Ladies ‘Look the Business’! Hopkins Communications recommends all ladies attend this fabulous event
Hopkins Communications are recommending that all busy ladies attend, for the first time ever, Look The Business, The Gloss Magazine’s hugely successful fashion and networking event in association with Vodafone, at City Hall, Cork on March 31.
In challenging times Look The Business presents a great opportunity to reward yourself and invite clients, colleagues and friends to this important networking event. It’s a time-smart, excellent value way to entertain and learn about key fashion and beauty trends with labels and retailers from Brown Thomas, Marks & Spencer, Sheena’s, Lisboa, Fran & Jane, Tuula Harrington and Monreal to get ahead and dress for success this Spring/Summer.
A Piper Heidsieck champagne reception and supper with delicious wines from McGuigans, followed by an inspiring fashion catwalk event, will show how fashion is not just your battle armour at work, but a personal expression of your brand.
A catwalk beauty masterclass will demonstrate how to find a quick and fabulous office look helping you to transform your looks from desk to dinner. The now legendary Designer Handbag Draw has amazing prizes including Aer Lingus flights, laptop, phones, accessories and lots of other goodies to give away. Every guest goes home with a gorgeous gift. Tickets €120 each; €1200 for a table of 10.
Look the business 6.30pm – 10.30pm | Wednesday 31 March 2010 | City Hall, Cork
To book call The Gloss Magazine on 01 2755 130 or email register@thegloss.ie
Individual tickets €120 and include:
• Piper Heidsieck Champagne reception
• Sit-down supper and wines and plenty of time for networking
• Catwalk show featuring: Brown Thomas, Marks & Spencer, Sheenas, Liboa, Fran & Jane and Monreal
• Fabulous Estée Lauder beauty masterclass conducted by Christine Lucignano and The Gloss magazine, beauty editor, Caroline Scott
‘Look the Business’ comes to Cork!
For the first time ever, ‘Look the Business’ THE GLOSS Magazine’s hugely successful fashion and networking event in association with The Irish Times and Vodafone, goes to to City Hall, Cork on March 31.
Aimed at busy working women, Look the Business offers the ideal opportunity to network and to entertain clients, colleagues and friends in a relaxed post-work setting. A Piper Heidsieck champagne reception and supper will be followed by an inspiring fashion show (bring your working wardrobe beautifully up to date) and a catwalk beauty masterclass will demonstrate how to re-create a polished, professional beauty look. The now legendary Designer Handbag Draw has amazing prizes, from Aer Lingus flights to the latest phones, a smart laptop, chic accessories and much more. Every guest will go home with a gorgeous goodie bag. It’s the go-to-event for women who work. Tickets €120 each; €1200 for a table of 10.
The Gloss Magazine is distributed free with the Irish Times.
All systems go as the Fastnet Line’s M.V. Julia prepares for its inaugural sailing to Swansea
Excitement is building ashore and on board as the launch date (lst March 2010) of the inaugural sailing from Cork to Swansea aboard the impressive MV Julia approaches.
Stakeholders, tourism bodies, small businesses, the Irish diaspora, and the public at large are logging on to the Fastnet Line’s website on a daily basis checking out the offers available and, according to Tom Barrett Chief Executive of Fastnet Line, sailing bookings are now topping 3,000 confirmed bookings with 70% of bookings coming from the UK market, 25% from the Irish market and 5% from the German market.
‘The service expects to enjoy strong demand from both tourist and freight customers on both sides of the Irish Sea. Fastnet Line believes that it will contribute greatly to the development and promotion of tourism in the south and sustain more than 1,000 jobs. The service is worth more than €50 million annually to the local economy. We look forward to welcoming passengers aboard our fantastic ship and providing a relaxing and efficient route between the South West of Ireland and the UK’.
Mr. Barrett went on to outline the cost-effective packages available to families in particular, with their current on-line offer, with children travelling free and special fares for bookings before the end of January, subject to certain conditions. ‘Freight carriers and groups too, are well catered for, and with the upcoming St. Patrick’s Day holiday, Easter and Cheltenham Races, and The Ryder Cup and Glastonbury Festival later on in the year. This is a great opportunity to sail away on a mini-cruise and explore new horizons in the greater Swansea area, or head on to London which is just 3 hours on the M4 from the ferry port in Swansea’ he said.
He also stressed that, on the flip side, UK visitors can pop over to Cork and the South West to ‘enjoy our gorgeous scenery, excellent hotel and guesthouse rates and unique shopping experiences. This region is renowned for its sailing, walking tours in the Cork and Kerry region, excellent surfing and a reputation for the best in Irish food. With several events and festivals throughout the region including the West Cork Rally (St. Patrick’s Weekend), Baltimore Heritage Festival in April, West Cork Walking Festival in May and down the line this area has so much to offer with Live at the Marquee and Cork Week sailing in June and July and so many more festivals running throughout the year. All this contributed to tourism in the area which benefits all of us’.
As the service counts down to its date of departure, the crew of the MV Julia are going full steam ahead in preparing the vessel for its seaward journeys, working closely with health and safety bodies, local suppliers and its many supporters in ensuring that everything goes to plan. Mr. Barrett told us: ‘MV Julia is a comfortable, sturdy and seaworthy passenger/car ferry. It is well capable of providing a year-round service, and is backed by a team of industry professionals who have sailed the seven seas in vessels such as this. We are looking forward to welcoming people aboard for an enjoyable and safe trip to and from Swansea.’
For further information or to arrange an interview with The Fastnet Line personnel please call:
Mary Hopkins/Judy Hopkins
Hopkins Communications Cork
00 353 21 4272200; 00 353 87 2540804 (cellphone)
mary@hopkinscommunications.ie
MV. Julia – Cork to Swansea Route by Fastnet Line – pr by Hopkins Communications
Hopkins Communications to handle public relations in the UK and Ireland for the new Fastnet Line service to Swansea. MV. Julia – Cork to Swansea Route by Fastnet Line – pr by Hopkins Communications. So, welcome Judy – as The Mother used to say ‘Let there be no panic – and if there is – let it be organised!’ Mark PS. While Donogh, Nollaig, Agata, Finbarr, Kathleen, Keith, and Dave have experienced your staying power in the partying category and have deemed you a fit and gas character, they are no doubt looking forward to the familial contretemps which might arise, so button the lip please! The formal announcement Drinks distributor Barry & Fitzwilliam has today announced it has secured the Irish distribution rights to the Italian premium liqueurs Disaronno and Tia Maria from Illva Saronno S.p.A, which produces and sells top international brands worldwide. ‘Liqueurs are among the most versatile products on the drinks market. And with the growth of the cocktail culture and the popularity of flavoured drinks, liqueurs have had sustained growth in this most vibrant of categories. Tia Maria is a hugely popular coffee liqueur worldwide (Tia Maria Orange is a great favourite of mine), particularly for its mixability in cocktails, with coffee or in desserts, or mixed with milk and ice as a luxurious long drink. Disaronno, is described as a ‘cool’ brand. With its distinctive square glass decanter and smooth almond flavour, it has a secret recipe which is said to include the pure essence of 17 selected herbs and fruits with an infusion of apricot kernel oil’ said Michael Barry of Barry & Fitzwilliam. He also stated that projected sales of the two new brands are expected to be in the region €4million (25,000 cases) in 2010. The distribution rights for Tia Maria were formerly held by Irish Distillers/Pernod Ricard and Disaronno was with Cassidys. ‘We would like to thank both Irish Distillers and Cassidys for their previous work on the brands’ said Mr. Barry. Barry & Fitzwilliam is now Ireland’s largest independent drinks distributor, carrying over 100 international premium brands of wines, spirits and beer. The portfolio includes products from the multi national drinks groups Beam Global, Constellation, Rémy Cointreau, Edrington, Mc Guigan (IWSC Winemaker of the year 2009), Villa Maria, Corona Extra and now, Illva Saronno S.p.A. For further information please call: Top model and former Miss Ireland ‘A vegan diet is so much better for your health, for the environment generally and, as no animals are harmed, it’s cruelty free’ she explained. ‘Watching the effect meat production and meat consumption is having on the world around us in terms of cruelty, emissions and health issues, I was determined to totally cut out dairy, eggs and cheese and have a completely vegan diet. It’s going well so far and I feel great. I’ve loads of energy and just feel so much more invigorated as a result” she continued. Rosanna went on to say that she had no hesitation in endorsing the ad campaign saying: ‘There comes a stage when you cannot sit on the fence and continue living a life that will have serious consequences for future generations. I am happy to play my part, however small. If we’re going to reverse the damage we’ve done to our health and the environment, we have to begin now’ Rosanna said. Supreme Master Television, which broadcasts on Sky Channel 835, is dedicated to promoting issues which will create a better world and reduce humanity’s suffering where possible. Broadcasting globally to every continent on 14 satellite platforms, with shows in 40 different languages (with simultaneous multi-language subtitles in up to 26 languages), the station covers issues of importance on a global scale, from climate change to poverty, disaster relief to encouraging personal generosity. Non-commercial and run entirely by volunteers, Supreme Master Television encourages people to build ever wider global bridges of love, understanding, information and compassion on issues of mutual interest. The station promotes a vegan diet as the fastest way to cool the planet, slow down global warming and influence climate change. The promoters wish to remind audiences that animal agriculture, a major source of water pollution and deforestation has become one of the biggest culprits in global warming. Furthermore as animal agriculture is a growing industry, this poses a real and present threat to the future of our planet. They state that the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations recently released a report showing that farmed animals are a top contributor to today’s serious environmental problems, including greenhouse gases. They point out that livestock create 36% of lethal methane gas globally and, through burning forest for pasture and growing soy feed for livestock, it is the largest contributor of lethal black carbon in Antarctica and possibly the Andes (methane and black carbon cause many times more warming than carbon dioxide). As is evident in Copenhagen recently, many countries are saying we need to limit global average temperature increases to below 1.5 degrees centigrade. Supreme Master TV’s assertion is that, by going vegan, we can influence this rate of change quite dramatically. As we have seen in Ireland over the last number of years, storms are becoming more severe, while temperatures are rising around the world, with several deaths as a result. Ice caps are melting and our environment is changing rapidly with this climate change. We’re getting more and more ‘green’ conscious – recycling goods, buying energy-saving light bulbs and fuel-efficient hybrid cars. But most people are neglecting one of the most important steps toward stopping global warming: adopting a vegetarian diet. What we eat has a huge impact on the environment—and changing our diet can make a difference. Almost 70 percent of all agricultural land worldwide is given over to livestock production, while 33 percent of the Earth’s arable land surface is used for growing crops to feed to animals. And that number is expected to increase with the global livestock sector growing faster than any other agricultural subsector. That’s because in almost every region of the world, consumption of animal products is on the rise and this has serious implications for the rates of obesity, diabetes, heart disease and other diet-related illnesses in humans. Research has shown that eliminating or reducing meat and other animal products can have very positive effects on health. Participants can expect to experience improvements in their weight, blood pressure and cholesterol levels after making healthy dietary changes, and they are encouraged to stick with the new vegan diet because, it is expected, they will enjoy the foods and generally feel better than previously. Studies have shown that people who follow a plant-based diet are slimmer and have less risk of chronic, diet-related diseases than people on high-fat, meat-based diets. In fact, Irelandcould begin to reverse its diabetes and obesity rates by turning to a high-fibre, low-fat vegetarian diet consisting primarily of vegetables and fruits, whole grains, and beans, lentils and peas. A meatless diet can also lead to lower cholesterol, lower blood pressure and increased energy in most people. Under the patronage of Supreme Master Ching Hai, a world-renowned humanitarian, respected spiritual teacher and accomplished artist, Supreme Master Television features programs that support a modern lifestyle that is green, healthy and compassionate. From its live broadcasts of peace-building events, to interviews with presidents, celebrities and the extraordinary peace wishes of ordinary people, to its on-going humanitarian relief activities, the station and its volunteers have reached out to millions of people worldwide, making a worthwhile contribution to people’s lives. See http://www.suprememastertv.com for the list of humanitarian activities worldwide. Issued on behalf of Supreme Master TV by: Celebrity healer, Michael O Doherty, recently launched his book Just Imagine – a Life without Illness in Ennis, Co. Clare, documents credible research which lifts the lid on direct links between autism and the dispensing of vaccines to combat the illness. Citing specific cases which were uncovered in the US but not generally exposed on this side of the Atlantic, Doherty asserts that this vital information is being suppressed and that the general public need to be alerted to the dangers of this, and other, vaccinations and the myths surrounding cancer treatments. The book seeks to prove that there can be life without illness and also documents real cases where people have attested to tangible results from his particular energy treatment health-care system, including cancer recovery, the treatment of depression and lethargy, arthritic and children with asthmatic conditions. Fans and clients of Michael O Doherty include internationally respected Michael Flatley (who has endorsed Michael on several occasions), Matt Molloy of The Chieftains (who gave a testimony in the book), Kilkenny hurler DJ Carey and Waterford hurling manager Davy Fitzgerald (who both spoke at the book launch) and several other patients who have benefitted from O Doherty’s integrated healing process. Conducting clinics all over Ireland over the last 20 years, Michael O’Doherty is a well respected healthcare pioneer with an impressive following both in Ireland and internationally. The book launch, which drew an audience of 300+ people in the midst of severe flooding warnings, was launched by explorer and Everest veteran Pat Falvey. The keynote speaker was Hilary O Carroll from Limerick who delivered a hard-hitting exposé on the treatment path proposed by her doctors regarding her cancer but credits her return to health to the treatment of O’Doherty. Her statement on the cover of the new book states: I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in December 2008 and told I had 18 months to live. After treatment from Michael O Doherty, my July 2008 scans showed no cancer’. DJ Carey making a guest appearance at the launch of Michael O Doherty’s book, ‘Just Imagine…A life without Illness’, at The Woodstock Hotel, Ennis on 23rd November 2009. Michael’s Health-Care System represents the integration of a network of powerful and effective healing techniques that work by rebalancing the life energy within the body. The system has achieved exceptional results in the treatment of a wide range of conditions, often in cases that have proved difficult to treat by conventional means alone. This is achieved by imparting to people the tools of self-empowerment thereby raising their level of consciousness to a new understanding of themselves and the universe around them. Visit http://www.plexusbio-energy.com To quote O’Doherty: ‘We cannot continue to treat disease in the same way we have been doing – because it has failed. It’s time for change’. For further information on the contents of this book, which is available at all good bookstores, or to arrange an interview with Michael O’Doherty please call: S.H.A.R.E (Students Harness Aid for the Relief of the Elderly), the organisation set up in 1970 to raise funds for the elderly of Cork, has launched its traditional fast and fundraising campaign at the SHARE Crib, Daunt’s Square, Cork, (near Grand Parade). The campaign will run in Cork city centre until Christmas Eve. Cork’s First Citizen, The Rt. Hon. The Lord Mayor, Cllr. Dara Murphy and The Lady Mayoress Tanya Murphy, together with Bishop John Buckley Rev. John Ardis (representing Bishop Paul Colton) joined the young students, drawn from 20 Cork schools, to mark the start of S.H.A.R.E.’s unique campaign, while the Band of the Southern Brigade played seasonal tunes to celebrate the commencement of the initiative. Approximately 1,800 students are participating in the fast and fundraising, with their bright yellow sealed collection boxes and yellow jackets, encouraging people to donate to SHARE and help them keep this initiative alive, vibrant and effective. They will collect in the city centre up until Christmas Eve, as many of their parents did before them. The general public can also have an opportunity to give donations at S.H.A.R.E. cribs in specific shopping centres around the city and suburbs or at the Day Care Centre in Sheare’s Street, Cork. The S.H.A.R.E.-built homes, which are located around the city, are comfortable, secure and homely, with user-friendly bathrooms and security systems and decorated in warm, friendly tones. Residents of these homes are provided with a range of practical services, including meals, a laundry service, and a network of support to help them live comfortable, healthy lives in the heart of the community. A volunteer group of S.H.A.R.E. ‘Mothers’ provide a sense of community and security to residents on a daily basis. S.H.A.R.E. boys and girls visit residents also, enabling the young people to understand the realities of advancing years and the joys and challenges they bring. In addition to the challenging task of continuous maintenance and running of S.H.A.R.E’s homes dotted around the city at Blarney St, Shandon St, Blackpool, Grattan St, Sundays Well, Abbey St, Sheare’s St., activities at the impressive Day Care Centre at Sheare’s St, Cork, financed and run by S.H.A.R.E., are to continue this year, working with specific organisations to integrate even more of the elderly into the activities of the centre. The Centre now caters for an average of 120 older people each week. Availing of a range of medical and non-medical services, with the added advantage of a nurse on weekdays, the elderly have an opportunity to meet new friends in a warm, spacious environment. Activities at the Centre include dance, arts and crafts, bingo, darts, quiz games, knitting, sewing, baking, card games, snooker and drama, exercise, sing along sessions, reminiscence sessions, movies, and the odd luxury of a hand massage. Participants can take part as and if they please, and at their own pace, encouraging them to live their lives gracefully and to their full potential. Many enjoy a hot meal or a snack and can escape to the quiet atmosphere of a library filled with books and computers from generous donors. ‘As we face into our 40th year, S.H.A.R.E. has had a groundswell of support from the general public who have a great fondness for our organisation, and every year has brought new developments and many demands on resources’ said Darragh ODrisceoil, Chairperson of this year’s S.H.A.R.E. Executive. The Executive, drawn from 20 schools all over the city area, drives the efforts with relentless energy during their only annual fundraising campaign, motivating their colleagues in rain, hail or snow! Highly visible in their yellow jackets, from the tomorrow right up to and including Christmas Eve, these boys and girls will again fast and fundraise, encouraging Corkonians to dig deep and make a positive contribution towards S.H.A.R.E.’s commitment to Cork’s elderly. Those wishing to make a donation to S.H.A.R.E. can call to the focal point, The Crib at Daunt’s Square, or visit the S.H.A.R.E. cribs at Mahon Point, Merchant’s Quay, Wilton, Blackpool, Bishopstown Court, Mahon Point, Douglas Court and Douglas Village Shopping Centre. Alternatively, donations can be posted to S.H.A.R.E., The Brother Jerome Kelly Day Care Centre, Sheare’s Street, Cork where acknowledgements will be issued immediately. For further information please call: Mary Hopkins/Therese Cullen Hopkins Communications Cork 021 4272200; 087 2540804; 087 7738628. mary@hopkinscommunicatons.ie; pr@hopkinscommunications.ie EnBIO™, headquartered at Fota Point Business Park, Cork, recently copper fastened its reputation as a world-leader in pioneering technology in the bio-medical space with the announcement of the launch of a further new product OsteoZap™. The company is also launching its Business Expansion Scheme ’09 offering designed to give investors an opportunity to invest in its portfolio of innovative products which are attracting world acclaim. Furthermore, following a recent further investment in EnBIO by Enterprise Ireland under the High Potential Start Up scheme (the third investment in two years) the company, with its experienced team, aims to achieve significant growth in the short term and has increased its workforce by one third in the last year. Dan Philpott, CEO of EnBIO said: ‘Our core product, CoBlast™ which was launched last year, is already being embraced and validated by several blue-chip companies in the medical devices industry and some non-medical sectors worldwide. Our collaboration with University College Cork, University College Dublin, the University of Ulster and the University of Liverpool has seen CoBlast™ brought to market successfully. The new product we are now launching, OsteoZap™, is designed to prevent infection and bio film formation on orthopaedic implants such as hips and knees, trauma devices, and spinal and dental implants combines long-term infection prevention with the bone integration benefits of the company’s existing OsteoZip™ surface which was launched last year. Several international orthopaedic and dental implant manufacturing companies are interested in the technology and are currently conducting their own evaluation of the technology and its potential application for their implant product offering.’ EnBIO is collaborating with Clemson University in Greenville, South Carolina (which, according to Dan Philpott is ‘the ‘Harvard’ of Bio-Engineering and world renowned in the field of materials science’) and The Steadman Hawkins, Greenville Hospital System on pre-clinical and clinical trials to further validate the OsteoZap™ technology. Poised to receive another tranche of Business Expansion Scheme funding before year end, the team at EnBIO, led by Philpott, includes Chairman Paddy Caffrey (former VP and Managing Director of Pfizer Ireland Pharmaceuticals), Founder/Director John O’Donoghue (formerly a principle engineer in Guidant/Boston Scientific), Founder and Chief Commercial Officer Joe O’Keeffe (previously founder of hi-tech start-ups Pentus Technologies, SensL, Nanocomms and MV Technologies), and Non Executive Director Pat Forristal who has held a number of senior leadership positions in the Pharmaceutical, Medical Devices and Engineering industries, including Stryker. Commenting on EnBIO’s progress to date John O’Dea, High Potential Start Up Manager at Enterprise Ireland said: ‘EnBIO’s innovative products are causing considerable interest amongst the medical device manufacturing industry worldwide and we at Enterprise Ireland are confident that this new technology has the potential to be truly ground-breaking. The potential for growth is significant as the EnBio coating technology can also be applied in several other high-value sectors.’ John O’Donoghue, Founder and Chief Technical Officer of EnBIO in Cork. For further information or to arrange an interview please call: Mary Hopkins The Cork GAA Clubs Forum will launch its final report and seven key recommendations (see Editors Notes) for the future of Cork GAA on Sunday 1st November at 7pm at the Maryborough House Hotel, Cork. The group is calling on all senior, intermediate and junior clubs in the region to ensure that their key Club officers and any interested club members represent them at this important event which is designed to open up discussion on issues, proposals and motions to be presented for ratification at the Cork County GAA Convention in December 09. The Forum is calling on all committed GAA officers to help them present a unified and cohesive approach to the future enjoyment of the games. The main topics for discussion will include -democratic structures, the enhancement of existing communications structures between the Clubs and the Cork County Board and developmental issues to include refereeing, fixtures and competition structures to facilitate optimum enjoyment and efficiency for all concerned. According to a spokesman for the forum, the final report closely mirrors the terms of the interim report which is already in the public domain and which underpinned the strength of the support of the Clubs for certain proposals but, due to the disappointing The forthcoming Cork County Convention will see the Clubs continue to press for the changes they and their members have recommended in this report and the Forum is urging all club committee members to ensure that their Club representatives attend the Maryborough House Hotel meeting and register their Club’s earnest wish for reforms to the ultimate benefit of Cork GAA.. The Cork GAA Clubs Forum previously met with the Cork County Board Chairman, Gerry O’Sullivan, Runai, Frank Murphy as well as Peter Hanan of O’Kelly Sutton Consulting on Monday October 19th at Pairc Ui Chaoimh, at the request of the County Board Officers and Mr Hanan. The meeting was the first in a series of meetings planned by the Board to gather the views of the GAA in preparation for the County’s Strategic Plan. The countdown is on to the 54th Corona Cork Film Festival, Ireland’s oldest film festival which will take place from Sunday November 1-8. The festival will open with the screening of The Boys are Back a deeply moving film which stars Clive Owen and portrays a father who suddenly finds himself as a single Dad to two young boys. For eight days and eight nights the festival will screen over 300 films before closing with the screening of The Road, a dramatic thriller directed by John Hillcoat about Apolytlic America. Michael Barry of Barry and Fitzwilliam said Leading the way in the international features is Up in the Air which stars George Clooney whose cherished life on the corporate road is threatened just after he meets the frequent-traveler woman of his dreams. Berlin winner London River tells the story a Christian mother and a Muslim father who meet as they try to find their respective children following a bomb attack in London while The White Ribbon which won the Palme D’or at the 2009 Cannes Film Festival is the depiction of life in a tiny Protestant village in Germany prior to the horrors of WWI. A gem of the festival, the charming Samson and Delilah, gives an honest insight into Aboriginal life in Australia. Taking Woodstock directed by Ang Lee is a comedy inspired by the true story of Elliot Tiber and his family, who inadvertently played a pivotal role in making the famed Woodstock Festival while the Coen Brothers latest film A Serious Man is the story of a simple man and his search for clarity in 1960’s America. A noted Irish feature is Eamon the award-winning directorial debut of Margaret Corkery who won the 2005 Best Irish Short Award at the Festival. Director Robert Pappas’ outstanding new documentary, To Age or Not to Age receives its world premiere in Cork. The film tracks the pioneers in the field of anti-aging research at Harvard, MIT, and Cambridge and offers lucid commentary on the discovery of the anti-aging gene. Renowned music director Julian Temple will attend the festival for the screening of Oil City Confidential which profiles the 1970’s British band Dr Feelgood. No Greater Love gives a unique insight into the Discalced Order of Carmelite Nuns in London’s Notting Hill who lead a cloistered life dedicated to prayer while the blackly hilarious Goodbye, How Are You portrays the fractured society in Serbia struggling to come to terms with the