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thecorknews
23 January 2015
thecorknews Winners at the European Newspaper Design Awards
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50% 50%OFF OFF ASTI members on strike at North Monastery College, St Mary’s Rd, Cork. Pic Michael Mac Sweeney/Provision.
‘I want to be in my classroom’
O’Sullivan says dispute will not be resolved on picket line By Maria Tracey maria@thecorknews.ie
Fresh talks are planned for next week in a bid to resolve the ongoing dispute over Junior Cycle reform, with teachers’ unions not ruling out the possibility of a third day of strike action if a breakthrough is not reached on key concerns. Hundreds of secondary school teachers in Cork, along with thousands of their counterparts across the country, protested yesterday, Thursday, over aspects of the framework for Junior Cycle proposed by the Department of Education and Skills. The proposed changes mean that 60% of a student’s Junior
Cert grade would be marked externally and 40% would be assessed in schools by teachers. The latest strike action by members of the Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland (ASTI) and the Teachers Union of Ireland (TUI) followed a day of strike action in December. ASTI vice president Máire Ní Chíarba, who is a teacher at Coláiste an Phíarsaigh in Glanmire, informed The Cork News that unions have agreed to fresh talks, to be held next Thursday, adding that it was a “very sad situation that we (teachers) have been forced into strike action before our reservations about the framework for Junior Cycle are taken seriously”. “I want to be in
ASTI Vice President Máire Ní Chíarba.
my classroom,” she continued: “I am a professional educator, a teacher, and that’s where I want to be. I don’t want to walking up and down outside the gate of my own school.”
She stated that positive feedback in relation to the strikes from teachers across Cork, along with a number of parents, was “phenomenal”. “We had the general public stopping, saying they understood better this time why we were striking and they were fully supportive. They know we are not doing it for ourselves: they know we are doing it for the students in our care and for the standard in education and assessment,” she said. Ms Ní Chíarba added that there is a “possibility of another strike” but said she hopes “it will not come to that”. “We will be making every effort to engage fruitfully and to get a satisfactory outcome to this dispute,” she said. “I’m look-
ing forward to getting back into serious negotiations.” Ms Ní Chiarba outlined that teachers are in “favour of reform” but not assessment of their own students for the Junior Cert. “We do not want everything dependent on one exam, and we are willing to engage across the board with subjects — portfolio work, group work, all that sort of thing — but we won’t assess our own students for certification purposes. It’s either a State certificate or not. And if it’s a State certificate we will work with our students in every possible way, but we will not assess them.” continued on page 2
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thecorknews
News
23 January 2015
Index
River (Lee) Dance
Editor’s letter
A
s I write this letter, 350,000 second–level students are effectively locked out of their schools as a dispute between their teachers and the Department of Education continues. In what has been a relatively civil discourse between the parties. Tempers have no doubt flared from time to time, but the opposing camps have generally retained their composure. There are good points on both sides. It’s been almost 20 years since I did my Leaving Cert and, listening to a debate on the issue this morning, I cast my mind back to the 1990s. Remembering my school days, and my own teachers, helped me make up my mind: I don’t approve of the teachers’ methods (striking does not benefit the students) but I agree with their stance. Teachers should not be responsible for assessing their own students. The most basic reason is this: teachers are only human. Every single one of us, whether we want to admit it or not, is a bubbling cauldron of prejudice and irrationality. We have our likes and dislikes, we have our opinons, we have a good side and a bad side and we have no control over which of those sides someone is likely to end up on. Nobody likes everybody. I can state categorically that I attended a school with some exceptional teachers, some of whom just I just plain detested. I’m fairly sure the feeling was mutual, in at least some cases. I also had teachers whose praises I will sing to this day, and others on whom hindsight has given me a new perspective. One, I recall, insisted that I drop to Ordinary Level in her particular subject. I ignored her and did rather well. Another I met years later, and years wiser, and was greeted with the same unpleasant sneer I remembered from my youth. If either of them had been in charge of assessing me as a smart–mouthed 15–year–old exam candidate I’d have been in trouble. I don’t hold it against them, but it does inform my opinion on the present debate. And, I hasten to add, I can remember classmates who absolutely adored them and who got on like a house on fire with them. Different strokes for different folks. What about teachers whose own children are in their classes? What about teachers whose friends’ — or mortal enemies’ — children are in their class? What about teachers who have been victimsed or bullied by a cadré of strong–willed pupils (yes, it happens), and in a moment of weakness opt for petty revenge? We may imagine that hard–nosed professionals can divorce themselves from their feelings with ease, but what about the rookie who’s still learning the ropes? Even the stalwarts are just ordinary people, subject to the same pride, anger and vindictiveness that we all are. In the intervening years I’ve gotten to know quite a few teachers, and I’ve heard their stories: the diamonds in the rough whom they long to usher towards their full potential; the stubborn, sullen ones who refuse to be educated; the troublemakers, both entertaining and offensive; the shining examples of studious, thoughtful propriety. It’s not fair to ask teachers to divest themselves of the own feelings over the course of long, stressful terms, and it’s not fair to expect youngsters to peform to their full potential day in, day out to safeguard a future they barely think about most of the time.
44 47 51 54 56
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Beauty Going Places Drive Sport & Fitness Play
Water woes strengthen Cork opposition to charges Further drinking water restrictions are likely in Cork unless systems are improved, says the Environmental Protection Agency in Drinking Water Report 2013, released this week. When Irish Water considers drinking water to be a public health risk they must confer with the Health Service Executive as to whether the supply is be prohibited or restricted. The Report found that the standard 50 mg/l for nitrates was exceeded in nine areas of the country, and that parts of west Cork have the highest result nationally, with nitrate levels of 61.6mg/l. Irish Water has said the report provides a clear picture of the challenges facing them in terms of the inadequacy of a signifi-
58 61 63 72 73
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cant proportion of their treatment plants to supply drinking water. The statement also made reference for the critical need to invest in upgrading the public water network and to deliver the urgently needed improvement to the communities most affected. “Improving drinking water quality is the number one investment priority for Irish Water. It is unacceptable that we have communities on long– term boil water notices and infrastructure that is too easily susceptible to changing weather conditions” said Jerry Grant, Head of Assets, Irish Water. Meanwhile, Irish Water reported 13 unplanned works across Cork since Monday,
January 19th, which wreaked havoc with water supplies in the city and county. The most serious incident was a burst water main in Castletownbere on Wednesday night, January 21st where, a spokesperson for Irish Water told The Cork News, 40 houses and Castletownbere Community Hospital were left without water until 2pm on Thursday. There were also two more burst water mains in Fairhill and Cork City Centre on Wednesday, which caused major supply disruptions from Willow Bank to Fairfield Meadows, Parklands and surrounding areas of Fairhill, and South Douglas Road to Well Road, to Glencurrig and Half Moon Street.
Jim O’Connell from the Right2Water campaign told The Cork News that supply disruptions like these will increase the amount of people protesting against Irish Water on January 31st in Cork: “Why should we pay for treated water, which leaks out onto the streets and then flows back into our harbour? We are already paying for water treatment through direct taxation,” he stated. Mr O’Connell is confident the nationwide planned protest is going to have thousands marching against Irish Water: “Burst water mains means they are not addressing the situation. Leaking pipes make up 40% — 47% of the water network,” he concluded.
‘I want to be in my classroom’ continued from page 1
Editor
Cork Biz Menu Cork Homes Family Style
Riverdancers John Lonergan (from Cork) and Emma Warren marking the announcement that an extra performance of Riverdance Live at the Marquee Cork is being added. Riverdance will play Cork City for the first time this summer from June 11th to 14th. An extra show is being added on Saturday 13 June at 2.30pm. Tickets for this show are on sale from today, January 23rd, at 9am from Ticketmaster and usual outlets. Picture by Darragh Kane.
However, the president of the National Parents Council Post Primary (NPCpp) Don Myers said it was “absolutely outrageous” that the unions may plan more stoppages. He said it was “unfair” to students, and particularly to this year’s Leaving Certificate candidates.
Minister for Education and Skills Jan O’Sullivan also labelled the strike action called by teachers’ unions as both “disproportionate and unnecessary”: “The strike will only result in students missing a day’s teaching, disruption to parents and the loss of a day’s pay for teachers,” she said. “Reform of the Junior Cycle is important
and is a policy priority. One education partner cannot be allowed to block this important reform. The voices of parents, students, school management and other partners are equally important in this debate.” Minister O’Sullivan said the current dispute with teachers’ unions will “not be resolved on the picket line”.
“It will be resolved through meaningful negotiation,” she said. She added that the talks’ independent chair Dr Pauric Travers had contacted the teachers’ unions and her office to propose further talks next week. “I welcome this initiative and my department will engage in these talks in a constructive manner,” she added.
To contact the editor: editor@thecorknews.ie 4 Carey’s Lane, Cork • t: 021 4252255 • e: info@thecorknews.ie • w: thecorknews.ie
thecorknews
News
23 January 2015
3
Cork bar defends controversial tweets By Maria Tracey maria@thecorknews.ie
A Cork bar once again embroiled in controversy on Twitter has defended its tongue–in–cheek message about the teachers strike, stating that with the cheap alcohol sales in supermarkets, pubs need to be utilising social media. The Bishopstown Bar tweeted “Teachers on strike? No school? Over 18? We have the solution…” along with an image of an arrow pointing to the door of the bar with the words ‘study here’ on Thursday morning, the day that 27,000 secondlevel teachers took strike action in protest over aspects of the framework for the Junior Cycle. A Twitter user responded that it was “no wonder we have a nation of alcoholics, bad form”. The bar stated in reply that they were “only suggesting breakfast” for the secondary students. This is not the first time that The Bishopstown Bar has captured media attention due to its Twitter page, as it previously advised Leav-
“We are not looking to have a queue of 100 students out the doors at 9.30am.” The controversial photo which has generated a storm of indignation, courtesy of the Bishopstown Bar
ing Certificate students that they were serving alcohol from 10.30am on the morning of their results. The bar also suggested that the €5 increase in Child Benefit would get patrons a “pint of Fosters and a packet of Pringles” each month.
Marketing manager at the Bishopstown Bar Damien Sreenan told The Cork News the venue has a “history of tongue–in–cheek humour”: “Some people take up the tweets wrong. And I’m surprised that someone said it’s ‘no wonder we have a nation
of alcoholics’. We are not looking to have a queue of 100 students out the doors at 9.30am. It wasn’t about drinking, but about serving breakfast,” he said. Mr Sreenan outlined that with bars being negatively impacted by below–cost selling of
alcohol in supermarkets, social media is becoming more important: “You can’t just tweet about your drink specials or live music, you need some interaction with people and that’s what we use our Twitter page for: having a bit of banter. Banter is the key word,”
he said. “It gets us noticed and sometimes that’s good, and sometimes that’s bad.” He added the bar promotes responsible drinking, and also has an ongoing ‘support local’ campaign, where businesses are invited to use their TV screens to advertise for free.
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thecorknews
News
23 January 2015
11–year port campaign continues Plan may create 600 jobs By Niamh Áine Ryan Management at the Port of Cork were in Brussels this week seeking funding to develop the existing facilities in Ringaskiddy. The port’s authorities are seeking a significant bid of €11 million under the Connecting Europe Programme. Chief Executive with the Port of Cork Brendan Keating told The Cork News “we were in Brussels seeking to make an application under the Connecting Europe Programme. We’ve been raising awareness about this for the past 11 years.” Sinn Fein MEP Liadh Ní Riada gave her support to the strategic development plan and backed the team’s application for funding. The MEP met with Port of Cork’s Brendan Keating and Denis Healy, Engineering Services Manager, at the European Parliament.
“The works at Ringaskiddy will bring jobs and a much needed economic boost to the area. Not only that, but the freeing up of lands at Tivoli and in the city centre will be good for the city.” Ms Ní Riada told The Cork News “the proposal from the port authority is comprehensive and they tick the boxes in terms of identifying Cork as a strategic communications hub, important to Ireland and indeed Europe.” An expansion of the port’s facilities would create a greater
capacity and open up trade to larger vessels, which in turn would support economic growth in the area. According to the Sinn Fein MEP, it would create more than 600 construction jobs. “This is critical in terms of enabling the Port of Cork to accommodate larger vessels,
like shipping vessels. If we are not able to accommodate these vessels then our ability to serve businesses in Cork is in jeopardy,” added Mr Keating. Ms Ní Riada agreed, telling The Cork News “expansion will mean greater capacity for Cork as a trading hub, allowing larger ships to use the facili-
ties, and increasing the attractiveness of Cork and Munster in general for industry and investment. The works at Ringaskiddy will bring jobs and a much needed economic boost to the area. Not only that, but the freeing up of lands at Tivoli and in the city centre will be good for the city.”
Concerns have been expressed by residents in Ringaskiddy regarding this expansion and Ms Ní Riada has advised the Port of Cork to engage with residents, adding the plans must be designed to “avoid undue negative social or environmental impacts on local people.”
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thecorknews 23 January 2015
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thecorknews
News
23 January 2015
Cork nursing homes under threat Cork faces the prospect of losing six of its nursing homes as a result of a lack of investment. The public nursing homes were found to have major non–compliance issues with HIQA standards and national safety standards set by the government. The community nursing home facilities identified in Cork as needing urgent investment in order to meet national standards are St Finbarr’s Hospital, Cork City; St Joseph’s Community Hospital; Bandon Community Hospital; Macroom Community Hospital; Bantry General Hospital; Castletownbere Community Hospital and St Joseph’s Ward. Fianna Fáil Leader and Cork South Central TD Micheál Martin has said that Cork faces the prospect of losing over 200 community
“These closures would create further pressure in A&E departments in both Cork University Hospital and Mercy University Hospital.”
nursing home beds, along with the closure of some public homes entirely, as a result of the government’s failure to invest in them. He told the The Cork News “I raised the issue with the Taoiseach in the Dáil on January 20th and have asked him for an honest and transparent answer on the future of these public nursing homes.” “These closures would be very serious and would create further pressure in Accident and Emergency departments in both Cork University Hospital and Mercy University Hospital,” he continued. The nursing homes must meet HIQA standards by July. Deputy Martin outlined that this means Cork will be disproportionately affected this year “as a direct result of the government’s failure to plan and invest in community care”.
Alf Smiddy Picture by Andy Ferreira
People must be “at the heart” of Cork By Niamh Áine Ryan
OFFICE OF THE OMBUDSMAN •
DO YOU HAVE A COMPLAINT ABOUT A GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENT, LOCAL AUTHORITY, HSE, A THIRD LEVEL EDUCATION BODY OR A BODY COVERED BY THE DISABILITY ACT?
•
HAVE YOU COMPLAINED TO THE PUBLIC BODY IN WRITING BUT ARE STILL UNHAPPY?
Ombudsman staff will be at the Citizens Information Centre 80 South Mall, Cork City Wednesday, 4 February, 2015 10.00am-1.00pm and 2.00pm-4.00pm: OUR SERVICE IS IMPARTIAL, INDEPENDENT & FREE •
Please bring any information with you to support your complaint such as letters, forms, or reference numbers.
•
The Ombudsman can investigate complaints about most publicly funded bodies. A full list is available on our website at WWW.OMBUDSMAN.IE
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The Ombudsman cannot take complaints about consumer matters, financial products, private pensions, An Garda Síochána, the Prison Service, the Employment Appeals Tribunal or complaints relating to the law on foreign nationals or naturalisation Phone 01 639 5600 ∙ Lo-call 1890 223 030 ∙ Follow us on
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Alf Smiddy, the former CEO of Beamish & Crawford, has been appointed to chair the Cork Local Government Committee, which will decide on the new boundary between Cork City and County Cork. The statutory committee has been appointed by Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government Alan Kelly and will also oversee changes to local government in Cork, including whether or not local authority structures should be merged. Speaking to The Cork News about his appointment, Mr Smiddy said “there’s a lot of work to be done between now and September 2015, when the review is due. One of the key factors will be engaging with both Cork City Council and Cork County Council over the next couple of months and, also engaging with key stakeholders within both the county and city.” Minister Kelly has said he sees “a clear case” for extend-
“Our people must be at the heart of everything we do in local government.”
ing the Cork City boundary to encompass a wider metropolitan area. The review aligns with the government’s overall approach to local government reform, which has seen changes to local administration in Tipperary, Limerick and Waterford. Mr Smiddy told The Cork News that both he and the committee want to recommend a local government model that works best for Cork as a whole. “Our people must be at the heart of everything we do in local government,” Mr Smiddy concluded.
