a family vehicle is the almost hard–to–believe amount of storage. It’s not a particularly enormous looking car from the outside, but swing the boot open and you’re presented with a cavernous space which stretches way, way back. It’s

not too far beyond the bounds of imagination to picture some sort of cheese and wine reception taking place in there, and I’m almost tempted to climb in for a stroll around or to stretch out and have a nap. Similarly, not only is the cabin itself much bigger than you’d expect from the outside looking in, but it’s packed with cubbyholes and stowage. The cubby to my left is enormous; wide, deep and long.

The glove compartment glides open to reveal another space; put the two together and you have almost as much space as in the boot of an Aygo or an Atoz or a Swift. It’s just really clever design, and well put together.

The two–litre diesel engine is exceptionally quiet, delivering enough power to push the car to 100 KPH in just under 10 seconds. Sure, it’s not going to set any land speed records, but why would you need to? Be-

sides, it’s so comfortable that an extra few seconds in your journey aren’t exactly a chore. It’s economical, too, clocking in at just over 60MPG with a combination of main road, motorway, village, city and town driving, and that’s including some particularly horrendous “I’ll just wait here then, shall I?” traffic early on Tuesday morning.

This car does everything you need with a minimum of muss or fuss and, just four years old and with under 45,000 miles on the clock (barely out of nappies, as diesels go) it’s an enviable bargain at €16,750 — or just €15,750 cash!

If you’re in the market for a wonderfully reliable, exceptionally comfortable, well– built, practical car then you’d be hard pressed to find better.

Call Grandons in Glanmire on 021 485 8300 to arrange a test drive; you’ll be glad you did.

Maintain Focus Ford has given the world a sneak preview of their upcoming Focus RS, which they say is optimised not only for speed and handling, but also for fun and enjoyment.

The 2.3l 320PS Focus RS is described by Ford as a “high performance road car that delivers class–leading cornering speed, thrilling performance and unbridled driving enjoyment” and Ford highlights the car’s all–wheel drive capabilities as an in-

tegral part of the RS experience for the 21st century, following in the footsteps of technology trendsetters such as the 16-valve 1970 Escort RS1600, the turbocharged Sierra RS Cosworth of 1985 with its radical (at the time) aerodynamics, and the four– wheel–drive 1992 Escort RS Cosworth.

All wheel drive features two separate clutch packs on each side of the rear drive unit, which manage the car’s

front/rear torque, delivering “torque vectoring” which has a huge effect on roadholding, cornering and handling by making each wheel effectively independent of the others.

It will handle safely at up to one g laterally, according to Ford’s claims.

Best make sure you’re strapped in tight, in that case, if you want to go see it at CAB Motors, Cavanaghs, Bandon Motors or Cork City Ford.

“We listen to you, we research the market, we advise and we recommend the best.”

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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thecorknews

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75

Sparks will fly with Keary’s We’ve written quite a bit about electric and hybrid cars on these pages over the past few months, especially seeing as Cork is leading the way when it comes to the Drive4Zero and the insfrastructure the city is putting in place to support the transition from fossil fuels to greener alternatives.

However, it hasn’t been until now that we’ve really been able to get a taste of just what’s going to be available, and the vast range of cars which are powering towards an all–electric future.

Kearys, the largest specialist supplier of electric vehicles in

Brendan Keary, Dealer Principal at Kearys Renault said “since the launch of Drive4Zero, we’ve seen a measurable increase in the number of sales and enquiries in electric vehicles. We have sold more Renault Zoes and Nissan Leafs in January 2015 than in the entire 12 months last year. People are doing their research and concluding that the argument for electric vehicles really stacks up; the low running costs, the impressive range, the free parking and tolls and of course the many government grants that are now available”.

Cork city and county, plans to bring a spark of motoring excitement to Cork Chamber’s annual gala dinner by putting a headline–grabbing range of electric vehicles on public display. The exclusive line–up includes the show–stopping hybrid supercar the BMW i8 (if you haven’t seen it, look right: it looks a little like the love–child of a stealth bomber and the spaceship from Flight Of The Navigator, and might just be the most beautiful thing BMW has ever made), its little sister the i3, the electric ‘supermini’ Renault Zoe and the dynamic compact hatchback Nissan Leaf.

