Volume 15 Issue 24

Junior Infants at Dromclough NS performing their Nativity play “Whoops-a-daisy Angel”, directed by their teacher Ms. Doyle

Dara Costello and Esther McElligott in the Christmas mood at the Saddle Bar, Listowel last Thursday. Photo Moss Joe Browne

Mark Loughane, Academy Co-Ordinator, presented with the new kits by John Horgan Spar Bridge Rd, Emily Wolska & Scott McDonnell wearing the new kits. Dorota Zwierzynska Spar Bridge Road presenting Dominic Scanlan with the new academy kits

Pupils from both 1st classes at Dromclough NS in their wonderful Christmas play “Elf and Safety”, directed by their class teachers Ms Harrington and Ms. Brosnan

Listowel Celtic U16 B Squad enjoyed a great day out at Bowling Buddies recently

Rang 4 at Dromclough NS with their teacher, Mr. Enright, after taking part in the Annual Carol Service

2022 SUMMARY OF ACTIVITIES

LISTOWEL BUSINESS & COMMUNITY ALLIANCE

The mission of the Listowel Business and Community Alliance is to work together as a community in partnership with all existing stakeholders (Municipal, Business and Community), to make the beautiful town of Listowel an even better place in which to grow up in, live in, work in and visit.

With our members as our motivation, Listowel Business and Community Alliance has had a busy 2022, working to rebound from Covid-19 and assist each other amid the ongoing economic/cost of living crisis. The support of our members remained resolute and significant progress was made on a number key projects and initiatives, some of which we have outlined below:

1. Shop Local campaign & Listowel Voucher Scheme – The Alliance worked consistently throughout the year to delivery our shop local message across all social media platforms along with promoting the campaign through traditional media utilising the North Kerry Advertiser, the Kerryman, Kerry’s Eye and Radio Kerry. The Listowel voucher which is a valuable way to support local business and our local economy continues to go from strength to strength. The Alliance is very grateful for Pierse Fitzgibbon who manage the voucher scheme.

2. Alliance Administrator & Digital Marketing Co-ordinator – With the help of the Community Support Scheme the Alliance have an allocated Administrator to help with the day to day running of the alliance, dealing with correspondence, membership, meetings and queries. In addition, the Alliance pay a part-time digital marketing co-ordinator to work with our Alliance members to highlight their businesses, local festivals and events across our social media platforms & listowel.ie. The co-ordinator also works to create press releases and social media content including videos, photos and distribute this content for local and national media.

3. Monthly e-zine – 2022 saw the return of our monthly e-zine which is sent to all businesses in Listowel and North Kerry with guidance from Kerry County Council, roadworks updates, upcoming events, information requests and promotion of local festivals, concerts, etc.

4. Alliance Breakfast Briefing – Autumn saw the resumption of our highly successful briefings with guest speaker Jenny Beresford CEO of Waterford Chamber of Commerce speaking on how Waterford businesses are capitalising on Greenway opportunities. More breakfast briefings are in the pipeline for 2023.

5. Rural Rengeration Funding (RRDF) - In January 2022 funding of just over €729,000 was allocated to the Listowel ‘Where Stories Begin’ project following collaboration with Kerry County Council. The project includes plans for the renewal of the town square and the provision of a multi-functional co-working, tourism, heritage and cultural building. This funding will also assist in the connection of the North Kerry Greenway into the heart of the town.

6. Kingdom of Kerry Greenways – Listowel - Collaboration with Kerry County Council, NEWKD, Leader and Failte Ireland to promote all Greenway supports and programmes to help and train businesses to benefit from Greenway opportunities. These included

• Becoming a Greenway Champion business through the Destination Development Training Programme for West Limerick & North Kerry delivered by Tourism Space in Spring 2022.

• Developing a Greenway Marketing Campaign for Listowel including a mural at the entrance by Garth Joyce, marketing material tied into the Listowel branding for use going forward.

• Tourism Space training and a trip to Dungarvan to network and learn from the experiences of an established Waterford Greenway. The Greenway Destination Training Project as well as “Leave No Trace Initiative” and the “Greenway Champions Programme” are stored in a library online at www.thetourismspace.com/greenway.

• The Alliance also secured funding for the upgrading of the Sive Walk and made the initial proposal for toilet facilities at the Neo Data carpark. We would also like to acknowledge the huge investment that has been made into the town infrastructure from central government.

7. Soundtown with TodayFM - The Alliance entered Listowel in the TodayFm Cadbury Sound Town competition. Great news when we were notified that Listowel was shortlisted in September 2022.Then a fantastic thrill when Listowel was announced the Nations Soundest Town for 2022 and winners of the €10,000 grand prize in November 2022, finished with the presentation and a live broadcast of the Alison Curtis Today Fm show from St. John’s. There were great interviews including Cora O’Brien Marketing and Events for Alliance, Aiden O’Connor, Mike the Pies, Billy Keane, Aoife Thornton Mayor of Listowel Municipal District.