Alf Smiddy says Cork needs local government which is: 1) Progressive and proactive, opens up the city to the county and the county to the city, and always puts the people of the entire region first. 2) The most efficient, effective and innovative local government model for the whole of Cork. 3) Dynamic and energetic, and a force that will transform the city and county as we approach 2020 and beyond. 4) A driving force for all existing and new economic and commercial activity and growth throughout the Cork region.
thecorknews 23 January 2015
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thecorknews
News
23 January 2015
â‚Ź6m for Glanmire school The Cork Education and Training Board has announced a six million euro extension for Glanmire Community College which, once completed, will cater for 1,100 students. The new 3,350 square metre extension will include four classrooms, lecture rooms, science laboratories, engineering workshops, a multimedia learning laboratory, a home economics room and a design and communication graphics room,
“Once the new six million euro extension is completed, the school will have capacity for 1,100 students�
as well as staff accommodation and a special needs education unit. “Student enrolments at Glanmire Community College currently stand at 980. Once the new six million euro extension is completed, the school will have capacity for 1,100 students� said Cork ETB Chief Executive Ted Owens: “Construction has already started on this extension and we expect the works to be completed within 12 months.�
Fermoy artist on RTÉ Travellers’ show A Fermoy artist, who is a member of the Traveller community, will appear on a RTÉ show that aims to kickstart the business potential of young Traveller women. Former art student Leanne McDonagh (24) will feature on Norah's Traveller Academy next Thursday, January 29th on RTÉ2 at 9pm, two years ago after she graduated from CIT Crawford College
of Art & Design. However, as her promising work as an artist has been on hold since her graduation, entrepreneur and mentor Norah Casey is looking to help Leanne restart her stalled career. In total, four women are involved in the series, and over the course of three months, Casey will help each of her protĂŠgĂŠes turn their ambition and vision into action.
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thecorknews
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23 January 2015
11
Hook uncorked Equality is a fine ambition, says George Hook, but recent events in society, sports and politics have proven that we're still far from that noble goal... george@thecorknews.ie
W
hat is your understanding of the word ‘equality’? What do the terms ‘equal status’ and ‘fair treatment for all’ actually mean in Ireland in 2015? Does true equality exist here? Or do we pay lip–service to the notion that Irish society is all encompassing, all inclusive and fair? All things being equal, the current generation of home buyers would not have to pay for the sins of the past. The financial regulator’s latest proposals to hike the minimum deposit needed to obtain a mortgage from 10% to 20% is a hammer blow for young people on the cusp of venturing into the property market. Trying to save money, in today’s economic climate, is a difficult struggle for most. Tax rates are extortionate, the cost of living is too high and the impact of Ireland’s recovery has yet to translate into extra money in people’s pockets. House prices continue to rise as market demand greatly exceeds supply. Estate agents have returned to their old tricks of pitting buyer against buyer to drive up prices and buffer their own commission in the process. A 10% deposit on a €300,000 home is €30k. In order to net that amount, under current tax rates, a person needs to earn almost €60,000. If prospective home buyers are forced to save 20% as a deposit on a house before mortgage approval, they will need to earn close to €120,000 to qualify. Is that reasonable and fair? Seven years ago, a deposit on a mortgage wasn’t even entertained. In fact, anyone seeking to get their foot on the property ladder was being offered a 100% mortgage, plus extra money to furnish the property. The irresponsible lending
“I wonder: do people view Minister Varadkar differently since his announcement on radio last weekend?”
Minister for Health Leo Varadkar
habits of the banks and failure by the then–regulator caused the property bubble to blow up out of all control. Today, the current generation of home buyers are paying a heavy price. All things being equal, Leo Varadkar’s decision to come out as a gay man would have been universally well received. That the minister felt it necessary to disclose his sexuality in the first place is an indication that perhaps Ireland is still not as comfort-
able with homosexuality as it claims to be. Monday night’s Claire Byrne Live programme on RTÉ gave some insight into the prejudices and barriers that gay people in Ireland are forced to deal with on a regular basis. Some of the arguments against gay marriage were ignorant and uninformed. I wonder: do people view Minister Varadkar differently since his announcement on radio last weekend? Is his po-
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tential to be Taoiseach damaged as a result? And does the fact that he is a gay man make him any more or less capable of succeeding Enda Kenny? All things being equal, Stephanie Roche would be sitting on a nice pile of cash for her second place finish at the FIFA goal of the year award in Zurich last week. Stephanie’s sublime piece of skill deserved to win outright, but when five million Irish fans are competing with over
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40 million Colombians in a popularity vote, it was always unlikely that she would come out on top. Nevertheless, the wonder strike at Peamount United was good enough to finish second in the world in 2015. In a World Cup year, with some outstanding contenders in the final short list, Stephanie’s achievement was nothing short of remarkable. She was the first Irish person to make the final three and the first ever woman to
make the shortlist. So how has her runner–up spot in such a prestigious event been rewarded? How much money has she made in sponsorships or endorsements following her world–wide media exposure? Well nothing, actually. Up until the night of the awards Stephanie didn’t have so much as a free boot deal to go with her goal. In a sport where the top men earn hundreds of thousands of pounds a week to line out for their clubs and where TV sponsorship deals could wipe out the third world debt of entire continents, Stephanie hadn’t so much as a pair of boot laces to show for her efforts. Cristiano Ronaldo will earn millions in sponsorship and endorsements for his Ballon D’Or award. Similarly, Lionel Messi and Manuel Neuer can expect handsome rewards for their runner–up finishes. So why hasn’t Stephanie capitalised on her achievement? Is it because her goal isn’t worthy of suitable remuneration? Or is it because women’s football still languishes at the bottom of the commercial food chain? Why are the regulator and the government allowing the housing market to descend into a bitter free–for–all when there are viable, workable solutions on the table? Why has Leo Varadkar’s sexuality become front page news, when Ireland claims intolerance to discrimination against sexuality? And why, when one of our own secures a second place finish in the most popular sport in the world, are we not fighting to ensure that her magnificent achievement is suitably rewarded? Equality, like generosity, sometimes comes in a package of suitability. Most of us like to believe we are open and all embracing in our attitude. But I would question how much of our own self assessment is tarnished by convenience.
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thecorknews
News
23 January 2015
UCC ‘green credentials’ are world class University College Cork is the second greenest university in the world, and the world’s leading eco–friendly “urban” campus. The accolades come from the UI Greenmetric World University Ranking, which compares the efforts of universities towards campus sustainability and environment friendly university management. The University of Nottingham was ranked first overall, followed by UCC in second and Nottingham Trent University in third. In the “Urban Campus” category UCC now leads the field, having been ranked second last year, followed by University of Nottingham and Northeastern University in the US. UCC is the only Irish university to have made the top ten, while University of Limerick is 11th, Dublin City University is 53rd, Trinity College Dublin is 104th and Dublin Institute of Technology is 193rd. A university’s green credentials are organised under six main categories, including: green statistics; energy and climate change; waste man-
UCC’s quadrangle
agement; water usage; transportation and education. UCC has been continuously
recognised for its work in the area of campus sustainability over the last number of years.
UCC was shortlisted as the only Irish representative along with 16 other companies from
across Europe in the final of the 2014 European Business Awards for the Environment,
and the institution became the world’s first Green Flag Third–Level Campus in 2010.
13
thecorknews 23 January 2015
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News
23 January 2015
When you wish upon a STEM Cork’s girls look to the future By Niamh Áine Ryan
Lights out at Youghal Temporary traffic lights which had become a tiresome feature of the approach to Youghal from Cork have finally been removed from Lighthouse Hill in the east Cork town. The lights were necessary while works were in progress to make safe the road’s foundations following the collapse of a section of the hill, tens of metres above jagged sandstone bedrock and the sea shore.. The lights blocked off a section of a sweeping blind bend
at Moll Goggin’s Corner, cutting access on the main road into the town from the Cork side down to just one lane. The traffic controls created problems with traffic flow on the corner, especially for the town’s emergency services, and were known to malfunction from time to time, falling out of synchronisation and posing a danger to motorists. The good news was announced via Twitter with a heartfelt “Yippeee!” from Visit Youghal.
A new initiative to promote Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) careers will take place in Cork City Hall next month with over 1000 female students, from across the city and county, expected to attend. The new initiative, I– Wish, aims to address the issues facing female students, their parents and teachers, when it comes to choosing subjects and making career choices in secondary school. Cork Chamber President Gillian Keating told The Cork News “this is a chance to do something very different and it aims to position Cork as a leader in STEM studies and careers for females in the region.” Medic and Channel 4’s Embarrassing Bodies host, Cork
Pictured at the launch of the “I Wish” initiative are Saoirse Terry from Coachford College, Tara McCarthy from St. Angela’s College and Maedbh Heaney from Scoil Mhuire. Picture by: Darragh Kane.
native Dr Pixie McKenna will open the I–Wish event at Cork City Hall and will share insights and experience about her career to the all–fe-
male audience. “On February 12th, I–Wish will engage, excite and encourage young women to think differently and to think
Objectives of I–Wish • Inspire girls to investigate opportunities in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths • Show the next generation that girls can not just do but excel at STEM subjects • Influence subject choices in transition year • Improve STEM branding among young women • Provide role models for young women interested in STEM and empower the next generation
outside the box when it comes to choosing careers in STEM” added Ms Keating. I–Wish is a partnership initiative between Cork Chamber, it@cork, Cork City Council and Cork County Council, UCC and CIT. The I–Wish events on February 12th are free to attend and promise to benefit female students with hands–on practical information, talks and demonstrations by women in STEM roles. For more information, visit iwish.ie
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23 January 2015
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Louise O’Keeffe is Cork Person of the Year Abuse victim Louise O’Keeffe has been named Cork Person of the Year, highlighting her decades–long fight for justice for abused children in Ireland.. Louise (pictured) was abused by the then–principal of her Cork primary school in the 1970s, when she was just eight years old. The government denied liability, forcing
Ms. O’Keeffe to take her landmark case through the Irish courts and to the European Court of Human Rights, who ruled in her favour. “My victory was a victory for the children of Ireland and I accept this award on their behalf ”, she said at the award ceremony in Cork. The Irish courts had dismissed Ms O’Keeffe’s claim
that the State was liable on the basis that the Department of Education had failed to put in
place appropriate protection measures, but the European Court of Human Rights found in her favour and ruled that the Irish State was liable for the sexual abuse she suffered. Louise received a standing ovation from the two hundred and fifty guests, representing all sections of Cork society, at the annual award lunch at the Rochestown Park Hotel, Cork.
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Smarttech CEO Ronan Murphy at the European Technology Summit at Cork City Hall. Picture by: Gerard McCarthy
15 Smart jobs for Cork Cork–based Smarttech.ie, the leading Irish IT security firm, has announced 15 new jobs for the city. The positions will be technical support roles with Smarttech’s new 24x7 Security Operation Centre, a world–class facility for incident monitoring, threat detection and response, data coordination, and computer network defence. Making the announcement at a breakfast briefing on data protection in Little Island, Minister for European Affairs and Data protection Dara Murphy TD said: “Smarttech is a prime example of an innovative Irish company that is leading the charge in the digital economy. The creation of 15 jobs in this expansion is positive news for the technology sector in Cork, and is yet another sign of growing business confidence in the economic recovery.”
“The creation of 15 jobs is positive news for the technology sector in Cork, and is yet another sign of growing business confidence.”
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23 January 2015
Cork businesses confidence up
11%
But many companies don’t avail of grants 57% of small businesses in Cork say they feel more confident now about their future than they have done over the last few years, and one in 13 has plans to expand over the course of 2015. In common with smaller firms all over Ireland, however, they don’t feel that the government is going far enough to support them. In fact, only 9% of Cork’s SMEs are pleased with the level of
government support available. Survey results revealed by the Magnet Regional Business Barometer (MRBB) — a study of over 600 SMEs across the Republic of Ireland — also revealed that companies with five staff or fewer are less confident than larger companies. One third of firms in the Cork area do not know who their local public representatives are,
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The number of Cork SMEs up–do–date on technology and business grants
Mark Kellett, CEO of Magnet, (Right) and Patrick Kennedy of Amarach Research discussing the Magnet Regional Business Barometer, a study of 600 SMEs which showed that the vast majority of Cork businesses are letting grant opportunities pass them by. Picture by: Finbarr O’Rourke
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and only 11% are aware of the technology and business grants available, which could be worth worth up to €5,000 to them. Cork’s optimism lags behind the average for the rest of the country, where comparable attitudes are held by up to 75% of SMEs, but still outstrips public confidence in the economy, which is sitting at 55%.
The number of respondents who said they’ve noticed an upswing is higher than at any time since 2009, but remains just below 40%. The manufacturing sector is most positive in its outlook for the year ahead, while hotels, restaurants and bars have a tendency towards negativity “While the upswing is seeping through to all businesses, it’s clear that the smaller ones are most vulnerable and in need of support,” noted Mark Kellett, CEO of Magnet. “The low awareness of supports available to small firms is striking,” Mr Kellet continued: “The poor take–up of these schemes means more needs to be done by both government and industry to educate the SME community of the supports available.”
Moynihan critical of energy regulation Cork TD Michael Moynihan, Fianna Fáil’s energy spokesperson, has called for a fundamental review of the role and powers of the Commission for Energy Regulation. His comments come following the failure of energy companies to pass on the positive effect of falling oil, coal and wholesale gas prices to Irish consumers. For a number of years, the Cork North–West TD has criticised the inaction of the CER as energy prices continued to rise, saying he was repeatedly told that politicians have to stay out of the debate and that energy prices need to rise because of increasing wholesale prices. “However, now that the price of oil, coal and gas has fallen significantly, I and others call for these savings to passed on to electricity and gas consumers, we are told that there is simply nothing that can be done,” said Deputy Moynihan. Fianna Fáil has called for a fundamental review of the role and powers of the Commission for energy Regulation. The party will also request that the energy companies come before the Oireachtas Committee to explain their pricing policies and failure to pass savings on to customers.
Cork North–West Fianna Fáil TD Michael Moynihan
“We are told that there is simply nothing that can be done.”
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thecorknews 23 January 2015
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thecorknews
Dr Magoo
23 January 2015
G
uten Tag. I have new girlfriend here in Cork. I love everything about her except the way she finishes off all of her sentences with ‘do you know that kind of way?’ I do not know this kind of way. What would you suggest?
Klaus, Bremen and Bishopstown.
B
ad news Klaus. Cork people come pre–programmed with two phrases: ‘look at that now, la’ and ‘do you know that kind of way?’ There is nothing you can do about it. Your best bet is to break it off and find someone from outside Cork. Just make sure she isn’t from Tralee. If you think ‘that kind of way’ is irritating, wait until every sentence ends with ‘Oh lads, it was hilurrious.’ That’s not a misspelling. It’s actually the way they speak. It’s hilurrious. Waterford is out too. Every time she says “stop the lights,” you will go off looking for the lights. I think you might have a touch of the old obsessive compulsive thing going on. Do you know that kind of way?
I
just bought a box of the new Creme Eggs there and they’re shocking altogether. What do you think I should do? Gary, Togher.
I
Email your dilemmas in confidence to drmagoo@thecorknews.ie
suggest you google “when is Easter 2015?” It’s the start of April, greedy Gary, so put down the box of chocolate eggs and go for a jog. Unless it’s too late and you are already like one of those Americans who can only leave the house if they take off the roof and winch him out by helicopter. I asked my cousin, and Creme Egg fan, Linda to see if there is any alternative for you. She has nothing better to do with her life since she moved to Kanturk. After a lot of experimenting, she got back to say the best way to recreate the old Creme Egg taste is to eat one of the news ones along with a bar of Dairy Milk. She also asked me to send out a chainsaw and a helicopter. Like I say: A lot of experimenting.
’mere I hear they are thinking of expanding the city boundary to include bogger places like east Cork. What’s the point of being from the best city in the world if you suddenly have to share it people who have a shower once a year at Christmas time? Donie ‘Dowcha’ Donovan, Douglas Street since I was born, girl. (I went to Dublin once on the train. It was fierce busy.)