effects of war and widespread political corruption. An Irish documentary not to miss is Art of Time where leading artists and thinkers respond to our rapidly changing world. The Corona Cork Film Festival and the Irish Film Archive will celebrate 125 years of the GAA and will screen a selection of archival films on Cork hurling down through the years including a special film on the legendary hurler Christy Ring. The Festival is delighted to pay tribute to Georges Schwizgeble, one of the world’s most renowned master animators and will present a full retrospective of his work in partnership with the Swiss Film Agency. Audiovisual artist Ian Helliwell will premiere a new programme of experimental films and in partnership with the Cork Film Centre the great Austrian innovator Peter Tscherkassky will give a Director’s Masterclass and screen a programme of his work. Media Artist Alex Mackenzie and filmmaker Eve Heller will also attend the festival. An exhibition not to miss is Stains and Stencils by Qasim Riza Shaheen which looks at the transgendered community of the red light district of Lahore in Pakistan. The exhibition will take place in the Triskel Arts Centre Off Site Location on Caroline Street The festival is internationally recognised as a leading showcase for the short film format and will screen over thirty seven programme of shorts which will showcase local, national and international shorts. This will include Indian short films, Arabic short films, Free Radical Shorts, Gay and Lesbian shorts and the ever popular ‘Made in Cork’ shorts. Short filmmakers will compete for several prestigious awards including the Best Irish Short and Best Blackwater Castle, in Castletownroche village, Co. Cork, is Ireland’s latest multi-purpose conference venue with a difference which is now available for company conferences, think-ins and seminars and offers a unique blend of facilities in this attractive part of North Cork. Just 7 miles from Mallow town, this 12th century castle is situated on a 40-acre protected nature reserve on the banks of the Awbeg River. Centrally located, it is easily accessible from Dublin, Limerick, Cork and Kerry. Lovingly restored over the last ten years, the Castle has recently hosted seminars for pharmaceutical companies as well as University seminars and business meetings. Typical of a country house, it has six elegant reception rooms, a full catering suite, long hall, tower, library and bar, and has 9 individually styled ensuite rooms and 6 self catering apartments. Patrick Nordstrom told us: ‘We have hosted several day-long, and weekend private conferences and meetings here, and we are now making the venue available to educational institutions for outreach projects, and to companies whose executives want to fly into Ireland for a short conference, returning back to an airport within two hours. Furthermore, we are planning a series of ‘stay and see’ initiatives to bring artistic, historical and culinary events to the castle which will appeal to several categories’. Mr. Nordstrom went on to say that, from a catering perspective, clients can engage their own chef and catering staff, stock the bar as they wish or contract these services from the Castle’s list of preferred professional caterers. According to Patrick ‘Our greatest strength is the flexibility this castle can offer to corporations and colleges and organisations. We have large grounds available here also allowing clients to hire marques if necessary for more space. During breaks from the hard graft, conference attendees can avail of the private river run flowing through the estate and fly fish the brown trout or angle for salmon or tour the lush hinterland of the local area (known as Ballyhoura Country) with its 5 towns, 12 villages and 50 communities. The Awbeg River flows through the Castle grounds and guests or delegates are welcome to explore both sides of the valley. For those who love nature, they will find inspiration and relaxation in the Castle’s protected Nature Reserve which is home to a vast array of wildlife, including the peregrine falcon, game, otters and endangered species such as the Red Squirrel. Blackwater Castle also has a very interesting history, the castle dates from the eight century but evidence suggests it may have been occupied in the Stone Age. During the Iron Age the fort of Dun Cruadha was established on the current site of the Castle and the Castle itself is now a history lover’s delight as the old Castle fortifications are still visible around the grounds of the Castle. The prominent Tower on the West side of the Castle is a fine example of Norman architecture as it is still structurally intact throughout and offers magnificent views of the surrounding valley from the rooftop. The Tower is now home to a Sheela na Gig, a rare sacred symbol of a female figure believed to date from the Eight Century. Now another Patrick (albeit he is a Finnish Patrick) has brought the magic of yesteryear back to Blackwater Castle, opening it up to exploration, education, community and artistic endeavor, and he and his wife Sheila and family, who now live on the grounds, have truly ‘revived’ this national treasure. http://www.blackwatercastle.com or view the castle on youtube.com Innovative Cork Taxi Company, Satellite Taxis is the first in Ireland to be officially licensed by the Taxi Regulator. Under new legislation, all dispatch operators and taxi companies must obtain a license before year end as a stipulation in order to operate. This good news comes in the midst of a difficult period for Cork Taxis, and Satellite Taxis with a fleet of over 70 cars believes that the key to working through the testing time is being more pro-active and inventive. “There’s no doubting that the market for taxis is highly competitive at the moment. However, it’s vital to be ahead of the competition with new ideas, technology and the highest possible standard of service,” said Der Calnan, Managing Director of Satellite Taxis. “We’re delighted with the announcement that we are first, not just in Cork but in the whole of Ireland to be awarded the Category 1 license. It’s another first in a long line for Satellite Taxis.” The license is awarded after a number of measures are implemented by the taxi company in line with the new operating standards. Initially, a nominated individual must pass the SPSV (Small Public Service Vehicles) Skills Development Test which tests their knowledge under a series of job related categories. The company must then demonstrate an appropriate staff training structure in place for customer care, customer complaints, fare structure and assisting people with disabilities. Other stipulations include; a booking system which is accessible to people with disabilities, phone booking plus fax, email or SMS booking, booking records for a minimum of 6 months and up-to-date driver and vehicle records. All the above must be available for sporadic inspection by a Commission Enforcement Officer. Satellite Taxis has grown rapidly since its conception in February 2007 and prides itself on the ability to provide an efficient and proficient service. They were the first company in Cork to use a fully computerised GPS or Fleet Management System with satellite navigation that includes in-car credit card swipes and CCTV as well as another first with uniformed drivers. After a highly eventful four days of play, the Ladbrokes.com Irish Poker Festival 2009 came to a climatic close in the early morning hours of Monday, 5th October. The festival, which took place in the INEC in Killarney saw Nottingham native, Thomas Rolfe scoop the €100,000 top prize from Dubliner, Emmet Gough. Bryan Coleman, Irish Territory Manager with Ladbrokes.com said, “We’re still reeling from the fantastic weekend. Thomas was a deserved winner emerging from the wealth of poker talent which was on display throughout the festival.” Luck and wit combined to guide the players from almost 800 down to the final table of just 10. Rolfe, who set himself up as a contender early in the competition by winning a major pot on day one and shooting up the chip leader board, kept a calm and steady approach throughout the competition. While the top 77 players receive pay-outs of €1000 up, it was an event that saw big wins and loses. None less than 7/2 favourite on day 3, Tom Kitt who lost a colossal 1.7million pot to Tony Collins. Collins then went on to take 4th place after locking horns to his detriment with Emmet Gough. The final two traded blows and pots with little impact until Gough called Rolfe’s shove with a dominant Ace-King over Ace-Queen. However, lady luck was on Rolfe’s side and the final call of ‘player down’ echoed around the room as a heart flush draw on the river gifted Rolfe the €100,000 first prize. Monday 28th September 2009: Craig Doyle today officially launched Ireland’s first ever search to find out what home means to the country! Denny is taking to the road to find out with the first stop being in Cork. Denny is donating €1 to The Simon Community on behalf of every individual who shares their thoughts about home. The public can do this by uploading photos, videos or comments to http://www.homeis.ie, texting 51444 or by popping into the Denny home. Denny is also looking to film real people and real homes as part of its search. They are asking the public to invite the Denny film crew – headed by award-winning film-maker Paddy Breathnach (I Went Down, Shrooms) – into their homes to share their thoughts with the nation on TV, as part of Denny’s 2010 ad campaign. To invite the Denny film crew into their home, the public can call 1850 887 000. Plenty of Corkonians are already sharing their thoughts. Etaoin O’ Hailpin, Miss Cork comments: ‘‘Home to me is relaxing with my family and enjoying being together. I look forward every evening to going home and chilling with my family, having a chat and a laugh. Níl aon tinteán mar do thinteán féin.” Even the Lord Mayor Cllr. Dara Murphy has opened up, saying “Home is anywhere that I am with my wife and children”. Denny’s specially created Cork ‘pop up’ home looks like an actual home with a real sitting room and kitchen – straight out of a Laura Ashley or Kath Kidson catalogue! They have everything from standard lamps to cosy cushions, rocking chairs, dressers, stocked fridges, and photo frames. There is even a view of iconic local landscapes out of the kitchen window. The Cork Denny home is kitted out with wi fi access, games, and much more. People can stroll in, make themselves a cup of tea, have a chat with the resident ‘mammy’ and ‘son’ and of course tell us what home means to them! Businesses, societies, or individuals can book meetings or events in either the Home on Wheels or pop up homes. Anything from big breakfast mornings to afternoon tea, debates, kiddie mornings with story telling, and board game tournaments will be catered for Celebrity Ambassador, Craig Doyle comments “Home is more than just a building, it’s familiarity, its faces, family, friends, memories, smells, jobs to be done, things to be fixed – it’s security and safety. We’re looking forward to seeing what is significant to people in towns and cites throughout the country. For me it’s my real life outside of work, a return journey, a house full of screaming kids, a window frame the dog chewed and I got blamed for, it’s happiness and warmth!” Tricia Burke of Denny says: “We realise the importance of home and how something small can really make people feel “at home”; your favourite cup, a special spot on the sofa or even a song that reminds you of home.”
“We want to make the public part of our story, by showcasing real homes and feelings in our TV adverts next year – the public can literally dictate to us what they want us to see. But we don’t want to scare anyone away from sharing their thoughts! Only those who opt in will be approached to be part of our ads. For the rest of the nation, simply by sharing your ideas with us, we will make a donation on your behalf to The Simon Community”. Patrick Burke, CEO of the Simon Communities of Ireland said: “The Simon Communities throughout the island of Ireland provide care, accommodation and support to almost 10,000 people every year who experience – or are at risk of homelessness. Many are cut off and isolated from family and friends.” Log onto http://www.homeis.ie. Denny also has online homes on Facebook, twitter, Flickr, and postcardsfromhome.ie. Villa Maria Estate, New Zealand’s most awarded winery, has announced a change in its distribution arrangements in Ireland with immediate effect with Barry & Fitzwilliam taking over the Villa Maria portfolio. Charlotte Read, European Market Manager for Villa Maria commented on the deal as follows: “Ireland is extremely important to us because the market is dynamic, expanding and benefits from having some innovative retailers, both in the on and off trade. Over the past decade and more, Allied Drinks have done a fantastic job building a premium position for the Villa Maria brand in Ireland and we look forward to going from strength to strength with our new partner. We are fortunate to have teamed up with Barry & Fitzwilliam, a company highly suited to exploit these opportunities. Our objective is clear: to be the number one premium New Zealand brand in Ireland.” Michael Barry, Managing Director of Barry & Fitzwilliam adds: “We are delighted to take over the distribution of Villa Maria wines in Ireland. We have great expectations for the range and we look forward to dynamic growth.” http://www.bandf.ie Richy’s Bar & Bistro, Wolfe Tone Street, Clonakilty, West Cork has been accepted onto the impressive list of top Irish restaurants in the Good Food Ireland network. The network was set up to advise people on the best places to eat that are passionately committed to using the quality local food produce which epitomise the true taste of Ireland’s food offering. Chef and proprietor Richy Virahsawmy’s funky 80-seater restaurant joins a club of top restaurants which include The Lime Tree in Kenmare, L’Ecrivian in Dublin, Ballymaloe House in Cork and a host of other reputable venues. Richy, who is already a member of Euro Toques (the European community of top chefs) has lived a million interesting lives and has now ‘nested’ in Clonakilty, building up a solid reputation for great food and cool ambience in this West Cork town with his bar and bistro. Described as a modern Irish restaurant with international influences, the bar and bistro, which is located just off the main roundabout on Wolfe Tone Street, Clonakilty, is open 7 days with seasonally changing menus and specials board drawn from the best of West Cork produce. As if that is not enough, Richy will star in ‘On the Menu’ – a cookery series on City Channel (107) on NTL digital, starting mid- August and the show will broadcast over six months with 3 shows a week repeating. ‘That’s an exciting development’ said Richy. ‘They approached me through a recommendation and I am going to give it my all!’ Will the series give him celebrity status? Richy laughs at the suggestion saying: ‘Having overseen the 33 chefs at the Department of Trade and Industry and responsible for Tony Blair’s conferences and functions at No. 10 Downing Street, I am not fazed by it! I’ve also cooked for Michael Flatley’s parties and done private dining for the Board of Directors at Astra Zeneca, shipping in the finest produce from all over the world. Richy and Johanna’s involvement with the local community involves running cookery courses in the winter for adults and children, and this October will see them work with Cork County Council in setting up an allotment area where children can grow their own vegetables and Richy will teach them to cook them in interesting ways. ‘While the summer months are crucial for us with tourists and day trippers using the restaurant, the local community are our core business. When I came to work for Inchydoney Lodge & Spa (who now refer their clients to us regularly) initially I fell in love with the area and decided to open my own restaurant – a dream I had had for several years. Now a lot of the local clubs and associations hold their meetings here, and local companies have used us to hold private Board Meetings and Customer Incentive Evenings on a regular basis. Hen Parties ‘of the sophisticated variety’ are hugely popular too’ he said. Currently offering dinner for two mid-week, including a bottle of Richy’s branded wine, costs just €60 euro at the moment, and the restaurant is one of few offering ‘The Full Irish’ every weekend morning, with lunch and dinner as normal. http://www.richysbarandbistro.com 15th July 2009 – INDIEPENDENCE Music & Arts Festival have today announced that they have been given the green light for an official festival campsite at O’Connell Park, Mitchelstown. The best bit is that festival organisers have decided in these recessionary times they will not be charging festival goer’s for use of the camping facilities! Anybody with a €59 weekend ticket purchased from ticketmaster.ie (even where these tickets state “weekend non-camping”!) will be given access to the campsite. The site is adjacent to the festival arena and car parking facilities are less than 5 minutes walk away. The news means that festival goer’s heading along on the 1st and 2nd August to see headliners Ocean Colour Scene and The Super Furry Animals along with top Irish acts, The Blizzards, Mundy, Fight Like Apes, The Frank & Walters, Director, Delorentos, Fish Go Deep, Wallis Bird, The Chapters and over 50 more top acts and DJ’s will now be able to stay on-site for the weekend and enjoy the full festival experience! The Festival, which is sponsored by Bavaria, offers three stages with 10 hours of music on site each day. On top of that, the entire town of Mitchelstown is turned into a festival centre with 2am extensions in all bars, live music and DJ’s on offer into the early hours. Up to 20,000 people are expected to pass through Mitchelstown over the course of the August Bank Holiday weekend. Any festival goers who bought €39 day or special offer early bird tickets will be able to access the campsite by paying a small supplement on arrival at the site. Check out http://www.indiependencefestival.com for details! Since February, almost 100 primary schools nationwide have been digging and cultivating their kitchen themed gardens in the 4HOME’s ‘Let’s Get Gardening’ competition. This week Scoil Iosaf in Castlemartyr, Cork was awarded first place in the overall competition for their outstanding effort and green fingers. 3rd and 4th class, lead by teacher Elma Wade were delighted with their win and really adopted the kitchen theme literally in their fruit and vegetable plot. The plants poured out of kettles, pots and pans while the background of the garden encompassed a large dresser showcasing personalised crockery from each participating child. Celebrity Chef Rachel Allen, who endorsed the competition, was on-hand to present the children with their cash prize which will be used to fund inter-active whiteboards in the school. “The children’s efforts were absolutely fantastic, the improvement in the garden since the start of the year has been phenomenal,” said Rachel “ The school and the children are all so enthusiastic about the competition and hopefully the win will spur them on to grow and cook at home as well.” Second place went to Limerick school, St. Brigid’s in Singland and third place was claimed by Kilanerin NS, Gorey, Co. Wexford. Donagh McClafferty, Managing Director, 4HOME Superstores applauded the winning school, “The children have learnt so much by participating in this competition. Visit http://www.letsgetgardening.ie for information on the competition, recipes and gardening tips. Chart-topping Ocean Colour Scene among the line-up at Mitchelstown’s INDIEPENDENCE Music Festival while thrill-seekers prepare to beat The Beast of Ballyhoura in the heart of the country. Friday 5th June 2009 – Ballyhoura Country, a largely rural area between Limerick City and Cork City incorporating 8 towns, 12 villages and over 50 communities, last night launched its unique August Bank Holiday weekend of entertainment and excitement. With a spectacular range of music and activities to tempt all ages, the weekend promises a great mix of fun for those who are into the craic but want the option to get lost in the magic of the countryside and all it has to offer. The INDIEPENDENCE Music Festival, taking place in Mitchelstown (Co. Cork) over the August weekend, looks set to be the best small festival in Ireland, with top rated Irish acts – The Blizzards, Fred, Director, Delorentos, and Mundy – joining international acts like Ocean Colour Scene and Super Furry Animals for a two-day Festival that is sure to draw music buffs from all over Ireland, and at a phenomenally low price of just €59 for the weekend ticket (through Ticketmaster.ie)! That same weekend, adrenaline junkies and thrill-seekers (or just those of us who like to watch the action) can check out The Beast of Ballyhoura, a 36-hour non-stop adventure race commencing in nearby Castletownroche (Co. Cork) which takes in counties Cork, Tipperary and Limerick. Designed to test the mettle of even the most hardened adventurers, participants in The Beast (if they are to triumph) will field teams of four people who will run, bike, shoot, kayak, abseil and orienteer their way across the Galtee mountains and challenge ‘the beast within’! Those not participating in this challenge will have the opportunity to hit the Ballyhoura Mountain Bike Trails nd involve their families and friends in the adventure. The two Festivals were launched in Cyprus Avenue, Cork last night, and there were thrilling performances from The Chapters, The Vital Spark and The 202’s. Speaking at the launch, Shane Dunne (Event Organiser) said: ‘This year’s Festival is set to be the biggest yet and, with over 60 acts taking part, INDIEPENDENCE looks like being the best value entertainment in Ireland this summer. On the same weekend, The Beast of Ballyhoura, starting off in Castletownroche, will now feature Ireland’s Annual Inter-Services Challenge, with the Army, Gardai, Ambulance, Civil Defence and PSNI going head to head to find Ireland’s toughest servicemen and women This should prove to be a real spectacle’. The town of Mitchelstown will be turned into a “Festival Extension” for this great weekend, with late licenses in all bars, after-parties following the acts playing the main arena and lots more live music and DJ’s. The 10-acre site at the base of the Galtee Mountains, in the heart of Ballyhoura Country, will be transformed into a hive of festival activities with three stages, food and bar facilities sitting alongside arts & crafts stalls and chill out areas. Blackwater Castle in Castletownroche, Co. Cork, will be the headquarters of The Beast of Balllyhoura, and participants and spectators are promised a great day out in this lovely part of the country. The weekend incorporates the Ballyhoura Blitz, a unique adventure race test for both the beginner and elite athlete with a short course event incorporating a 10km hill run followed by 25km of challenging mountain biking on the world class Ballyhoura Trails. Ballyhoura Fáilte will assist in the co-ordination of The Beast event and families are encouraged to make a weekend of it by enjoying the music and adventure in this lovely rural area, booking in to the extensive list of great hotels, self-catering accommodation, B & Bs, hostels and campsites in the region. http://www.ballyhouracountry.com; http://www.ballyhourafailte.ie Barry & Fitzwilliam, Ireland’s leading independent drinks distributor, (headquartered at Airport Road, Cork with a sales office in Dublin and a national distribution network) has today (21st May 2009) announced it is to take over the distribution of the extensive portfolio formerly held by Allied Drinks Distributors (Dublin), commencing 1st August 2009. Michael Barry, Managing Director at Barry & Fitzwilliam, commenting on the development, said: ‘This move confirms Barry & Fitzwilliam’s position as a market leader in the Irish drinks distribution industry. We are providing competitive advantage in that our customer relationships, diverse product offering, distribution and marketing capabilities and capacity utilisation meet the needs of the current challenging marketplace. The addition of these brands to our portfolio will further enhance our reputation as a key player in the industry and we are determined to deliver economies of scale for Constellation Europe. Our workforce is totally committed towards that goal and poised to deliver outstanding service and value to our clients who have shown such loyalty to our company over the years ’. The new brands include: Hardys, Robert Mondavi, Echo Falls, Nobilo, Stowells, Errazuriz, Villa Maria, Blackthorn Cider and Tauntons Cider. Troy Christensen, President and CEO of Constellation Europe (owners of Allied Drinks Distributors), commenting on the move, said: ‘Following a review of our routes to market in the Irish Republic we believe that our business interests in Ireland will be better served through a third party distributor arrangement, rather than through our wholly owned ADD business as at present. We believe Barry & Fitzwilliam has the capability and reputation to deliver sustained growth over the long-term.’ Constellation Europe is part of Constellation Brands Inc., the world’s largest wine company. Barry & Fitzwilliam is now Ireland’s largest independent drinks distributor, carrying over 100 international premium brands of wines, spirits and beer. The portfolio includes the multi national drinks groups Beam Global, Rémy Cointreau, Edrington, Australian Vintage and Corona Extra. The Corona Fastnet Short Film Festival, which will be held in Schull, West Cork, launched Thursday, 16th April 2009 with a Cinematographer’s Party at the Crane Lane Theatre, Cork city. The Festival, in its inaugural year, will celebrate the short film genre through screenings from experienced and budding film-makers from Thursday, 14th to Sunday, 17th May 2009. Gillian Devlin with Maurice Seezer, Co-Chairman and Chris O’Dell, Chairman of The Corona Fastnet Short Film Festival, which was launched with a Cinematographer’s Party at the Crane Lane Theatre, Cork. The Corona Fastnet Short Film Festival is unique in that it brings an eclectic mix of cinema to a town devoid of the cinematic experience – the closest cinema is in Bantry, over an hour’s drive away. Ireland’s first traveling cinema, the 100-seater Cinemobile will act as the focal point for the Festival aimed at encouraging film-makers to share their knowledge and expertise in the short film field. Chris O’Dell, Cinematographer and Chairman of the Festival Committee said, “Corona is a perfect fit for us and enhances the profile of the Festival in its inaugural year. It is a tremendous boost to a new project such as ours to have a world-wide brand as a valued partner and we’re sure Corona will play a major role in the success of the Festival.” Gerry Stembridge, renowned co-creator of the satirical radio sketch show Scrap Saturday and Director of film ‘About Adam’, and Patron of the Festival, attended along with John Kelleher, The Irish Film Censor and several other film enthusiasts/ producers who were entertained with live music from Dogtail Soup, film clips and information on the up-coming festival. Stembridge will launch his latest book at the festival in May. The Irish Premiere of Marita Conlon McKenna’s ‘Under the Hawthorn Tree’ will be screened on the Friday of the festival, 15th May, with signings and readings by the writer herself. Other celebrated patrons of the Festival who will attend, give workshops and talks through-out the weekend include the much-acclaimed Director Jim Sheridan of ‘My Left Foot’ and ‘In the Name of the Father’ fame, British Director Jack Gold (who directed the last episode of Inspector Morse), Greg Dyke (ex-Director General of the BBC). For further information on the Corona Fastnet Short Film Festival or to arrange an interview, please contact: Gerry Stembridge, renowned co-creator of satirical radio show Scrap Saturday, Tony Barry ex-Director with RTE and John Kelleher, The Irish Film Censor at the launch of The Corona Fastnet Short Film Festival in Crane Lane. The Festival, in its inaugural year, will celebrate the short film genre through screenings from experienced and budding film-makers from Thursday, 14th to Sunday, 17th May 2009. The Festival will again be held at the INEC, Killarney, and will have a €400,000 prize pool. The event proper will commence on Friday, 2nd October, with a last-chance super-satellite qualification heat on the day before. This allows low buy-ins to a poker tournament that awards winners entry to the tournament proper. Ladbrokes.com is anticipating that the volume of entries will be on a par with last year’s event, generating a mouth watering first prize of €100,000. The Festival will also include two side tournaments, and throughout the festival duration, players will have exclusive access to Ladbrokes hospitality facilities, which includes a games room with pool, darts and other activities, available in between all the poker action. Those who qualify through the Ladbrokespoker.com online system will win a €950 package, which includes main event buy-in and three night’s accommodation at the Gleneagle Hotel, Killarney. This package is available exclusively through Nigel Blower, Head of Events and Promotions at Ladbrokes.com said: “We’ve created a fantastic event in Killarney. The tournament combines great poker with a beautiful destination and the chance to sample the renowned Ladbrokes Poker hospitality side by side with Irish hospitality”. Hopkins Communications and partners row in behind the Swansea Cork Ferry initiative with its ‘Cork Can Syndicate’.