Inner beauty matters Citroën’s funky new C4 Cactus has scooped the ‘Most Beautiful Interior’ of the year prize at the 30th International Automobile Festival in Paris.

Every year, the International Automobile Festival features a display of concept cars, celebrates automotive design and pays tribute to the year’s finest automotive and artistic achievements. Prizes are awarded by a jury of experts and enthusiasts from the worlds of motorsport, architecture, fashion, design, culture and media.

The “most beautiful interior” award goes to the production model with the most relevant design approach in terms of the harmony of shapes, materials and colours. The interior of the Citroën C4 Cactus

has a de-cluttered dashboard which, says the manufacturer, makes for a “more comfortable cabin environment”.

The interior is both stylish and functional, packed with storage compartments and nicely done retro details, such as suitcase–style straps on the doors. The slimline, floating dashboard is topped by a large and easily accessible

storage area created by transferring the front passenger airbag to the ceiling and the seats sport a sofa–inspired design. A seven inch touchscreen groups the majority of the car’s controls.

Try the Cactus for yourself at Mallow Road Motors in Cork, Denis and Mary Ryan Car Sales in Bishopstown or O’Brien’s in Midleton.

Opel’s new “hot hatch” Corsa unveiled Opel has released their ultra– powerful hot hatch Corsa OPC — or rather the first official pictures of it — into the wild.

Benefiting from the significant revisions in technology, interior and exterior design, and the new chassis showcased in the recently launched regular Corsa, the OPC is set to raise the bar for small, fast hatchbacks when it arrives in Ireland this summer.

The fastest member of the new Corsa range provides uncompromising performance with high torque and 207hp, combined with a 1.6 litre turbo charged engine. Headline performance figures include 0–100 kph in 6.9 seconds, a transition from 80 to 120 kph in 6.6 seconds and a top speed of 230 kph. Just as impressively, the Corsa OPC produces 245Nm of torque from

low revs, plus an additional 35Nm when required with overboost; ideal for swift and safe overtaking. Despite its sporting credentials, the Corsa OPC manages to acheive CO2 emissions of just 174g/ km and consumes 7.5 litres of fuel per 100Kms for the combined cycle.

The sporty hatch also features Frequency Selective

FOR YOUR NEXT USED CAR Great Prices Great Cars - visit www.noeldeasy.com

Damping, which allows damping forces to adapt to the car’s movements, ensuring that body control is maintained when the car is driven fast, but ride quality is optimised at lower speeds.

When the OPC arrives in Cork you can take it for a spin at Greenhall Motors, Johnson & Perrott, or Kevin O’Leary Opel.

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6 February 2015

O’BRIENS GARAGE • MIDLETON

CONSIDER THE GROUND BROKEN

MAZDA3

MAZDA6

MEET OUR SALES TEAM

MAZDA CX-5

MEET YOUR NEW CAR

THEN Roy Corbett

Domhnall O’Sullivan

O’Briens Garage - your first choice for Mazda in Cork Cork Road, Midleton, Co. Cork

Tel: 021 4631904 www.obriensgarage.ie

thecorknews

Drive

6 February 2015

FANTASTIC SAVINGS ON

KEARYS 151 RENAULT 151 CLIO

151 FLUENCE

WAS €17,790 | NOW €15,990

SAVE €1,800

WAS €22,590 | NOW €18,990

SAVE €3,600

BOOK A TEST DRIVE TODAY

KEARYS RENAULT CORK KINSALE ROAD ROUNDABOUT, CORK TEL 021 4910700

KEARYS RENAULT MIDLETON CORK ROAD, MIDLETON TEL 021 4621300

WWW.KEARYS.IE

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.

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Drive

6 February 2015

RELAX

We can fix most minor repairs for less than the cost of your INSURANCE EXCESS

NO FUSS. NO HASSLE. NO PROBLEM. Prices start from as little as €150

BEFORE

AFTER

For Minor scuffs, dents and scratches.

We’ll restore your car to a ‘like-new’ finish.

MINI VALET AVAILABLE Why not let us clean your car while we repair it - ask when booking!

SEND US A PIC OF THE DAMAGE AND WE’LL SEND YOU BACK A NO-OBLIGATION QUOTE!

We’ve worked hard to become one of the country’s most trusted repair specialists - we won’t let you down.