I
know exactly what you mean Donie. It’s bad enough having to share the place with the norries. But I’m all in favour of leaving in a bunch of soap dodgers from Carrigtwohill. They say it will bring the population of Cork city up to about 180,000. In your face Galway, with a population of only 75,000 eejits who close their eyes when they sing because they think it looks deep. Sure that’s only a mockya city.
H
ey there. I’ve just moved over from Boston. Why are people getting upset about two new Starbucks in the city centre? Do you guys not know they are like awesome?
Wayne, Boston and Rathcormac.
H
ere is the problem with Starbucks, Wayne. You know the way they take your name and then call you when your coffee is ready. I’m sure that works a treat in other cities around the world. But it will be a nightmare in a place where every second person is called Gerry. There will be pandemonium at the counter. To make the place work, Starbucks might have to put up a sign at the door saying “No Gerrys.” They’ll get four weeks out of that on The Neil Prendeville Show, and there will be no time for calls about how that crowd above in Dublin are constantly taking the piss out of us down here in Cork. That’s why we’re so upset about Starbucks.
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“I just bought a box of the new Creme Eggs there and they’re shocking altogether. What do you think I should do?”
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L
ike hey. I’m coming to Cork with my girlfriend soon. Her great– great–great–grandmother came from Millstreet, so this is like a big deal. Not least because I would like to propose to her. What would you recommend?
Nathan, Brooklyn, New York City.
“
I’m glad I went to Millstreet.” There’s something you’ll never hear. I was doing a very strong line with a fella from north Cork, then he brought me home to meet the family. They had one tooth each. My advice Nathan is stick to the city unless you want to start having doubts about your old doll. That’s what Cork men call their girlfriends just to make it clear that there is no emotion involved, it’s just sex. I hear a lot of men propose at the top of Shandon Tower. That will allow you to enjoy one of my favourite Cork traditions – looking down on the norries.
Sh Pharm andon St. acy o pe midn ight, n until seven days a we ek
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thecorknews 23 January 2015
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23 January 2015
Help available for debt– mired Cork families Cork families who are struggling with debt have more options than ever before thanks to changes in insolvency legislation, as well as wider options when it comes to financial restructuring. Financial experts Prima Finance, Ireland’s largest debt advisory firm, have helped over 100 families around the county, restructuring mortgages and even — in some cases — writing off significant portions of them. “The average write off for couple/families in Cork has been €44,000 to date on their family home” Prima Finance Personal Insolvency Practicioner Brian Leslie told The Cork News. “These families also have an average of four to five unsecured loans aside from the mortgage on the family home, and the average write off on these unsecured loans has been in excess of 75% to date.” Ireland’s debt–management structures are, says Brian, “at
a very early and immature stage” and this led to a lack of awareness about the amount of help which is now available for people in financial trouble. “Many people’s lives are put on hold or in many cases they’re in a very black place due to ongoing and worsening personal financial circumstances,” Brian con-
tinued. “Unless people get professional help, these people will spend the next 10–15 years of their lives in a very dark place, which has significant negative implication for their health, their wider family, their kids, how they interact and perform at work and how they interact with society at large”. At the upper edge of the
spectrum, notes Brian, is a Kerry couple whose mortgage was written down from €440,307 to €178,934. Not everyone can expect such a significant change, but, said Mr Leslie, “there are solutions available for all people, regardless how bad they think their situation might be.” Prima Finance can be contacted on 064 6630340.
(R)onanistic tendencies
Cork writer/actor Tadhg Hickey explores self love in (R)onanism, a new comedy drama series which is part of RTÉ’s Storyland, directed by fellow Corkonian Shaun O’Connor
21
thecorknews 23 January 2015
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thecorknews
News
23 January 2015
The Muldowneys’ house in Cobh.
The Careys’ house in Youghal.
East Cork families shine a light for Mercy Two east Cork families raised over €10,400 for The Mercy Cancer Appeal over Christmas; just the latest in a long line of donations they’ve made to the appeal over the years. The Muldowney family from Cobh and the Careys from Youghal made their charity work a centrepiece of their festive celebrations,
creating spectacles of light and sound at their houses in order to raise money for the Mercy’s oncology ward. A light and sound show at Moya Muldowney’s house in Cobh drew crowds nightly, who donated more than €6,400 to the charity, while in Youghal Pat Carey’s Christmas lights show featured live music from bands
and choirs and had the support of the town’s branch of Lidl, who provided refreshments. The Careys raised over €4,000. This brings the Muldowneys’ and Careys’ donations to The Mercy Cancer Appeal to a remarkable €21,252.22 in just three years. “I would like to thank all those families who came out
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and supported such a worthy cause through their generous donations – real people making a real difference. You never know when cancer may come to your door and you may need the care and support that is available at The Mercy Hospital,” said Moya Muldowney. “I was an oncology patient at The Mercy Univer-
sity Hospital and decided that lighting my house at Christmas was a way to give something back and thanking the staff who gave me care that was second to none,” explained Pat Carey in Youghal. Both Moya and Pat have encouraged other Cork families to follow their example next year. If you want to
shine a light for cancer care in Cork next Christmas, contact Deirdre Finn of The Mercy Hospital Foundation on 021 4274076 to find out how. The appeal aims to raise €2.5 million by next year to provide treatment and support for cancer victims and their families, of whom there are expected to be more than 40,000 by 2020.
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thecorknews 23 January 2015
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thecorknews
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23 January 2015
Mallow teen redesigns leukaemia unit A Mallow teenager has redesigned the family room in the Children’s Leukaemia Unit at the Mercy Hospital. Emma O’Callaghan, a fifth year student at St Mary’s Secondary School in Mallow and bronze Gaisce award winner, won a Facebook competition to makeover the facility with Denise O’Connor and Catherine Crowe of Optimise Design. “I was so shocked that I was picked for this,” said Emma, adding that she enjoyed working on the DFS–sponsored circus–themed room and “making it as comfortable as possible for a family going through probably one of the roughest patches in their lives”. Michéal Sheridan, CEO of the Mercy Hospital Foundation, outlined the unit is currently dealing with over 40 children and their families from Cork and “occasionally Kerry, Limerick and Waterford”. “It is truly interesting to see how, through good design, a clinical space can be transformed into a homely, welcoming and comfortable space for all age groups,” he said.
“Through good design a clinical space can be transformed into a homely, welcoming and comfortable space.”
Mercy Hospital Children’s Leukaemia Unit Family Room before the makeover.
Gaisce Awardee Emma O’Callaghan, Denise O’Connor, Catherine Crowe, Optimise Design, Sinead Favier, Clinical Nurse Manager, Lauren Crowley, Bandon, Michéal Sheridan, CEO of the Mercy Hospital Foundation and Joe Reilly, Manager, DFS Cork with staff from Mercy University Hospital at the DFS sponsored Makeover of the Mercy Hospital Children’s Leukaemia Unit Family Room. Picture by Darragh Kane.
Laya taken over by AIG Laya healthcare will continue to operate in Cork after it was announced that international insurer AIG has taken over Ireland’s second largest health insurance provider. Laya, which operates in Little Island, confirmed the sale of 100% of its shares to AIG. While the agreement has been signed, the completion of the transaction will take place once the necessary regulatory approvals have been obtained. Members are being reassured that it is “business as usual” in terms of day–to–day dealings with the company. Laya’s managing director Dónal Clancy stated the announcement is “exceptionally positive news”. “AIG’s global scale and reach presents us with the opportunity to expand the Laya healthcare offering in Ireland and across Europe where AIG has significant plans for growth,” he said.
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thecorknews 23 January 2015
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thecorknews
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23 January 2015
Daytripper Interview by Maria Treacy Picture by Rob Lamb
Blogger Emma Wright (25) lives in the city centre with her sister Ellie. See emmawrightsblog.com for more.
“
The alarm goes off at 8.30am, so I’ll be in college for 10am: an early start for me! The first thing I do is test my sugar levels, as I’ve Type 1 diabetes, before getting up and making breakfast. That involves weighing out porridge and milk, and putting the carbohydrate levels into my insulin pump. If I’m at home, I weigh everything. It’s never ending, but it becomes such a part of everyday life you don’t feel like you’re doing anything different. After a shower, dressing, make–up, and hair, I grab my books and head to UCC, where I’m studying BA (Hons) English. The dream is to become an author or writer, but I’m not working to a timeframe. Any plans I make always mess up, and anyway, life’s too short for planning. That’s something I know all too well. When I was younger I had a freak accident, which subsequently caused my diabetes. I was on holidays — we were living in Cornwall at the time — and was in a playground. As I was going down a rope, it swung, and I hit my side off a wooden plank. The next day I was in so much agony and ended up in ICU, where I was put into an induced coma for a week. I was in Bristol Children’s Hospital for six weeks — for the whole summer — and it was found I had pancreatitis. I had hit my pancreas and it started attacking itself. The doctors advised there was also a chance I could be diabetic in the future. Fast forward three years, I started losing a lot of weight, dropping to six and a half stone. I was eating normally but drinking a lot, and my sister Ellie said to my dad to test my sugar levels. That was that: I had diabetes, and had to learn to take care of myself and do injections. What happened made me think that life is too short. No one gets out of it alive, so you might as well have fun while
“It all comes down to a matter of life and death. You do what you do to survive.”
we’re here! There’s this quote I follow: ‘when writing the story of your life, make sure you’re holding the pen’. When I headed off to Australia for a year, every single person — my health practitioners, nurses, doctors — advised against it. But why shouldn’t I have gone? I can control my diabetes whether I’m here, there or anywhere. Granted, I was only on my insulin pump for three months, and it takes a year to be trained fully in it! I could only spend a year away as I missed Cork so much. I’ve lived here now for seven and a half years and I’m from England originally. We have family in Cork and were also coming over for the summer. And when nan died, we all decided to move. It’s hard to explain, but when something feels right, that’s it. I remember thinking in Australia, while working in an accountancy firm, ‘this is not the life for me’. I was offered sponsorship but said no. What was getting me through was writing, and then came the real light bulb moment. So, when Ellie saw the course in UCC, I had to apply for it. Mornings and afternoons
are now lectures, and for lunch I’ll head to The Main with girlfriends for a chat and a sandwich. I do like the Student Centre café as well, as it’s a more chilled–out vibe, but The Main is cheaper. It’s lectures for the rest of evening, and then I go to the gym or for a run at the Lee Fields. I did a half marathon,
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and thankfully didn’t go hypo during it. Something like that I’d never have been able to do without the pump. I was able to control my insulin levels and Ellie ran with me, making sure I had carbs after so many miles. That was the first thing I ever really committed to do and completed. Basically the pump means
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that I don’t have to inject anymore. Before I’d be injecting five times a day minimum, and while there were days I wanted to scream about it, it all comes down to a matter of life and death. You do what you do to survive. Now with the pump, I just put in a fresh needle every three days. Sometimes it does plague
me, and I think ‘why did I just not go down the slide that day?’. Then other times, I wouldn’t change what happened for the world. I’m meant to get out there and tell people my story, and shed light on diabetes and pancreatitis. In the evenings, I’ve my writer’s head on, and either working on the blog, researching for my books, or doing college work. My ‘office’ is the laptop on my lap, in bed, with a hot water bottle! Ellie and myself have dinner together, normally a salmon fillet, broccoli and brown rice or sweet potatoes and chicken. I don’t have dessert but a nice cup of green tea. I can have coffee, but choose not to as I get the shakes! Anyway I’m a tea person through and through: two cups of green a day and Barry’s and Pu-erh in–between. Friends is always on in the house — my favourite is the one with Ross’ Unagi — and I love documentaries, especially Walking the Nile. Before heading to sleep I read articles, getting a feel for other people’s writing and trying to incorporate what I’ve learned from my course into new stories. I love reading books like Dracula, Frankenstein and The Rats. Yet, while I’m into gothic novels, I can’t sit through a horror! I should say I’m asleep by 10pm but it’s more like 12.30am, and sometimes, in the middle of the night, I’ll jump up and start writing poetry. The poems I’ve written wouldn’t be for anyone to read, they just come to me. I’m quite optimistic, and always say I’m on the verge of something brilliant. I turned 25 recently and dreaded it. I thought ‘what am I doing, going back to college now?’ I had to say to myself ‘hold on Emma, there was a 50/50 chance of you surviving pancreatitis so you’re lucky to be turning 25’. I snapped straight out of it. I’m lucky, and life is for living.”
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thecorknews 23 January 2015
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News
23 January 2015
COMPANY PROFILE
Summer on Sherkin Island
Style on show at Fota
Island cash safe for 2015 There was good news for Cork’s non–Gaeltacht islands this week as the Minister for Gaeltacht, Joe McHugh, confirmed that development funding has been secured for them for the remainder of the year. Fine Gael Cork South–West TD Noel Harrington brought Minister McHugh to visit both Bere and Sherkin Islands to show him how vital this fund-
ing is to the communities and how important development workers are on each of the islands. Deputy Harrington told The Cork News “it’s not just about Sherkin and Bere Islands. There’s nine non–Gaeltacht islands in Ireland and six of these are in west Cork. This funding will sustain their development programme for the
future.” The Cork South–West TD said these islands “seemed to have slipped through the cracks,” and has pledged to continue to work with Minsiter McHugh and his colleague, Minister Ann Phelan from the Department of Environment and Local Government, to ensure a long– term plan is in place.
Acorn Life roll out 20 Cork Jobs There has been a further boost on the Cork jobs scene as Acorn Life Group announces 20 new jobs. The announcement was part of a national roll out of 125 new jobs in IT, financial advisory, customer care and marketing roles within the
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direction in their career Acorn Life may well have the employment opportunity that’s an exact fit for them,” said Acorn’s sales director Keith Butler. For further information, visit acornlife.ie or send a CV to recruit@acornlife.ie
If you dream of an idyllic wedding location that will enchant and delight you and your guests, look no further than Fota Island Resort. Lying at the heart of a beautiful island on a scenic 780 acre estate, Fota Island Resort has everything you need, and more, for your perfect day. Avenues lined with magnificent oaks and sycamores lead you to an island paradise, where Mother Nature has worked her magic to provide a naturally stunning backdrop for your wedding photos.
An invaluable resource for those tying the knot, the next Fota Island Resort Wedding Showcase takes place this coming Sunday, January 25th. Stylish suits and bridal gowns will be modelled as you chat to some of Fota Island Resort’s favourite suppliers, such as Hattitude, Miss Daisy Blue, Brides of Eire, Say I do, John Morely and Lapel Menswear. Fota Island Resort have teamed up with top industry experts including photographers, florists, chauffeurs and musicians to
help you plan your perfect day. The experienced and dedicated wedding team from the Fota Island Collection, including Cork’s Kingsley Hotel, will be on hand with banqueting, events and sales staff ready to show you around and answer any questions you may have, while delicious canapés, starters, main courses and desserts are served for you to sample. Visit fotaisland.ie or contact Fota Island Resort on 021 488 3700 to find out more.
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thecorknews 23 January 2015
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thecorknews
News
23 January 2015
Cork’s self– starters sought
Brian Hurley, Munster Regional Manager, Irish TV, John Griffin, Chairman Irish TV, Pierce O’Reilly, CEO Irish TV, Dr Oliver Murphy President IT Tralee and Minister for Diaspora, Jimmy Deenihan, TD pictured at the launch of the Irish TV Munster Regional Office. Picture by Domnick Walsh.
Cork to benefit from Irish TV Munster plan Twenty new jobs are set be created with the opening of Irish TV’s new Munster regional hub. The jobs will be created in a range of skilled media disciplines as the channel expands its range of locally produced programming from the six Munster counties through its new regional office in Tralee. This will mean increased
opportunities for programming from Cork, which already has a weekly half–hour programme called Cork Matters, which airs on Tuesdays at 7pm. Broadcaster Brian Hurley has been appointed as Munster Regional Manager for Irish TV and he will be responsible for all programming from the region, including Cork.
“Our ethos is to showcase local stories, businesses, tourism and communities to a local and global audience, and we believe in being on the ground in each county which are managed through regional offices,” said Mr Hurley. Cork Matters can be viewed on Sky TV 191, Freesat 400, eircom eVision 191 and online at irishtv.com.
“Our ethos is to showcase local stories and communities to a local and global audience.”