8. Christmas Turning on the Lights and Christmas Market were organised by the Alliance with grateful help from Maire in St. Johns and Kerry County Council. The new Book Motif Light was purchased by the Alliance and Kerry County Council granted funding to enable the light to be put up. Thanks to all involved including our elected councillors and Mayor Aoife Thornton.

Become a Member - We are appealing to businesses to support the efforts of the Alliance by becoming a member. Please contact Joan Flavin, Alliance Administrator 087-3508280 or email info@listowelalliance.ie for more information.

We in the Alliance would not operate without the very generous support of Kerry County Council, the elected representatives and the very generous Alliance members who support our work through their continuing membership. Thank you.

Wishing you all a very merry Christmas and Happy New Year. We look forward to supporting many new initiatives, events, and festivals in 2023. – Rose Wall, Chairperson of Listowel Business & Community Alliance

GET PLANNING FOR BIGGER TAX LIABILITIES IN

‘23

By John Browne, FDC Limerick

It is anticipated that tax liabilities will be significantly higher next year, especially for the dairy sector, with record high milk prices received in 2022. But there is still time to plan. Options to consider, include maximising family wages before the end of your financial year.

Also, review your capital allowance schedule. Capital allowances are claimed on capital items such as farm buildings, plant, and machinery. When a business incurs costs on equipment, machinery, or plant, 12.5% of the cost of the item (net of Vat if applicable) is claimed as a capital allowance over an eight-year period. With regards to farm buildings, 15% of the cost of the farm buildings (net of Vat if applicable) is normally claimed as a capital allowance each year.

It is important to know when these capital allowances are beginning to run out, as this can have a significant impact on the tax liability, especially if you have been claiming significant capital allowances over the last few years. Consideration can be given to expenditure on energy efficient equipment that qualifies for accelerated capital allowances. The Accelerated Capital Allowance (ACA) is a tax incentive scheme that promotes investment in energy-efficient products and equipment such as variable speed pumps, solar panels, refrigerating and cooling equipment and systems etc. These energy-efficient products and equipment can also result in a significant reduction in energy costs.

The accelerated capital allowances for slurry storage are anticipated from 2023 onwards. The ACA scheme is available to sole traders, farmers and companies that are liable to tax in Ireland.

Under the ACA scheme this rate is accelerated, it allows participants to write off 100% of the purchase value of qualifying energy efficient equipment against their profit in the year of purchase. Claiming the relief is similar to that which applies to standard capital allowances. Please seek advice from your accountant/adviser to ensure you meet all criteria to qualify for the ACA scheme.

Budget now for next year’s tax bill. There is an option to set up a fixed monthly payment scheme with Revenue or if you feel at any time during 2023 you have extra cashflow you can make an extra payment to Revenue. It can help to take the pain out of the tax liability you will face next year. Get your accounts prepared in a timely fashion so you are aware of the tax liability you are facing.

Other options that may be considered: company incorporation, setting up a registered farm partnership or a succession farm partnership, entering income averaging. Invest in an EII scheme (employment investment incentive scheme). EII is a tax relief which aims to encourage individuals to provide equity-based finance to trading companies. Companies will issue shares to you for the amount you invest. You need to hold those shares for at least four years.

All the above options need to be discussed and analysed carefully with your accountant or advisor to see which options suit your individual circumstances best.

John Browne is an Area Manager with FDC Limerick. Find your local FDC office on www.fdc.ie

A Christmas night out for some of the businesses within the Keltic Business Park, Listowel

FOR SALE

HEDGING FOR SALE

Supplied & Planted. Call Eoin on 086 1681401

WOODCHIP FOR SALE

Suitable for flower beds. €15 for 8x4 trailer load. Delivery can be arranged. Call 087 1946973

BROWN DOUBLE GLAZED PATIO DOOR FOR SALE

7ft High x 6ft Wide. 2 years old. Perfect condition. Genuine reason for selling. Glin area. €600 ono Call 087 2892837

DRIVEWAY BLACK CHIPS FOR SALE

Delivered 20 Tonne or 25 tonne. Also Drainage Stone available. Apply to Dillons on 068 21759

TO LET

COMMERCIAL UNIT TO LET

Large room suitable for Hairdresser, Therapies, Salon, Office etc. In Listowel town. Good location with parking. Email: phylsbeauty@gmail.com

ONE BED APARTMENT TO LET

In William Street, Listowel. €750 per month. Call Eoghan on 087 9903626

USEFUL SERVICES

SEPTIC TANK CLEANING

We are servicing North Kerry & Beyond for over 40 Years! All pipes freed and advice given on Faulty Tanks. Call John Hartnett on 087 6718909

CONVERT TAPES TO CD, DVD, USB

Curiosity Shop, 39 Main Street, Castleisland V92 CFR6. Call 087 4586136

NEED BLINDS??