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087 2628728

NOW OPEN IN POULADUFF Unit 1C, Sitecast Industrial Estate, Pouladuff, Cork. Tel: 021 5005026 Unit J1, Marina Commercial Park, Centre Park Road, Cork. Tel: 021 4317673 | Mob: 087 2628728

Email: info@dineencrashrepairs.ie | www.dineencrashrepairs.ie

thecorknews

Sport & Fitness 6 February 2015

6 Nations gets underway Cork men Peter O’Mahony, James Cronin, and Simon Zebo, along with Leinster Rugby’s Mike Ross, are among the 38–man Ireland squad who’ve set their sights on the 6 Nations’ opening rounds. The Munster Rugby men join fellow club players Keith Earls, Felix Jones, Ian Keatley, Conor Murray, Paul O’Connell, and Tommy O’Donnell on the squad for the first two rounds of the RBS 6 Nations Championship, which kicks off tomorrow, Saturday, against Italy at 2.30pm Irish time.

Winger Tommy Bowe is insisting there will be no cautious approach for Ireland as they look to retain the 6 Nations title: “I don’t think we’ll

be going out there with much caution, we’ll be going out there to win,” he said. “But any away match, we’ll have plays and ideas of how we want to attack when we get into the opposition half.

“There will certainly be nothing negative about how we’re going to play, but at the same time, away from home we’ll want to try and put the pressure on them and get the crowd on their backs.

“I can’t see it being too much different to be honest. We’ve been very successful in what we’ve done over the last year or so and I can’t see there being huge changes. Small changes for different teams might be made during the campaign

but certainly at the minute it’s very much similar to what it was back in November.”

Meanwhile, the Ireland Club XV has been named for the Dal Riada Cup clash in Glasgow today, Friday, and the Munster clubs are well represented with nine players included in the squad. The Ulster Bank Club International side will play their Scottish counterparts at Old Anniesland before lining out at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday, February 14th, as part of a unique double–header against the French alongside the RBS 6 Nations senior international match.

The Cork Constitution duo of Darragh Lyons and last season’s Club International

skipper Gerry Hurley form an experienced half back partnership. Hurley most recently captained his side to an historic third Munster Senior Challenge Cup title in a row, defeating Garryowen in Irish Independent Park. The Cork club is also represented by Andrew O’Driscoll at hooker while prop Ger Sweeney is named in the replacements.

The other starting representation sees Young Munster’s Ed O’Keeffe start on the wing.

On the bench Neil Cronin, who made his Munster debut against Leinster over Christmas, Eddie Rossiter and Peter O’Shea are the Garryowen representatives while Cashel’s Sean Walsh is also included.

Football For All wants players New players are being sought for a programme designed by the FAI for children with special needs who want to play soccer for their local club. The Football For All initiative was established in Carrigaline United in 2011 and has since developed year on year. It gives children — both girls and boys aged six and over — the opportunity to get regular football training and participate in competitions. Training is delivered by qualified FAI coaches and the young people also get the chance to play for their local club in regular blitzes against other Football For All clubs.

The team trains every Saturday morning at 10.15am, and further information is available from Killian on 086 8645700 or Brian on 086 2778372.

Lehmon Colbert, C&S UCC Demons, in action against Michael Westbrooks, Killester. Picture by Sportsfile.

Thunder Time Demons take on Travelodge Swords Thunder Travelodge Swords Thunder are now the last obstacle between C&S UCC Demons and a league and cup double.

The Leesiders edged one step closer to the Men’s Premier League title with a gritty win over Killester last weekend, and now go into the game against Travelodge Swords Thunder at the ALSAA in Dublin tomorrow, Saturday, with throw–in 6pm. The north Dubliners are 12 points behind with three games in hand. This weekend’s nail– biter comes as Demons secured a 88 to 73 win over defending champions Killester, with just a point between

the sides midway through the third quarter.

“They hit us in the mouth early and we had to re–gather,” said Demons’ Lehmon Colbert. “So when Colin (O’Reilly) got in foul trouble, I knew I had to take it early and be more aggressive.” Colbert finished with a game high 27 points.

O’Reilly checked back in as Demons went on a 12-2 run to close out the third. “It was all Colin, to be honest,” said Demons guard Kyle Hosford: “He was making the rebounds and running the breaks. It was all uncontested layups on that run.”