Irish TV is based in Westport, County Mayo, and broadcasts original programming online and on the airwaves. Since its inception is has become popular with the diaspora all over the world, particularly in the US and in Australia. The company says it aims to market Ireland as “a wonderful place to live in, to do business, and to visit.”
Junior Chamber International is seeking dynamic and enthusiastic people who are self–driven, motivated and interested in increasing their exploitable skills set. This year JCI are celebrating 100 years of making an impact on the global community on January 27th in the Clarion Hotel. The Lord Mayor of Cork, Councillor Mary Shields; Gillian Keating, President, Cork Chamber of Commerce and Jani Hirvonen, JCI National President, will attend the launch. JCI is a dynamic international community of young people in their 20s and 30s with the aim of providing development opportunities that empower its members to create positive change. With a network of more than 200,000 active members and millions of alumni participating in more than 6000 local organisations across the world, JCI is a place where young leaders and entrepreneurs meet, learn and grow. The launch and information meeting will be held on January 27th at 7pm at the Clarion Hotel. To get involved, contact president@jcicork.ie or visit jcicork.ie for more information.
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thecorknews 23 January 2015
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News
23 January 2015
Help is at hand for lonely hearts A New Year is typically known for new beginnings, whether it’s losing weight, looking for a different job, saving and budgeting or, if you’re on your own, maybe looking for a partner. January and February are the busiest months for dating agencies, due to people feeling especially lonely after Christmas. Not only that, but looming in the distance is the thought of being alone on Valentine’s Day too. Eithne Buskley, from Twoheartsmeet Dating Agency, advises people in this situation to get out as much as possible, whether it’s meeting friends for coffee, joining social clubs such as meetup.com, signing up for keep fit or dance classes, or joining a hill walking or meditation group. The more you mingle, the more likely you are to meet the right person. For older people, there are several retirement groups throughout Cork city and county, like activeirl.ie. The key is to keep the body and mind active, thereby keeping low moods and depression at bay, as well as
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The first contestant to take to The Voice of Ireland stage for last week’s blind auditions, was Cork’s own Pat Fitz. The 31 year old sang his rendition of Jackie Wilson’s Higher and Higher and when he hit one of the song’s high notes, Una Foden hit her button and turned around. “You have so much potential and there is no denying you’re a great singer, I am surprised nobody else turned,” Una told him. Although none of the other
three coaches hit their button on the night, S Club 7’s Rachel thought Pat’s performance was very good and said he had “great energy.” Lucky for Pat, the Tipperary woman was his first preference. Pat Fitz is the second Cork man to join Team Una, after 27–year–old singer John Sheehy picked her to be his coach on the first week of auditions. Next up for the Cork men are the battle auditions, beginning February 22nd.
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23 January 2015
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Cybersecurity is vital, says Murphy Measures may lead to less privacy Following the recent tragic events in Paris, Minister for Europe and Data Protection Dara Murphy is encouraging the adoption of a transparent and measured response to help Europe’s police agencies counter terrorist extremists. The Cork North Central TD also emphasised the need for Ireland and the EU to protect the privacy of individuals on social media, online and across digital media platform. The Minister told The Cork News “there are major criminals using technology to advance their ambitions and we need to protect our data, whether that be in the cloud, on a computer, Twitter, Facebook and so on. We need to ensure that this data remains private.” Data privacy campaigners have expressed concerns following recent comments
“Also on the table for discussion is… retention of personal data communications, such as mobile phone records and emails.”
made by some European intelligence agencies about the need for counter–terrorism ‘investigative’ measures covering personal online data storage, social media, and legal powers to break into encrypted communications. “The European Parliament is considering counter–terrorism measures, including improved monitoring and sharing by law enforcement agencies of air passenger data. Also on the table for discussion is better cooperation between police and social media companies, and the retention of personal data communications, such as mobile phone records and emails,” added Minister Murphy. “From a hairdresser’s customer database to big corporations like Google, we need to ensure that third–party information is safe,” Dara Murphy concluded.
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thecorknews
Special Report
23 January 2015
What is insolvency? Mark Ryan, Personal Insolvency Practitioner and Director with Quintas, examines insolvency and what it might mean for your home The first question I get asked in my initial meeting with a client is usually “what happens to the family home if I’m insolvent?” The answer isn’t that simple, as there are various options depending on the client and the debt involved. The main options are informal restructure through discussions with your bank under the Mortgage Arrears Resolution Programme; formal agreement under the new personal insolvency legislation or the final act; bankruptcy. The banks must apply the conditions of MARP in all cases involving the family home. None of the above options is to be feared but if you are unsure of your own position, contact someone to find out: it may not be as bad as you think and sometimes find-
ing out what is the worst case scenario and then leaving it to a professional to negotiate on your behalf can take the stress out of the situation. Prior to the enacting of the new personal insolvency legislation there were only two options to manage debt with a family home: you could reach an informal agreement with the bank or you couldn’t, in which case the property was repossessed or sold and you still remained liable for any net residual debt. A core protection of the new personal insolvency legislation is that a Personal Insolvency Practitioner’s role is to where possible keep a family in their home. There are a number of options which can include a write–down on the debt to a more sustainable level under a Personal Insol-
vency Arrangement. Any proposed write–down is subject to agreement by the creditors at a creditors meeting. It is important to understand that all is not lost if you or you partner are bankrupt: Under the legislation there are a number of options where only one of the parties to the home loan is bankrupt, and if both parties to the mortgage are bankrupt it becomes a little more difficult but there are still options available. The family home can’t be sold without obtaining permission from the High Court. As the economy in Ireland starts to improve it is high time that those in personal debt get the opportunity to get themselves back on their feet and on the road to solvency.
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thecorknews 23 January 2015
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thecorknews
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23 January 2015
Reading the future Cork City Library has started work on a development plan for the library service for the next five years and is looking for members’ views on how the library service should develop. The public’s guidance is being sought about services and facilities libraries in County Cork ought to offer by 2020. Some of the areas which are being looked at in particular include: • What books, music and films would you like to see the library provide? Would you like to see eBooks and music downloads being provided? What else would you like your library to provide in terms of music and film? • What services and facilities should Cork’s libraries provide? What times should they be open to the public? What do you think of the fees and the cost of using the library? • What type of events would you like to see the library organise? Readings and au-
thor visits for adults and children? Lectures? What topics would you like to see examined? • What do you think Cork’s libraries can do to encourage more children and teens to read? Can the library support school learning by providing information on school projects, providing a space to study and so on? • What else can we do to foster an interest in the history of the city and providing information to all citizens on all aspects of Cork? • If you rarely or never use the library are there services or facilities that we can provide that would encourage you to make better use of the public library? Each library in Cork will have a form you can fill out to express your opinion, and you can also email your ideas to libraries@corkcity.ie or by letter to Cork City Librarian, 57-61 Grand Parade, Cork. There’s also an online form at corkcitylibraries.ie.
Twins Nicola and Lauren Kelly of Tramore Road Cork City pictured in Cork City Library. Picture by: Clare Keogh
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thecorknews
News
23 January 2015
Your Service 2015-2019
We want your views!
Cork City Council have begun to prepare a development plan for the City’s library service for the next five years.
Now we want your views on how your library service should develop – the selection of books, CDs and other media; use of new technologies; opening hours, etc. – anything you believe would make the service better for you. We want views of people who use libraries, and people who don’t. You can submit your ideas and suggestions On paper use the form which is available in all libraries in the city By email to libraries@corkcity.ie By letter to Cork City Librarian, 57-61 Grand Parade, Cork Closing date: 30 January 2015
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T: (021) 427 9999 W: www.mig.ie E: cork@mig.ie
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 insurers. Every one of us at McCarthy Insurance Group is on your side."
From a business perspective, Cork is on the move again and commercial activity is increasing 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, who will take stock of your needs and circumstances before tailoring a plan especially for you.
and communities all over the city and county. "We are Rebels to the core," says Paul with a proud smile.
Paul cites the perfect example of the collapse of Setanta Insurance, who had 75,000 Irish customers. "Anybody who had a claim against Setanta is now in limbo" he says. "Thankfully MIG clients are not in that unfortunate position, but it shows that you have to be so careful, no matter what insurance product you are buying."
Paul is passionate when it comes to service, and to helping people when they need it most. His outrage at the behaviour of 'big business' insurers is plain to see. "Invariably, people say 'I thought ye were all the same...I never saw the question, I didn’t understand it,'" he continues. "They tell me 'I thought I was buying the same product that I always had from you; it said comprehensive so I just presumed it was all encompassing.' Well, let the buyer beware: not all comprehensive policies are comprehensive. My advice to everybody, whether they're clients of ours or not, is the same, and I say it countless times a week: always, always, always, please, check before you buy."
23 January 2015
The problem, Paul explains, is that insurance has been commoditised by the insurers themselves as a cost cutting measure, leading to job losses and office closures. One thing those measures have not led to is an increase in profits: "The whole mission has been futile!" he exclaims, "but they've created a monster and it needs to be fed and so the whole sorry cycle continues."
"I hear horror stories every day of the week," says Managing Director of MIG Paul Kavanagh. "Every
person twice is nearly impossible, it can take half an hour before you get to speak to anyone in the first place, and when you do it is very, very easy for them to say "no". This has never been, and never will be, the case with McCarthy Insurance Group. You will never be fobbed off, you will never be disconnected, you will never be just another number on an operator's way to their daily quota of calls: McCarthy Insurance Group will deal with you face to face and look you square in the eye. You will talk to a Cork person who knows and understands your problem and who, even more importantly, genuinely wants to help you.
“We work for our clients. We definitely don’t work for the insurers.”
single day, I hear about clients who have gone to these ‘direct’ insurers and tried to make a claim on their policy, and then too late they discover all of those pitfalls."
thecorknews
Cork • Fermoy • Mitchelstown • Skibbereen • Castletownbere • Bantry • Dunmanway
We've seen the devastating effects of cost cutting here in Cork over the last few years, as insurers shut down their retail offices and move themselves one step further away from you, preferring to operate on the web and from call centres rather than look you in the eye and talk to you directly. The AA, Allianz, Aviva, RSA and Zurich have closed their public offices in Cork. This is all detrimental for the consumer. Insurers saving money may, on the face of it, seem to be the way forward; after all, if they save money then surely they'll pass those savings on to you, right? In an ideal world, perhaps, but as thousands of consumers all over the country have found out to their cost over the last few years, cheapest is not always best. What good is a saving of a few dozen euro a year if, when you need help most after an accident, or if your house has been damaged or robbed, you can't talk to anyone? You cannot talk to your computer (and what good is it to have to go through the long rigmarole of making a claim online if your computer has been stolen?), and call centres seem to be more oriented towards sales than solving your problems. Whenever you speak to someone who's had to deal with a call centre, you hear the same complaints repeatedly: trying to talk to the same
The top 20 private motor insurers in Ireland recorded a loss of €234.5 million last year. In a nutshell, this means two things for you, the consumer: your premium will increase, and your insurer will cut back on services in an effort to recoup some of what they've lost.
Who is really looking after you in Cork?
38 thecorknews
23 January 2015
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News
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...
23 January 2015
Talk to us We want to hear from you! Email your thoughts, comments, reactions and announcements to editor@thecorknews.ie
Aye Aye, Admiral
Molly
Meet Molly! Molly is two years old, neutered, house trained and great with other dogs. She loves her walks and is used to children. If you would like to meet her please contact Avril at 087 7475581.
George
Lovely lurcher George is about a year old, and almost permanently happy. Before he was fostered he was found starving and nearly dead on the side of the road, with a disabled leg. Now things are pretty good for him: he’s even an operation on his leg. Now he loves to run around outside and he’s really fast! George will eat almost anything but a word of warning: he has a butter addiction. You will have to start hiding it if George comes to your house. Call Avril at 087 7475581 to meet Gorgeous George, you’ll be glad you did!
Rex
Rex is a good–natured, gentle, playful dog with a passion for football, frisby and fetch. He gets on very well with other dogs, small or large, and is good on and off the lead with excellent recall. Rex is excellent around older children and is clean and well behaved around the house. He is particularly bright, like most collies. He is about a year and a half old, neutered, vaccinated and wormed. Contact Avril at 087 7475581 to find out more.
For more information call Pauline’s Rescue on 087 9172474 or find us on Facebook.
Cheerleaders Chloe Lynch and Kate Cummins, Harris Monagan, Stuart Donaldson and Luke O’Callaghan pictured at Blackrock Castle for the launch of The Cork Admirals Annual Super Bowl party which will be held in Dolphin RFC on Super Bowl Night, February 1st. Picture by:Gerard McCarthy
God’s law versus man’s law
Join the team in Carrigaline
Dear Mr MacMuiris, I read with interest your opinions on blasphemy in your editor’s letter of the issue of the 16th and found myself in the unusual position of agreeing with Mr Hook when he opined that sometimes silence is the best option. Ireland has always been a Catholic country. It is not
Dear Lorcan, Carrigaline Tidy Towns are looking for new members and volunteers for the year ahead. An invitation also to clubs, organisations or individuals who may wish to take on a Tidy Towns project. Examples would be to create or maintain a garden, paint a mural or decorate the outside of a house or any new ideas
just Irish legislation that makes blasphemy illegal. Blasphemy is prohibited by God Himself in the Bible. Consideration and respect are surely better than trying to encourage people to lose their respect for the religion which is still at the heart of Irish life? Is mise, le meas, Bernadette Cashman-Ryan Ballincollig
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
Thank you, Carrigaline Tidy Towns
CORK COUNTY COUNCIL C O M H A I R L E C O N TA E C H O R C A Í
PUBLIC NOTICE ATTENTION ALL COMMUNITY AND VOLUNTARY GROUPS, SOCIAL INCLUSION GROUPS, AND ENVIRONMENTAL INTEREST ORGANISATIONS BASED IN CORK COUNTY
Cork County Council is currently rolling out a new initiative entitled the “Cork County Public Participation Network”, or PPN. The PPN will be established in the coming months, and will be a network of locally-based member organisations with a common interest in representing the needs of their communities. It will facilitate communities in interacting with the County Council on a broad range of issues and will be the main platform for nominating representatives to various Council committees. It will also be a link through which the Council engages with communities.
FREE PUPPY / KITTEN HEALTH CHECK
would be most welcome. The Tidy Towns are doing a landscaping project in the car park at present. The next Tidy Towns meeting takes place this Monday, and all new members are welcome. Enquiries to Maura on 437 2479.
If your organisation is interested in engaging with the Council, and having a say in relation to local government policy making, you may be interested in registering to become a member of the PPN. For further information, and registration details, please visit the Council’s website www.corkcoco.ie. The closing date for receipt of initial registrations is 4th Februar y
2015.
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
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thecorknews 23 January 2015
The e ur t i n r Fu rpet & Ca ation id Liqu re Sto
Open: Mon - Sat 10am - 6pm Sun 2pm - 6pm
The Green, Midleton, 30 Doughcloyne Court Ind. Est. Sarsfield Rd., Wilton, Cork. Co. Cork. 086 4466 804 086 8471747
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23 January 2015
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Talking Heads
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“I am a gay man.” Minister for Health Leo Varadkar makes headlines has he comes out publicly when speaking to Miriam O’Callaghan in the RTÉ Radio Centre.
“With her husky voice and trademark spectacles, the nation took Deirdre to their hearts. As Deirdre and Ken, we were soulmates. And despite what was thrown at us we found one another and always made our way back together.” Coronation Street’s William Roache pays tribute to his long–term screen partner, the late Anne Kirkbride at the National Television Awards.
Designing your unique smile beautifully, efficiently and discreetly Dr. Crotty has recently been appointed to the European Advisory Board for Invisalign. Specialist Orthodontist registered with the Dental Council of Ireland.
Rhodaville House, Douglas Rd, Cork. Also 10 Wolfe Tone Way, Clonakilty. P: 021 4291104 www.crottyorthodontics.ie email: info@crottyorthodontics.ie
Great news for Cork City
“I don’t know, an old guy asking you to twirl. It was funny.” Tennis star and women’s World No 7 Eugenie Bouchard was left bemused after being asked to pirouette by a reporter at the Australian Open.
“Good work feminazis, you just made lots of fellow women unemployed because their work offended you. #NoMorePage3” Fine Gael councillor Keith Redmond later apologised for these Twitter remarks about the end of The Sun’s traditional Page 3.