Visit our showroom by appointment. Call Paul Morkan on 086 8328384

QUALIFIED PAINTER AVAILABLE

Interior / Exterior. Kitchens hand painted or sprayed. New builds sprayed. Call Mike on 086 3125140

UPHOLSTERY SERVICE IN LISTOWEL

Give a second life to your old furniture. 3 The Paddocks, Listowel. Call 087 9913838

NO PROBLEM HOUSE CLEANING

House cleaning got too much fro you? Leave it to us, experienced cleaners for over 15 years. No job too big or too small. You can trust us to leave your house clean and fresh. Free estimates available. Minimum call-out fee of €40, which includes 2 hours of cleaning. Call Sandra on 087 6277984

WANTED

THIN, LAME AND MASTITIS COWS WANTED

Payment on the day - 087 4166163

CHILDMINDER WANTED

From Mid-February 2023. In Ballylongford area. For 9 month old, 4 days a week.

Please reply to: Box No. 1, The Advertiser, Bridge Road, Listowel or email: news@theadvertiser.ie

HOME HELP REQUIRED IN THE TARBERT/BALLYLONGFORD AREA

For elderly lady - mornings and evenings with flexible hours. Please reply to: Box No. 8, The Advertiser, Bridge Road, Listowel or email: news@theadvertiser.ie

HOUSE OR APARTMENT WANTED

In or around Listowel town. Deposit ready. Long term if possible. Call 085 1915807

DANCES

CYMS Hall Newmarket

Friday 23rd December

Dermot Lyons Band Dancing from 9-11.30pm

CYMS Hall Newmarket St. Stephen’s Day

Monday 26th December

Michael Collins Band Dancing from 9-11.30pm

SUNDAY AFTERNOON DANCE

The Hibernian Hotel, Mallow New Year’s Day

Sunday 1st January

Finbar Dennehy

3 Piece Family Band

Dancing from 3pm to 5.30pm.

For info call 087 9735113

Facebook: johnjoesdances

“So, are you all ready? Not long now! Can’t believe we’re nearly there!!! And in a week’s time it will be all over!!!”

We were enjoying a cuppa in the local coffee shop and everyone we met had the same greeting; “Are you all set for Christmas? Decorations? Gifts? Turkey? Sprouts? Big house clean up?”

It got me thinking

There is such a frenzy and a buzz in the lead up to Christmas l wonder if an alien dropped by earth would it be able to guess the reason for this festive season? Would the reason for the season be obvious? I wonder!!

Christmas is the celebration of God’s ultimate gift of His love, the birth of Jesus, the Christ child.

So why did Jesus, truly God, leave Heaven to be “ made flesh”, to be born in a manger into this hopeless, desperate world? Up to that point He had dwelt since eternity past in complete and perfect love with God the Father and the Holy Spirit in Heaven. Why, then, did He leave that beautiful existence, knowing that it was leading to His awful death?

Well, holy Scripture give us the answer. In the Gospel of Luke 19:10 Jesus says ...”...the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Also, I read what Jesus says in the Gospel of John 3:16 -17 “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.”

OF LIFE

That is the greatest news, the greatest gift we will ever receive.

On the night when Jesus was born, an angel of the Lord told the shepherds; “Do not be afraid, for behold l bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day...a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord.“ Luke 2:10

That message is for us! We need a Saviour. We need Jesus.

Imagine a world where there was no forgiveness, no joy, no hope for the future. Imagine if we could never take back angry words, if every heartache lasted forever, if every emotional wound never healed, if we daily drifted farther and farther away from peace and happiness.

That’s a world without Jesus. Thankfully because of the incarnation, because He became flesh and dwelt among us that world will never exist for whoever accepts Him as their Saviour. He is our Saviour if we allow Him, if we want Him, if we love Him, if we follow Him.

Jesus puts it like this in the Gospel of John 8:12 ”I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness but will have the Light of life. “

Can l take this opportunity to wish you all a Joyful, Peaceful and Holy Christmas.

Le grá, Bridie (Dillon)Hartney

THE MIRACLE PRAYER

This

THE MIRACLE PRAYER

Dear Heart of Jesus in the past I have asked many favours.

This time I ask you this special one, (mention favour). Take it dear heart of Jesus and place it within your heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour not mine. Amen.

Say this prayer three times for three days and your favour will be granted. Never been known to fail. Must promise publication of prayer. M.B.

Published by North Kerry Advertiser Limited, 3 Hill-Top, Bridge Road, Listowel, Co. Kerry. The copyright of the graphics, designs and listings is held by North Kerry Advertiser Limited. While every effort has been made to ensure that the information published is correct, North Kerry Advertiser Ltd. cannot be held responsible for any errors, omissions or incorrect listings. North Kerry Advertiser Limited reserves the right to alter the content of any advertisement before publication without prior notice