Tributes for Dan Hoare

John Moore of Moore’ Jewellers in Carrigaline presenting a set of Jerseys for the Carrigaline United Football for All team recently to club Chairman Willie Walsh. Pictured are some of the children from the team (l-r): Ronan O’Shea, Ronan Kenny, Aisling Harrington, Darragh Twomey, Isabelle O’Shea, Martin Healy and Eoin Doyle. Also pictured is the Carrigaline United FFA mascot, Madra. Picture by Denis O’Driscoll.

Tributes have been paid to the late president of the Cork County Board, who was laid to rest this week. Dan Hoare, who recently took up the appointment, was treasurer of Cork County Board for nine years and also served as treasurer of the Munster Council for a period of four years. Dan was a life long member of St Catherine’s Club and had been appointed to the position of

Uachtarán with Coiste Chontae Chorcaí at the annual convention in December. “The chairman, officers and board members extend their deepest sympathy to his family,” said the Cork County Board in a statement. Mr Hoare was buried this week and honoured with a minute’s silence before the Cork and Dublin Allianz Football League game at Páirc Uí Rinn.

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Sport & Fitness

6 February 2015

Duathlon challenge For many, the thoughts of plunging into ice cold water in a triathlon can leave you shivering. However, there is an endurance event that allows you to take just the disciplines of cycling and running.

The three–stage duathlon is a test of strength and cardiovascular fitness, and features the two forms of exercise that are accessible to most, without the need to take an icy dip in the water. The upcoming Fota Island Challenge Series Sprint Duathlon — part of the National Series — will allow local duathletes to test their skills and takes place on Saturday, February 28th.

The challenging race consists of a 4.8km run around the impressive grounds of Fota Island Resort followed by an 18km cycle, taking competitors out towards Cobh and on a loop around the back of Great Island. This is followed by the third and final element, a second 4.8km run; the reverse of the first.

The duathlon begins at 10.30am sharp, and registration will be open on Friday, February 27th from 5pm to 7.30pm, and from 7am to 9.45am on race day in the recreational building at Fota Island Resort. As the event is Triathlon Ireland sanctioned, a race license is required and the duathlon fee per participant is €39, or €75 for relay

Minister of State with responsibility for Disability, Equality, Mental Health and Older people, Kathleen Lynch with members of Rebel Wheelers at the Cope Foundation Sports Centre.

Picture by Michael Mac Sweeney/Provision.

teams. There will be different categories on the day from individual to relay teams and the minimum age is 16.

This year’s Fota Island Challenge Series Sprint Duathlon is part of the National Series, a collection of the best organised and most established races on the Triathlon Ireland calendar. In order to host a National Series race, a higher

level of service to participants is required than for a standard race. Triathlon Ireland members score points in their respective age groups through competing in these National Series races, a significant achievement for any athlete.

Registration, detailed maps of run and cycle routes and further information are available on fotaisland.ie.

Feel the power!

Cork is to host the largest powerlifting event ever to take place in Ireland. The Irish Drug Free Powerlifting Association (IDFPA) Single Lift National Championships on Saturday, February 21st and Sunday, February 22nd, will be held in Cork Institute of Technology’s sports hall, with the country’s strongest men and women competing. The championship is set to be the biggest national powerlifting competition to take place in

Ireland to date, with over 250 athletes due on the platform over the two days. As well as battling for national titles and records, the lifters will also be hoping to qualify for the Irish national team for the 2015 European Championships in Italy this September and the 2015 World Championships taking place in England in June. On the Saturday, the squat events will take place as well as the ladies bench press event, while the Sunday will

feature the deadlift events and the men’s bench press.

“The 2015 National Team is going to be selected from this championships in Cork and its looking like this year could be our strongest team yet: we have our sights very much set on retaining our best team title from 2014,” said IDFPA President Peter Lucey.

Lifting will take place from 9am on both days and entrance to the event will be free to spectators.

Rebel Wheelers set for the RDS Members of Cork’s Rebel Wheelers are to showcase their sporting prowess in a number of exhibition games in the RDS in April, with the club also named as the chosen charity for the event.

The second annual Care and Mobility Show on Wednesday, April 22nd and Thursday, April 23rd will provide a positive platform for independent living for the almost 600,000 people in Ireland with a disability, showcasing more than a thousand products and services which allow users to enjoy life to the fullest. A key element of this year’s event will be the inclusion of a special sports arena which will play host to sports such as wheelchair basketball, wheelchair rugby and tennis. This year’s chosen charity, Rebel Wheelers, an all inclusive sports club for children and young adults with physical disabilities in Cork, will be involved in exhibition games.