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
“I find it a bit disloyal at this stage when you consider that all of the messes that we’ve had to clear up in the last year have been Fine Gael’s doings.” Junior Health Minister Kathleen Lynch tells Newstalk listeners her opinions on Fine Gael’s Simon Coveney’s remarks that his party could go into government with Fianna Fáil after the next election.
“I remember him coming home with blood on his shirt, and he got plenty of beatings and he got just called names continuously…so he had a very very very tough time, a lot of cruelty, like real, absolute shameful cruelty that was placed upon him.” Actor Colin Farrell speaks on Claire Byrne Live about the homophobia suffered by his brother.
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thecorknews 23 January 2015
F U R N I TURE
SALE ENDS THIS SUNDAY
CLOSING DOWN SALE FIND US AT: UNIT 3 BOLAND INDUSTRIAL ESTATE FTIZ’S BORREEN, NEW MALLOW RD BLACKPOOL, CORK
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thecorknews
Cork Biz
Supermanagement 23 January 2015
A mainstay of the Irish shopping landscape, SuperValu has over 200 stores across the country. Kinsale’s SuperValu has gone from strength to strength: Róisín Thornhill visited the west Cork town to find out why...
W
ith 222 locations around the country SuperValu is a long established brand on the Irish grocery business landscape. Kinsale SuperValu’s owner Michael Smith is a standard bearer for a family tradition, staying ahead of the game during tourist–filled summer days and chilly, penny–pinching January. Having transformed the previous Pearse Street store into a Centra, Michael is proud of the new SuperValu he’s built from the ground up
at The Glen on Kinsale’s New Road. The purpose–built supermarket cost €13 million, but the investment was badly needed. “The original store was less than 5,000 square feet, which was far too small to serve the Kinsale market,” says the sixth–generation grocer, who can proudly trace his family’s retail heritage back as far as 1857. “The parking was also problematic and the store had servicing difficulties with trucks coming into the centre of the town causing traffic congestion. As a result of this there was considerable leakage of expenditure from Kinsale and consumers had
Michael Smith. Picture by Rob Lamb.
to drive to other towns to do their weekly grocery shopping.” The new facility covers 17,000 square feet and has parking for up to 200 cars: a big step up from the crowded town centre shop. “Customer expectations have changed over the years, in particular with regard to ease of parking”, explains Smith. This, he maintains, is only one of the reasons for the success that the new store has seen since its opening nine months ago: “We have increased our prod-
uct range significantly and introduced wider aisles, and as a result the store is much easier to shop in.” Smith is proud to say that between the Centra and the SuperValu he employs 120 people, most of them from the locality. However, his loyalty to the area doesn’t stop there. The SuperValu brand has a long tradition of championing local produce and suppliers and Michael has continued to follow this example: “In Kinsale we are lucky to have some exceptional local suppli-
ers, such as Aaron McDonnell of Finders Foods in Riverstick who makes a range of products such as fresh soups, pâtés, and pies; Colm O’Regan of Horizon Farms in Dunderrow, who supplies us with a range of organic salads; and Connor Murphy of Upton Eggs who delivers fresh eggs directly to our store”. This support was one of the factors that Smith took into account when navigating his business, with no small amount of retail genius, through our recent rough eco-
THINKING OF STARTING A NEW BUSINESS? SME START-UPS. Call for your initial consultation on (021)4774500 or visit www.fitzgeraldandpartners.com Follow us on
At Fitzgerald & Partners Accountants we welcome people who are about to start in business, or those with new businesses, to come and talk to us so we can help them in the process. We can help you from day one by looking at your business plan and projections by helping you to find the best book-keeping system for your business so we can add value. We have worked with a lot of entrepreneurs and start-ups to help them become successful SMEs.
nomic seas. “We supported local farmers, fishermen and producers throughout, putting more back into the local economy”, he explains. Ultimately though, the customer is the most important factor. When people had little to spend and were looking to get the most value for money, he — and the SuperValu brand — stepped up to the mark. “We have been very proactive in this area: the introduction of the SuperValu own–brand offers substantial savings to the customer”, he says.
thecorknews
Cork Biz
23 January 2015
Skoda, once the butt of many a joke, has gone from strength to strength in recent years. The new Fabia is no exception, says Seán Creedon.
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Drive
Picture by Rob Lamb.
Picture by Rob Lamb.
The move to market own– brand and Daily Basics discount products during the recession seems to have paid off for SuperValu, which currently holds a substantial 25% retail market share, just barely behind Tesco on 25.4% and ahead of Dunnes, which has 21%. Competition remains strong from discounters Lidl and Aldi, which hold shares of 8.5% and 8.4% respectively. The German brands saw substantial increases in their overall market shares when Ireland’s economic straits were their worst. Now that SuperValu has enticed the customers to return, how does the chain keep them coming back? Smith has a few ideas: “Here in Kinsale we cater to all kinds of customers,” he says, “ranging from busy households, people living alone, new mums, to tourists and
visitors and many more.” This commitment to catering for all types of consumers allows Smith to provide a home–delivery service to the estimated 4,000 potential shoppers living in the environs. “Our online shopping has proved very popular and is growing considerably”, he notes with satisfaction. As you might imagine, the cost of running such a large grocery operation can be enormously expensive and Smith has looked at a number of ways of cutting his store’s operating costs: “We’ve looked at reducing our light, heat and power needs. For example we have installed doors on all our fridges which reduces the electricity consumption and is far more efficient...it’s also more comfortable for customers and staff as we don’t have the spill over of cold air
“We supported local farmers, fishermen and producers throughout, putting more back into the local economy.”
into the store.” Elsewhere on the environmental front Smith has submitted the new store to various “air tightness tests” to ensure that the building is well insulated, which also works towards lowering heating bills. In an Ireland of times gone by, the local grocery store would have been at the heart of the community, a place for people to meet friends and catch up on the goings on in the area, as well as popping in to stock up their cupboards. I ask Michael if he’d say the same for his own store today. “We believe in local,” is his response. “In SuperValu we often see the same customer on a number of occasions each day.” This belief in local can also be seen in the store’s commitment to the community: “We support a huge number of local charities and clubs and at Christmas time
in particular, we support local schools”, he highlights. Speaking of Christmas, how did the new store fare in the busiest retail period of the year, considering it has only been trading for nine months? “We are very happy with the store’s performance over Christmas, particularly with the reaction from our customers. It was very successful and we have seen an increase in new customers who
THINKING OF STARTING A NEW BUSINESS? SME START-UPS. Call for your initial consultation on (021)4774500 or visit www.fitzgeraldandpartners.com Follow us on
At Fitzgerald & Partners Accountants we welcome people who are about to start in business, or those with new businesses, to come and talk to us so we can help them in the process. We can help you from day one by looking at your business plan and projections by helping you to find the best book-keeping system for your business so we can add value. We have worked with a lot of entrepreneurs and start-ups to help them become successful SMEs.
didn’t shop with us in the past. We hope to continue to build the business and deliver a top class service to our customers. We are working closely with a number of local suppliers who are part of the SuperValu food academy and we hope to introduce more of these suppliers over the coming year.” For more information visit supervalu.ie or facebook.com/KinsaleSuperValu.
thecorknews
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23 January 2015
AWARDED RESTAURANT 17 Cook Street, Cork. Phone: (021) 4251959 E-mail: info@lesgourmandises.ie www.facebook.com/lesgourmandises
JANUARY SPECIAL! EXCLUSIVE OFFER MONDAY - THURSDAY EVENINGS TAPAS TO SHARE PLUS 2 MAIN COURSES & 2 GLASSES OF WINE
2 PEOPLE €39.50
To book call 021-4772209 or email info@bluehavenkinsale.com
WWW.BLUEHAVENKINSALE.COM
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter
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Menu
¡Loco para el pollo! 23 January 2015
M
e x i c a n cuisine is truly a meeting of worlds. When the Spaniards arrived in Mexico they found the Aztec culture with its own distinctive food, incorporating lots of maize, beans and chilli — three of the elements most associated with Mexican food even today. To this, the Spaniards added domesticated meat and dairy products, and herbs to complement the Mexicans’ spicy flavours.
Pollo loco Mexicáno (Crazy Mexican chicken) Ingredients • 1 whole chicken cut into pieces • 2 table spoon white vinegar • 3 cloves of garlic • 2 teaspoons of oregano • Pinch of black pepper • 1 teaspoon of chilli paste • 12 oz pineapple juice • Juice of half a lime • 1 tablespoon of olive oil • Salt to taste Method 1. Combine ingredients in a large bowl and add your cut and washed chicken. 2. Mix all together well and refrigerate for at least four or five hours, though overnight is best if possible. 3. Spread the chicken on a baking tray and grill in a preheated oven at 165ºC for 40–45 minutes. 4. Alternatively, cook on a skillet or over a barbecue for at least 25 minutes. Serve with pinto beans, fresh coriander, lemon wedges, rice or french fries.
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
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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Menu
23 January 2015
Purple is ‘in’ this season It’s easy to forget that just a few short years ago the Irish palate for vegetables was limited, pretty much, to root vegetables, cabbage, and the occasional tin of peas with the Sunday roast. Times have certainly changed, and now we’re spoiled for choice with a huge variety of formerly exotic fruits and vegetables. One of the rising vegetable stars over the past few years has been purple sprouting broccoli, a hardier and more visually striking plant than the Calabrese broccoli with which we’re more familiar. It’s a member of the mustard family, like cabbages, brussels sprouts and cauliflower. With the drive towards reducing fuel miles and moving towards ever–greater self sufficiency, it’s one of the best vegetables to try to grow at home. Not just because it’s hardy and dependable, but because it’s one of those varieties that doesn’t tend to travel very well. It ought to cope with the trip from your garden to your table just fine, though. Now is a good time to start planning for next year’s crop, because even though purple
Wholly Crepe
sprouting broccoli doesn’t take too much looking after, it does need a year to grow. Find yourself an early sprouting variety and start it indoors in February, then move it to a sheltered spot in March, making sure to protect it from slugs. Once it’s doing well, you can move it to its permanent home in May. Give it some support and plenty of water, and you can expect (with a mild winter) a bumper crop in February 2016. It’s fantas-
tic in soups and delicious as a vegetable in its own right, whether prepared or raw, in salads. If you do eat it raw, you’ll notice a spicy taste which disappears with cooking. And, in common with all broccoli, the stems are full of goodness and flavour too, so don’t just throw them away! Par–boil them before a flash with some butter or olive oil, with some sesame seeds added for extra crunch and flavour, and they’re hard to beat in a stir fry.
Crepe day is rapidly approaching! We’re fond of pancakes here for one day a year, and then very often they won’t make an appearance again until the following Shrove Tuesday. Around the world, though, their cousins remain popular all year, and the top of the stack in the pancake family — the thin, brittle crepe — is an institution in France. February 2nd will see a celebration of the crepe in French households all over
the world. The sweet varieties are a lot like a traditional, thin Irish pancake and tend to feature lots of decedent goodies like honey, sugar, nutella, cream and chocolate. For the real crepe experience, though, you need to turn to savoury crepes, known as ‘galettes’ in Brittany, their ancestral home, which are made with buckwheat flour. You don’t need a griddle: a heavy frying pan will do. Get three cups of buckwheat
flour, a tablespoon of coarse salt, four cups of cold water and one egg, mixing the flour and the salt before breaking the egg into a well in the middle. Gradually beat in the water until you have a thick, smooth batter. Cook as you would a normal pancake, but after you turn it add bacon and cheese (or anything else that takes your fancy) to the middle, before folding the sides over and serving with a glass of cider and a Gallic shrug. Delicious!
Do it for the love With a name like Love Raw Kitchen you might assume raw salads and fresh juices are the only things on offer, but a visit to this Douglas West kitchen will pleasantly surprise even the most hesitant of healthy eaters. Love Raw Kitchen’s selection of over 30 fresh ingredients fills every inch of the 15-foot salad bar, highlighting fresh local cheeses, meats, sundries and dressings.
New for Spring, Love Raw Kitchen has introduced their “Killer Five–Bean Chilli” and an unrivaled grab–and–go selection of snack boxes featuring homemade hummus, fresh salsa, guacamole and cheddar chipotle. Each snack box is supplied with fresh crudités or a naughty helping of tortillas chips for dipping. Love Raw Kitchen is also the go–to destination for specialty breads and soups as well as
fresh homemade sauces for quick at–home dinner preparation. The Kitchen hosts an evening mixer on the last Friday of each month from 7pm to 10pm. Tunes, fresh juice and sharing plates make it a great social occasion, without any of the guilt of a boozy night out or a big, unhealthy meal. For more see Facebook and loverawjuices.com or email info@loverawjuices.com.
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
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 23 January 2015
The altar of French cuisine FRENCH BISTRO & WINE BAR
WELCOME TO THE RELAXED QUARTER NOW TAKING BOOKINGS: (021) 239 0535
8/9 Careys Lane, Cork City Facebook: Huguenot Bistro E: info@huguenotbistro.ie www.huguenotbistro.ie
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thecorknews
Cork Homes
23 January 2015
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thecorknews
Cork Homes 23 January 2015
Geometric Lampshade by Natasha Lawless Design, notonthehighstreet.com, €72.41
Go Geometric
Smart, stylish and sculptural, this cast aluminium table is cool and crisp in design and detail. It’s €139.95 from Meadows & Byrne
Looking for a powerful statement or just a fresh design pop for your room? Then eye–catching geometric shapes could be the answer.
Building Tryptich, Caseys, €519
Eden Mirror, EZ Living, €167.30 down from €239
Conran geometric vase, Marks & Spencer, €35 Ben de Lisi’s dark grey geometric hexagons bath towels, Debenhams, priced from €13.50
Rug, Ikea, €130
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thecorknews
Cork Homes
23 January 2015
Step into the light The days are short and the nights long...try these stunning ideas to brighten your home!
Malmo 7 light pendant, Next, €137
Merle ceiling pendant, Caseys, priced from €115
A space to float away in… Make the bathroom a place you want to unwind in with Butterfly Home by Matthew Williamson. The seagrass laundry basket is €75; pink towels priced between €15 and €45; and the glass lidded storage jars are €15.50, all from Debenhams.
Torna Pendant lamp, Ikea, 65
Oh deer We’re loving this endearing print of a baby deer from Cork artist Molly Ellis aka Ewe Sir, who was inspired to create this little guy when walking in Doneraile Park: “I happily spied a family of young deer,” she said. “I crept slowly up and pressed the shutter on the camera. This baby deer gave me the naughtiest look for interrupting his day. A firm lover of rogues, I instantly knew it was the photo I would work from.” It’s priced from €22 and available from Ewe Sir on etsy.com.
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thecorknews 23 January 2015
Sale
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See our quality shine through HQ Kitchens are proudly based in Cork City. We manufacture and supply kitchens, wardrobes and sliding wardrobes in our workshop in Cork to the highest standards. Why not pop in and see for yourself? Visit our NEW kitchen and wardrobe showrooms on Forge Hill in Cork City.
8 Forge Hill Business Park, Forge Hill, Cork. T: 021 4316997 Finbarr - 087 229 7578 Adrian - 087 660 9582 E: sales@hqkitchens.ie W: www.hqkitchens.ie Opening hours Mon-Fri 9.30amto 5pm, Sat 10am to 2.30pm, and out of hour appointments welcome.
thecorknews
Family 23 January 2015
Allan Cuthbert with David and Dolores Crowley of Financial Wellbeing
Answers for Parents of Children with Special Needs Being a parent of a child with additional needs brings great joy and love, and many challenges. Unfortunately, a lot of parents to children with special needs are struggling to find the answers to serious financial and legal questions about their sons and daughters. An information meeting addressing these challenges is being held in Cork this month. The workshop is free and open to all parents of special needs children. David Crowley, Allan Cuthbert and Dolores Crowley of Financial Wellbeing will helm the Special Needs Trust
Picture your rights
Planning Workshop at the Silver Springs Moran Hotel on January 31st. The theme of the morning will be the need to establish a Special Needs Trust to ensure children with special needs don’t lose their entitlements and can maintain their quality of life after their parents have passed away. This free event runs from 10:30am – 12.00pm on January 31st. Spaces are limited and pre–booking is essential. Call Dolores on 021 482 3635 or 086 023 6995, or email dolores@financialwellbeing.ie to secure your place. For more information, visit financialwellbeing.ie
Crack down on stress in east Cork HSE Primary Care Psychology Services, Youghal GAA and Youghal Family Centre have joined forced to combat stress. This joint initiative, which is part of the award winning GAA/HSE Cork Beats Stress Project, will take the form of a free morning course called ‘Stress Control’. The course is designed to teach participants the skills to tackle stress effectively. Christy Cooney, former President of the GAA and member of Youghal GAA, said “Youghal GAA wants to get the word out to the people of Youghal that this course is available, free and open to everybody, whether they are GAA members or not.” The classes are very easy to
follow and all participants will be given information to take home with them, to explore at their own pace. Participants will not be asked to talk about their problems or asked any personal questions. Jennifer Hayes, Principal Psychologist, Primary Care Cork North says “It is only a matter of time before life throws a curve ball and when stress levels rise or get out of control. It feels rotten and can badly affect every aspect of a person’s life.” This course will run for six consecutive Tuesday mornings starting on February 3rd from 10.15am to 11.45am at Youghal GAA Club. To register a place, email CorkBeatsStress@hse. ie or call 086 7871016.