Hopkins Communications, Cronins Coaches, The Kingsley Hotel and O’Brien Coaches have rowed in behind the promoters of the Swansea Cork Ferry and become shareholders in the new venture. ‘Sitting on the fence was not an option for us’ said Mary Hopkins, Chairman of Hopkins Communications. ‘Tourism is the life-blood of the South West, and West Cork in particular, and there is a knock on effect for all businesses through the re-instatement of this ferry link. I congratulate West Cork Tourism and the Port of Cork in particular for driving this initiative forward’. Issued: 3rd April 2009. Following on from last year’s success, the 2009 national competition was launched by Celebrity Chef Rachel Allen today (27th March 2009) at Castlemartyr National School, Co. Cork. This year’s theme ‘kitchen garden’ has a prize fund of over €10,000. ‘The ‘Let’s Get Gardening’ competition is a great initiative, not only for the life-skills which the children will experience but also for them to know where the food they eat comes from and how it grows. I was delighted when 4HOME Superstores asked me to become involved. The children will also take pride in cooking and eating the fruits (and vegetables!) of their labour’ said Rachel. ‘This year, they have introduced a ‘Rachel’s Favourite 4HOME Recipe’ section to the competition. The children are required to use the fruit and vegetables to create their own recipes which they can cook-up either at school or at home. I can’t wait to see what they come up with!’ Rachel continued. Almost 100 participating schools across Ireland will be provided with free vouchers for gardening supplies at the stores and advice from the 4HOME Superstores Horticulturalists on how to progress. “Following on from the success of last year’s competition, we are delighted to be offering this initiative to schoolchildren again this year,” said Donagh McClafferty, Managing Director of 4HOME Superstores. “We feel that this year’s ‘kitchen garden’ theme is very appropriate at present with the increased interest in grow-your-own fruit and vegetables. We have seen significant growth in our garden centre’s sales in the last number of weeks with fruit and vegetable products forming a large part of this, reinforcing our view that this will be a very successful project.” This year’s participating schools total almost 100 nationally, including 35 primary schools in Cork and many more nationwide from Carlow to Monaghan and Wexford to Killarney. Competing schoolchildren will be busy in their kitchen gardens over the next few months, with fruit, vegetables and herbs cultivated in window boxes, containers or in the school grounds. Regional winners will be selected in May and the 2009 4HOME Superstores “Let’s Get Gardening” overall winning school will be announced in early June. There are 12 4HOME Superstores located across 7 counties offering a full range of DIY, Garden & Home Interior products. Visit http://www.4home.ie/letsgetgardening.cfm for information on 4HOME Superstores “Let’s Get Gardening” competition. KBC Bank Ireland plc, which is wholly owned by the Belgian banking giant, KBC Bank NV – one of the world’s top 50 banks, with offices in Dublin, Belfast, Cork, Limerick and Galway, today launched its Annual Report 2008. The Bank’s regional office is at 52 South Mall, Cork. Speaking at the Bank’s headquarters at Sandwith St. Dublin, Chief Executive Ted Marah launched the Report and stated: “Against the backdrop of a turbulent global and domestic economic and financial environment, I am pleased to report a satisfactory outturn for the year, with after tax profit before return on subordinated debt capital, of €103 million. Our key focus in business lending continues to be on the SME market where a difficult competitive environment affected by the adverse exchange rate environment and tight credit environment will undoubtedly continue to place strains on many of our business customers.” He went on to state that the Bank’s solid capital base with the continuing support of its parent KBC Bank N.V. provides a robust foundation for weathering the current storm. The KBC Bank Ireland plc capital position improved over the year with the core Tier 1 ratio at 31 December 2008 of 9.2% and a solvency ratio of 10.8%.” Mr Marah went on to say that the Irish residential market continues to undergo significant adjustment. ‘We are committed to supporting home buyers also and expect that the mortgage market will remain muted this year. However, the increasing alignment of buyer and seller expectations and the continued fall in interest rates are assisting affordability’ he said. Mr. Marah, who successfully steered the Bank through a series of economic cycles and business initiatives over a 35 year period, announced his retirement and remains on as a Director of the bank. He availed of the opportunity to introduce his Chief Executive Designate, John Reynolds. Mr. Reynolds joined the Bank in 1985 and is a native of Culdaff, Donegal. Hopkins Communications today (20th March 2009) lent its support to the Irish Cancer Society Daffodil Day at a Cork Society of Chartered Accountantants fundraising breakfast, with an attendance of over 250 people, at The Clarion Hotel Cork. Hopkins Communications was one of the main sponsors at the recent Brown Thomas/Kingsley Hotel fundraising luncheon for Cork Alzheimer’s Home Care programme. ‘I guess no-one will ever know just how difficult life can be for carers looking after loved ones with Alzheimer’s in the home. The Home Care programme is quite exceptional and we are delighted to support them with this sponsorship of a sailing trip for four people. We know people love to get out on the water and we are happy to share our love of the seas with them’ said Mary Hopkins. Barry & Fitzwilliam, (estbd 1982), Ireland’s leading independent distributor of international wines, spirits and beer brands, has announced that it has sealed new direct distribution contracts with Beam Global Spirits & Wine, Bols Amsterdam, The Edrington Group, Rémy Cointreau Group and SPI Group for a total of 23 internationally-recognised brands (listed below). Commenting on the deal, Michael Barry, MD at Barry & Fitzwilliam stated: ‘With a turnover value to Barry & Fitzwilliam of approximately €18 million annually (the overall turnover at the firm topped €83 million in 2008), these new contracts copper fasten our reputation as Ireland’s leading independent drinks importer and represents a solid vote of confidence in our sales and marketing abilities. We are continually watching international trends in order to expand our portfolio and bring exciting options to the Irish market ’. The new contracts were negotiated following re-structuring at the former pan-European distributors, Maxxium Worldwide, opening up the opportunity for Barry & Fitzwilliam to deal directly with the brand owners. The firm will revert to its original name, Barry & Fitzwilliam, from April 6th this year. The company,m which employs 80 people, is headquartered at a 50,000 square foot bonded warehousing facility at Airport Road, Cork, with an administration centre in Dublin. Barry & Fitzwilliam is Ireland’s leading independent distributors of international wines, spirits and beer brands, with national distribution and annual sales for 2008 in the region of €83million euro. The company is headquartered at a 50,000 square foot bonded warehousing facility at Airport Road, Cork, with an administration centre in Dublin. With a portfolio of over 50 international quality brands of wines, spirits and beers, including Corona Extra, McGuigan Wines, Mont Gras and several others, the new contracts negotiated are for the following brands: Rémy Cointreau Group: Beam Global Spirits & Wine: The Edrington Group: SPI Group: Bols Amsterdam: March 2009 Michael O’Doherty, Co-Founder of Plexus Bio-Energy will return to Cork on the 18th March to host a Self- Help Seminar by popular demand. Michael and his practitioners held fully booked clinics at the end of February he says it was as a result of the overwhelming interest at these that Michael scheduled the seminar “I was anxious to come back to Cork again as soon as possible to meet with those who could not get places at the treatment sessions last month and to be able to show people how to help themselves ” The seminar takes place at the Clarion Hotel on Wednesday 18th March from 7pm to 10pm . Michael is synonymous with having healed Michael Flatley following a bout of illness in recent times, but over the last 20 years he has done extraordinary work in helping people suffering from illnesses where conventional medicine has had difficulty. The clinics are designed to offer those interested in PlexusBio-energy healing the chance to learn all about these ground breaking techniques from the founders, and the seminars will teach people how to apply some of these techniques into everyday life. The Seminar will cover topics such as: During the week long session in February Michael and his colleagues met with Cork people seeking help for a range of illnesses such as backpain and depression. The healing system developed by O’Doherty and his colleague Tom Griffin represents the integration of a network of powerful healing techniques that work by rebalancing the life energy within people. O’ Doherty acknowledges that some people can be sceptical in the beginning but ‘to understand the effects of the treatment they need to talk to the people who say this therapy has given them a new lease of life and in many cases a miraculous recovery’. Tickets are available from 065-6841844 http://www.plexusbio-energy.com St. Luke’s Home (Cork) fosters a greater understanding of the needs of older people with free admission to Fishamble Theatre’s production of ‘Forgotten’ by Cork-born Pat Kinevane. A special matinee performance of the play ‘Forgotten’ – written by, and starring Pat Kinevane, based on the interconnecting lives of four older people residing in retirement homes across Ireland in 1943, will be brought to Cork audiences by a local nursing home, St. Luke’s Home. Free to the public, this critically acclaimed production by Fishamble Theatre Company, will be staged at Coláiste Choilm Senior School, Ballincollig at 2.30pm on Thursday 19th February. Nominated for the ‘Special Judges Award in the Irish Times Theatre Awards, ‘Forgotten’, is at times dark and, at other times, hilarious. Various theatre critics have proclaimed Pat Kinevane’s performance as ‘A powerful force…this is an unequivocally beautiful piece’, ‘a piece of theatre not easily forgotten… a performance of rare authority and completeness’. Recognised for his many roles in theatre and film, Kinevane, a native of Cobh, Co. Cork, will be remembered for his performance in ‘I Keano’ which was staged at Cork Opera House. Speaking on the raison d’être of their involvement in bringing this controversial play to Cork audiences, Julia Horgan, Director of Care at St.Luke’s Home told us: ‘St. Luke’s Home is committed to promoting the voice of older people and highlighting the need for them to be included in the decision making process. ‘Forgotten’, with the tag-line ‘Has no one a skitter o’ dignity left?’ depicts the lives of four older people in 1943 and may raise several issues, some unsavoury, which may still be relevant in today’s world. Our objective is to open up discussion and dialogue on sensitive issues affecting older people, empowering them, and their carers, to work in harmony. We are inviting older people, carers, young people, and the general public to attend this often hilarious, yet thought-provoking play in an effort to promote a better understanding of the issues facing all those concerned with the needs of older people’. Admission is free, however, booking is essential. Jean-Charles Cazes, the youthful President of the prestigious Château Lynch-Bages wine empire, who has taken over from his father, Jean Michel, visited Dublin recently to re-introduce his eclectic range of wines to a select group of Ireland’s top wine writers and guests at The Herbert Park Hotel and introduce new joint venture wines from some of the world’s top wineries. Distributed in Ireland by Barry & Fitzwilliam, the wine-tasting included the chic re-branded Michel Lynch portfolio of popular wines and the elegant but powerful Château Villa Bel-Air wines from the Graves region. Jean-Charles also introduced wines from their recently acquired Languedoc winery – L’Ostal Cazes Minervois La Livinière (primarily produced from the syrah grape). Committed to growing a network of cross-border relationships with other high-profile figures in the international winemaking community and developing new brands alongside Château Lynch-Bages, Jean-Charles also introduced two new collaborative offerings. Suited to the independent and on-trade sector, Tapanappa is a new range of Australian fine wines and the result of a partnership between respected Australian winemaker Brian Croser, and the Cazes and Bollinger families of France. The first wine to be released in the portfolio is the 2003 Whalebone vineyard Cabernet Shiraz, a seductive, smoothly fruited red of real poise, while other single-vineyard wines in the stable, including a Chardonnay will be released in due course. The second joint-venture wine to be showcased was Xisto, a singular, new, limited production, ultra-premium red from Portugal, the fruit of a long-standing friendship between Cazes and Jorge Roquette, owner of the highly acclaimed Quinto do Crasto estate in Portugal’s Upper Douro Valley. Pronounced “SHEES-toe,” this new wine is named for the Portuguese word for “schist,” a reference to the nature of the soil in the steep, terraced vineyards that rise majestically above the banks of the Douro River. Speaking at the event, Jean-Charles Cazes said: ‘ The Lynch family famously originated from one of Galway’s 12 tribes, arriving in Bordeaux in the aftermath of the Battle of the Boyne and becoming embedded in the wine trade eventually. Earning a reputation as the most sought after and recognisable of the Irish ‘Wine Geese’ wines, Ireland has truly embraced the Lynch Bages brands. We expect that it is because they are wonderful wines and well priced at the upper end of the market and that our entry level wines – such as Michel Lynch – have been proven to be totally irresistible to Irish palates – they are best sellers here in Ireland.’ A one-day workshop focusing on practical approaches to long term care of older people will pilot the largest collaborative effort to date by health organisations in Cork, on Wednesday, 11th February 2009 in The Oriel House Hotel, Ballincollig. Presentations will include Privacy & Dignity, Diabetes, Nutrition and Management of Medications by experts from St. Luke’s Home, Mahon, Cork, the Health Service Executive -South, Nursing Homes Ireland, Care Choice – Ballynoe and Abbeylands Nursing Home & Alzheimer’s Unit. The workshop will ensure an informative and intensive course is provided for health professionals varying from Staff Nurses and Professional Carers to Nursing Home Staff, etc. The speaker will give participants ideas and practical solutions to enhance care for all the needs of the older person, be they physical, emotional or intellectual. Julia Horgan, Director of Care at St. Luke’s Home, Cork said, “The workshop will deal with issues including latest innovations in the field and vital topics which carers of older people address in day-to-day practice. I will speak on the importance of nutrition in maintaining strength and good health. Older people are often more susceptible to illnesses such as osteoporosis, arthritis or pneumonia and a tailored diet can have extremely positive effects on the immune system and overall well-being.” Speakers from the varying organisations will also deal with sensitive issues such as ‘Essence of Care’ by Margaret Buckley who takes the lead for older people’s services in the NMPDU (Nursing Midwifery Planning and Development Unit) of the HSE. Dr. Kieran O’Connor, Geriatrician with the Mercy Hospital and Ms. Fiona Ryan of Cork Physiotherapy Clinic will also speak jointly on the ‘Prevention of Falls’. “We were delighted when St. Luke’s Home, the HSE South, Nursing Homes Ireland and other Cork-based Nursing Homes, came together for this workshop as the importance of promoting the quality of life of the older person is paramount to ensure that residential care for our older people is the best that it can be,” said Tadhg Daly, CEO of Nursing Homes Ireland. “Our vision dictates that all older people deserve the best quality of care possible and this workshop focuses on a number of positive aspects such as involvement in decision making and the services available for older people,” said Mr. Daly. Re-iterating Mr. Daly’s sentiments, Michael O’Connor, Pharmacist involved with the work-shop said, “We are happy to be involved in an event which promotes quality of care of the older person and as part of our continued commitment to St Luke’s Home and we congratulate the other participants in this event.” The high demand for places in the workshop has highlighted the need for services and courses focusing on the care of older people and there are plans to hold additional courses during 2009. Enquiries relating to the workshop can be directed to: Julia Horgan, Director of Care, St. Luke’s Home, Castle Road, Mahon, Cork – 021 4359444 / Julia.horgan@stlukeshome.ie It’s Time to Lose the Language of Despair and Pull up our Collective Socks Celebrity Healer calls on opinion-formers to bring an end to negative sentiment. Celebrity Healer, Michael O’Doherty of Plexus Bio-energy, who famously helped world-renowned dancer Michael Flatley back to full health, has called on Ireland’s decision makers, including Government Ministers, economists and opinion leaders to lose the language of despair and encourage people to look within themselves for ways to combat the challenges they face in the current economic climate. ‘People are sick and tired of hopeless attitudes, and all this doom and gloom. They need to be encouraged, motivated and guided; not dictated to by visions of hopelessness and despair. People are getting on with life; making the best of their lot. Shops are open; albeit not as many or as full, the wheels of industry are turning. We are not crippled!’ he said. Michael, Co-Founder of Plexus Bio-Energy and best-selling author of ‘Bio-Energy Healing – Therapy of the Future’, who has done extraordinary work in curing several illnesses where conventional medicine has had difficulty, advocates enabling people to empower themselves to overcome obstacles and move on with life. O’Doherty firmly believes that the power of positive thinking and action which has been acclaimed throughout the ages empowers people to take hold of their futures and encourages them to look deeper for creative solutions to their particular crises. ‘ Michael believes that every person has an inner strength which, in many cases, remains untapped because of negative perceptions by other people causing undue influence in their lives. He helps people to carry out simple ways of overcoming these inhibitions, revealing an inner strength which fosters creativity and new ideas to better one’s circumstances and relationships. The healing (or energy-balancing) system developed by O’Doherty and his colleague Tom Griffin represents the integration of a network of powerful and effective healing techniques that work by rebalancing the life energy within people. The correction of these symptoms is achieved by addressing the underlying physical and emotional electro-physical malfunctions, through leading edge techniques provided within the Plexus clinic. The process has been successful in treating children with learning difficulties such as Dyslexia, or children suffering from Autism, A.D.D and A.D.H.D. Over the last 20 years, Michael and his colleague, together with their Plexus Bio-energy practitioners dotted around Ireland, have been treating adults suffering from a myriad of illnesses drawn from all walks of life. While Michael O’Doherty treatment has been successful with Michael Flatley which received worldwide press, actor Michael York, and several other celebrities and personalities have used his treatment successfully. Indeed, Michael’s healing powers caused a sensation when he appeared on The Late Late Show some years ago, with Gay Byrne stating that ‘Everyone was intrigues and impressed….several were cured’. Many other prominent sports people including Clare hurler Liam Doyle and Waterford Senior Hurling Manager David Fitzgerald have used the system for the successful treatment of sports injuries. This success is well documented in both the national and international press. The healing process is based on the principle that disease begins at an energetic level and works when Michael scans (using his hands) the energy field in a person to locate the disturbances in the energy system. When located, he uses a series of protocols (various hand movements, some with touch, and some without) and patients respond with various sensations, sometimes a ‘pulling’ movement of the body – quite an extraordinary visual experience. ‘All this talk of recession has gone far enough – we need to turn it around and call it ‘pre boom’ – things are going to turn around, people have hope for the future – we need to tap into that and teach people to turn away from negativity and look to the positives in their lives. As children we all sang the song with the phrase ‘accentuate the positive, eliminate the negative’ – it’s back to basics now, back to how we feel and what we are going to do to turn those feelings into positive action for the benefit of ourselves, our families and our communities’ Michael O’Doherty said. http://www.plexusbio-energy.com Blackwater Castle bucks the trend with bespoke DIY weddings. According to Patrick Nordstrom, proprietor of the 12th century Blackwater Castle, Castletownroche, Co. Cork, the winds of recession are biting home, with couples now becoming more cost-conscious than ever, and less concerned with one-upmanship and extravagance. ‘Weddings have gotten out of hand in recent years in terms of cost and return. Now is the time to look to creating an individual, intimate and personal wedding ceremony and reception, without exorbitant cost implications. Couples are now looking at private venues such as Blackwater Castle where they can design their own weddings in a stylish, customised and cost-effective way.’ With the advent of civil wedding ceremonies, and, in some cases commitment ceremonies and multi-denominational wedding celebrations, unusual venues are becoming increasingly popular, with couples choosing to design their own theme. Couples choosing Blackwater Castle, have, according to Mr. Nordstrom, been known to add personal artefacts and even furniture in order to personalise the venue and ‘own it’ for the duration of the wedding. ‘We encourage people to bring their own framed photographs for the piano-tops and mantelpieces, or to bring their favourite artworks to adorn the reception rooms. We’ve even had the bride’s Irish wolfhound guarding the door!’ Patrick said. Patrick paints a picture of roaring fires, pianos playing and a favourite chef busy in the kitchen, preparing the gourmet feast to be served in the Castle’s dining hall or The Old Coach House in the Courtyard. Lovingly restored over the last ten years, the venue, which is situated on a protected nature reserve, has 9 individually styled ensuite rooms and 6 self catering apartments which open directly into the Walled Garden, and co-operation from several local guesthouses ensure there is plenty of accommodation nearby to suit any party size. The Castle itself is typical of a country house, with several reception rooms, a full catering suite, long hall, tower, library and bar. The Old Coach House, with its mezzanine floor, facilitates functions for up to 120 people. ‘From a catering perspective clients can engage their own chef and catering staff, stock the bar as they wish (no corkage charges here) or engage caterers, with our help, to manage the function for them. Whether it’s a butler or a wedding planner, people want flexibility, and we deliver that’ Mr. Nordstrom said. The castle is also available for exhibitions, concerts and ‘think-ins’. Tucked beside Castletownroche village in the Blackwater Valley, just 35 miles from Cork city and 8 miles from the main N8 Dublin/Cork road, the imposing Castle sits on forty acres of woodland and ‘lords it’ over the Awbeg River. Patrick, whose parents bought the castle in 1991, and Patrick’s Limerick-born wife Sheila reside full time in the castle, and are expecting their first child this month. ‘My father loved Castletownroche, and, following a career as a business analyst based in Germany, I eventually gave in to The Call of Castletownroche and I love the area’. Patrick is particularly active in promoting the Blackwater Valley region, and works tirelessly in promoting The Beast of Ballyhoura, an annual event for extreme sports. ‘It’s all about being the best you can be in terms of your chosen sport, and pushing out the boundaries to exceed goals’. The Castle also hosts an annual Art Festival and several local meetings throughout the year. ‘This is our home and our heritage, and we are happy to encourage our neighbours in’ he said. In launching the current tranche of BES schemes available to subscribers, HLB Nathans Chartered Accountants, Cork and Dublin are supporting a diverse range of opportunities in an asset-backed project in the marine leisure industry and established high-tech companies with internationally patented products which offer exciting possibilities in world markets. Ned Murphy, Partner in HLB Nathans specialising in BES fund raising commented: ‘The portfolio will appeal to those investors who recognise the innovative nature of the high-tech offering and the essential asset-based element of the maritime project in particular. While the current financial climate is volatile, nevertheless there are companies out there who are developing rapidly and generating considerable excitement for their innovation, business acumen and obvious successes to date. These companies have many reasons to recommend them, and we have been very selective in choosing our portfolio. Interest in these projects is strong and investors are attracted by the option to invest anything from 5k to 150k before the tax year ends.’ HLB Nathans offering on the high-tech front is through EnBIO and SensL. Award-winning EnBIO, headquartered at Fota Point Business Park, Cork, has completed its pre-clinical trials and will launch its ground breaking surface modification technology to world markets in the main medical arena this month. The firm’s patent pending technology modifies the surface on medical implants such as artificial hips, stents, and dental implants in a way that enables delivery of therapeutic drugs directly to the implant location, thereby potentially removing the need for patients to take the drug orally. Furthermore, the process can open up several opportunities in the non-medical field with its anti-corrosive, surface hardening and flexible properties. Following collaboration with UCD, CIT, The University of Ulster, and Liverpool University, the promoters, under Chairman Paddy Caffrey (formerly of Pfizer) are bullish about the future prospects for Enbio. http://www.enbiomaterials.com SensL, which is located at Blackrock, Cork, is trading internationally with its cutting edge Light Detection Technology. Applications for this technology include Medical Instrumentation (such as PET scanners, brain imaging, eye measurement systems etc), inspection and security equipment (next generation microscopic technology, homeland security etc), and other applications in the aeronautical sector. Headed up by Joe Gantly (formerly with Apple Inc), the company’s proactive and robust plan for future technology development and consolidation of existing next generation technology is being well received by its international distributors. The company is planning to reach financial break even in the second half of 2009. http://www.sensl.com HLB’s asset backed Monkstown Bay Marina located on the outskirts of Cork, is an exciting prospect, and is creating considerable interest amongst the sailing fraternity. With a dearth of berthing facilities in Cork Harbour generally, this project has strong bookings to date and has been welcomed by those involved in sailing and angling in the region. With full planning permission for an 82 berth marina already secure, the prospects for expansion are also obvious. The promoters include three village natives with wide maritime experience and qualifications in project planning, business management and large-scale installations. The recent Cork Harbour Integrated Management Strategy report (May 2008) held that the current demand for marina berths exceeds supply substantially and concluded that Cork Harbour offers significant potential for further development of the marine recreation sector as an important source of revenue for the local economy. Just once a year, S.H.A.R.E. students from 18 schools across Cork city centre fast and fundraise to provide a better quality of life for S.H.A.R.E. residents and members of Cork’s elderly community who visit the Day Care Centre at Sheare’s Street in the city. Centered around the S.H.A.R.E. Christmas Crib at Daunt’s Square, Cork, the students will fast and fundraise every day from now until Christmas Eve. With their trademark yellow collection boxes and enthusiastic attitudes, the students will be seen in the city centre streets, whatever the weather! Christmas Cribs have been set up in the main shopping centres also, giving shoppers an opportunity to remember the message of Christmas while contributing to S.H.A.R.E.’s outstanding work in caring for the elderly. Commenting on this year’s fundraising drive, James Cusack (Chairman of the S.H.A.R.E. Executive) said: ‘This year, more than ever, our task is awesome. Right up until late on Christmas Eve 1,800 of us will take turns to collect around Patrick Street and that immediate area. People now see us as part of Cork’s Christmas tradition and a really worthwhile involvement with Cork’s elderly in the community. We want to continue to make a difference to their lives, but we need people’s support to do that.’ He added: ‘Being in a secure, comfortable home, surrounded by people who care and who are still very involved, means so much to our older friends. There’s something to look forward to every day – they love it! Now it’s up to us to keep the homes maintained and raise the funds necessary to keep the Centre running into the future’ S.H.A.R.E has provided 167 homes for the elderly in the City, and the impressive Brother Jerome Kelly Day Care Centre at Sheare’s Street, Cork which provides on-going services and activities to enhance the daily lives of S.H.A.R.E.’s residents and day visitors from the surrounding community and from several organisations throughout the city. Visitors to the Centre are high in their praise of the stimulating activities and excellent services provided at the Centre and there is a core of elderly people who visit the Centre on a regular basis. Furthermore, this year, S.H.A.R.E. will assist in a pilot programme with The Ringmahon Project, Blackrock, Cork, an initiative with Cork City Council, whereby students from The Ursuline Secondary School, Blackrock, will work with residents at the Project’s 16 apartments for the elderly, and their elderly neighbours from the community, in providing services at Ringmahon House. Formerly the home of the Dunne family of Dunnes Stores, the house is now in the ownership of Cork City Council, and was refurbished with financial assistance from the Dunnes Stores Group. To make a donation to S.H.A.R.E. call to The Brother Jerome Kelly Day Care Centre at Sheare’s Street, Cork, or post your donations to: S.H.A.R.E, The Brother Jerome Kelly Day Care Centre, 43 Sheare’s St. Cork, and your donation will be acknowledged by return of post. http://www.sharecork.org. EnBIO™, headquartered at Fota Point Business Park, Cork, has today (lst December 2008) launched its ground breaking surface modification and coating technology to world markets in medical implant arenas such as orthopaedic, cardiovascular and dental applications. The firm’s technology modifies the surface on medical implants such as artificial hips, stents, and dental implants in a way that enables delivery of therapeutic drugs directly to the implant location, thereby potentially removing the need for patients to take the drug orally. Speaking at the opening of the firm’s 4,000 square feet facility at Fota Point Business Park, Cork, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Micheál Martin TD commented: ‘EnBIO™’s product offering is truly unique and the company’s innovative discovery is set to be embraced by medical devices industries worldwide. Its collaboration with University College Dublin, Cork Institute of Technology, the University of Ulster and the University of Liverpool is to be commended, and I am really pleased to see that the product is now going to market.’ Dan Philpott, CEO of EnBIO™ said: ‘In bringing the product (CoBlast™) to market for medical implant applications we are already collaborating with a large US company to validate the technology for non-medical applications. This significantly expands the commercial opportunities for our technology and presents an exciting prospect for all at EnBIO™. We are working to put further funding in place to exploit this opportunity under the Government’s Business Expansion Scheme and build on EnBIO’s success under the scheme in 2007. This drive is now gaining momentum as we approach the end of the tax year. An example of the product’s capability is the application of antibiotic coatings on orthopaedic implants to reduce infections, the most common reason for hip replacement failures. Another application of EnBIO’s technology is to apply drugs to coronary stents for the reduction of thrombosis or clotting following cardiovascular surgery. EnBIO™, under the Chairmanship of Paddy Caffrey (ex Pfizer), recently expanded its Board of Directors and executive management teams. Pat Forristal (ex Stryker) joined EnBIO’s Board of Directors and Joe O’Keeffe, who is already a member of the Board and has considerable experience in high-technology start-ups, has joined the company’s executive management team as Commercial Director. Employing ten people, EnBIO’s team includes several graduates who are highly qualified and experienced in the bio-medical industry, and the company is proud of its award as the ‘Best Start-Up in Ireland’ in the InterTrade Ireland Seedcorn competition, and several other awards, during the start-up phase. ‘The technology is a significant breakthrough in surface modification technology and enables the application of coatings which promote better growth, healing and enhanced infection control, amongst other properties, via a non-complex low temperature deposition process. Furthermore, the process can open up several opportunities in the non-medical field, with its anti-corrosive, surface hardening and flexible properties’ Mr. Philpott added. Commenting on its work with EnBIO, Dr. Denis Dowling, Director, Surface Engineering Group, University College Dublin, said: ‘EnBIO’s implant coating technology offers the possibility of the first significant improvement in orthopaedic implants in over twenty years.’ He added: ‘EnBIO’s growth promoting and antibiotic coating technology for implants has the potential to significantly improve outcomes for patients undergoing procedures such as hip and knee replacement, spinal straightening or bone fixation following accidents.’ IIB Bank rebrands to become KBC Bank Ireland plc and Irish businesses and personal clients will avail of KBC’s global strength and reach. IIB Bank plc has today (Thursday October 30th 2008) officially renamed and rebranded its operations in Ireland. Renamed KBC Bank Ireland plc, the move will provide a consistent global identity for the bank, with a platform for businesses operating in internal and external markets through the Group’s global network. The Bank, which is wholly owned by the Belgian banking giant, KBC Bank NV – one of the world’s top 50 banks, has offices at 52 South Mall Cork, Dublin, Belfast, Limerick and Galway and employs approximately 700 people in Ireland. KBC Bank Ireland has already established itself as a leading provider of business and personal financial services in Ireland, and through its relationship focus has built strong franchises with many Irish businesses and corporates. Speaking at the announcement KBC Bank Ireland plc Chief Executive, Ted Marah said, ‘The name change represents a new and very exciting phase in the IIB and KBC relationship which commenced in 1978. The move will further strengthen the Group’s position in Ireland and will allow us to further leverage the KBC Group’s strength and global reach to meet the national and international financing needs of our business and personal clients.’ Ger White, Associate Director at KBC Bank Munster Region said: ‘The branding move recognises KBC Group’s confidence in its operations throughout Ireland, in the Irish economy and in the resilience of Irish business at local level and nationally. We see this move as a significant milestone in our presence in the region in terms of the future growth of our businesses here and the apparent opportunities for Irish business through KBC’s global network.’ The bank’s mortgage division, IIB Homeloans, one of Ireland’s leading providers of homeloans finance, is now renamed KBC Homeloans. The Mexican Ambassador to Ireland, Her Excellency Cecilia Jaber, on a visit to Cork as part of the Corona Cork Film Festival yesterday, met with representatives of Barry & Fitzwilliam, importers of Mexico’s iconic beer, Corona Extra, at Jury’s Hotel, Cork, and praised their efforts in supporting and promoting Mexican film and film-making initiatives in Ireland through its title sponsorship of the Festival. ‘Encouraging and fostering good relations between Mexico and Ireland is a given, but supporting the setting up of cultural and business links between our two countries is of particular satisfaction as it will bring a better awareness of Mexican artistic expressions in Ireland.’ ‘There are many synergies between our people and I am particularly pleased to see an iconic Mexican brand promoting film and film-making through its title sponsorship of The Corona Cork Film Festival. Furthermore, the screening of Mexican Short Films by the Festival itself represents the beginning of a dynamic connection between both countries in this category of business and cultural enterprise. Congratulations to the Festival organisers and all concerned on such a wonderful initiative’ she said. Michael Barry of Barry & Fitzwilliam said: Corona Extra is hugely popular in Mexico and Ireland isn’t far behind in that we now have the highest per capita sales in Europe of the product. Our company has forged strong links with Corona Extra’s parent company, Grupo Modelo, in Mexico and we enjoyed meeting the Ambassador of Mexico to Ireland during the Corona Cork Film Festival’. The Bishop of Cork, Cloyne & Ross, The Right Rev. Paul Colton yesterday (15th October, 2008) announced details of the commencement of plans to construct a multi-disciplinary Education Centre, located on the ground of St. Luke’s Home for the elderly in Mahon, Cork, and announced also the appointment of The Rev. Bruce Pierce as Director of Education at the new facility. The new Centre will provide professional development and training for those involved in pastoral work and in the caring professions. Bishop Colton said: ‘This is a new initiative for St. Luke’s. St. Luke’s Home has a proud tradition of caring for the elderly, and we have invested heavily in the creation of a first class facility here in Mahon, working with our excellent staff, mentors, volunteers, and the community at large. Now we are taking the opportunity to provide a new Education Centre. It will support the work at St. Luke’s Home in terms of providing in-house continuing professional development training for its staff and volunteers. Most importantly, it will enable us to bring the caring spirit of St. Luke’s to even more people. We plan to do this by supporting the training needs of local caring organisations and institutions, churches, charities, and voluntary groups, reaching out to the wider community in an effort to improve the lives of Cork’s elderly into the future. We are hugely fortunate to have recruited Rev. Bruce Pierce to head this up as our Director of Education.’ The newly appointed Director of Education, Rev. Bruce Pierce, holds several professional qualifications in the pastoral and healthcare arena, and was, until recently, based at Kerry General Hospital where he pursued further studies in Supervision and Pastoral Education. Rev. Pierce said: ‘ We envisage that our training facility will meet the needs of Cork’s community in terms of what is necessary to enrich the lives of people faced with old age, infirmity, and sickness. Our training methods will bring fresh thinking and practical training methods to the caring profession, with courses that are highly accessible and relevant. We look forward to partnering with the HSE, with local churches, local hospitals, care centres and community groups in helping them to fulfil their training and development needs.’ The purpose-built Centre is expected to be completed in early 2010 following a planning application process, and is expected to cost in the region of €2million. The Corona Cork Film Festival announced today that Burn After Reading, the latest film from the Coen brothers, will open this year’s festival on October 12. The Corona Cork Film Festival will run for eight days and nights until October 19 and will screen an eclectic range of world cinema, documentaries, gala events and the short films for which the festival is famous. ‘Burn After Reading’ starring George Clooney and Brad Pitt is a comic caper about two unscrupulous gym employees who find themselves in the possession of a disk containing memoirs of a CIA agent. Seeing it as a way to make money fast, they attempt to sell it. Mick Hannigan, Festival Director of the Corona Cork Film Festival said A further coup for the festival is the screening of ‘Hunger’, directed by Steve McQueen. Hunger, which won the Camera d’Or at the Cannes festival, tells the story of Bobby Sands, focusing on his final days of his hunger strike at the Maze Prison in 1981. McQueen’s portrait of Sand’s delivers a definitive and devastating account of political, violence and idealism. Co-writer Enda Walsh will attend the screening. The festival will pay tribute to renowned British filmmaker Terence Davies with a full retrospective of his films. Davies will attend the Festival for the screening of his latest film Of Time And The City and will also take part in a public interview during the festival. The festival will also screen the world premiere of ‘BC/AD’ the last work by the late artist, Ian Breakwell in which he eloquently confronts his mortality. The full programme will be announced next week and tickets will be available for all screenings on HYPERLINK “http://www.corkfilmfest.org” http://www.corkfilmfest.org and from the Festival Box Office, Merchants Quay (Tel: 021 4272263) from October 4. The Corona Cork Film Festival has unveiled the list of titles that will be screened in its three distinct short film programmes during this year’s event which runs from October 12 to 19. The festival is internationally recognized as a leading showcase for the short film format and attracts thousands of entries annually. Submissions for the International Short Film competition have been whittled down to just 58 titles, featuring work from as far afield as Mexico, Israel, Egypt and New Zealand as well as a host of European shorts and a smattering of Irish directors to boot. Meanwhile a total of 37 titles will battle it out in the Irish Short Film category, while in the Made in Cork programme dedicated to locally-produced cinema some 16 titles are in contention. “The standard of submissions received from at home and abroad was as usual extremely high,” said festival director Mick Hannigan. “The festival programmers have had an unenviable task in trying to decide which films made the final cut, but we are confident that the chosen films will impress festival audiences as much as they have us.” Additional shorts will be included in other festival programmes such as the Free Radicals experimental programme, the OutLook programme for lesbian and gay audiences and the Through The Looking Glass young people’s programme. Detailed lists of all short films selected for competition are available on the festival website at http://www.corkfilmfest.org George Hook and Sean Moncrieff to headline Newstalk’s radio broadcast from Limerick. Celebrating its steadily increasing listenership in Limerick and the Mid-West since becoming a national station in 2006, Newstalk 106-108fm has announced that George Hook and Sean Moncrieff will broadcast from their impressive new outside broadcasting unit at O’Connell Street, Limerick (just outside Debenhams /Penney’s) on Thursday, 4th and Friday, 5th September. Newstalk 106-108fm now reaches a half million listeners every week with an offering that delivers entertaining, informative and relevant radio for the nation. Elaine Geraghty, Chief Executive at the station, told us: ‘We get tremendous feedback from Limerick and the Mid-West region, both in relation to our general talk programming and our extensive sports coverage. George and Sean are looking forward to meeting their listeners at the outside broadcast, and we are urging people to pop along to O’Connell Street on Thursday and Friday 4/5th September to see them in action’. The straight-talking, household name – George Hook – will present his popular programme ‘The Right Hook’ on Thursday, 4th and Friday, 5th September from 4.30pm -7pm while Sean Moncrieff ‘s award-winning programme ‘Moncrieff’ will be live from 2pm – 4.30pm each day. The broadcast will give listeners the opportunity to see the presenters ‘at work’ as they interview local celebrities, sports people and civic leaders. George and Sean will explore topical local Limerick issues as well as national and breaking news, and the people of Limerick are invited each day to see the presenters ‘in action’. Newstalk 106-108 fm just recently announced the addition of the well-known and experienced radio presenter, Tom Dunne to their morning schedule and the former Today Fm broadcaster will join the team from Monday, September 1st, delivering a magazine-style talk show with occasional music tracks interspersed and listener reaction from 9.00am to 12.00pm. Since it was granted a national license 2 years ago, Newstalk has gone from strength-to-strength, keeping the country talking on topical issues and ensuring independent and unbiased broadcasting with the slogan – Different Nation, Different Station. May 2008 The four star Blarney Golf Resort in Tower, Cork has announced the appointment of George Hook as Sales Manager for the property. A Graduate in Hotel and Catering Management from Dublin Institute of Technology, George brings with him a wealth of experience having worked as General Manager at the Lansdowne and Hibernian hotels in Dublin and most recently at the Maritime Hotel in Bantry. A keen sportsman, energetic and extremely success driven, George will be focusing on bringing new and existing business to the golf resort, where he is responsible for corporate sales throughout Ireland. Wine Masterclass for that Summer Barbecue Brian McGuigan, founder the award-winning McGuigan Australian wines will give a Masterclass on his wines and on the Nepenthe range, also from Australia, which complement alfresco dining, while The Herbert Park Hotel, Dublin’s Head Chef Sanel Esterhuyse (pronounced SanEL Esther HAYES A) cooks up delicious barbecue food for the Ireland AM crew. Viewers will learn to appreciate the differences and characteristics in the grape varieties and regions and can download information from the TV3 website. McGuigan Wines: The Black Label range comprises a Merlot, Shiraz, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Rosé as well as a sparkling addition i.e. McGuigan Black Label Sparkling Chardonnay. These wines have won countless awards in international wine competitions. The McGuigan Winery, founded in 1992, now has the 2nd largest vineyard holdings (approx. 12,000 acres) in Australia. To process these quantities, five state of the art wineries run year round, These wineries are: Hunter Ridge (Hunter Valley NSW); Hermitage Road Winery (Hunter Valley, NSW); Yaldara (Barossa Valley, SA); Buronga (Sunraysia, NSW); and Loxton (Riverland, NSW). Nepenthe Wines Drawn from extensive vineyards of Australia’s Adelaide Hills and harvesting proven varieties such as Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, as well as interesting varieties such as Zinfandel and Pinot Gris, Nepehtne wines are popular all over the world and have been impressing both critics and consumers with their varietal faithfulness and subtle Adelaide Hills nuances. The Nepenthe range of wines have picked up several awards internationally. Today’s Wines: White Price: Brian McGuigan’s top 5 tips for buying wine in the supermarket 1. You get what you pay for – the average bottle of wine sold in Ireland is €5.19 so spend a little extra and you’ll be amazed at how much superior value you get for your money 2. Don’t choose wine because of a cute label 3. Think about when you’ll be drinking the wine, and what you’ll be eating with it 4.Look for medals on the label – it’s assurance that the wine has been given the thumbs up by an expert panel of judges 5. Once you have points one to four under control, be adventurous with your taste buds! Brian McGuigan’s top 5 tips for ordering wine a restaurant 1. Try and avoid ordering the cheapest wine on the list – these are generally not good value for money 2. Always taste the wine before accepting it – it you don’t like it, send it back 3. If ordering wine by the glass, always ask when the bottle was opened – if it has been open more than a day, demand a fresh bottle 4. Stick to the generally accepted rule – white wine with fish and chicken and red wine for red meats Australia’s wine pioneer, Brian McGuigan, visits Ireland for the McGuigan Showcase 08. MD of Barry Fitzwilliam Maxxium, Michael Barry, commented: ‘As distributors of McGuigan Wines in Ireland, we are delighted to welcome Brian and toast the success of his wines which are hugely popular with Irish consumers. The McGuigan’s are one of Australia’s biggest wine producers and they consistently add premium quality wines to their range, while maintaining exceptional value for money. The numerous awards they have won internationally are a testament to this.’ Fresh from his hugely successful launch of The McGuigan City Vineyard project in central London, and in Sydney, Brian told us: ‘It’s all about education – a recent survey indicated that people lack confidence when purchasing wine, and most of those have little or no knowledge of the wine they drink. The McGuigan City urban Vineyard encourages people to kick off their shoes, stroll through the 4,000 square feet of vineyard and feel the vibes from the 80 fifty-year-old vines. Visitors can sample a selection of wines in this calming atmosphere, while learning the finer points of wine appreciation from winemakers flown in especially from Australia. fuelling their imagination in relation wine production’. The well-known law firms Edward B Carey & Co. of Marlboro Street Cork and Daniel Murphy & Co. of South Douglas Road, Cork, have merged their practices and will now trade under the banner of Carey Murphy & Partners. The new ‘next generation’ law firm will primarily focus on the provision of legal services to a young demographic of emerging entrepreneurs and career-orientated individuals. Following the merger, solicitor Dan Murphy will join solicitors Ed Carey, Jane Garry and Carmel Howard as a partner in the new entity, which will be headquartered at 23 Marlboro Street, Cork. Commenting on the merger Ed Carey told us: ‘This is a very positive development for us. As young solicitors we have built up considerable empathy with our peers. The majority of our mutual clients are mostly people like us, building their enterprises, and starting on the property ladder. We understand where they are coming from and we are providing the legal services and moral support that is needed from day one. On the other hand, corporate entities on our books, which range from start-ups to well-established business houses, will appreciate the economies of scale this merger provides. The synergies between Dan’s firm and ours were obvious, and it was natural to expand our skills pool and reach to the ultimate benefit of our mutual clients’. Dan Murphy commented: ‘It is all about providing a depth and range of vital professional legal services. Our typical clients aspire to owning their own home, taking care of their family and building a great career. Along the line they need legal services to secure their position or address personal claims, and our research shows that they value continuity and sound legal advice. Both Ed’s firm and mine are in business for approximately ten years and have we have a strong base of loyal clients with whom we have grown.’ ‘Budding entrepreneurs are often daunted by the prospect of starting a business and, with our guidance, they receive the vital direction needed. This resonates right through their personal and professional life – with tax issues, personal inheritance and staff issues requiring professional expertise. In effect we partner with our clients to help them in their legal affairs’ said partner and solicitor Jane Garry. ‘Carey Murphy & Partners services include legal advice on start-ups, including company registrations, share purchase options, landlord/tenant law, employment law and regulatory processes’. Carmel Howard, also a partner in the firm, was keen to stress the reach of the firm’s legal services under the new merger: ‘In essence Carey Murphy & Partners will cover most eventualities that need to be handled in the course of one’s personal and professional career, responding to market forces and cultural change and advising clients in line with best practice in Ireland and internationally. Karl Fradgley of Retro Metro Interior Design, Cork, made his television debut this week on Shabby go Chic TG4’s new interior design series which trawls second-hand stores for interesting, defunct furniture items, transforming them into eye-catching pieces fit for a celebrity home. The thirteen-part series will see two teams, headed up by Karl and his co-presenter Aoife Ni Fhearghusa pitted against each other to find and restore an interesting item, placing it in a celebrity’s home. The contestants, drawn from around the country, will have fun and games in trawling second-hand shops for ‘pieces with potential’, encouraged along by Karl and his co-presenter with tips on preservation and restoration, ultimately producing an eye-catching, decorative piece to be placed in a celebrity’s home. The guest celebrity will then choose his/her favourite item, creating a definite frisson of excitement amongst the competitors. The series was shot entirely in Ireland, in Cork, Belfast, Letterkenny, Newry and Galway and is produced by the Irish-owned company Waddell Media. ‘This is my second foray into television shows of this ilk’ said Karl. ‘I participated in RTE’s Showhouse series, winning the challenge with my living room, kitchen and bathroom design. The Shabby go Chic Irish-language series on TG4 was a blast to work on and viewers will enjoy watching the transformation from junk pieces to funk pieces!’ The show airs every Monday on TG4 at 10pm. With a portfolio of clients in the commercial and private client arena, Karl Fradgley is a lecturer in Interior Design at Griffith College Cork, and holds Higher Diploma in International Architecture. Recent projects include a design project for international engineering firm, Jacobs Engineering, a cutting edge hair salon, large private homes and several showhouses. Describing his style as ‘retro-chic, with bold lines and a confident use of lush colours’ his cutting-edge designs reflect the flexibility of the intended space, the client’s originality and lifestyle, with the emphasis on comfort and creativity with a practical, utilitarian feel. http://www.retrometrodesign.com The Irish Cancer Society and Shanakiel Hospital, Cork are encouraging all concerned about or affected by bowel cancer to attend a public meeting at The Kingsley Hotel, Victoria Cross, Cork on Wednesday, 27th February at 6pm. There will be presentations on the risk factors, prevention, signs, symptoms and the role of screening as well as an over-view on the information services and supports which are available in Ireland. The meeting will conclude with an opportunity for attendees to engage in a question and answers session with the speakers. The meeting will be chaired by Brian Martin, CEO of Shanakiel Hospital, Sundays Well, Cork and speakers on the night will include; Rosaleen O’Brien, Health Promotion Nurse Advisor, Irish Cancer Society; Dr. J Barry O’Connor, Consultant Gastroenterologist at Shanakiel Hospital and a Bowel Cancer patient will also relate his first-hand experience of dealing with the disease. The latest data from the National Cancer Registry shows that 2,184 new cases of bowel cancer were diagnosed in Ireland in 2005. Typically one in 25 men and one in 23 women in Ireland will develop bowel cancer during the course of their lifetime. Those interested in this public meeting are invited to come along on the night or for further information please contact Jennifer O’Shea, Shanakiel Hospital on (021) 4396955 or email; Jennifer.oshea@qhcg.com For further information on bowel cancer; Free-phone the National Cancer Helpline on 1800 200 700 (Mon – Thursday: 9am – 7pm, Fri: 9am – 5pm) or visit http://www.cancer.ie Barry Fitzwilliam Maxxium, Ireland’s largest independent distributor of wines, spirits and beers has added the international brand leaders Codorníu cavas and Raimat wines to its portfolio. Bill Breen, managing director of Group Codorníu, commenting on the deal, said: “Ireland is extremely important to us because the market is dynamic, expanding, and benefits from having some innovative retailers, both in the on and off trade. We are fortunate to have teamed up with Barry Fitzwilliam Maxxium, a company highly suited to exploit these opportunities. Our objective is clear: to have Codorníu as the number one cava brand in Ireland”. Michael Barry, Managing Director of Barry Fitzwilliam Maxxium told us: ‘ We have great expectations for these well-established brands and look forward to dynamic growth, particularly for brand-leader Codorníu, as the sparkling wine category is doing so well in this market. The Codorníu Group’s Raimat wines include its monovarietal Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Chardonnay wines and of course the renowned Raimat Abadía. Both brands are now ready for distribution, supported by an imminent above and below the line marketing campaign.’ The Cork Business Person of the Year 2007 is Michael Barry, Managing Director of Barry Fitzwilliam Maxxium, whose independent drinks company distributes a wide range of quality wine and beers brands nationwide. At an awards ceremony attended by Cork’s top business people held in The Maryborough Hotel & Spa, Cork on Saturday last, 2007 Michael Barry was presented with his award by the Minister for Enterprise, Trade & Employment Micheál Martin TD. Twelve Cork business people were nominated for the award and the Judges declared Michael Barry the 2007 winner for the following reasons – Firstly, as an acknowledgment of his significant contribution to Irish business life as an Entrepreneur, marketer and business leader and in particular for his creation and launch of the Barry Fitzwilliam brand in 1982 that now includes Maxxium and which celebrates its 25th anniversary in business this year. The company has grown from a small operation to a company now turning over almost €90 million this year. Secondly, the award is for the expansion of the company through the years into Ireland’s largest independent drinks distribution company, importing, warehousing, marketing and distributing branded wines, spirits and beers, for which they are agents. The company also wholesales brands of other major distillers and importers, and enjoys the respect of its customers, competitors and those who have looked on and watched the company grow to the extent it has today. Thirdly, the award recognises the prestigious portfolio of brands that Barry Fitzwilliam Maxxium holds, including: Corona Extra, ABSOLUT Vodka, Remy Martin Cognac, Courvoisier Cognac, The Famous Grouse Finest Scotch Whisky, Teachers Scotch, Jim Beam Bourbon etc. The prestigious range of wine and sherry brands in the portfolio include Mont Gras, McGuigan, Glen Ellen, Michel Lynch and Guigal Wines, and Tip Pepe & Crofts Original sherries, and Piper Heidseick Champagnes and many other popular brands. Fourthly, the award recognises the exceptional level of support and sponsorship that Michael Barry gives to events, charities and causes. The company has celebrated its 25 years in business by using its market-leading Corona brand to bring the Corona Cork Film Festival to new heights. The 2007 festival was without question the most successful yet, both in terms of filmgoers and the quality of films shown. Corona’s sponsorship was undoubtedly a driving factor in the success of this Festival. The Cork Business Person of the Year Awards 2007 is a business awards initiative by Business Munster magazine in conjunction with its corporate sponsors for the 2007 awards, Anglo Irish Bank plc, The Fleming Group and The Drive Motor Group. The 2006 winner of the inaugural awards was the Group managing Director of Thomas Crosbie Holdings Limited, Anthony W. Dinan. The awards are in recognition of the achievements of Cork business people and over the twelve months of the awards twelve business people receive monthly awards. Mary Hopkins, Chairman of Hopkins Communications, Cork, has been appointed a member of the Governing Body of University College Cork following her nomination by The Minister for Education & Science, Mary Hanafin, T.D. A native of Ballyhahill, Co. Limerick and living in Glanmire, Cork, she has been, and continues to be, an active participant in Cork’s business and media industry over the past 25 years. Mary is the founder of Hopkins Communications, one of Munster’s leading advertising and public relations firms with a portfolio clients in the consumer, construction, healthcare and sport/leisure sector. A Board Member at Cork City Enterprise Board and Cork Chamber and a member of the Institute of Public Relations and The Marketing Institute, she is a former President of Network Cork (The Organisation for Women in Business) and The Publicity Club of Ireland (Cork), amongst other leadership roles in the business and charitable arena. Mary was the first woman President of the Rotary Club in Cork in its 77 year history. Married to Capt. Dave Hopkins (Partner at The Mainport Shipping Group and President of the Irish Chamber of Shipping), their son Mark is Managing Director of Hopkins Communications, and daughter Judy works with SensL Technologies, Cork, as a Product Manager. GLOBAL OPPORTUNITIES EMBRACED BY MAINPORT €38m deal steers group towards increased international opportunities. Ocean Mainport, a subsidiary of The Mainport Group, the privately-owned international marine services company headquartered in Cork, has today announced its acquisition of the UK-based shipping company, Havila Rescue Ltd., in a €38m deal. The deal, which includes the purchase of eight additional multi-role off-shore supply vessels, is one of several acquisitions negotiated by The Mainport Group over the last few months, which will bring the turnover for the group to over €80 million in the current year. Established in 1957 and with offices in Ireland, Scotland, South Africa, Norway, and The Caspian Sea area, Mainport provides global shipping services to offshore oil & gas exploration companies and international seismic operators. Its core activities in Ireland include stevedoring, ship agency, and towage. Ocean Mainport, the subsidiary involved in the current buy-out, is a joint venture with Sartor, one of Norway’s leading shipping companies, and the Havila acquisition brings the North Sea based fleet to 17 multi-role vessels. These vessels are already servicing varied long-term contracts to oil exploration majors, Shell, Chevron, Apache and Statoil. David Ronayne, Chief Executive of The Mainport Group, commenting on the deal, stated: ‘With this latest project we can offer additional vessels and an enhanced service to our existing and new customers in the oil and gas exploration sector, with economies of scale, advantages of size, and added expertise emanating from our new harbour-side Aberdeen office. Our committed and experienced management team, key skills, and pool of 480 crew in the North Sea, means we are in a strong position to consolidate existing contracts and explore further strategic synergist opportunities arising in Northern Europe. Ocean Mainport will generate a turnover of €50million in year one through this new venture’. Mainport has further expanded its off-shore business in the emerging Caspian Sea area, working with oil major Agip, and Saipem, the Italian off-shore oil & gas construction company, in the Kashagan oil field, providing tugs and barges. ‘The Caspian Kashagan field in Kazakhstan covers an area of over 5,500 square km and offers huge potential. When fully developed, it is expected the field could yield more oil than the North Sea’ Mr. Ronayne told us. ‘We are currently bidding for further contracts with Agip and Saipem in the Caspian which will require 12 additional vessels with a possible investment requirement of €50 million. We have proven that we can operate in a niche market, and have opened offices in Aktau (Kazakhstan) and in Baku (Azerbaijan) to service this growing market sector’ he said. On the Group’s seismic support division David Ronayne commented: ‘We started two years ago with one seismic support vessel working in India for CGG Veritas, a global leader in seismic research, and now have a total of four vessels in this category of business, operating in Timor and Equitorial Guinea (for CGG), The Black Sea (for Western Geco) and The Gulf of Mexico (for Wavefield, commencing Dec.07), all on long-term contracts. ‘In response to the obvious demand for additional, multi-role seismic support vessels worldwide, the Group is actively considering building customised vessels for this sector in the Far East and presently has an advance team visit ing shipyards in China, Korea and Signapore’ he concluded. HLB NATHANS LAUNCH BUSINESS EXPANSION SCHEMES FOR EIGHT COMPANIES HLB Nathans, Chartered Accountants, Cork and Dublin, in introducing their extensive range of BES Schemes for 2007, have indicated that interest to date has been encouraging, with venture capitalists and small investors actively seeking to become involved. ‘The companies in our 2007 portfolio have proved themselves to be next generation innovators, with significant potential for growth through international markets. Several of the high-tech products have come through rigorous product testing at centres of excellence such as The Tyndall Institute at University College Cork and The Rubicon Centre at Cork Institute of Technology, with others in the portfolio demonstrating strong business potential in their categories. This, coupled with experienced promoters and managers, and significant international interest in these next generation technology products and tourism-related investments, the response from investors augurs well for the success of these ventures’ said Ned Murphy, Partner with HLB Nathans. Companies in the HLB Nathans portfolio include Arystor Ltd, a Cork-based, Irish-owned company focused on the development of a new generation of RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Discs) high-performance controllers as part of a revolutionary external data storage system. EnBIO, which is also included in the portfolio, is a winner of multiple awards for its technology and is based at The Rubicon Centre on Cork Institute of Technology Campus. With Enterprise Ireland High Potential Start-up status, the management team includes Paddy Caffrey (ex Pfizer), Dan Philpott and John O’Donoghue. A surface modification company, it has developed the latest generation unique active coating process for medical devices, offering improved device functionality and bio compatibility. Glenbrook Lodge Ltd., Adrigole Harbour, Beara Peninsula, West Cork, is an attractive Fáilte Ireland registered Holiday Hostel situated on a 4-acre holiday complex within easy reach of Cork and Kerry airports. This asset-backed project has a team of promoters with extensive experience in the tourism sector. Lincor Solutions Ltd., Cork and Dublin, is headed up by Dan Byrne (ex Apple) and provides next generation interactive digital media solutions with MEDIVista. MEDIVista is a complete integrated digital patient entertainment and clinical access solution at the patient bedside, with applications in hospital and residential care facilities and exciting international interest in the initiative. Ireland’s leading on-line inbound all-Ireland tour operator, MyguideTravel Ltd, formerly branded as 1 2 Travel Ltd., has experienced promoters and is generally regarded as one of the real successes of the dotcom era with potential for significant growth in its category. With a turnover of €11.5 million, it was founded in 1998. NuaLight Ltd, based in Cork also, develops, manufactures and sells patent-protected proprietary LED lighting solutions to replace fluorescent lighting in display cases in retailers, and to date has sold its product to the US retailing giant, Walmart. One of the founding directors is Eamonn Quinn (ex SuperQuinn). HLB Nathans also has Waterfall Ridge Limited in its 2007 offering. The company has developed a product called ‘OTT’, a unique, patented, re-usable anti-tampering bottle top which will prevent tampering with drinks and create a hygienic barrier for users. Following a comprehensive survey, the product has been welcomed by many key players in the target market. SensL Ltd., an Irish-owned company headed up by well-known businessmen Joe Gantly (ex Apple) and Joe O’Keeffe, SensL has offices in Blackrock (Cork) and California, and focuses on the development, manufacture and sale of new-age silicon-based Low Light Detectors. The detectors have the potential to cut the cost of light detection 10-fold in the Medical Instrumentation, Inspection Equipment, Security Equipment and several other sectors on a global scale. For further information: HLB Nathans, Chartered Accountants & Registered Auditors. Tel: 021 4275176; email: ned.murphy@hlbnathans.com WHY LIVE WITH PAINFUL VARICOSE VEINS? by Mr. Max B Mahendren, General & Vascular Surgeon, Shanakiel Hospital, Cork. Throughout our lives we are kept upright and mobile by strong legs. Through fluctuating weight, sports injuries and all weather conditions, our legs are battered and bruised throughout our lives, but yet blood courses through the leg veins, keeping us active. However, as we get older, these veins show signs of wear and tear and the result is the appearance of swollen veins, which protrude through the skin causing pain, which can affect quality of life and, in some cases, necessitate a change of career. People who work in retail, traffic wardens, nurses and people who are on their feet for long spells are particularly susceptible to varicose veins in later life. Left untreated, the chances of developing deep vein clots are increased and superficial phlebitis, bleeding, eczema, pigmentation and ulceration may occur. Simple ways to prevent complications such as these are to avoid standing or sitting for too long, and flexing the ankles as often as possible will help keep the blood flowing and alleviate any discomfort. Walking is the best panacea for general health, including the limbs, improving circulation and releasing those happy genes that are so important for our mental and physical being. Support stockings are effective when at work, flying, and during pregnancy, while maintaining an ideal body weight, elevating your legs and wearing comfortable shoes will make a difference. Leg and facial spider veins, which are less painful, but often unsightly, can be treated for cosmetic reasons, while other vascular malformations such as Port Wine stains and facial veins can be treated, often with positive life-changing results. Nowadays, people with venous conditions that have not responded to self-help measures can have these unsightly, painful veins removed swiftly and can expect to resume normal activity on the day following treatment. Gone are the days when surgery for varicose veins necessitated hospitalisation and two weeks recuperation! Most hospitals provide some level of vein care, and one of those hospitals, Shanakiel Hospital, Cork, provides a wide range of techniques performed by a vascular surgeon. Vein treatments at the hospital include EVLT Laser Vein Surgery, the very latest technology in vein care that has replaced traditional surgery. Since each patient has a unique venous anatomy, the treatment regimen is individualised to achieve optimal results. Sufferers might only need simple advice on vein health and compression therapy. However, large veins may need groin surgery and stripping. With the new technology a small catheter is inserted into the thigh to collapse the vein without the groin wound and bruising previously experienced with stripping. Normal activity can be resumed the next day, with a marked improvement noticeable within two weeks and very little scarring. Varicose veins often recur and there is no need to undergo the same procedure again. Injection of foam sclerotherapy, under ultrasound guidance, will avoid major repeat surgery. Micro-phlebectomy will remove the bulging veins without leaving unsightly scars. Spider veins can be cleared with Micro-sclerotherapy and the newer technology of combined NdYAG & KTP lasers is ideally suited to avoid needle punctures in clearing unsightly spider veins. Other vascular malformations such as Port Wine stains and Facial veins can be treated effectively with the combination laser. Mr Max B Mahendran is a General & Vascular Surgeon at Shanakiel Hospital, Cork Shanakiel Hospital, Shanakiel, Cork, is an independent 44-bed hospital, providing consultant-delivered, patient-focused specialist care in a range of clinical disciplines including Dermatology, Endocrinology, Gastroenterology, General Surgery, Ophthalmology, Psychiatry, Physiotherapy, Radiology and Rheumatology. Providing private healthcare to VHI, BUPA, GMA, POMA, ESB and VIVAS members, the hospital is also approved by NTPF (National Treatment Purchase Fund). 021 4305037. http://www.qhcg.com For further information email: jennifer.oshea@qhcg.com Published Business Munster Magazine November 2007 Network (The Organisation for Women in Business) Cork, hosted an open forum recently at The Maryborough House Hotel, Cork, at which Shanakiel Hospital’s Vascular and Laser Eye surgeons spoke on the latest developments in their field, and their relevance to today’s busy lifestyles. Mr. Max Mahendran, General and Vascular Surgeon, and Mr. Behrooz Golchin, Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon at the hospital, were very well received by their audience of Cork businesswomen, fielding several questions on the intricacies and benefits of procedures in each discipline. Marion Ormond, President of Network Cork told us: ‘As we go about out busy, daily lives, we put up with hindrances to a full and active life, such as troublesome varicose veins or those dreaded spectacles. It was really helpful to have an opportunity to have a face to face discussion with these leading surgeons and learn first hand how these everyday problems can be addressed. Network aims to bring members the most up-to-date thinking on matters that affect our daily working and personal lives, and Shanakiel’s surgeons brought us just that’. Businesswomen in attendance at the event included Kay Long (Bank of Ireland), Orla Linehan (Pafrey Murphy), Margaret Sheeran (Swedish Trade Centre), Maria Grandon (Grandons Car Sales Glanmire), Michelle Johnson (ASA Marketing), Margaret McCormick (Buckley Kiely & Co), Regina O’Mahony (NewWays International) and Tina McAvoy (Leadership Management Ireland), amongst others. Brian Martin, newly-appointed CEO at Shanakiel was also in attendance with colleagues Jennifer O’Shea and Catherine O’Gorman. Marion Ormond tells me that their Christmas Dinner, which is always a fun affair, will be held on Friday 16th November at the Maryborough – they’re ahead of the posse with the Christmas parties!