Chair of Rebel Wheelers Lucia Ryan stated: “Too often when people think of disability they think of barriers but this show will prove that living with a disability does not mean you can’t live a very full life. It will prove that in many cases there are solutions available in terms of advice, clubs, products and services. Members of our club are proof that you can live a very active life, and playing sports is of enormous benefit to both mental and physical health. Life should be lived to the full and the Care and Mobility Show will show people how this can be done.”

The Rebel Wheelers, as seen on the RTÉ’s The Secret Millionaire, was established in 2008 to facilitate children with disabilities who were eager to participate in all type of sports. Today the club has more than 50 members from the age of five. Some of the children have experi-

enced exclusion because of their disability, so the core ethos of the club is to promote inclusion, self–esteem, fun and team work while reaping the health benefits of participation in sport.

Speaking at the launch of the Care and Mobility Show, Minister Kathleen Lynch said the event is about proving that living with disability “does not and should not mean living a less fulfilled life”. “Disability does not have a target age group and the show will exhibit the broad range of products, services and facilities that are available to both young and old.

Too often we associate needing help with a weakness, when in fact it is through getting help that people can actually become more independent,” she stated.

Tickets for the show are available at careandmobility. ie for €5, with €1 from the sale of each ticket going to Rebel Wheelers.

Operation Transformation cycle The West Cork Cycling Club is one of five Cycling Ireland clubs working with RTÉ’s Operation Transformation to host a 10km cycle this weekend. The event, which leaves

from from Dunmanway GAA grounds tomorrow, Saturday, is free, but registration is required. All riders must also wear a helmet and hi–vis vest, and check in at their event to

get their number before the cycle begins. The minimum age of entry is eight years and children must be accompanied by an adult. To register see rte.ie/ot/events/cycle-day.

thecorknews

Play 6 February 2015

‘I’m now in full scale revolution’ Funny man Tommy Tiernan returns to Leeside later this month with his new show Out Of The Whirlwind.

The verbal acrobat chats to Play’s Maria Tracey in typical Tiernan style about everything from life for a man in his mid 40s, to the real diversity of Cork.

N

uns in balaclavas — that’s how comedian Tommy Tiernan refers to Cork women in his own amusing and throwaway fashion. In that typical Tiernan way, with an ever present touch of beguiling mischief, he outlines that his description of Leeside ladies is down to them being “old fashioned in their religiousness with a touch of the auld Provo about them”. It’s a comment that’s very Tommy: for the past 20 years, he has both shocked and entertained the nation.

His new show Out Of The Whirlwind presents Tiernan in a new light, which he confesses “wouldn’t be as angry as the shocking years” and

is “definitely wilder than the mischief years”: “I think my main ambition when starting out was to be a stand–up,” he reveals. “It probably takes four or five years of doing that before you realise you are one and then you have other ambitions. I probably went through a phase of wanting to be shocking, and I believed in the virtue of shock. It’s a very noble thing to believe in.

“I probably took a few thumps to the chest because of that, and then I said ‘right, I’ve lived in that house for a while, but I don’t want to live here anymore’ and the next thing was mischief. I’m now in full scale revolution.”

Described as “part chaos, part unplanned pregnancy”, Out Of The Whirlwind sees

Tiernan in constant motion.

“I’m not sure what story is going to come up next or what character I am going to drag up; there is something slightly chaotic about it, but it makes sense to itself,” he laughs. “The show is less about Ireland and more about being in my mid 40s and trying to find the good wildness in life. What happens to a lot of men — and maybe women as well but I wouldn’t be qualified to speak about them — is you start to see how the rest of your life is panning out when you hit your mid 40s and there is a huge decision to make. You can panic and go for the red sports car and the 19 year old, or do you embrace mortality and appreciate everything?

I’m at a stage now that’s a

“I believed in the virtue of shock. It’s a very noble thing to believe in.”

liberating time, starting to take society less seriously and starting to hold living more seriously.

“My inclination now is almost a reaction to what I’m being offered as a man in my mid 40s. Society is offering me triathlons, Viagra, hair transplants and insurance and I’m interested in none of them.”