U
NICEF Ireland, in partnership with the Children’s Rights Alliance, is urging children and young people from Cork to submit a report to the United Nations on their experience of growing up here. UNICEF Ireland’s Picture Your Rights campaign allows children and young people to share their views with the committee’s representatives, and have them taken seriously, giving today’s children a chance to shape the world they’ll inherit when they’re grown. In January 2016, the
UN Committee on the Rights of the Child will examine Ireland’s record on children’s
rights. Eighteen international children’s rights experts will assess the country’s perfor-
UNICEF is inviting contributions under seven key themes:
• Being me: Is your culture and identity accepted in Ireland? • Being involved: Do you have a say in decisions that affect you? • Feeling safe: How safe do you feel as a child or young person in Ireland? • My skills: Is Ireland ensuring that you develop the skills you need for life? • My care and wellbeing: Do you feel well looked after, cared for and healthy in your body and in your mind? • Inequality: Are all children treated equally in Ireland or do you or other children you know get treated unfairly because of who they are? • My future: Is your generation’s future being protected?
mance on a range of children’s rights issues, including education, equality and access to essentials services. UNICEF Ireland is urging Cork children and teens to take a photograph that captures one aspect of their lives and write a caption to accompany the photo before posting it using the photo–sharing app Instagram and tagging it as #pictureyourrights. Email contributions also welcome at info@pictureyourrights.com. The deadline for all submissions is February 20th. For further information, visit pictureyourrights.com
thecorknews
Family
23 January 2015
55
Nutrition helps kick the habit
Tips for better fertility Men’s sperm cells are susceptible to age, and new studies have been pinning down just how sperms’ fitness changes as men grow older. In fact, once you pass the age of 35 the health of your sperm goes into decline. “We generally start to produce poorer quality cells at this point in our life,” says Mark Whitney of Pillar Healthcare: “If you are trying to conceive and it is not happening, it is always prudent to get tested and see if there are any problems.” Your dietary intake and
lifestyle will make a difference. Nutrients like arginine, Q10, zinc and selenium are all found in and around a sperm cell, and making sure that you are taking in the correct nutritional intake for optimal fertility function, either through diet or supplementation, should be your first step towards increasing your fertility.” Free dietary and lifestyle tips related to the latest clinical studies in the link between nutrition and fertility are available at pillarhealthcare.ie.
This time of year many of us make positive lifestyle changes, and quitting cigarettes is one of the top New Year’s resolutions. This is brilliant news, with over 5,200 lives lost to tobacco related illness each year in Ireland, but right about now many people begin to find it hard and abandon their efforts: the last few weeks of January are officially the most depressing of the year, as the mid–December paycheque runs out and we gradually abandon all
those well–laid plans. Then, because of the stress, nascent quitters go back to smoking, which makes them feel even worse once the initial tobacco buzz has worn off. Nutritional Therapist and College of Naturopathic Medicine graduate Tara Zuluaga Dorgan explains that many of the attractive effects of nicotine are due to its effect on adrenal hormones, blood sugar and brain chemistry. The good news is there are simple dietary changes
Here are Tara’s nutrition tips to help you quit for good: 1) Go stimulant free: Eliminate stimulants such as coffee, tea, chocolate and foods containing sugar. 2) Eat small meals frequently: This gives the body a constant supply of energy, avoiding wide swings in blood sugar levels and mood. 3) Choose slow–releasing carbohydrates: non–starchy vegetables such as kale, cucumber and broccoli and whole grains such as quinoa and brown rice. Avoid white breads, rice, pasta, and all processed foods. 4) Eat protein rich foods with every snack and meal: This includes meats, eggs, wild–caught fish, legumes, nuts and seeds. Choose local and organic where possible. 5) Boost the body’s ability to detox: Increase the intake of dark leafy greens, brightly coloured fruits and vegetables containing important phytonutrients. 6) Eat a nutrient–rich diet: Cigarettes diminish the nutrients we need to maintain positive brain chemistry. Variety and quality is important. Aim for seven to ten servings of vegetables and two or three fruits each day. 7) Stay hydrated: Drink a minimum of two litres of water per day, every day.
that support the body and mind and reduce the unwanted cravings and sideeffects, as well as benefiting you in general. As soon as
you notice how much better you feel, you’ll have more motivation to stick with your plan to get cigarettes out of your life once and for all.
The sound of silence Ireland has been at the forefront of some important developments which may improve the lives of tinnitus sufferers, 10% of whom suffer to such a degree that the condition causes depression, anxiety, loss of sleep, social issues and other problems. The first
step, however, is to take care of your hearing: “Preventing hearing loss is the best step someone can take to prevent tinnitus symptoms arising. It is important that people consider the impacts of noise on their hearing and take steps
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to protect their hearing accordingly,” says Neuromod founder Dr Ross O’Neill. “An employer is governed by law to provide ear plugs if noise levels reach over 85db in the workplace, and we should remember that many music concerts can exceed 110db. We tend to overlook the impacts of noise exposure on our hearing.” One percent of the population suffer significantly with tinnitus. Severe ringing in the ears can cause anxiety, sleep deprivation and depression. However, sufferers and physicians alike have lauded a new form of treatment which became available in December and has already changed lives: Neuromod’s ‘Mutebutton’. The device combines provides a relaxing experience when used for 30 minutes a day and eventually re–wires patients’ brains to significantly reduce the sensation of tinnitus. Tinnitus suffers who would like more information on Mutebutton can find out more at mutebutton.ie or call 01 7163640.
thecorknews
Style 23 January 2015
Fitness
kicks
Look fabulous when hitting the gym with these great fitness finds from Dunnes Stores. The jacket is €25, v–neck t–shirt €15, black leggings €25 and joggers, €20.
They’re Electric! Whether you want to save or splurge, there are gorgeous electric–blue heels to suit any budget
Splurge Save Nine West open toe heels, Brown Thomas, €140
City Style Pictured: Emma Donlan What I’m wearing: Jacket: Zara Fur: Zara Dress: Topshop Boots: Oasis Bag: Monreal Glasses: Fendi
Fall for Folli Follie The fabulous new Folli Follie jewellery collection is at Kilkenny shops, including this modern and contemporary Carma rose gold bracelet for €50.
Asymmetric pointed strap heels, New Look, €29.99
thecorknews
Dress, Penneys, €16
23 January 2015
Style
57
Accessorise the look
Lilac Viv v–neck blouse, Oasis, €37
Pale blue textured ankle–strap heels, New Look, €24.99
Low–waist anti–fit jeans in Aqua Foam, Vero Moda, €39.95
Pretty in
Pastel
Pastels are the colours of spring. So why not soften up, and open up your wardrobe to hues of mint green, cotton candy pink, and baby blue? Bag, Penneys, €12
Flora Pastel statement necklace, Accessorize, €29.90
With clean–lines and simple shape, this Emma Crepe coat from French Connection (priced €210) has a modern, minimal vibe that’s bang on–trend.
Light blue leather–look mini, River Island, €37
Light blue coat, H&M, €59.99
thecorknews
Beauty 23 January 2015
Smashbox Photo Finish Hydrating Under Eye Primer, Boots, €24
Clinque Redness Solutions Instant Relief Mineral Pressed Powder, Brown Thomas, €38.50
Caffeine
Kicks
Wake up to caffeine, but not the kind found in a cup. Instead refresh and reinvigorate the skin with these caffeine–infused finds.
Spa Fit Firming & Toning Gel–Cream Massager, The Body Shop, €32.50
Clarins Super Restorative Wake–Up Lotion, Debenhams, €31.50
Origins GinZing refreshing eye cream to brighten and depuff, Boots, €32
BareMinerals Ready Eye–shadow 4.0 in “The Happy Place”, Brown Thomas, €36
All Treatments 50 min 021 4905986 15 French Church Street, Cork www.priyatherapy.com
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thecorknews
Beauty
23 January 2015
59
Get the look: Jessica Chastain
N
amed among the best dressed at the Golden Globes with her bronze Versace halter–neck, Jessica Chastain also made an impact through her make–up. As the star wore Yves Saint Laurent Beauté on the red carpet, make–up artist Kristofer Buckle explains how he created the very glamorous, glowing and smouldering look:
Picture by: Getty Images
For bold
brows
• Kristofer created a perfect complexion using Le Teint Touche Éclat illuminating foundation in Beige Dore (rrp €40) and Touche Éclat N°1 (rrp €37) • He also applied Blush Volupté N°8 on her cheeks to get a soft transparent pink effect (rrp €40) • To shift the attention to her green eyes and give her elongated smokey smouldering sexy umber eye, Kristofer used Couture Palette N°3 and N°1 (rrp €55 each) intensified with Effet Faux Cils Crème D’Eyeliner in deep black • On Jessica’s lashes, Kristofer applied Mascara Volume Effet Faux Cils Baby Doll Fetish Black on her top and bottom lashes to give a more intense look (rrp €32.50) • On her lips, he used Baby Doll Kiss and Blush N°7 (rrp €29) and Volupté Sheer Candy N°1 on top (rrp €30)
La vie en rose! Roger & Gallet’s Rose Eau Fraîche was born from a dream of an Indian garden. A classic, floral fragrance that soothes and calms the senses, it’s available from pharmacies and Marks & Spencer, rrp €39.75 for the 100ml and rrp €19.90 for the 30ml.
Groom your brows whilst you sleep with Eylure Nourishing Oil, part of the brand’s new brow range. Argan oil conditions, nourishes and cares for the brows while rosemary oil naturally promotes healthy hair growth. It’s €10.99 from O’Sullivans Pharmacy in the Wilton Shipping Centre.
YOGA POSE OF THE WEEK Marichyasana C Benefits: a great hip opening pose. Releases and lengthens the lumbar region of the spine, strengthens the thoracic part of the spine. Improves lung capacity, can help those suffering from asthma , digestive problems, constipation,sciatica and menstrual discomfort. Relieves fatigue.
The lip evolution
Tip: stay for 5-10 breath on each pose. Repeat 3-5 times. On Navasana focus on lifting the chest and on Purvottanasana focus on lifting the pelvis.
Who isn’t talking about bigger, fuller and luscious lips? Pick up NYX Cosmetics Matte Lipstick in Whipped Caviar, priced €7.49 from Sam McCauley, to channel your inner Kylie Jenner.
Yoga Republic will be teaching a Yoga Alliance Registered Power Vinyasa 200 hr Teacher Training course in August 2015. The studio is now open for applications for this course. Sackies Skalkos is the founder of Yoga Republic, Corks oldest and leading yoga studio (est 2004 ). If you would like to join Sackies in a personal interpretation of his teaching, please contact the studio at www.yogarepublic.com or phone 0876560254
thecorknews
60
23 January 2015
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thecorknews
Going Places 23 January 2015
Madeira
takes the cake
By Lizann Peppard in association with Hotels.com My sister and I got some money for Christmas and we’d love to spend it on a mini break somewhere to escape the January blues! We’d love some sunshine and interesting things to see, is there anywhere you’d recommend?
I
f you’re looking for winter sunshine, Madeira is the perfect place to go. Nestled in the Atlantic off the west coast of Morocco, it’s a sub–tropical island of true natural beauty, benefitting from year–round warm temperatures and bursting with spectacular scenery and
quaint villages. Although Portuguese is the official language, many of the locals are also comfortable speaking English. Spend at least one day in Funchal, the island’s capital. Visit the colourful market in the old town where you’ll find plenty of fresh fruit, veg-
etables and fish. There are lots of little restaurants dotted around the city, offering fresh, local cuisine. Sabor a Fado is a small restaurant with just six tables, serving typical Madeiran cuisine while guests are entertained with live traditional music. In the northwest of the is-
land lies the village of Porto Moniz where you will find natural salt water swimming pools. These stunning pools are surrounded by volcanic rocks that keep the seawater cool and refreshing. If you’re not afraid of heights, you should visit the Cabo Girão Skywalk. At 1,932 feet, this is
the highest skywalk in Europe and the second highest in the world after the Grand Canyon. The glass–floored platform is one of Madeira’s top attractions and a must–see on your trip. Madeira’s coastline is made up of dramatic cliffs and the nearest beach is at Porto
nightclub for entertainment. Rooms include balconies, satellite LCD TVs and views of the Atlantic (upon request).
is also an on–site restaurant and bar for guests to enjoy during their stay. Guest rooms feature air conditioning, fridge and cable TV.
Where to Stay:
The Cliff Bay (*****) Prices start from €150 per room per night on Hotels.com With beautiful views across the Atlantic Ocean, the Cliff Bay features both indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a Michelin star restaurant, tennis courts, games room and spa and wellness centre. Guest rooms include LCD cable TV with DVD/CD players and a
veranda with garden or bay views. Pestana Casiona Park Hotel & Casino (*****) Prices start from €69 per room per night on Hotels.com This luxury hotel features a full fitness centre and spa with swimming pools and treatments available for guests to relax, as well as a casino and
Enotel Quinta do Sol (****) Prices start from €71 per room per night on Hotels.com This adults–only hotel includes indoor/outdoor swimming pools and a fitness room as well as full spa services. There
For more information and travel tips on planning your holiday visit Hotels.com or call 1800 55 3338. *Prices are subject to availability at the time of booking.
Santo, a small island located about 50km away, accessible by catamaran. It is worth the trip to look back on the beautiful island and the breathtaking surrounds of the Atlantic Ocean. Once in Porto Santo, you will find one of Europe’s finest beaches, with five miles of unspoiled golden sand. Madeira is one of the best places in the world to go whale and dolphin watching all year round. On any given day, you are almost guaranteed to see at least one or two species of dolphins playfully swimming around the boat and, if you’re lucky, you might spot a pod of whales. With warm sunshine and plenty of activities to keep you busy, Madeira is the ideal winter holiday destination.
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Insight Vacations looks after everything for you! Experience signature business class travel, expert Tour Directors, included excursions and sightseeing, VIP entrances, premium & luxury hotels in the best locations, memorable dining experiences, and plenty of free time for leisure or exploration. *Price is per person, twin share, includes return flights & taxes and is subject to availability.
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thecorknews
Going Places
23 January 2015
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Topflight offer only the best sites in Bella Italia, just 2 minutes from the main pool area. Kids Club and daily entertainment included giving you time to relax. Located right on the lake shore and just a short walk from the beautiful ancient town of Peschiera. What’s Included Return Flights from Cork • Transfers • Great Topflight in-resort service 7 nights accommodation • 20kg Luggage Allowance • All Taxes & Charges Great Family Choice
Free Child Places
Topflight Favourite
Call 01 240 1779 • Visit www.topflight.ie • See your Travel Agent
Prices include return flights from Cork, return transfers, accommodation for 7 nights, taxes, representative services in resort, generous luggage allowance and €30 per person online discount
Get your shots Now is the time of year when people start to plan their summer holidays, often with dreams of seeing far–off, exotic lands or trekking through little–known regions in unlikely places. Once your plan is made, of course, you’ll start booking flights, saving money, perhaps even start thinking about a whole new wardrobe. But one vital aspect of many foreign holidays simply cannot be overlooked: vaccination and immunisation. We’re quite blessed here in Cork not to have to worry about tropical diseases, but if you’re the adventurous type then you have to consider everything
from malaria to chagas to dengue or even further–flung maladies like leishmaniasis. Younger travellers, who are much more likely to head away backpacking off the beaten track, are especially advised to line up a regimen of vaccinations before they head off. As backpackers tend to travel to multiple destinations, they generally require a more extensive vaccine programme. If you are backpacking you need to make sure you leave enough time prior to your departure to complete what could well be multiple vaccination courses. Visit a Tropical Medical Bu-
reau clinic or your local GP as part of your planning ahead, in order to determine your level of health and prepare for issues that may affect you on your trip. You should also find out if your insurance policy will cover local medical care. Should you fall ill while on your travels, TMB has a 24/7 emergency phone line as well as an international network of clinics. Cork has two: one in Little Island and one on Union Quay. Call 021 4310311 or 021 4355950 or visit tmb.ie to make an appointment and keep yourself in good nick while you’re finding out just what the world has to offer.