These revelations form the basis of Tiernan’s Cork shows, running from Wednesday, February 25th to Sunday, March 1st, as he descends on the Opera House. His city gig comes just weeks after the funny man went on a whirlwind tour of County Cork, playing at places like Midleton Park Hotel, Ballymaloe Grainstore and Charleville Park Hotel. “I have been gigging

in Cork for years, and did my first proper stand–up show at Christmas 1995 at City Limits Comedy Club. I have a long history with the city and love going down there, it’s a privilege,” he states. “With the tour in November and December, it was great because Cork is so different in different parts of the county.

There’s a world of difference between Mitchelstown, which feels like hurling country, and the lawlessness of Youghal, where anything goes. It’s like a settled Alcatraz. Then there’s the poshness of Inchydoney and the touch of hippy about Bantry. The county is beautiful and I feel like, over the years, I have got to know Cork.”

And so too has Cork embraced Tiernan, with his Leeside shows sold out apart from Wednesday, February 25th. He remarks that his gigs at the Opera House will “genuinely” be a highlight of this tour. It’s high praise, considering Tiernan is to perform at Mount Everest base camp in October as part of Stand Up On Everest in aid of Save The Children, along with performances in Dubai, Canada and Russia. “I’m doing crazy stuff, and will be practicing my mountain walking up Patrick’s Hill,” he laughs. “For Russia, I’ve insisted that I’ll take the train there, so I’m as looking forward to hopping on a train in London and traveling across. However, the five nights in Cork will be the highlight for me. I’ll traipse around the city, going to book shops and coffee shops and for a few sociable pints.”

He adds with a smile that he hopes his high praise of the Rebel County won’t be “hard to believe” for its people. “I’m genuinely looking forward to it,” he says, before pausing and adding with a bemused tone, “now, let’s just hope I won’t get bored after two nights”.

Tickets for Tommy Tiernan’s last available Cork show on Wednesday, February 25th for priced €29, and available from corkoperahouse.ie.

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6 February 2015

St Vincent in Cork Bryn Terfel as The Flying Dutchman

The Flying Dutchman swoops in Richard Wagner’s opera The Flying Dutchman is to be streamed directly from the London stage to a big screen in Ballymaloe Grainstore later this month.

The story of a sea captain

who has been cursed for eternity, the opera sees the man come ashore every seven years to seek redemption. It is performed in modern dress, and behind–the–scenes interviews with the cast and cre-

ative team are part of the live broadcast. The Royal Opera House’s live broadcast takes on Tuesday, February 24th at 7.15pm and tickets are €18 from ballymaloegrainstore. com.

CORK ARTS THEATRE 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.

Thereafter at the Cork Arts Theatre.

Thursday 19th - Saturday 21st February @ 8.00pm Brideview Drama presents

PORTIA COUGHLAN

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.

VIEWS FROM A BENCH

the 29th Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ceremony and toured with The Black Keys and Queens of the Stone Age. This year, the Texas–born singer reaps the rewards of her hard work and unique sound. She recently secured a Brit Nomination for Best International Female Solo Artist and is set to release

a deluxe version of St Vincent featuring the previously unreleased track, Bad Believer before she continues on her worldwide tour stopping off at festivals such as Coachella on the way.

She’s in Cork on Monday, July 13th at 8pm, and tickets are €30 from corkoperahouse.ie or 021 4270022.

Gartland serenades Dublin singer songwriter Orla Gartland is coming to Cyprus Avenue on Valentine’s Day. Her fusion of dreamy, lo–fi tinged indie–pop, blended with her trademark summery vocals and heartfelt songwriting, lends itself to the kind of crossover pop that appeals to a mass audience.

Her recently released four– track EP, Lonely People, has been lauded as a raw and honest body of work. Her all–ages show in Cork is on Saturday, February 14th is at 2pm and tickets are €10 from cyprusavenue.ie.

Tickets: €10 / €8 conc.

Tuesday 3rd to Saturday 7th March @ 8.00pm Cork Arts Theatre presents

American singer–songwriter and multi–instrumentalist St Vincent (above) is to perform at Cork Opera House this July. Last year proved to be an unmitigated triumph for the performer, whose real name is Annie Clark, as she captivated festival audiences across the globe, performed with a reunited Nirvana at

Ten short plays that all take place around a park bench. Stories full of comedy and drama; love stories and stories of love lost. There is something for everyone in this very entertaining evening.