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thecorknews
Drive 23 January 2015
Skoda, once the butt of many a joke, has gone from strength to strength in recent years. The new Fabia is no exception, says Seán Creedon.
T
he way in which Skoda cars have improved beyond all recognition is one of the great success stories in recent years. Last week I tested the new version of the Fabia, one of the most successful cars ever made by the Czech company. This supermini has sold over 3.4 million units since the car made its debut in 1999.
This is the third generation of the Fabia, and it’s a very neat city car with a starting price of €13,895 for the 1.0-litre entry ‘active’ version. Normally I give the price at the end of my review, but I think the entry price for the Fabia is so attractive I’ll give it to you up front, just in case you turn the page! Journalists are rarely given the entry–level model and my 1.2-litre TSI ‘style’ version
had lots of extras like white alloys, to match the white roof, tinted rear windows and front headlamp washers. It was finished off in beautiful Race Blue metallic paint. That lovely blue and white combination attracted many envious glances in the supermarket car park. A few of my motoring colleagues gave the new Fabia a good road test at the end of last year, driving it almost
2,000 kilometres from Portugal to Cherbourg in France. I didn’t hear any complaints except about the weather. Ray Leddy, Skoda’s Head of Marketing and Product, and his colleagues at Skoda have been saying for some time now that petrol is the most economical and last week at the launch of the new VW Jetta, they also highlighted that there has been a big swing back towards petrol engines. The Fabia is available in five petrol and two diesel engines. The Fabia is comfortable on motorways, but there is no doubt that it excels in city driving, where it’s so easy to navigate and park. At the launch of most new models,
manufacturers are keen to point out that their new model is bigger than the previous version. The Fabia is 8mm shorter, but the wheelbase is 5mm longer than the old one. Let’s not forget, though, that we are talking millimetres here. You also get a proper spare wheel. There is no road noise, and fuel wise you should get a return of close to 60mpg, which is excellent. The driver can enjoy an armrest, and the controls on the dash met with general approval from my regular co–driver and myself. The co–driver was so impressed she might even consider trading in her Nissan Micra for a colourful Fabia.
Picture by Paddy McGrath
Absolutely Fabialous
Fabia’s main rivals will be the Renault Clio, Ford Fiesta, Opel Corsa and Toyota Yaris, but I think it should be well able to cope with what is, no doubt, tough opposition. Road tax is €190 for the petrol and €180 for the diesel versions. The entry level 1.0 ‘active’ version is just under €14k, but when you add all the extras to the 1.2 Style version I drove, it brings the price up to €18,195. That spoils the story somewhat, but then nobody is forcing you to get all those extras; they are optional. Check out the Fabia at Noel Deasy, New Mallow Road; Finbarr Galvin, Bandon and Tarrant’s in Banteer.
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thecorknews
Drive
23 January 2015
All aboard! Lorcan MacMuiris sets out for a voyage in a special edition Volvo V60, built to celebrate the Volvo Ocean Race.
E
ven back when Volvos were essentially giant reinforced boxes on wheels, built like houses and wonderfully spartan, I had a strange sort of a grá for them. I’ve owned two myself, and I loved them. When Ian at Johnson & Perrott said “we have a Volvo for you” I was delighted. When he went on to say “it’s a V60 D4 Volvo Ocean Race Edition” I think I may have giggled. This two–litre, 181 BHP, twin–turbo four–cylinder diesel machine is just plain stunning. While they’re no longer renowned for making cars which look like huge, safe, metal lego (Volvo discovered the curve in the early 1990s, and has since made judicious use of it), this estate isn’t exactly the belle of
the ball on the outside, but that doesn’t matter. When you sit into the oh–so–refined seats and gaze at the instrument panel, The the high tech centre console, the silver sweep of the prow– like bonnet, it’s hard not to feel like you are in charge of something futuristic, sleek and predatory. There’s chrome and leather and metal everywhere. The bezel lights up very much like something out of Star Trek and I find to my delight that it has a range of different looks, each aesthetically pleasing. I fiddle about with it until it looks sufficiently like something I’d expect in a fighter plane and leave the lot. I purr around Wilton, down to the Mardyke, back
Du rive sed car review
onto the link and away towards the M8. This car, just a few months old, cuts through the chilly night like a samurai sword. It is smooth, fast, powerful, quiet, and solid as a rock. Its trim is ocean themed, which looks good, but it’s the special extras that really set this Volvo Ocean Race V60 apart. There are dozens of bells and whistles — everything from high–end
speakers to heated windscreen and seats to built–in web browser — which make it exceptional. And, at just 3.8l/100km (and €180 annual road tax) it’s a lot more frugal than you’d expect. This 142 C Volvo has just 12,000 km on the (futuristic) clock and is almost €7,000 below list price, at just €38,900. Rekommenderas varmt, as they’d say in Sweden!
from €38,100*
2
emissions 162 – 166 g/km. *Excludes metallic paint.
021 4615220 Mahonpoint Retail Park, Cork.
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thecorknews 23 January 2015
Drive
65
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thecorknews
Drive
23 January 2015
Deals of the week
Michelin aims to make punctures extinct
We asked some of Cork's most trusted car dealers to recommend their top picks in three price brackets:
Punctures could soon become a thing of the past, when new technology which is being developed by Michelin comes into popular use. At its recent Challenge Bibendum event in China, the venerable tyre maker demonstrated the effectiveness of its ‘Selfseal’ puncture–prevention technology. China is the ideal test bed, where motorists are about nine times more likely to get a puncture than drivers here in Europe. A Chinese motorist can expect to experience a puncture on average every 5,700 miles compared 48,000 miles here. Selfseal depends on a thin layer of rubber compound inside the tyre, which surrounds the area where a puncture has occurred to plug the hole, maintain pressure and prevent air from escaping.
Under €15,000
Seat Ibiza Price: €3,995 Engine: 1.2 Petrol Transmission: Manual Year: 2006 Mileage: 82,027 miles Colour: Black
Mitsubishi Colt Price: €6,900 Engine: 1.5 Diesel Transmission: Automatic Year: 2008 Mileage: 48,446 miles Colour: Black
BMW 1 Series 118d ES 5 Price: €12,900 Engine: 2.0 Diesel Transmission: Manual Year: 2007 Mileage: 60,824 miles Colour: Crimson Red
Dealer: Blackwater Motors, Turners Cross, Cork City Tel: 021 434 5900
Dealer: Lehane Motors, South Douglas Road, Cork, Tel: 021 481 7700
Dealer: Keary’s BMW, Eastgate Business Park, Little Island, Co. Cork Tel: 021 500 3600
€15,000 to €20,000
Fiat 500 Sport Price: €15,500 Engine: 1.2 Petrol Transmission: Manual Year: 2015 (151) Mileage: 1 mile Colour: Metallic Grey
Hyundai i30 Crosswagon Price: €16, 900 Engine: 1.4 Diesel Transmission: Manual Year: 2013 (131) Mileage: 13, 207 miles Colour: Blue
Citroen C5 Price: €19, 950 Engine: 2.0 Petrol Transmission: Manual Year: 2014 (141) Mileage: 48,000 miles Colour: Silver
Dealer: Dan Seaman Motors, Forge Hill, Kinsale Road, Cork City, Cork Tel: 021 432 0266
Dealer: Johnson & Perrott Motor Group, Mahon Point Retail Park, Cork City Tel: 021 461 5220
Dealer: Finbarr Galvin Motors, Clonakilty Road, Bandon, Co. Cork, Tel: 023 882 0555
€20,000 to €25,000
Skoda Fabia Price: €20,245 Engine: 1.2 Petrol Transmission: Manual Year: 2015 Mileage: 1 mile Colour: Grey
Toyota Corolla Luna Price: €21,850 Engine: 1.3 Transmission: Manual Year: 2014 (141) Mileage: 13,393 miles Colour: Bronze
Honda Civic Price: €24,745 Engine: 1.4 Petrol Transmission: Manual Year: 2015 Mileage: 24,745 miles Colour: Red
Dealer: Noel Deasy Cars, New Mallow Road, Blackpool, Cork Tel: 021 439 7658
Dealer: Grandon Car Sales, Sallybrook House, Glanmire, Co. Cork Tel: 021 485 8300
Dealer: Kevin O’Leary Group Silversprings, Cork, Tel: 021 450 3397
Michelin has also commenced production of its pioneering ‘tweel’ – an airless tyre that comprises flexible, deformable polyurethane spokes that criss-cross between a fixed
The legal limit Stopping distances are of major importance to any motorist and there are a lot of things we can do to be safe. Often, when traffic is travelling slowly due to heavy rain, snow or sleet the tendency is to drive closer to the vehicle in front: most of us do this without even realising. Our concentration level is reduced as the speed is lower, but this is when simple accidents can happen. And they happen in a split second, so travelling at a safe distance and speed from the vehicle in front allows you more time to react. Problems can arise two to three cars in front of you and suddenly you can be in the middle of an accident with traffic behind you. The best course of action is to steer clear of danger if possible, allowing drivers behind to see, and bring your car to a stop with hazards flashing. The other evening I was driving on a straight stretch of road in snowy conditions and a vehicle which was two cars in front of me just took off and spun to face oncoming traffic. It happened in a split second and I braked and steered into the hard shoulder with difficulty, with hazard lights on immediately. The cause of the accident was that the driver who spun was driving too close to the car in
front and swerved violently to avoid it when it braked. Other cars stopped to assist and drivers ended up standing in the slippery path of oncoming traffic. Luckily it was sorted quickly and all were ok, if a l i tt l e shaken.
hub and the outer casing. Production will be confined to agricultural and commercial applications initially but expect to see tweels available for cars within the next few years.
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Keeping a safe distance and having a full set of winter tyres with over 3 mm of grip, is the best you can do. Tyres low in tread, close to the 1.6mm minimum, have little grip icy weather or in wet weather. You may not realise until you have to make a sudden stop. It is much cheaper to replace defective tyres rather than the front of your car. Get your tyres checked and, if necessary, replaced at Tyrestop: you’ll be doing yourself and everyone else on the road a favour.
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Drive
23 January 2015
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23 January 2015
New Insignia for Traffic Corps
Go for gas Car Gas Systems – Cork Car Mechanic has been operating in Cork since 2008, starting out as a small garage at Five Mile Bridge before expanding and relocating as a specialist LPG conversion workshop to the Matthew Hill Business Park at Pouladuff Road, in November 2012. Proprietor Robert Strojkowski notes that they have seen a huge upturn in interest in the number of vehicle owners enquiring about conversion to LPG in recent years and have developed this side of their business to include conversions, servicing and also retail of Calor Autogas on site. Conversion to dual fuel is a viable option for most petrol vehicles, allowing savings of up to 45% in fuel costs. The LPG fuel tank can be located in the boot, spare wheel well, or in some cases under a converted car. The fuel is then delivered to the engine be-
fore being injected, in much the same way as petrol. The cost of conversion to dual fuel varies depending on the engine size, but typically ranges from €950 to €1800. By law, the conversion must be carried out by a qualified installer. The conversion is particularly beneficial in vehicles which have a large petrol engine and for consumers who have high mileage. A car which has been converted to run on LPG won’t be quite as fuel efficient as the petrol equivalent: there’s usually a drop of around 10%. However, LPG is so cheap that overall the cost savings speak for themselves. Anthony Murnane from local taxi firm Glen Eire Cabs, based on McCurtain Street in the city, converted his 2008 1.6 Petrol Toyota Avensis to run on LPG in 2014 and has been delighted with the results: “Since converting I would
be saving at least €50 a week on the cost of fuel. It’s really reliable and I would definitely recommend it to anyone,” is his verdict. Calor Autogas combines high performance with impressive economy, making it the best current alternative to petrol or diesel fuels. An additional benefit of LPG powered vehicles — particularly relevant today — is its reduced environmental impact in comparison to other vehicle fuels. A conversion means almost total elimination of smoke, virtual elimination of smell and a quieter and smoother–running engine. Car Gas Systems provides an on–site refueling facility for the many Cork drivers who have already made the switch to Calor Autogas. For more information on LPG conversions, visit cargassystems.ie or call 087 323 7024 for a quote.
They may be a sleek, good– looking car, but most motorists will hope not to see any of the 20 new high performance Opel Insignia Sports Tourers that have just been delivered to An Garda Síochána. These custom specified Insignias feature a 2.0CDTi BiTurbo diesel engine with an output of 195hp that ensures rapid engine response from low revs, making them ideal for high performance driving and policing — and quite hard to get away from (not that you should ever try). The vehicles, in full Traffic Corps livery, were unveiled at a press event with the Taoiseach and An Garda Sío-
chána Traffic Corps at their headquarters in the Phoenix Park and will be provided to Garda traffic units around the country. Opel’s fleet department worked in close partnership with the team in the Transport Department to deliver the perfect specification to cater for their unique requirements for policing: The 2.0CDTi BiTurbo diesel engine is equipped with two turbos, one larger than the other, which can operate separately or together as required to ensure quick engine response from low revs. The smaller turbo uses an efficient water–cooled intercooler to minimise turbo
lag, while the larger turbo uses a bigger air–cooled intercooler at higher engine speeds. The BiTurbo has higher performance pistons, cylinder head and gasket and camshafts to deal with the extra power. Despite all this performance-focussed technology, it is extremely fuel-efficient and boasts combined CO2 emissions of only 129g/km. They also feature lowered, uprated sports suspension and electronic dampers, optimised for power and speed, and the Traffic Corps Insignias come with beefed–up brakes and, in contrast to the standard version of the car, manual handbrakes.
Sic Transit gloria Mundi The smallest member of the Ford Transit family, the Transit Courier, has been named Continental Irish Small Van of the Year for 2015 by the Irish Motoring Writers Association. The win for the Transit Courier comes on the heels of the company’s flagship Transit model being named overall winner of the Irish Van of the Year title for 2015 at the main Irish Car and Van of the Year awards event last November. Transit Courier is Ford’s first-ever small Transit van. The 95 PS 1.6-litre Duratorq TDCi engine achieves 3.7 l/100 km, delivering best– in–class efficiency. The stylish
all-new Transit Courier offers 10 per cent more load volume than its direct competitors with 2.3 m3 behind the bulkhead, as well as longer load length at floor level, and
greater access width through the sliding side doors. Check it out at Cork City Ford Centre on Forge Hill or CAB Motor Company on Monahan Road.
thecorknews
Drive
23 January 2015
A new type of selfie Thirty three years ago, a big– haired, fresh–faced David Hasselhoff loped his way onto televisions around the world, ostensibly the star of Knight Rider but, of course, having his thunder completely stolen by the Knight Industries Two Thousand. KITT, voiced with impeccable New England snark by William Daniels, was the star of the show: a shiny black Pontiac Trans–Am with a superiority complex, turbo boost, a virtually indestructible molecular–bonded shell and, brilliantly, an independent streak a mile wide and the ability to drive itself. As a child, I watched in wonder, trying to figure out how they did it (there was a driver hidden behind a false seat – sorry if I’ve spoiled anything for you). Now, a generation later, the self–driving car is a reality. Google has blazed the trail, and their car’s unimpeachable safety record (the only incidents have been caused
by other cars – the ones with humans in charge) and vast potential for future adaptation have made the big boys sit up and take notice. Mercedes– Benz, Volvo, Audi (and other Volkswagen brands) Ford and BMW, with their commercially–available self–parking i3, are all following the software giant’s example. The advantages are manifold: the best, quickest, least congested routes at the touch of a button. Phenomenal safety, as the car’s ‘brain’ scans 360º at all time, reacting not much slower than the speed of light to dangers or obstacles. Perfect driving habits for increased fuel efficiency and, most alluring of all, the thought of being able to have your breakfast and maybe catch another little snooze on the way to work. Sure, it’s not quite turbo boost, but give it a little time and we can all look to The Hoff and KITT as pioneers of a brave new world.
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23 January 2015
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23 January 2015
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Sport & Fitness 23 January 2015
Colin O’Reilly, C&S UCC Demons, in action against Michael Westbooks, Killester for the Basketball Ireland Champions Trophy Final at Neptune Stadium. Picture by: Brendan Moran
Keeping Fit With…
Colin O’Reilly Ciara McNamara, Kate O’Donovan and Shannon Carson, picture from Cork City WFC Soccer Academy Acadamy CCWFC CWSSL - Ciara McNamara, Kate O’Donovan
Soccer academy for Cork
A
new soccer academy for girls between the ages of 16 and 18 will kick off at the end of the month. Cork City WFC has anounced the launch of a formal Under 18s Academy in association with Cork Wom-
en’s and Schoolgirls Soccer League. The academy will take place on Saturdays from 11.30am to 1.00pm at the Bishopstown Stadium on Curaheen Road. The cost is €60 per player, which includes a training jersey and training top from the organisers.
“It’s an idea that I floated last season when I was with the Cork League but which has taken a little time to come to fruition,” said Charlie Lynch, Cork City WFC manager and the academy’s head coach. “I started academies at U11 age group and I’ve wanted to bring them right through to
the U18 level.” Registration for the academy will end on January 28th, and any players interested in attending are urged to get in contact with the club at corkcitywomensfc.com or by email: info@corkcitywomensfc.com or cwssleague@ gmail.com.
Rebels versus Dubs in national final The under 18s boys basketball National Cup Final between Fr Mathews, Cork and St Vincent’s, Dublin will take place this weekend. It is a historic event for Fr Mathews Basketball Club, as it’s the first time one of their teams has qualified for the National Cup Final. The U18 boys, under the guidance of coach Ian Cotter, have overcome very strong and talented teams from all over Ireland to reach the final. The final takes place this Sunday, January 25th, at 10.30am at the National Basketball Arena in Tallaght.
One match, two teams and three pointers are the essence of playing basketball. Coach and player with UCC Demons Colin O’Reilly talks to Niamh Áine Ryan about how he trains and prepares for matches. Morning
Colin’s dietary requirements revolve around training and matches. “I don’t eat breakfast as soon as I get up. I eat it at about 10am, as training doesn’t start until the evening time,” he says. The thirty year old likes to eat eggs and Parma ham as well as cereal and fruit, which provides him with the protein he needs.
Afternoon
Colin needs to take in as many calories as possible. This keeps him going through the day and up until training. He usually has rice, pasta or any high carbohydrate food as a main meal. “Again, lunch is a little later than usual due to evening training,” he adds.
Evening
UCC Demons train every Monday, Wednesday and Friday evening, and it doesn’t stop there for Colin. Every Tuesday and Thursday he goes to his local gym to work on his own fitness and physical strength. He’s smart when it comes to working out in the gym and knowing his own body: “If I think I’m over–doing it or feel that my body needs to rest, I’ll leave off the gym,” he says. This is especially the case when a
match is coming up.
Hydration
As with everyone, it’s important to keep hydrated throughout the day. “I have to drink loads of water everyday, but I find water is bit boring so I add Mi Wadi for flavour,” he continues. If he needs a power boost during the day he drinks a can of Coke. “I don’t like coffee at all, and I know I will burn off the can that evening in training” Colin says.
Preparing for a game
Because he’s both a coach and player, Colin plays a dual role with UCC Demons. As a coach, he set up plays and encourages his players to do their best. However, when he’s warming up as a team player, right before a match, he likes to be left alone. “I need to do my own thing, I’m not a coach when we’re warming up. I need to mentally prepare myself, not the team. I don’t speak to anyone,” he said. Colin’s talents as a coach and player can be seen in the Men’s National Cup Final between UCC Demons and UCD Marian. The game begains at 8pm tomorrow, January 24th, at the National Basketball Arena in Tallaght.
thecorknews
Play 23 January 2015
The kings of a cappella The King’s Singers are acclaimed for their life– affirming virtuosity and irresistible charm. They perform over 130 concerts every year, including one in Cork this February. Niamh Áine Ryan spoke to bass Jonathon Howard in between busy rehearsals for 2015’s packed schedule.
T
he King’s Singers take their name from King’s College at the University of Cambridge, where the first six King’s Singers — all choral scholars at the college — studied in the 1960s. They called themselves Schola Cantorum Pro Musica Protana in Cantabridgiense. Three years later, they were asked to sing at the Queen Elizabeth Hall in London, an event which forced them to come up with a catchier and easier name: The King’s Singers were born. Although the members of the group change every few years, their generous spirit and magical ability to move audiences has remained the same. Jonathon Howard joined the British a cappella ensemble in September 2010. He had been working in advertising when he was asked to audition for the bass
spot. “I just couldn’t believe it. There I was, working in an office for an advertising company. Although I studied the classics throughout my education, it was still an unexpected career change at the time!” he explains. This is the second time Jonathon will perform in Cork since he joined the group. I asked him about his last time here in 2012. He describes getting off the plane in Cork Airport and feeling very welcome and warm. He continues to tell me about drinking coffee in cafes around our city and feeling just as welcome. He compares it to other cities he’s performed in: “there’s just something a little bit different about Cork, it’s not like other cities we’ve been to.” He assures me he’s not just saying that. I believe him. “It may sound strange, but there’s some cities we travel to where I feel like I’m home. I don’t
feel that way everywhere but I felt it when I landed in Cork,” he confesses. The bass, who celebrates his 28th birthday today, January 23rd, is loving life and his career at the moment. He tells me he feels blessed to sing with five other amazingly talented men. For each show they perform, they will rehearse for two hours on that stage beforehand. It won’t be any different when they perform next month at Cork Opera House. “We’re lucky there’s still a market for groups like ours who aren’t bound to a stereotype,” he says. He tells me The King’s Singers have a special bond. “I know how each of them breathes. I know the sound each one makes. It’s like we are physically integrated as a singing group,” he adds. Jonathon also feels blessed for the amount of countries
“There’s just something a little bit different about Cork: it’s not like other cities we’ve been to.” and places he’s seen since joining the group. He loves travel and tells me that if he weren’t one–sixth of The King’s Singers, he would still choose a career where visiting other countries was part
and parcel of the job. He begins listing off concert halls like the Washington National Cathedral, Carnegie Hall and Sydney Opera House. “Would you believe? This time last week I was flying back from Australia and since then I’ve played three concerts in Poland and went to a friend’s birthday party in England!” he blurts out. Highlights of the group’s 2014/15 season include two performances in the Amsterdam Concertgebouw, a Christmas performance in Washington National Cathedral, a visit to the Grand Philharmonic Hall of St. Petersburg, an invitation to perform at the American Choral Directors Association annual conference in Salt Lake City and their second residential summer school in the UK. I question, with all the traveling, whether he really sees the cities he preforms in. He
doesn’t have to think. “The last time I was in Cork, I decided to go for a run. I often find it’s the best way to see a place. I went for a 10km run around Cork City and loved everything about it. I saw every inch of it by doing that,” he answers. Jonathon grew–up in west Sussex and says that although he does miss home at times, he knows that his family and friends release he’s doing what he loves and this thought makes him feel less homesick. Jonathon, along with David Hurley, countertenor; Timothy Wayne–Wright, countertenor; Julian Gregory, tenor; Christopher Bruerton, baritone; and Christopher Gabbita, baritone, will play at Cork Opera House on February 3rd at 8pm. Tickets are €25 – €43 and can be booked at corkoperahouse.ie or by phoning the box office on 021–4270022.
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Play
23 January 2015
Twisted Celluloid returns
Spain visits What We Do in the Shadows
Audiences will enjoy a double helping of comedy–horror when Twisted Celluloid returns for the New Year. The double bill of horror will include two films from down under, which were hugely popular at last year’s Cork
Film Festival. Housebound centers around the female character of Kylie, who moves back in with her superstitious mother after her prison sentence for robbing a bank. Kylie notices all is not well in the rickety old house of her
childhood. Housebound will be screened at 6:45pm. What We Do in the Shadows will begin at 9pm. The film is a horror–comedy mockumentary focusing on a group of vampires as they navigate the modern world
and try to remain under the radar in their Wellington neighborhood. A special double feature ticket and individual tickets are available. Visit triskelartscentre.ie for booking information
One of funniest men in Irish comedy is coming to Cork. Karl Spain, best known for his TV series Karl Spain Wants a Woman, will play in the City Limits Comedy Club this month. The comedian has performed stand–up comedy in Ireland and abroad for over fifteen years. The Limerick
man has toured with fellow Irish comedian, Ed Byrne, and his humour appeals to a broad range of ages. Karl Spain plays in the Comedy Club on Coburg Street on January 29th at 9.30pm. Doors open at 8.30pm and admission is €15. For more information, visit thecomedyclub.ie.
CORK ARTS THEATRE Must end this Saturday 24th January @ 8.00pm Cork Arts Theatre Youth Project presents
A powerful play sparked by the infamous massacre at Columbine High School that probes the psychological warfare of alienation, hostility and social pressure that can go on in all schools.
DIRECTED BY EOGHAN MOLONEY
Tickets: €12 / €10 conc. / €8 students
COLUMBINUS
Wednesday 28th to Saturday 31st January @ 8.00pm
THE WOLFE STAGE SCHOOL STUDENT SHOWCASE
The students of the Wolfe Stage School take to the boards for their first show of 2015. Join them as they entertain us with a variety of dramatic pieces both comedic and serious. Tickets: €10 / €5 conc.
Wednesday 4th - Saturday 7th February @ 7.30pm Cork Arts Theatre present
WRITERS WEEK
Tickets: €10, €8 students and OAP’s, Special Offer: See all six plays over two nights for just €15.
The six shortlisted plays from our 2014 One Act Playwriting Competition will receive their first ever performances this week. Each play will be performed twice with 3 different plays each night. The winners of the Writing and Production Awards will be announced after the Saturday performances.
Wednesday 11th - Saturday 14th February Munster Literature Centre presents
CORK SPRING POETRY FESTIVAL
Bookings for the Cork Spring Poetry Festival must be made through the festival website: www.corkpoetryfest.net up until Sunday 8th February. Thereafter at the Cork Arts Theatre.
Booking - Tel. 021 450 5624 Full details of our exciting Winter programme at...
www.corkartstheatre.com
Rep
Rhythm of the Fierce
Premiere for Firkin Crane Rhythm of the Fierce, Croí Glan’s newest work, will debut at the Firkin Crane next month. Croí Glan has joined forces with choreographer Fearghus Ó Conchúir to make this un– missable performance. It’s a show for everyone who’s ever
boogied in their bedroom and gotten their fierce freak on, on the dance floor. Tara Brandel, Mike Daley, Siobhán Ni Dhuinnín and Mary Nugent perform the 40 minute piece to Alma Kelliher’s composition and Ciaran O’Melia’s design.
Rhythm of the Fierce will take to the Firkin Crane stage on February 15th at 8pm. For more information, visit firkincrane.ie. The show returns to Cork on February 28th in the Cork Arts Centre at 7.30pm. Tickets can be booked at westcorkartscentre.com
Brian Kennedy for Macroom Macroom’s Briery Gap is delighted to announce the long–awaited return of Brian Kennedy. The singer survived a childhood on the infamous Falls Road in West Belfast at the height of its hellish history and against all odds carved an extraordinary career in music. In his own words: “I shouldn’t
have become a singer really, given where and how my life started, but my voice had other plans and saved me in the end.” In 2015, he goes from strength to strength with his recent tribute album to Joni Mitchell, A Love Letter to Joni, a body of work that ce-
ments Brian’s reputation as an exceptional vocalist, guitar player, songwriter and interpreter. Brian Kennedy will perform in the Briery Gap on February 7th at 8.30pm. Tickets are €15 — €18 from the Briery Gap Box Office on 026–41793. For more information, visit brierygap.ie.
thecorknews
Play
23 January 2015
Daunt Square, Cork City Tel 021 425 3931 www.thewoodford.ie
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Playtime
23 24
23 January 2015
Friday
Every Man’s Guide to Campaigns of the Heart continues to entertain audiences at the Everyman Palace tonight. Set in one of Ireland’s big houses in the early part of the 20th century, audiences can look forward to a night of comical misunderstandings involving debts, duels, land, livestock and love. Tickets can be bought at everymancork. com or their box office on MacCurtain Street.
Your guid e to what's happenin g in Cork this week ...
25 Sunday
Saturday
Chris Kent returns home to Cork for a comedy gig not to be missed. In 2013, Kent was voted as one of the top five Irish comedians by Hot Press Magazine. His festival appearances include The Kilkenny Cat Laughs Festival, The Vodafone Comedy Festival, The Galway Comedy Festival, Electric Picnic, and many more on the Irish scene. He has had two successful runs at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2012 and 2013, performed at the Irish Comedy Festival Dubai 2014, and is set to do a string of worldwide gigs this year. Doors open at 8.30pm and the gig begins at 9.30pm. Admission €15. For more information, visit thecomedyclub.com.
The legendary Brendan Bowyer and his band return from Las Vegas to perform some of his biggest hits in this concert show of pure nostalgia. Brendan still has the same high energy he was renowned for in the exciting days of The Royal Showband and The Big Eight. The Royal Showband’s Documentary Movie The One Nighters received a special award at The Cork Film Festival in 1963. The Hucklebuck, which was the biggest of his six No 1 hits, went platinum internationally. This evening of nostalgia begins at 8pm in the The Everyman Theatre Palace. Tickets are €26 and can be bought at everymancork.com or their box office on MacCurtain Street.
27 Tuesday
Formed in Cork in 2004 by brothers Niall and Caoimhín Vallely and Paul Meehan, Buille has blazed a trail through traditional and contemporary music, releasing two critically lauded genre–defying albums and performing hundreds of concerts all over the world. They will perform at the Ionad Cultúrtha, Ballyvourney at 8.30pm. This concert will also be recorded and is due to be released in the Spring.
28 Wednesday
26
Monday
Keira Knightley and Mark Ruffalo hit the big screen in Macroom in the 2013 American musical comedy–drama Begin Again. Knightley plays Gretta James, a singer/songwriter discovered by struggling record label executive Dan Mulligan (Ruffalo). The film also boasts some talented figures from the music industry, including Cee Lo Green and Adam Levine. This soul–stirring comedy begins at 8.30pm in the Briery Gap, Macroom. Tickets are €4 and for more information, visit brierygap.ie.
Six–piece Blues, Jazz and Folk band Clare Sands and The Cranes will grace the stage of the Crane Lane Theatre with their distinctive sound and energy. Hailing from Cork City, the band is fronted by Clare Sands on vocals, guitar and violin. The Cranes play everything from the harp to the saxophone. Not to be missed, they take to the stage at 11.30pm.
29
Thursday
The best of independent world cinema begins its 12th season at the Cork Cine Club at St John’s College. Films from the USA, France, Italy, Poland, Austria and Brazil among others will be screened from now until April 23rd. It opens tonight with the French free– wheeling relationship saga Chinese Puzzle (Casse–Tête Chinois). Film starts at 8pm. Tickets are €7 — €8.50 at the door.
thecorknews
Trades & Services
23 January 2015
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23 January 2015
CHANGE YOUR LIFE IN JUST 6 WEEKS! GRACE DID! She is DOWN 35 POUNDS & LOST 13% BODY FAT All thanks to our KICKSTART PLAN! “ I had joined loads of weight loss groups before, but they were only short–term fixes. I always put the weight back on. I wanted this to be a permanent lifestyle change, rather than a quick fix. I sarted with the Kick Start Plan and lost 18 pounds in the first six weeks, then another 17 pounds in the weeks that followed. I’ve been a member of the gym for a year now and I haven’t gained a pound since I lost the weight. It’s the first time in my life I kept the weight off!”
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