Tickets: €12 / €10 conc.

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

www.corkartstheatre.com

Rep

No ‘Fear’ for Ross Browne Cork’s own comedy star Ross Browne is hitting the suburbs this weekend. The star of RTÉ’s The Fear — playing the characters of Jimmy, Bad Bouncer, Sergeant Major and Dolf — performs at The White Horse in Ballincollig tonight, Friday at 9pm (tickets €12.50 from tickets.ie)

Ross Browne

and Wallis Bar in Midleton this Sunday, February 8th at 6pm (free admission).

His razor sharp material and high energy delivery mixed with his impressions and painfully true stories have cemented Browne as one of the most promising stand ups in recent years.

thecorknews

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6 February 2015

Daunt Square, Cork City Tel 021 425 3931 www.thewoodford.ie

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Playtime

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

6 February 2015

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Sunday

6

Friday

Following sell-out success last year, Irish comedy It’s The Real McCoy is returning to the Everyman. Set in ‘60s rural Ireland, the play focuses on the life of 68–year–old Madge Mulloy and her husband Tom, who returns home after vanishing within five months of their wedding. Doors are at 8pm and tickets are €22 from everymancork.com.

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Saturday

The Quarter Block Party is taking over South and North Main Streets for a weekend of music, theatre, art, discussions and positivity. Highlights today include Laura Murphy’s site– specific performance Grounds at 3pm while The Altered Hours are at the Cork Vision Centre from 8pm. See quarterblockparty.com for more details.

The Quarter Block Party continues with legendary DJ Stevie G presenting Vinyl Love 777 over the course of seven hours from 12 noon, as a number of Cork vinyl enthusiasts play their seven favourite 7” records in Gulpd Café. See quarterblockparty.com for more details.

9 10 Monday

From Academy Award nominee Bennett Miller comes Foxcatcher, the dark and fascinating story of the unlikely and ultimately tragic relationship between an eccentric multi–millionaire and two champion wrestlers.

It’s being screened at The Triskel at 6pm and admission is €8.80.

Tuesday

Ross O’Carroll– Kelly’s Breaking Dad makes a highly anticipated visit to the Opera House with Rory Nolan reprising the role of Ireland’s most legendary socialite and seducer, “The Rossmeister”.

Doors are at 8pm and tickets are priced from €25 at corkoperahouse.ie.

12 Thursday

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Wednesday

The Henry Girls are three Donegal sisters who have an unique rootsy sound, which blends their native traditional Irish folk music with hints of Americana, bluegrass and blues. Their repertoire is scattered with old and new and their style reflects many influences and tastes. Catch them at Coughlans on Douglas Street at 9pm, with tickets €15 from entertainment.ie.

Two Days, One Night (Deux Jours, Une Nuit) is the next screening as part of Cork Cine Club’s 12th season.

The film centres on Sandra, a young Belgian mother, who discovers her workmates have opted for a significant pay bonus in exchange for her dismissal. She has only one weekend to convince her colleagues to give up their bonuses so that she can keep her job. The screening takes place at St John’s Central College at 8pm and tickets are €8.50/€7.

thecorknews

Trades & Services

6 February 2015

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Cork City Council: Planning Notice We, Cork Diocesan Trustees, intend to apply for permission for the following changes to the ground floor of Connolly’s Book Shop, Rory Gallagher Place, Paul Street, Cork City. Change of use from retail/ book shop to cafe/restaurant use, construction of a single storey rear extension, removal of existing canopies, installation of an awning to front elevation and the carrying out of all associated works. In accordance with the decision of Cork City Council on the 28th day of May 2007, this building was added to the Record of Protected Structures included in the Cork City Development Plan 2004.

The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the Planning Authority, City Hall , Cork, during its public opening hours and that a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee of €20 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the application.

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Mindfulness

COURSE IN POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY/MINDFULNESS Commencing on 2nd February Turners Cross Community Centre & 4th February Glounthaune Community Centre Duration 6 weeks 7.30 pm - 9pm Contact: Judy Phelan R.G.N. DIP.APP Positive Psychology

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Trades and Services Contact: Tel: 021 425 2255 ads@thecorknews.ie

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