Cork City Enterprise Board launches new brochure and enhanced user-friendly website facilitating small business. Recognising that the World Wide Web is a crucial support to entrepreneurs, particularly for marketing and information purposes, the Cork City Enterprise Board today re-launched their own website http://www.corkceb.ie, as part of an initiative to further assist and facilitate small business to grow in the Cork City area. David Niblock, panelist with Cork’s All Ireland Football Team, today launched a unique range of all-body remedial skincare products for sportspeople, Bodyglide. Incorporating three products, Bodyglide is primarily a hypoallergenic anti-chaffing, anti-blistering solution which will be used as a preventative treatment by active, competitive people. Distributed in Ireland by Niblock Enterprises Ltd, Cork, Bodyglide’s products include skin, muscle and sun-protection formulae, and the products are now available at pharmacies throughout Ireland. As a Co-founder and Director of Bodyglide, David told us: ‘There is a niche in the market for remedial products like Bodyglide, especially for athletes and people who need to be on top of their game and can’t let minor injuries or pain slow them down. I’m delighted with the response we are getting from sporting enthusiasts and my teammates already.’ Cork corner forward James Masters and full forward Michael Cussen lined out with Miss Cork, Aisling Cronin and model Elaine Ranahan to launch the product outside Pairc Ui Chaoimh, Cork. Michael Cussen, stretching up to his full height as he addressed us added jokingly ‘Whatever helps to ease those aches and pains in a holistic way is fine by me. I guess I’ll be plastering on Bodyglide before and after the All Ireland Football final on Sunday – I will be competing with every ounce of energy I can muster!’ Bodyglide products work in all weather conditions, are water proof and work with the surface skin cells creating an invisible barrier which does not evaporate. Made from natural formulae including Aloe Vera and Vitamin E, Bodyglide is free from oils, grease, water and alcohol and washes off with soap. It is not tested on animals. Bodyglide Skin is effective against chaffing, dry and cracked skin and the wear and tear associated with vigorous training and prolonged exercising. ‘The product will be a ‘must have’ for all sports people such as footballers, hurlers, rowers, golfers, triathletes, and individuals alike’ said David Niblock. The 2-in-1 formula muscle relaxant, Bodyglide WarmFx, can be used for minor pain and soreness, circulation, muscle and joint flexibility. Bodyglide WarmFx provides temporary relief from pain and soreness where it is needed, and can be used before participation in sporting activity or starting work. Bodyglide Sun is a 2-in-1 formula with SPF 25, which affords high sun protection and is favored by swimmers, yachtsmen and women and lifeguards. This formula is technically advanced ensuring it stays in place long after other sun products have evaporated or melted from the skin’s surface. There are many sporting activities whose participants can benefit from the range of Bodyglide products such as Cycling/Spinning, Triathlon, Rugby, Dance, Equestrian, GAA, Soccer, Hiking, Running/Jogging, Mountain Biking, Ocean Swimming, General Outdoor, Physically Challenged, Surfing, etc. The Bodyglide range of products has been positioned to cater to the needs of active sports people and includes categories such as construction workers, those in the military, policemen and firemen along with those who are physically challenged, or those using prosthetics. http://www.nibnlockenterprises.com Hazel Williams Gallery to explore and inspire new artistic initiatives. Kilkenny’s reputation as a centre of excellence in the art world got a further boost on Friday last with the opening of The Hazel Williams Art Gallery at No. 1, The Parade, Kilkenny. The gallery welcomed over 130 people through its doors in the opening weekend; including the Chairman of the Butler Gallery in Dublin, Milo Fitzgerald, who was very taken with the space. Housing an impressive list of original works, the Gallery will showcase the crème de la crème of contemporary artistic talent and exhibit their works in this bright, modern space, offering several new initiatives to bring the best and brightest to Ireland’s art collectors. Art entrepreneur, Hazel Williams, a native of Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny, who owns the new gallery told us: ‘I am already involved in the art distribution business through my online company, Art to Order, which supplies commercial interior designers and architects. However, the yen to launch my own space has been a goal of mine for some time now. When becoming involved with artists, one is instinctively drawn into their psyche and it is a real pleasure and a challenge to nurture this talent, bring them along to reach greater heights, and find a platform for their art. The space I have created is a fitting backdrop for wonderful works of art and its location across the road from Kilkenny Castle lends a certain cachet to this artistic haven.’ Louis O’ Sullivan of ART ’07 Dublin Art Fair, the interior design fair held annually at the RDS, Dublin, had this to say: ‘The Hazel Williams Gallery is ideally located to serve the surrounding counties and buyers from Ireland’s major cities. With her changing exhibitions by noteworthy artists, the Gallery can truly be described as a ‘Work in Progress’ in terms of the variety of emerging and established talent which will grace this space. Art Galleries are the life blood of the artistic landscape and the current exhibition running at the gallery is a must see’ she said. The Hazel Williams Gallery was one of thirteen Irish galleries invited to exhibit at Art ‘O7, in Dublin which highlight the toast of Irish galleries. The exhibition showcased galleries such as Rubicon, The Kerlin and Kevin Kavanagh Gallery. It was curated by Helen Mason and run by Louis O’ Sullivan. Hazel Williams also runs Art Dublin in conjunction with BT2, an exhibition which will be launched on the 18th July at the Grafton Street store, in aid of Focus Ireland, the organisation for the homeless. Art Dublin, the artists’ collective has donated approximately 300 of their paintings, all to be sold for €350 each – some being sold under their current value. This year they aim to raise €30,000 for this worthy initiative. ‘My vision is to create a reputation as an energetic, outgoing and accessible art gallery, and at the same time strive over the coming years to be a major international gallery of the world, continuing to inspire, interest and provide enjoyment to our increasingly diverse audiences” Hazel told us. ‘I want The Hazel Williams Gallery to be a casual experience for our clients, with the freedom to chat to the artists or our staff about the work, in an unpressurised, leisurely way, with a piece of art to suit all budgets’ he said. She also hopes to provide a patrons scheme in the coming winter, to demonstrate what the artists have to offer in exchange for patronage and friendship, and plans to The opening exhibition at The Hazel Williams Gallery will showcase the work of the following artists: for more information log on to http://www.hazelwilliamsgallery.com The Mainport Group, headquartered at Monahan Road, Cork, has acquired the long-established ship agency, stevedoring, ship broking and logistics company Patrick Monahan (Drogheda Ltd), positioning itself as a market leader for these services along the east coast of Ireland. With the valuable core business established already by Monahans in Drogheda and the expected massive investment in the nearby Bremore Port, (located south of Drogheda, adjacent to the M1) Mainport is well positioned to maximise these opportunities. David Ronayne, Chief Executive of The Mainport Group commented: ‘This acquisition confirms Mainport’s position as one of the leading intermodal logistics shipping company in the country. It gives us a significant presence on the east coast of Ireland and since Monahans services are similar to those conducted by Mainport in Cork and the Shannon estuary, there are considerable synergies and opportunities. Monahans have built a reputable and profitable company since 1948, with an excellent staff, headed up by MD, Willie Lennon. The business will continue to operate as heretofore and we are excited about the prospect of combining our expertise, consolidating the existing business and attracting new business into the area.’ Willie Lennon, MD of Monahans, in welcoming the move, said: ‘The Monahan family wishes to acknowledge their loyal staff and friends at Drogheda Port, customers and suppliers, and are happy that the new owners will continue the best practices already in situ. The 65 staff at Monahans, which had a turnover of 12 million euro in 2005, see this as a very progressive move for the company, especially in light of the development of the new national port, Bremore Port outside Drogheda. Our existing clients will also welcome this development, secure in the knowledge that The Mainport Group are experienced in this field, having themselves been established in 1957.’ This new acquisition includes 90,000 square feet of office, plant and warehousing facilities in the lower port area of Drogheda at Tom Roe’s Point, with offices in Merchant’s Quay. Cargo currently being handled includes paper and forest products (including newsprint for Ireland’s print media), steel, container shipping, and agri-bulk cargo. DFDS Lysline (delivering product on behalf of StoraEnso), Baltic Line, Biscay Shipping, Rautaruukki and other large international shippers are currently being handled by the new entity, along with several blue-chip Irish companies’ said Paul Fleming, CEO at Drogheda Port. ‘It was crucial that any new owner would have a proven track record in the business and we welcome Mainport’s arrival in the region. It will give continuity of service to our valued port clients and offer them economies of scale on an all-Ireland basis’. The Mainport Group, headquartered at Monahan Road, Cork, established in 1957, employs 82 people in the ship management, agency, stevedoring, and off-shore services sector in Ireland with offices also in Dublin, Limerick, Foynes, South Africa and Norway. With a turnover in excess of 45 million euro expected in 2006, the Group is also involved in joint ventures with major shipping and shipping services groups in Norway (with Sartor Shipping), South Africa and other projects in the seismic support, safety-standby, salvage & wreck removal, warehousing and storage sectors. The great and the good, of rugby and football that is, were popping corks at 51 South Mall last night, when MyMortgages.ie, headed up by Managing Director Joey Sheahan, opened impressive new premises and announced they were now targeting the Munster area as a whole. Rugby and football pals came to town to celebrate with Joey and his colleagues, and brother Frankie (Ireland and Munster international) who is a Director at the firm, took time out from his hectic training schedule to celebrate with the MyMortgages.ie team and their friends in business. Frankie’s first love and commitment is still with the Munster Rugby team ‘and that’ll never change’ he told us. ‘Needless to say, with the World Cup beckoning, Ireland and Munster will remain my number one priority for the foreseeable future. During my spare time, I find the work a welcome distraction from our demanding training schedule and it also helps to keep my mind active’ Frankie told us. MyMortgages.ie, and this venture will no doubt gather steam and score a few hat tricks for the boys in the Munster area in the years ahead. Young, gifted, and muscular, not to mention good-looking, was the order of the day for the young Corkonians as everyone and anyone from the rugby and GAA world crammed into 51 South Mall to crack open the bubbly and toast the success of the rising stars in the financial world. Pals Ronan O’Gara, Mick O’Driscoll and the ‘Tipp Titan’ Denis Leamy lined out to support the brothers, as did the GAA’s Gorgeous Gael, Sean Óg ÓHailpίn and the Kingdom’s defensive stalwart Tomás ÓSé. ‘They’ll take Munster by storm in this business’ a beaming Denis Leamy told us. ‘Everyone loves to talk rugby, and the lads are pushing an open door. They have a very professional organisation here, only what you’d expect from well-grounded, competitive people’. MyMortgages.ie has all the major banks and building societies backing their mortgages, and, needless to say, they, too, were out in force to join the party. Spotted were Nodlaigh Keating from IIB Homeloans, Tracy Marshall from Bank of Ireland, Michael Hayes from AIB just down The Mall and Brian Walsh from Bank of Ireland. Kate and Norma Sheahan, wives of Joey and Frankie (respectively) were perfect hosts for the unexpectedly large turnout. Bill Keary of Kearys garages, Sydney McElhinney, Sean McCarthy of Soho Bar, Mark Hopkins of Hopkins Communications and Paul Montgomery from the Reardens complex on Washington Street, Cork didn’t have far to travel to quaff the cool Corona, while the legal profession were ably represented by Lucia Fielding of MJ Horgans, John O’Donovan and Rob Baker of O’Donovan Baker Solicitors on the Mall and Eddie Carey while auctioneer Frank Quinlan also got in on the action in wishing the lads well. My spies tell me that the after-party went on well into the night at Scotts on Oliver Plunkett St, and the boys were signing up mortgages all over the place! Ah.. the power of the Celtic Tiger roars into action again…… For further information please call Joey Sheahan, Frankie Sheahan, John Riordan or Mick Knowles, please call: 021 4277037 Star Sailing and Adventure Centre, located just 5 minutes outside the picturesque town of Kenmare on the Castletownbere road, in the Kingdom of Kerry, has announced that its throughput of visitors to date is up 30% on last year. ‘The inclement weather has meant that people are veering away from the beaches and opting for activity-based options that are fun and out of doors. A drop of rain never killed anyone, and once visitors are in their wetsuits they take to the sea like ducks to water! said PJ O’Sullivan, General Manager at the Centre. With an impressive array of water and land based activities suitable for people of all ages, along with a first class seafood restaurant, the Centre also offers luxury apartments and transportation to groups using the Centre. Welcoming the news that these activities are flourishing in the South West, Fiona Buckley, General Manager of Fáilte Ireland Southwest said: ‘Fáilte Ireland is fully behind initiatives which make use of our natural resources. Kenmare Bay and its picturesque surroundings is an ideal location for land and water-based activities. We congratulate StarSailing and Adventure Centre on its great facilities’. On site activities being taken up by families, team building groups, and school groups include Irish Sailing Association recognised courses from level 1 to level 3, canoeing, kayaking, and the favourites with children, the new water slide, water trampoline and American pedal boats and of course the children’s playground. ‘Stag and Hen parties have really taken off’ said PJ O’Sullivan ‘they come down here full of joie de vivre, and, despite late nights, are very competitive and energetic as they participate in war games, laser clays, archery and any of the water-based activities’. Corporate and teambuilding outings are big business here now, MLP Insurance Corporation from Germany enjoyed a full day’s activities recently for 80 people which included helicopter rides over Kenmare Bay and buffet lunch with exhibition of Irish Music and dance along with our usual team building activities such as raft building and orienteering. Also we recently had the Limerick football team for a weekend, and visitors to the Centre were gobsmacked at their fitness levels and enthusiasm for the water! The StarSailing and Adventure Centre cruises in a luxury cruiser ‘The Star of Kenmare’ have taken off too this year, according to PJ. ‘Kenmare Bay is quite sheltered so we are able to put to sea regularly. A guide is provided onboard to give visitors a commentary on the surrounding area, wildlife and things to do. Punters love the scenery, the unusual bird life and it is common to watch seals nursing and dolphins frolicking alongside the boat. The kids go wild at this’ he said. For those who prefer staying on terra firma, hill walking, horse-riding and orienteering ‘mini expeditions’ are arranged, with guides to relate historical tales from the backwoods and point out the myriad of flora and fauna to be found in the lush hinterland. The Beara Way is a famous walking trail, through magnificent woodland and rugged countryside. At the end of the day, tired but happy, visitors can enjoy locally-caught seafood in the family restaurant in the grounds of the Centre with fascinating views of the Kenmare Bay. The restaurant is also a great hit with those travelling around Kerry, and its reputation for mouth-watering seafood attracts people from the outlying area on a regular basis. . StarSailing and Adventure Centre prides itself on offering a top class service, from the latest equipment, to fully qualified instructors to ensure a safe and enjoyable adventure. ‘We are committed to a rigid Health & Safety regime; there are no shortcuts, no excuses. Safety is the premier concern, and sometimes, much to the chagrin of over-enthusiastic adventurers, we monitor and curtail activities to ensure optimum safety for all concerned’ said PJ O’Sullivan. Customers will also find at their disposal modern changing facilities allowing them to take part in numerous water and land based activities throughout the day. Star Sailing runs multi-activity camps every week during the summer months for 6-8 and 8-14 year olds as well as level 1 to 3 sailing and kayak courses. ‘Parents are keen to send their children to adventure focused courses, as they want to build their confidence, teach them about sharing, teambuilding, and handling tricky situations. It is a pleasure to watch shy young people blossom after a few days of interactive, high-energy activities’ Mr. O’Sullivan said. StarSailing and Adventure Centre are participants in Gaisce, The President’s Award, a national challenge award for people aged between 15 and 25. Which is overseen by a team of instructors. The Centre and its instructors are also accredited by The Irish Sailing Association, Irish Canoe Union & Mountain Council of Ireland National Recognised qualifications & Proficiency Courses. Brendan (Benny) Cottrell, skipper of the new passenger ferry ‘Cailίn Óir’, today launched a new service which will operate from Baltimore, West Cork, to Cape Clear Island and Crookhaven for the summer season. This service is expected to generate increased traffic to Cape Clear Island, Ireland’s most southerly outpost, which lies beside the famous Fastnet Rock lighthouse. The 50 foot ferry, which is licensed to carry 48 passengers, and provides full commentary on the voyage, is being hailed as ‘the fastest, newest, quietest’ ferry in those waters, according to Ted O’Driscoll, a native of Cape Clear island, who will act as second skipper and is ‘a well seasoned seafarer, having been skipper on various ferries for over 35 years’ Mr. Cotrell told us. Brendan himself is upholding the family tradition of three generations who have been involved in the ferry business off the islands of West Cork. ‘Running four times daily (first ferry leaves Baltimore at 8.15am), this new service will certainly be a welcome boost to tourism in the area, and make these destinations so much more marketable’ said Fiona Buckley, General Manager of Fáilte Ireland Southwest. ‘This additional service will also be an important service for the islanders themselves’ she said. Running twilight tours in the evenings, passengers will no doubt be impressed with the beauty of this West Cork coastline, with ‘Cailίn Óir’ snaking in between the 100 Carbery Islands, taking in the native wildlife which includes seals, dolphins, porpoises and exotic birds, and, if one is lucky, magnificent basking sharks which are known to visit these waters. ‘The response to the new service has been fantastic, the locals are full square behind us and local business has recognised that additional services will grow the brand which is West Cork. The ferry is comfortable, fast and staffed with experienced seafarers who have an in-depth knowledge of this wonderful area. The vessel if fully licensed by the Department of Transport and is fully compliant with all health and safety regulations’ said Brendan. For full information on sailing times, twilight tours and corporate bookings call 028 41923, 083 3465110, email info@islandtripper.com or http://www.islandtripper.com Brian Martin has just been appointed as Chief Executive Officer of Shanakiel Hospital, the independent 44-bed hospital located Shanakiel, Cork. Brian earned his corporate stripes in the multinational sector but felt the time was right to bring that experience to bear in the healthcare sector. ‘I am excited about the challenges involved in providing high quality healthcare services. ‘I believe that my international service delivery experience will help me to make a valuable contribution in the healthcare sector in Ireland’. ‘Shanakiel has a patient friendly atmosphere, this is just one of our priorities, this ethos is evident at Shanakiel amongst all of our staff, ‘Above all, we aim to provide quality healthcare to all of our patients and we want our patients to have a positive experience during their time here’ Martin said. Shanakiel hospital delivers specialist care in a range of Medical and Surgical disciplines, on an in-patient and day-care basis. Six weeks ago, Brian Martin resigned his position at Sanmina-SCI in Fermoy to take up the CEO’s position at Shanakiel. Responsible for the global management of a Diabetes Care Product Supply Chain for a major medical company, Brian’s experience there will stand him in good stead, having worked in multiple senior management roles including Purchasing /Business Development / Marketing and Materials management, in what he describes as a ‘great company’. ‘I began my career in the Clinical Engineering Dept. of Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Dublin before moving to Cork in 1982’. Brian hopes to bring his strategic business planning and marketing skills to Shanakiel, building upon the strong reputation already earned by the hospital. Martin was brought on board by Matt O’Driscoll and his colleagues at Quality Healthcare Group. ‘Over the past 3 years we have invested heavily in Shankiels infrastructure, in expanding our range of services, and in bringing additional consultants to Shanakiel. Brian is the right person to ensure that our facilities are now fully utilised in delivering high quality patient care in Cork’. Mr. O’Driscoll said. Shanakiel hospital has already undergone significant modernisation since 2004 when the first phase of development included a new Eye Laser Suite, a refurbished Radiology Department and Consulting and Minor Treatment rooms. Phase two saw the completion of an Endoscopy Unit (used for investigations of the stomach and bowel) in November 2005. Investment to date therefore runs to €5 million to include the forthcoming phase which will see the provision of a new replacement operating theatre, to be operational by early 2008. Some of the treatments being delivered at the hospital on a daily basis include Ophthalmology (incl. eye laser surgery), Endocrinology, Gynaecology, Gastroenterology, Orthopaedics, Rheumatology, General Surgery, Maxillo-Facial Surgery, Physiotherapy, and Radiology. ‘Patients are referred to our experienced consultants by their own GPs and in the case of eyes by their opticians. Fully approved by Vhi, Quinn Healthcare (BUPA) and Vivas, as well as by the ESB, Garda and Prison Officers schemes, Shanakiel also acts as a provider for the NTPF (National Treatment Purchase Fund) waiting list initiative, providing a range of procedures for non-insured public patients who are on long waiting lists for treatments. Patients who opt for elective surgery and choose procedures such eye laser surgery (which is tax deductible) are referred to Shanakiel either by their own Opticians or GPs or primarily through word of mouth.’ Brian Martin told us. All Shanakiel’s consultants are fully accredited by IMC (The Irish Medical Council) or GMC (The General Medical Council) and they provide a thorough follow-through on procedures. Quality Healthcare Group is an all-Ireland healthcare company providing patient care at Shanakiel Hospital, Cork, Waterford Eye Clinic (located at the Atrium Maritana Gate in the city) and Allclear Eye Clinic in Belfast. See http://www.qhcg.com for more details Corona, the popular bottled beer, has added its name to the Cork Film Festival which will be renamed Corona Cork Film Festival in a three-year sponsorship deal valued at‚ 500,000 euro over three years including both sponsorship fee and marketing support spend. The Corona Cork Film Festival will screen top international films at venues throughout Cork city, from 14 to 21 October this year. Michael Barry, MD of Barry Fitzwilliam Maxxium, the importers of Corona Extra said: ’This sponsorship is a excellent fit for Corona Extra, and an opportunity to support the Festival, while at the same time building the Corona Extra brand further. The product has seen phenomenal growth in the last few years, and is now the leading brand in the premium imported beer category. We are delighted to position Corona in this way, and to give something back to the legion of Corona lovers who are also enthusiastic film buffs. The initiative also coincides with Barry Fitzwilliam Maxxium’s celebration of 25th year in business, which started off in Cork’s Alfred Street in 1982.’ As official sponsors Corona Extra will receive exclusive beer branding on festival literature, screens, and at official film festival events. Corona will also enjoy opportunities at the opening and closing celebrations, branding on national and local advertising and pr campaigns, along with ticketing and other merchandising opportunities. Barry Fitzwilliam will also hold an option to renew for a further three years when the current contract expires in 2010. Mick Hannigan, Director of Corona Cork Film Festival, in welcoming the new sponsorship of the festival said: ‘The festival is delighted with this sponsorship and we pay tribute to Michael Barry for his imaginative support of one of Ireland’s leading arts events. The festival has greatly expanded in recent years, in scope and also in the number of guests and audiences which it attracts – and the Corona title sponsorship will greatly enhance the festival team’s ambition to further develop the event. Plans are already well underway for a very exciting Corona Cork Film Festival next October and we look forward to a productive partnership with Barry Fitzwilliam, benefiting both the festival audience and Corona.’ The 52nd Corona Cork Film Festival will run from 14 to 21 October, 2007 and will offer film lovers an exciting programme of events which include big budget films, world cinema, innovative independent films, international documentaries, an Irish showcase and short films from all over the world. The festival programme will also include special events such as drive-in movies and ‘live cinema’. One of the oldest film festivals in the world, the festival brings the best in world cinema to Irish audiences. From its beginnings in the Savoy cinema in 1956, the festival has grown and developed to become a highly regarded international event, with entries of approximately 3,500 from filmmakers all over the world on an annual basis. Since its inception in 1956 the short film has been an integral component of the festival. In 2007 the festival continues its love affair with the short by offering filmmakers the opportunity to compete for seven prestigious awards. These include: The Absolut Award for Best Irish Short Film; the Award for Best International Short; the Prix UIP for Best European Short; the Claire Lynch Award for Best First Irish Short; the Irish Examiner ‘Made in Cork’ Award; Gradam Gael Linn for Best Irish Language Short and the ‘Outlook’ Award for Best Lesbian & Gay Short. Tickets for all events and the festival catalogue will be available from the end of September at the Corona Cork Film Festival Box Office which will be situated on Patrick Street, Cork and also online at www.corkfilmfest.org. Hopkins Communications, the advertising & public relations firm based in Cork, has announced the expansion of its promotional marketing service which will provide staff for promotional purposes nationwide. ‘We are already conducting a series of promotions countrywide for products such as Corona, Jaegermeister and other consumer brands and have now increased our staffing levels in response to client requests to handle additional promotional activity around the country’ said Mark Hopkins. He went on to say that companies are increasingly looking for innovative and unusual ways to promote their business, especially since there are such a plethora of advertising mediums vying for the attention of the consumer. ‘We have 80 part-time promotional staff on our books all over the country, and clients appreciate the fact that they can target specific areas to suit their timings or blanket cover to co-incide with an advertising campaign. We’ve had staff aboard yachts, dressed as animals, dressed cappuccinos, croupiers, in ball gowns as hosts at corporate events, in pyjamas while flyering for a retail store to dishing out soup samples on the street! They’ve even dressed as hotdogs! This service ties in nicely with our client advertising and pr campaigns, where we design, print and place advertising in press, radio billboards, buses, bus shelters and other media, working with the public relations department to deliver highly focused campaigns’ he said. Hopkins Communications is a full service advertising, public relations and event management company based at Patrick Street Cork. Clients include IIB Bank, Barry Fitzwilliam Maxxium (for Corona, Jaegermeister, Brown Brothers & McGuigan wines and several other drinks brands), The Cork City Enterprise Board, The Mainport Group, The Quality Healthcare Group (Shanakiel Hospital and All Clear Eye Laser Clinics), Funderland and Citizens Information Phone Service, amongst others. Pipelife, one of the world leaders in Plastic Pipes and Fittings, acquires Quality Plastics in Ireland as of March 30th, 2007. Quality Plastics is the leader in the plumbing market in Ireland, specifically for Hot and Cold Water solutions including under-floor heating. It has also a very strong presence in the utility and civils markets. The company produces and sells PEX, PEX multi layer Pipes, PE and PB Pipes including a wide range of fittings and accessories. It operates two factories near Cork in Ireland achieving €42m in sales with 174 employees in the latest business year. Quality Plastics is also present in the UK through with its own distribution and sales organization and exports its products to several countries in Europe. Miguel Kohlmann, the CEO of Pipelife commented on the acquisition: Quality Plastics is a perfect complement for the Pipelife Group. It will reinforce one of Pipelife’s fastest growing product lines which is Hot and Cold in addition to giving the group access to the Irish and UK markets’. Gary Horgan, Managing Director of Quality Plastics said: ‘From our company’s point of view it is the perfect time to become part of the Pipelife Group. With Pipelife, we have found a partner that will be able to accelerate our growth and give us a real international dimension’. Gary and Karen Horgan, Commercial Director, will remain in their management positions. The Pipelife Group is a JV between Wienerberger and Solvay. It is one of the world’s leading Plastic Pipes and Fittings groups. It is now active in 29 countries and operates 30 factories with 2.800 employees achieving pro-forma sales of €823m in 2006. Shanakiel Hospital, a member of The Quality Healthcare Group, is to invest a further 2 million euro in its hospital in Cork. This long-established 44-bed independent hospital delivers specialist care in a range of clinical disciplines, on an in-patient and day-care basis. The hospital has already undergone significant modernisation since 2004 when the first phase of development included a new Eye Laser Suite, a refurbished Radiology Department and Consulting and Minor Treatment rooms. Phase two saw the completion of an Endoscopy Unit (used for investigations of the stomach and bowel) in November 2005. Investment to date therefore runs to ’5 million to include the forthcoming phase which will see the provision of a new replacement operating theatre, to be operational by the end of this year. ‘We provide a range of patient care services in Cork at Shanakiel Hospital. Some of the treatments being delivered here on a daily basis include Ophthalmology (incl. eye laser surgery), Gastroenterology, Orthopaedics, Rheumatology, General Surgery, Maxillo-Facial Surgery, Physiotherapy, and Radiology’ said Liz Linehan, Director of Nursing at Shanakiel Hospital. ‘Patients are referred to our experienced consultants by their own GPs. Fully approved by VHI, BUPA and Vivas, as well as by the ESB, Garda and Prison Officers schemes, Shanakiel also acts as a provider for the NTPF (National Treatment Purchase Fund) waiting list initiative, providing a range of procedures for non-insured public patients who are on long waiting lists for treatments. Patients who opt for elective surgery and choose procedures such eye laser surgery (which is tax deductible) are referred to Shanakiel either by their own GPs or primarily through word of mouth.’ Matt O’Driscoll, Director, Shanakiel Hospital, has stressed that Shanakiel is intent on constantly upgrading its facilities, with on-going initiatives being implemented to maintain the highest standards of patient care. ‘Shanakiel Hospital offers a range of consultant led private medical services, with the emphasis on the individual care of clients, the adoption of best medical practice, and the use of proven leading edge technology,‘said Matt. ‘All Shanakiel’s consultants are fully accredited by IMC (The Irish Medical Council) or GMC (The General Medical Council) and they provide a thorough follow-through on procedures’ Mr. O’Driscoll said. The refurbished hospital, with private and semi-private rooms within the complex, is located on the west side of the city centre, overlooking University College Cork. Employing almost sixty staff, Quality Healthcare Group is currently recruiting a Chief Executive to lead the next phase of the hospital’s expansion. Steeped in history, Shanakiel Hospital was once the home of Lord Cork, was used by the Free State Army as a convalescent facility during the Civil War and ‘The Big Fellow’, Michael Collins, was laid out at Shanakiel following the tragic B’al na mBl’th ambush. Quality Healthcare Group is an all-Ireland healthcare company providing patient care at Shanakiel Hospital, Cork, Waterford Eye Clinic (located at the Atrium Maritana Gate in the city) and Allclear Eye Clinic in Belfast. See http://www.qhcg.com. Mieke Vanmechelen is swiftly gaining notoriety as the fresh young talent on the Irish art scene. Born in Antwerp, Mieke relocated with her family to Kenmare in Co. Kerry at the tender age of six. Growing up surrounded by the wild and rugged landscape of her father’s Caha Mountain farm, and stimulated by trips with her mother to The Abbey Theatre Dublin and The Royal Academy in Antwerp, Mieke’s creativity has developed into a contemporary, vibrant, yet soulful, style of painting. Dr. Michael Casey, Artist, Curator and Government of Ireland Post-Doctoral Fellow says of Mieke: The artist is a very fine painter ‘working within the realms of abstract expressionism. Her landscape configuration explores colour, form and line in a lyrical way, nature and, more particularly, the immediacy of her environment, have contributed greatly to her new work.’ The artist describes her style in terms of abstract expressionism. In 2005 Mieke was invited by Noelle Campbell Sharpe, Director of Cill Rialaig Project, an Artists Retreat in Ballinskelligs, Co. Kerry, to take up a residency as a painter. It was in this facility that Mieke assisted acclaimed artist Aurelio Caminati, a contemporary of the world famous Pablo Picasso, developing her own style, fuelled by the creative atmosphere at the renowned artists’ sanctuary. The artist’s work is often large in scale, communicating strong emotions and a firm connection with not only the physical, but the metaphysical. Pieces can already be seen hanging in some of Cork’s most popular venues and private homes throughout Ireland. The Bodega, a stylish, spacious bar & restaurant on Cornmarket Street, Cork, for example, is home to a large-scale work commissioned for the Cork Jazz Festival 2006. A true lover of all things natural and earthbound, Mieke’s talent is not limited to brushstrokes. Brush strokes of another kind spring to mind as she describes her farming exploits. Mieke, a graduate of Philosophy from Trinity College, is a Member of the Irish Horse Board and the Kerry Cattlebreeders Association, breeding Kerry cows and Irish sport horses! ‘My four children, Emily (9) Liam (8), and my lively twins, Adam and Toby aged six, keep me well grounded and my farming activities keep me sane. I love the countryside with all its seasons, and my children are just like me ‘ they are out in all weathers, exploring all the time and are an inspiration to several of my paintings’ said Mieke. Mieke, a tall, elegant and articulate lady, is currently showing her latest works at Sheen Falls Hotel, Kenmare where art collectors have been extolling the virtues of her skilful use of colour, texture and multi-media. A forthcoming key exhibition, will, however, provide the artist with a high-profile opportunity to showcase her talent. The exhibition, aptly named Wavelength, will run in Cork Vision Centre, Cork on the 9th of January 2007 from 6pm ‘ 8pm. Bill Cullen, one of Ireland’s best-known entrepreneurs, will officially open the exhibition and has been a mentor to the artist for several years. A patron of her work, Mr. Cullen and Jackie Lavin have several paintings hanging in their Muckross Park Hotel, Killarney and other venues. With the shemozzle over the recent hike in drink prices, Corona beer’s distributors, Barry Fitzwilliam Maxxium are keen to shout about their popular Corona Extra beer, the price of which has remained static for the last five years. ‘Irish consumers bought a massive twelve million bottles of Corona Extra in 2006’ representing a retail market value of ‘40million’ said Michael Barry, Managing Director of importers, Barry Fitzwilliam Maxxium. The iconic beer, which is served with a wedge of lime, has become a phenomenon in the pubs and clubs of Ireland, clocking up the highest per-capita sales of Corona outside of Mexico and the US, according to Michael. ‘Sales have exploded, rising tenfold all over the country in the last four years, and we are happy to hold prices as they are for this popular beer’ he said. Mr. Barry attributes this growth to an increasing penchant for premium bottled beers, and clever (if sometimes cheeky!) marketing. Brown Brothers Wines appoint Barry Fitzwilliam Maxxium as its sole distributor in Ireland while McGuigan Wines renew their commitment to the company. The Australia wine makers, Brown Brothers, with distribution channels world-wide, have appointed Barry Fitzwilliam Maxxium as distributors of their extensive range of wines in Ireland (a market worth in excess of ’2.5 million per annum to the company). Also this week another well-known Australian winery, McGuigan Wines, renewed its contract with Barry Fitzwilliam, with wine sales of the brand expected to reach approximately 9 million per annum. Speaking after the announcement today, Michael Barry, Managing Director of Barry Fitzwilliam Maxxium said: ‘ Our reputation for providing a diverse, quality portfolio of wines, spirits and beers, has been enhanced considerably by the vote of confidence placed in us this week by these two prominent, award-winning Australian wineries, Brown Brothers and McGuigan. We sealed an agreement with Ross Brown of Brown Brothers at the Merrion Hotel last week, and today, Brian McGuigan and I have renewed our contract ‘ it’s been a great week! ‘ Mr. Barry went on to explain that Brown Brothers’ Australian wineries are known for their innovative attitude towards new varieties: ‘This complements our ethos perfectly ‘ we are continually experimenting with new varieties and watching international trends in order to bring exciting options to Irish wine lovers’. Gregarious Brian McGuigan, Managing Director of McGuigan Wines, said: ‘As the second largest wine producer in Australia, we are delighted to renew our association with Ireland’s largest independent drinks distributor. Michael and his team have engineered fantastic growth for our portfolio of quality wines ‘ proof positive that you Irish love the McGuigan phenomenon!’ Whyte & Mackay, the award-winning Scottish blended whiskies, have undergone a subtle, yet vibrant rebranding process, which reverts back to the iconic roaring double red lions, the hallmark of these quality whiskies for many years. Distributed in Ireland by Barry Fitzwilliam Maxxium, the flagship brand will incorporate metallic reds and blacks into its blue packaging, while the prestige aged range are distinguishable by their metallic silver and gold accents on the label, while the bottle shape reverts back to the earliest Whyte & Mackay design, remaining true to its proud heritage yet giving exceptional shelf presence. ‘Scotch has become quite a trendy drink now, with drinkers displaying a pride in their ability to judge premium blends. As well as the authentically Scottish blended whiskies in the Whyte & Mackay portfolio, we are introducing the 13, 19 and 22 year old aged blends to meet this demand” said Michael Barry of Barry Fitzwilliam Maxxium. “The award winning double marriage blend will remain the same but the extra year will allow additional time for the malts and grains to mould into perfect harmony and create a truly velvety smoothness to the whisky” he said. The ‘Scots that Scots drink’ should prove a big hit with Ireland’s canny party people! For further information please call: Vladivar Vodka , distributed in Ireland by Barry Fitzwilliam Maxxium, is making a bold re-packaging statement and putting significant investment into its Irish marketing to secure its position as a hot, fun competitor in the vodka sector here. The new elegant bottle, designed in collaboration with the world-famous street art legend, Mr. Wim, nods at traditional vodka packaging but takes an irreverent and fun approach with its funky holographic disc on the front – sure to be a real eye catcher on the bar shelf. “Vladivar vodka is seen as the tipple of the irreverent, unconventional and young at heart party-person said Michael Barry of Barry Fitzwilliam Maxxium. For further details please call: Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Micheál Martin today (2nd February 2007), launched a new mediation and training company which will address unresolved conflict in the workplace, and assist companies in implementing a change of culture which will result in a more flexible, efficient working environment. Round Table Mediation and Training, based at Mainport, Monahan Road, Cork, will now provide a full suite of services to businesses and organisations which seek to create more organised, systematic approaches to disputes through the provision of workplace mediation and facilitation services, investigations services and customised conflict management training programmes Speaking at a Round Table Business Breakfast at The Clarion Hotel, Cork, Minister Martin said: ‘Recent evidence which points to increasing numbers of ‘individual’ employment complaints and disputes clearly signal that a change of direction in Irish employment dispute resolution practices is required. Unresolved conflict is an impediment to good business, and I fully support measures which encourage dialogue and fundamental cultural change with organisations to tackle this problem’. Kaye Ronayne of Round Table Mediation and Training told us: Ms. Ronayne advised that, in the context of a rapidly changing economy and labour market, any dispute resolution system will only remain effective at solving disputes if it adopts more flexible workplace governance. ‘This necessitates changes, not only in policies and procedures in order to facilitate early intervention at the point of origin to prevent disputes escalating, but also in equipping staff to effectively negotiate work relationships. In essence, our independent service will facilitate a change in culture, in an open, empowered workplace situation’ she said. Round Table Mediation and Training is also helping organisations in the development and review of policies and procedures, ensuring provisions comply with current legislation and best practice, and reflect principles of appropriate and flexible dispute resolution practices. As certified investigators, the team at Round Table can also conduct a comprehensive, independent investigation into allegations of harassment and bullying, providing a full independent report on the findings to the organisation before formal procedures are instigated. The Company is currently running training courses in conflict management and dispute resolution at centres throughout Ireland, including such topics as entitled ‘Responding to Bullying and Harassment’, ‘Having Difficult Conversations’, and ‘Managing Anger, Confrontation and Aggression’. The Company also runs a Mediator Training Programme which is accredited by The Mediators Institute of Ireland. Mainport, the Cork-headquartered shipping Group, this week completed the purchase of a US$6 million offshore supply vessel which will be deployed on seismic projects in Brazil at the end of this month. The contract, which will be worth US$13million million to the Group over the initial four years, is with Compagnie Generale de Geophysique (CGG), the world’s market leader in seismic projects. The renamed vessel “Mainport Oak” will provide support services to large seismic vessels, while her sister-ship “Seahorse Supporter” will continue to work with CGG off the coast of India. Dave Ronayne, Chief Executive of Mainport, commented: ‘This strategic purchase has opened up new markets for us and consolidated our position with Compagnie Generale de Geophysique, a key player in several international markets. Our history to date with CGG in India and The Gulf of Arabia has been very successful and Brazil offers several new opportunities for us. The Group is in a phase of rapid growth, with an expected turnover in excess of ’47 million in 2007 and several other exciting projects in the pipeline at this time.” CGG, which is headquartered in Paris, recently completed the takeover of Veritas, a major player in the US seismic market, in a US$3.1 billion transaction and now have 20 seismic vessels operating in several locations worldwide. The “Mainport Oak” will provide support services to some of these large seismic vessels on her first assignment in Brazil. The new ship “Mainport Oak” was purchased from Seacor, the US supply ship giant, and formerly plied the waters off the coast of Ireland on offshore oil exploration programmes. Mainport’s African division, Mainport Africa, is overseeing the re-fit in Capetown, under the direction of Capt. Dave Hopkins, Marine Director at Mainport. Established in 1957, The Mainport Group is Ireland’s leading ship agency, employing almost 100 people in the ship management, stevedoring, and offshore services sector in Ireland. Headquartered at Monahan Road, Cork, the Group has offices in Dublin, Limerick, Foynes, South Africa and Norway. The Mainport Group is also involved in joint ventures with major shipping and shipping services groups in Norway (with Sartor Shipping), South Africa and other projects in the seismic support, safety-standby, salvage & wreck removal, warehousing and storage sectors. Four of Cork’s Rotary Clubs will, this weekend, welcome fellow Rotarians from several European countries, celebrating 100 years of Rotary International’s work in Cork, Ireland and worldwide. A series of welcoming activities are planned by the four Clubs, culminating in a Centenary Ball on Saturday night, which will be attended by almost 400 members and guests. Rotary International, a worldwide network of professionals, whose aim is to promote fellowship amongst the nations of the world, is heavily involved in several local and international charitable initiatives. Rotary is particularly strong in the Cork area where they are involved with the elderly, events for under-privileged children, community and social interaction and several fund-raising activities which support these ventures. Membership is by invitation, and members are welcome to visit any club all over the world and meet like-minded individuals. A spokesperson for the four Clubs (The Rotary Clubs of Cork, Cork Bishopstown, Douglas Cork, and Glanmire) said ‘Our Centenary in 2005 is a fantastic opportunity to extend a welcome to our European friends, particularly those from the countries who are new members of the EU. We have invited Rotarians from Malta, Slovenia, Poland, Cyprus, Latvia, Slovakia and the Czech Republic, and we are looking forward to showing them around our European Capital of Culture. Interest in the weekend has been phenomenal, with attendees representing other Clubs, i.e. Belfast and Paris (Garche), along with the Mallow, Youghal and Port Laoise Clubs, joining us to celebrate the Centenary.’ The Rotary Centenary Ball will be held on Saturday next 29th January 2005 at The Rochestown Park Hotel, Cork and will be attended by the Mayor of County Cork (Cllr. P. J. Sheehan), The Rt. Hon. The Lord Mayor of Cork (Cllr. Sean Martin) and The Minister for Enterprise, Trade & Employment, Micheal Martin TD, a long-time supporter of Rotary’s activities, and their partners. The District Governor of Rotary Ireland, Crawford Wilson, will welcome the guests on behalf of Rotary District 1160 (Ireland) and the hosts, President Mary Hopkins (The Rotary Club of Cork), John Clifford (The Rotary Club of Cork Bishopstown), David Halpin (The Rotary Club of Douglas Cork) and Bob Bennett (The Rotary Club of Glanmire), will entertain their guests and partners in what promises to be a memorable Centenary celebration. Other invited guests will include Brigadier General Pat Nash from the First Southern Brigade, whose Band of the Southern Brigade will perform at the pre-dinner reception, piping the VIPs into the ballroom as they arrive. An evening of spectacular entertainment follows, ensuring that the European visitors get the true taste of a Cork welcome. The flags of Europe, which will adorn the venue on this occasion, will doubtless be well represented by these Rotarians, forging new links between the cultures of the new and old Europe through an organisation that embraces many cultures throughout the world. Gavin O’Reilly, Chief Operating Officer, Independent News & Media, today ( 10 th November 2006 ) launched the Independent Directory , Cork Edition as part of its rollout of full-colour classified telephone directories throughout Ireland . Already publishing a Dublin edition, Independent News & Media’s subsidiary, Independent Communications Ltd’s Cork edition will be distributed to 165,000 homes and businesses in the Cork city and county area immediately. Addressing guests at a celebratory lunch in Maryborough House Hotel, Douglas, Cork, today Gavin O’Reilly stated: ‘Our entry into the Cork market signals a nationwide strategy which will see directories published in the 06 Mid-West Shannon Region, Meath/Louth and Kildare/Wicklow in 2007 and other areas in 2008. The Independent Directory has been hugely successful in the Dublin Market, and is now in its 17 th year, with distribution of half a million directories.’ Minister Miche?l Martin also delivered an address and welcomed Mr. O’Reilly and his publishing house to Cork . ‘Many small and medium-sized enterprises rely heavily on the telephone for business enquiries and the Independent Directory is a welcome addition to the media mix in this area. The circulation figure is impressive and the relevant local information pages are a good reason to use the Directory. Independent News & Media is an international player, with business interests stretching far afield – it is heartening to see that they have not lost sight of the business opportunities right here in Cork . This is a great endorsement of the vibrancy of the region.’ The Independent Directory -Cork Edition is a user-friendly telephone directory, listing commercial and domestic services, with value-added sections which include money-saving coupons, a comprehensive local and national Sports Guide, Restaurant Guide, a Holiday Guide and much more. ‘Cork business has responded really well to the Independent Directory and we now have a local, accurate, credible, bright and user-friendly directory to offer to Cork people. We have an excellent staff on the ground and this local input is essential to our success. We are in Cork for the long haul.’ said Emer Jameson, Managing Director of publishers Independent Communications Ltd. Independent New & Media is Ireland ‘s largest media company . The Group is the leading newspaper publisher in Ireland , with the Irish Independent, Sunday Independent, Evening Herald, Sunday World and The Star all market leaders in their segments. In addition, the Group publishes 11 local newspapers throughout the country. The Independent Directory- Cork edition, which is also available on-line at http://www.independentdirectory.ie, is published at offices at the Citywest Business Campus on the outskirts of Dublin , with southern region offices at Dosco Industrial Estate, Cork . With a team of media professionals already canvassing throughout Ireland , plans are already afoot for the next edition of Independent Directory – Cork edition 2007. Independent News & Media PLC is a leading international media and communications group, with its main interests in Australia, India, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, the United Kingdom and Ireland. Spanning four continents and 21 individual countries, INM is the market leading newspaper publisher in Ireland , New Zealand and South Africa and is also the market-leading regional newspaper publisher in Australia and India . In the United Kingdom , Independent owns the largest newspaper group in Northern Ireland and publishes the quality, award winning, Independent titles from London . Across these regions, the Group publishes over 175 newspaper and magazine titles with a weekly circulation of over 31 million copies and operates over 70 on-line editorial and classified sites. The Group is also the largest radio (with 128 stations and on audience exceeding 5 million people (10 + years)) and outdoor advertising operator in Australasia – with leading outdoor advertising operations also in Hong Kong, Malaysia and Indonesia and across Africa, through its joint venture company, Clear Channel Independent. The Group has grown consistently over the last 15 years by building a geographically unique and diverse portfolio of market-leading brands, and today manages gross assets of ?4.0 billion, turnover of over ?1.8 billion and employs over 10,400 people worldwide . Ryan Tubridy came out to the S.H.A.R.E. Crib at Daunt’s Square on Saturday (23 Dec) to show his support for the fundraising efforts for the elderly by 1800 students, from 19 of Cork ‘s secondary schools. The Talk Show host, who was in town to broadcast his Tubridy Show from the Everyman Theatre, said ‘S.H.A.R.E. is an amazing organisation, which offers real support to the city’s elderly, whether it be an independent home, medical care, social activities, companionship or simply a place to go to meet peers.’ ‘The boys and girls of S.H.A.R.E., who have been fundraising non-stop over the past two weeks were absolutely amazing, and I would like to say well-done to each and every one of you for your hard work and dedication.’ The funds raised by the S.H.A.R.E boys and girls will enable the organisation to continue their work with the elderly. This includes the continuous maintenance, refurbishment and running of 167 housing units for the elderly at and an impressive Day Care Centre at Sheare’s Street, Cork at Blarney St, Shandon St, Blackpool, Grattan St, Sundays Well, Abbey St and Sheare’s St. Donations can be made to S.H.A.R.E., the Brother Jerome Kelly Day Care Centre, 43 Sheare’s Street, Cork . Irish consumers will have bought twelve million bottles of Corona Extra, Mexico’s iconic beer in 2006, representing a retail market value of €40million, according to Michael Barry, Managing Director of importers, Barry Fitzwilliam Maxxium. “Ireland is the fourth most important market in Europe for Corona and the eighth most important export market in the world” said Michael Barry “the amazing thing is that, on a per capita basis, after Mexico and the USA, Ireland ranks as the third most important market in the world for Corona Extra” we’re calling it ‘the Corona Phenomenon!’ Michael Barry attributes the success of the brand, on and off trade, to powerful brand development following a highly-focused marketing strategy. With clever guerrilla marketing, countrywide product promotions in pubs and clubs, outdoor advertising on buses and Adshels, various sponsorships and forceful on-trade activity, the mix also includes TV and radio advertising. Radio advertising for the brand includes popular weekly syndicated radio programmes called The Corona Hot Mix Show which are broadcast on a number of independent radio stations including 98FM in Dublin . Advertising and pr agency, Hopkins Communications of Cork is handling all activity for the Corona Extra brand, and 2007 will see a marketing and advertising spend of over €1million to grow the brand even further. “Sales have grown five-fold in the last three years, and anecdotal evidence would suggest that Corona Extra is the biggest-selling bottled beer in the on-trade in Dublin and Cork city centres”, said Michael Barry. Barry Fitzwilliam Maxxium, expects to increase its turnover to €75 million in 2007, an increase of 30%. The company is headquartered at a 50,000 square foot bonded warehousing facility at Airport Road, Cork, with an administration centre in Dublin . Its portfolio of brands include: ABSOLUT Vodka, Remy Martin Cognac, Courvoisier Cognac, The Famous Grouse, Teachers Scotch, Jim Beam Bourbon, Aftershock, Jagermeister, Apple Sourz, Cointreau, Laphroaig Malt, Sauza Tequila, Makers Mark and Canadian Club. Champagne , wine and sherry brands in the portfolio include Piper Heidsieck and Charles Heidsieck champagnes, Mont Gras, McGuigan, Glen Ellen, Gonzalez Byass, Michel Lynch and Guigal wines, and its port and sherry brands include Tio Pepe, Harveys Bristol Cream, Cockburns, Taylors and Croft Original. Several other well-known brands are also included in the portfolio. http://www.bfmws.ie Accountancy firm, HLB Nathans, with offices in Dublin and Cork, today (lst November 2006), announced that the well established accountancy firm, O’ Leary Lehane & Co., of Cook Street , Cork have merged their business with HLB Nathans. The move is expected to position HLB Nathans (as the new entity will be named) as one of the top 10 multi-disciplinary accounting and business advisory services in the country, and one of the leading firms in Munster . Turnover at the firm, following the merger, will now top ?10 million in 2007, according to the Managing Partner, Gerard Quinn. Commenting on the merger, Mr. Quinn said “HLB Nathans is already a well-known entity in the greater Dublin area and Munster , and this new development boosts our client service division to the ultimate benefit of our clients. There are already many synergies between both companies, and we will now offer our mutual clients an enhanced skills pool of 100 professionals who are au fait with best practice on international and local financial matters under the umbrella of HLB Nathans. Furthermore it is likely that further employment opportunities will arise as the firm continues to expand and explore new markets. Accountants Ian O’ Leary and Eoin Lehane of O’ Leary Lehane & Co commented “We are delighted to have the benefit of tapping into the national experience of the HLB team. This development is hugely positive for us, our staff and our clients, as we will now offer a more comprehensive multi-disciplinary service. We see this as a very progressive move for the company and we look forward to combining our expertise to grow the business even further”. HLB Nathans, founded in 1970 by Viv Nathan, operates from Dublin and Cork with a number of branch offices. The firm is one of Ireland ‘s top medium-sized chartered accountancy and business advisers specialising in servicing the needs of SME’s and family run businesses. Their existing global reach will be maintained through continued membership of the HLB International, one of the largest independent accounting and business advisers in the world, with a network of offices in 100 countries world-wide that can assist and support expansion into overseas markets. O’ Leary Lehane & Co., based at Cook Street, Cork and established in 1986 has experienced significant growth in recent years. With a diverse portfolio of clients centred around professionals, construction, SME’s and high net worth individuals, O’ Leary Lehane & Co currently employ over 20 staff. ESB Electric Aid Ireland, set up by the ESB’s staff and pensioners, in partnership with the ESB to assist worthy projects, has today (Thursday 8th June 06), presented S.H.A.R.E., the organisation which provides housing and Day Care facilities for the elderly in Cork, with funding towards the upgrading of lighting at S.H.A.R.E.’s Dun Ris facility in the centre of the city. ‘We are grateful for every euro received’ said Charlie Sullivan, the young Deputy Chairperson of S.HA.R.E.’s fundraising executive, ‘and this funding from ESB Electric Aid Ireland is a great boost to us all’. A student of Presentation College, Cork, Charlie is one of 1,800 students from 20 schools who participate in fund-raising initiatives to build and maintain the existing 167 housing units provided for Cork’s elderly by the S.H.A.R.E. organisation, along with an impressive Day Care Centre at Sheare’s St. Cork which has proved to be a valuable resource for the city’s elderly. ‘I notice that ESB’s Electric Aid Ireland is funded by the ESB with the help of its staff and pensioners. I am sure the ESB’s pensioners will be delighted to assist our own pensioners here at S.H.A.R.E. and I hope they come and visit and see for themselves how this new lighting will literally brighten up Dun Ris and what a difference it will make to the whole atmosphere of the place’ Rob Murphy said. In presenting the funding, Gerry Whelan, Production Supports Manager at ESB Networks, Cork, stated: ‘Providing homes and facilities for the elderly is surely a crucial task for society generally, and our colleagues and pensioners who set up ESB Electric Aid Ireland are today recognising S.H.A.R.E.’s work as standard-bearers in the cultivation of a caring society in these modern times. To see such practical and caring interaction between young people and their elderly counterparts gives one great hope for the future, and the massive achievements of S.H.A.R.E.’s young fundraisers over the last thirty six years is there in bricks with a legacy of good will which is recognised by generations” In the sunny courtyard of Dun Ris, located at Sheare’s Street Cork, a S.H.A.R.E. resident told us: ‘I have a lovely home here, and all the comforts. I can pop into the Day Care Centre any time I want and join in the bingo or the baking, pick up a book at the library or say a prayer in the little chapel. It’s peaceful here, I’m happy as Larry!’ she laughed. Treehouse Childrens D?cor Company, an international high-end franchise, will open its first store in Ireland at Maylor Street Cork in two weeks time. Stocking the full suite of children’s designer bedding, furniture and soft furnishings, the Cork-based owners of the Irish master franchise expect that this flagship store will signal the beginning of a nationwide rollout for the exclusive franchise over the next 18 months. Director and Senior Design Consultant at Treehouse Childrens D?cor Company, Jeannine Schunke told us ‘ We are delighted to have secured the Irish franchise for such an internationally acclaimed brand, and we have identified a gap in the market in Cork, which is obviously good news for homeowners and, of course, our VIP customers – children! Located right at the heart of the city, across the road from Smyths Toys and beside Debenhams, Maylor Street entrance, the 200 square foot premises will remain open 6 days weekly, Sundays 2-5.30pm’. ‘ We feel that Treehouse will add a fresh and contemporary dimension to children’s living spaces, and with our unusual and cutting edge design, the indicators are that our products will be trend setters in that niche market for 2007 and onwards’ continued Jeannine. ‘Our high quality, yet reasonably priced, range aims to spark the imagination and transform even the most uninviting child’s room into an exciting space in which to study, play and live it up!’ The eco-friendly products at Treehouse range from 100% cotton percale fabrics, to high quality bedding in fun colour ways, wallpaper borders and curtains in adorable funky themes, beautifully crafted sturdy beds, bookcases, desks etc in wood and laminate. They stock an unusual range of quality accessories, including cot mobiles, dolls houses, colour co-ordinated lamps, cushions, throws and bean bags to appeal to the ‘chill out’ teenage generation. ‘As we say in our advertising campaign, a child’s room should be a place of dreams’, Jeannine said. ‘We will work with parents and interior designers alike to create that dream.we will have fully qualified design professionals in store at all times to advise on everything from full room makeovers to those tasteful, quirky accessories that will add accent and vibrancy to the overall look.’ ‘We will also be offering every customer who comes into our store in December a loyalty card, entitling them to exclusive benefits throughout the store on a regular basis. When our website is up in early January, customers will be able to log on and have their preferred items delivered straight to their homes’ she told us. Treehouse products and themes are designed to ‘grow’ with babies in a practical way from nursery, through to toddlerhood and into first full bedrooms. The emphasis is on style, quality and durability, with lead-free products that meet international standards of quality and safety. With unusual and exclusive designs, it will definitely be the place to go for a room makeover this Christmas. Treehouse Childrens D?cor Co. is committed to the ‘fair-trade’ ethos, with stores in Australia, Spain, New Zealand, South Africa, and the Middle East, and distribution channels to more than 20 other countries worldwide. Bishopstown Credit Union has announced that it is set to break new ground for the credit union movement by introducing mortgages to its members. The alliance between Bishopstown Credit Union and IIB Homeloans is a ?first of its kind? deal between a mortgage provider and a credit union and marks a major development for the credit union movement in Ireland; whereby mortgages can be supplied directly to credit union members. Bishopstown is the first Credit Union in Ireland to receive IFSRA approval for the provision of mortgages with this motion being voted on by its 20,000 members. The announcement follows today?s news that the Financial Regulator has given the green light to proceed. Credit union members will be balloted to ratify the deal at the bodies AGM later this month. ?Members decide on policy, and the response to this proposed partnership has been overwhelming? said Ray Kenny, CEO of Bishopstown Credit Union. ?We already offer extensive financial services to members at the three branches under the Bishopstown Credit Union banner, and this ground-breaking initiative with IIB Homeloans will cement our reputation as a provider of financial services.? The partnership with IIB Homeloans was confirmed following a formal selection process. Mr. Kenny said, ?We are offering a cost-effective and competitive package for home buyers. Members? interests are paramount, and this initiative rounds off our portfolio of services nicely.? IIB Bank Group CEO Ted Marah said, ?We are delighted with this landmark initiative as it is a substantial endorsement of our mortgage business and further enhances our reputation as innovators within the Irish mortgage market.? The new service will see IIB Homeloans available at the Credit Union?s three branches at Wilton Road, Curraheen Road and Wilton Shopping Centre, Cork and will operate under the brand Bishopstown Credit Union Mortgage Services. Commenting on the advantages for members, Mr. Kenny said, ?The most tangible benefit for credit union members taking out a mortgage will be a 0.25% discount on the mortgage interest rate in the first year. Other benefits are that mortgage services will generate additional streams of income for the credit union, which will increase its financial stability. Bishopstown Credit Union intends to pass the benefit of this income back to its membership by reducing its interest rates further and and/or increasing its dividend. Bishopstown Credit Union which is one of Ireland?s largest credit unions, will now offer flexible mortgage products such as House Purchase, Remortgage, Mortgage Top Ups, and Residential Investment products to its members. Senior personnel will take in all mortgage applications in the credit union branches, before the applications are processed by IIB Homeloans. An Taoiseach Bertie Ahern was celebrated as Ireland’s Number One Party Person of 2006 in association with Corona Extra when Social & Personal magazine officially announced this year’s highly-anticipated Top 100 Party People list. The Taoiseach has taken the coveted Number 1 position on Social & Personal ‘s list of the Corona Extra Top 100 Party People. Mr Ahern yesterday admitted he was “delighted” with the placement on this year’s poll, which marks him out as the most popular party guest of the past year in Ireland . The list was recently judged by a panel made up of top model Glenda Gilson, Sinead Ryan of the RTE TV show It’s My Party , Lillie’s Bordello boss Dave Morrissey and RTE presenter Laura Woods. This year’s Top Five party people, as featured in Social & Personal, consecutively include An Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, Rosanna Davison, Lisa Murphy, Lisa Fitzpatrick and Gerry Ryan. The official Top 100 was announced at the Social & Personal Christmas party at Dublin ‘s trendy bar Café en-Seine. A host of high-profile personalities were in attendance, including nightclub owner Peter Stringfellow (who also attended last year’s event) and Duran Duran lead singer Simon Le Bon , as well as those who appeared on the list. Mr Micheál Martin, TD, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment today announced that he has approved three new initiatives to help small businesses. The new initiatives are: Knowledge Acquisition Grants scheme The introduction of these initiatives will boost the productivity of the small business sector by encouraging the sector to more actively embrace innovation and new technology. The Minister is delighted to confirm that his Department has been working with Enterprise Ireland and the County and City Enterprise Boards to design schemes along the lines recommended by the Forum. These schemes are now at an advanced stage of design and small businesses will be able to access the schemes through the relevant agencies in the near future. Making the announcement Minister Martin said: “I am delighted to be able to announce that funding of €5 million will be provided for these new schemes. As I indicated when launching the Report of the Small Business Forum, I am committed to the implementation of the recommendations of the Forum to the maximum extent possible. Today’s announcement is a sign of my determination to deliver on the promise of improving the environment in which small business operates?.” The Minister also indicated that he would be meeting with the Small Business Forum shortly to review progress generally in relation to the implementation of its recommendations. Outline of Scheme Knowledge Acquisition Grants scheme: Innovation Vouchers: ICT Audits: Dave Cody, CEO at Cork City Enterprise Board, today welcomed the approval of three new grant initiatives to help small businesses which were recently announced by The Minister for Enterprise, Trade & Employment, Minister Micheal Martin TD, and encouraged small business in Cork City to avail of these new subsidies to develop their businesses further. The new grant initiatives are as follows: Innovation Vouchers scheme. ICT (Information & Communications Technology) Audits programme. ?We are presently administering these initiatives and would encourage companies in the Cork City to focus on their needs and we will be happy to assist them avail of these schemes. This is a fantastic opportunity for small business to embrace, and get the best from, innovation and new technology, with the help of Government funding? said Mr. Cody. Gonzalez Byass, the family-owned Spanish wine producers, with distribution channels worldwide and distributed in Ireland by Barry Fitzwilliam Maxxium, last week (29th March 2006) celebrated the success of its wines in Ireland with an ?invitation only? event at The Merrion Hotel Dublin which was attended by Ireland?s top wine writers and lovers of good wine. The Barry Fitzwilliam Maxxium/Gonzalez Byass partnership has been one of the factors in the phenomenal wine, spirit and beer sales of Barry Fitzwilliam Maxxium, with Turnover expected to top the ?70 million mark in 2006. The company imports and distributes brands such as ABSOLUT vodka, Michel Lynch wines and Corona Beer amongst several other international brands. Altozano Verdejo has been voted the best value white wine by the industry publication ?The Best of Wine in Ireland Awards? and was also voted the best value in white wine at the Spanish Wine Awards in the UK recently. The Beronia brand is steadily increasing in popularity also which signifies that these highly-distinctive wines and sherries from the bodegas of Gonzalez Byass are proving to be a firm favourite in this country.? MD of Barry Fitzwilliam Maxxium, Michael Barry, extolled the pleasures of a good wine from the centuries old bodegas, told us: ?We welcome the connoisseurs of good wines – the wine writers of Ireland, and our distinguished guests, who have joined us today for this fiesta of wines and sherries!? A top Economist has criticised an increasing tendency of late towards Irish economic pessimism, stating that it is overdone. Austin Hughes, Chief Economist with IIB Bank was addressing key business leaders at an Irish Examiner sponsored Cork Chamber Business Breakfast in Cork city recently. Mr Hughes insisted that while the economy is currently negotiating a transition from explosive and unsustainable house price increases to a calmer property market, this change does not imply that the days of the Celtic Tiger are over. Ger White, Associate Director with IIB Bank in the Munster region stated: ‘For the past couple of months there have been two significant and seemingly contradictory aspects to the outlook for the Irish economy. During this period, the tone of most media coverage of the economy has become notably less optimistic. Concerns in relation to global economic prospects, higher energy costs, rising interest rates and, in particular, a possible weakening in the Irish housing market have combined to prompt a notable downgrading of economic prospects in most media commentary. At the same time, as my colleague has stated, most emerging economic evidence points towards an improvement in many aspects of the economy that holds out the prospect of a very solid performance in 2007. Responding to Mr Hughes’ Roger Flack, President of Cork Chamber said: ‘There seems to be a good deal of uncertainty about so it is encouraging to hear such an up-beat assessment of Ireland ‘s economic prospects. Business needs to know that the basic indicators are positive, and IIB Bank’s research bears this out’. IIB Bank contends that the Irish economy is now experiencing ‘crosswinds’ as a range of contrasting influences came into play. Set against the harmful impact of higher borrowing costs, firm energy prices and a softer trend in US economic growth of late, is an array of very supportive factors. Among these are exceptional momentum in employment and population growth, an improvement in the Continental European economies, the maturity of the bulk of SSIA accounts and the prospect of a very supportive budget. That said, the Bank forecasts that GDP is still expected to grow by about 5.3 per cent and GNP growth should be in the region of 6 per cent this year with the likelihood that the global growth climate could be somewhat less for 2007. According to the Bank’s research, the most encouraging development in recent months is the persistence of exceptional strength in the job market in Ireland . Irish employment growth remained buoyant in the second quarter of 2006. Numbers at work increased by 88,000, a 4.6 per cent pace of increase. Ireland is adding jobs at roughly 3 times the rate being experienced in the US, 4 ? times the pace of other Euro zone countries and about 6 times the pace being seen in the UK and Germany at present. Ger White, who is responsible for the Munster area told us: ‘Market research shows that employment growth in Cork/Kerry is outpacing the rapid increases elsewhere in the Irish economy, with 1 in 3 Munster firms having increa sed employment in the past 3 months. This very strong performance tends to be overshadowed perhaps understandably by ongoing concerns about layoffs. Unfortunately, job loss is also an integral part of the new Ireland and the net job performance of the Irish economy is dramatically better than virtually any other developed economy.’ Findings also indicate that Migration and Population Growth in Ireland is Strengthening, with the population now growing about 2.5 times faster than that of the US, and some 4 times as fast as the rest of Europe, IIB Bank concludes that while the mainstay of the recent acceleration has been a surge in inward migration, Ireland ‘s ‘domestic’ population growth at around 0.8 per cent per annum is markedly stronger than that of most other developed countries. So the population profile is supportive of continued strong economic growth in the years ahead. In his address to Cork Chamber, IIB’s Chief Economist reminded his audience of business leaders that the Government’s finances have improved spectacularly and should underpin future growth. ‘While the possibility of an even harsher external climate cannot be ruled out, the energy trend in exchequer returns data suggests the government has ample scope to boost the economy next year and beyond. There has been exceptional growth in tax revenues, which testifies to the strength of economic activity and the particular health of the property market. Most tax headings have outperformed and Government spending has risen by less than target. These favourable trends create considerable scope for a supportive budget’. The Mainport Group, headquartered at Monahan Road, Cork, has acquired the long-established ship agency, stevedoring, ship broking and logistics company Patrick Monahan (Drogheda Ltd), positioning itself as a market leader for these services along the east coast of Ireland. With the valuable core business established already by Monahans in Drogheda and the expected massive investment in the nearby Bremore Port, (located south of Drogheda, adjacent to the M1) Mainport is well positioned to maximise these opportunities. David Ronayne, Chief Executive of The Mainport Group commented: ?This acquisition confirms Mainport?s position as one of the leading intermodal logistics shipping company in the country. It gives us a significant presence on the east coast of Ireland and since Monahans services are similar to those conducted by Mainport in Cork and the Shannon estuary, there are considerable synergies and opportunities. Monahans have built a reputable and profitable company since 1948, with an excellent staff, headed up by MD, Willie Lennon. The business will continue to operate as heretofore and we are excited about the prospect of combining our expertise, consolidating the existing business and attracting new business into the area.? Willie Lennon, MD of Monahans, in welcoming the move, said: ?The Monahan family wishes to acknowledge their loyal staff and friends at Drogheda Port, customers and suppliers, and are happy that the new owners will continue the best practices already in situ. The 65 staff at Monahans, which had a turnover of 12 million euro in 2005, see this as a very progressive move for the company, especially in light of the development of the new national port, Bremore Port outside Drogheda. Our existing clients will also welcome this development, secure in the knowledge that The Mainport Group are experienced in this field, having themselves been established in 1957.? This new acquisition includes 90,000 square feet of office, plant and warehousing facilities in the lower port area of Drogheda at Tom Roe?s Point, with offices in Merchant?s Quay. Cargo currently being handled includes paper and forest products (including newsprint for Ireland?s print media), steel, container shipping, and agri-bulk cargo. DFDS Lysline (delivering product on behalf of StoraEnso), Baltic Line, Biscay Shipping, Rautaruukki and other large international shippers are currently being handled by the new entity, along with several blue-chip Irish companies? said Paul Fleming, CEO at Drogheda Port. ?It was crucial that any new owner would have a proven track record in the business and we welcome Mainport?s arrival in the region. It will give continuity of service to our valued port clients and offer them economies of scale on an all-Ireland basis?. The Mainport Group, headquartered at Monahan Road, Cork, established in 1957, employs 82 people in the ship management, agency, stevedoring, and off-shore services sector in Ireland with offices also in Dublin, Limerick, Foynes, South Africa and Norway. With a turnover in excess of 45 million euro expected in 2006, the Group is also involved in joint ventures with major shipping and shipping services groups in Norway (with Sartor Shipping), South Africa and other projects in the seismic support, safety-standby, salvage & wreck removal, warehousing and storage sectors. Whyte & Mackay, the award-winning Scottish blended whiskies, have undergone a subtle, yet vibrant rebranding process, which reverts back to the iconic roaring double red lions, the hallmark of these quality whiskies for many years. Distributed in Ireland by Barry Fitzwilliam Maxxium, the flagship brand will incorporate metallic reds and blacks into its blue packaging, while the prestige aged range are distinguishable by their metallic silver and gold accents on the label, while the bottle shape reverts back to the earliest Whyte & Mackay design, remaining true to its proud heritage yet giving exceptional shelf presence. ?Scotch has become quite a trendy drink now, with drinkers displaying a pride in their ability to judge premium blends. As well as the authentically Scottish blended whiskies in the Whyte & Mackay portfolio, we are introducing the 13, 19 and 22 year old aged blends to meet this demand? said Michael Barry of Barry Fitzwilliam Maxxium. ?The award winning double marriage blend will remain the same but the extra year will allow additional time for the malts and grains to mould into perfect harmony and create a truly velvety smoothness to the whisky? he said. Cork based Keatings Fitted Furniture, headquartered at Ballyhooley Road, Ballyvolane, Cork, has announced its acquisition of the hulsta agency, Europe’s leading German-designed furniture brand. With stockists in over 35 countries worldwide, this is hulsta’s first agency in Ireland and Keatings will market the brand nationally with immediate effect. Announcing the acquisition of the new line at Keatings state-of-the art showrooms in Cork yesterday, Angela Keating said “In the UK hulsta is stocked at the prestigious Harrods store, and all over Europe it is showcased at high-end department stores only. We are delighted to bring such cutting edge, functional yet timeless furniture design to Ireland and to our Cork showrooms, and we are already experiencing huge interest in this trendy range”. Keatings, a well-established, family-owned business, is already a provider of built in furniture and kitchens to the general public as well as winning several public sector contracts and contracts for property developers in the Munster area. Keatings Fitted Furniture has been a familiar name to professional builders, property developers and the domestic market in Southern Ireland for almost forty years. The furniture manufacturers and installers, who also specialise in high quality fitted furniture for the home, especially kitchens and bedrooms for their Irish customers, currently employ more than 40 staff at the Ballyhooley Road, (near Ballyvolane), Cork headquarters. Hospital and hotel receptions, Credit Unions, bars and office furniture are also part of their portfolio, having completed a number of noteworthy furniture manufacturing projects in Cork over the past few years, including the Montenotte Hospice, Bluehaven Hotel, Kinsale, Bishopstown Credit Union, Ballynoe Nursing Home, the new Fire Station in Cork, The Silver Key Pub, Cork, and Mount Desert Care Centre, also in Cork. They have also completed several projects for a number of offices and private homes around the country. The new hulsta range has created 15 new jobs in the region and looks set to generate half a million in revenue within year one. “Ideas to give you ideas” is how hulsta describe their furniture and rightly so. Jennifer Keating told us that “as hulsta’s innovative designs spark the imagination, it can transform even the most unpromising rooms into an exciting living area. It’s all about good quality, cutting edge design to suit even the most vivid imagination”. The superbly crafted trendy and practical pieces range from bedrooms to living rooms, lounge furniture, home office and upholstery ranges. hulsta has received a several awards and quality seals throughout the years and hulsta pieces are manufactured from genuine wood veneers such as maple, beech, cherrywood, oak etc. Built to last by the finest craftsmen, hulsta teams traditional quality with innovative design to produce furniture that makes a stylish addition to any premises. Keatings Fitted Furniture is based at Ballyhooley Road, Ballyvolane, Cork and can be contacted on 021-4506500. http://www.keatingsfurniture.com for further information or a virtual tour. ESB Electric Aid Ireland, set up by the ESB’s staff and pensioners, in partnership with the ESB to assist worthy projects, has today (Thursday 8th June 06), presented S.H.A.R.E., the organisation which provides housing and Day Care facilities for the elderly in Cork, with funding towards the upgrading of lighting at S.H.A.R.E.‘s Dun Ris facility in the centre of the city. ‘We are grateful for every euro received’ said Charlie Sullivan, the young Deputy Chairperson of S.HA.R.E.‘s fundraising executive, ‘and this funding from ESB Electric Aid Ireland is a great boost to us all’. A student of Presentation College, Cork, Charlie is one of 1,800 students from 20 schools who participate in fund-raising initiatives to build and maintain the existing 167 housing units provided for Cork’s elderly by the S.H.A.R.E. organisation, along with an impressive Day Care Centre at Sheare’s St. Cork which has proved to be a valuable resource for the city’s elderly. ‘I notice that ESB’s Electric Aid Ireland is funded by the ESB with the help of its staff and pensioners. I am sure the ESB’s pensioners will be delighted to assist our own pensioners here at S.H.A.R.E. and I hope they come and visit and see for themselves how this new lighting will literally brighten up Dun Ris and what a difference it will make to the whole atmosphere of the place’ Rob Murphy said. In presenting the funding, Gerry Whelan, Production Supports Manager at ESB Networks, Cork, stated: ‘Providing homes and facilities for the elderly is surely a crucial task for society generally, and our colleagues and pensioners who set up ESB Electric Aid Ireland are today recognising S.H.A.R.E.‘s work as standard-bearers in the cultivation of a caring society in these modern times. To see such practical and caring interaction between young people and their elderly counterparts gives one great hope for the future, and the massive achievements of S.H.A.R.E.‘s young fundraisers over the last thirty six years is there in bricks with a legacy of good will which is recognised by generations’ In the sunny courtyard of Dun Ris, located at Sheare’s Street Cork, a S.H.A.R.E. resident told us: ‘I have a lovely home here, and all the comforts. I can pop into the Day Care Centre any time I want and join in the bingo or the baking, pick up a book at the library or say a prayer in the little chapel. It’s peaceful here, I’m happy as Larry!’ she laughed. While trends in the banking sector point towards rationalisation and the closure of branches, IIB Bank today launched its new regional office at 52 South Mall, Cork. Today?s launch demonstrates the bank?s confidence in the Munster region and bucks the current trend amongst banks. Speaking at a celebratory evening aboard the tall ship, the Lord Nelson, in Cork, Mr. Ted Marah, Chief Executive of IIB Bank, welcomed Cllr. Deirdre Clune, the Manager of the Cork Hurling Team, Donal O?Grady, along with key clients and guests from the region. Ted Marah commented, ?Cork has a vibrant, progressive business community and I am delighted to be here to mark the occasion of IIB Bank?s expansion in the region. IIB Bank is delighted to increase our commitment to the region and we see Cork as a very important strategic location for the banks continued growth and development. ?With the strong entrepreneurial spirit that exists within the business community in Cork, I am very confident that we can help business people benefit from the buoyancy in the economy, and boost job creation in the area.? Commenting on the growth of the bank?s business in Cork, Ger White, Regional Manager said, ?IIB Bank is committed to Cork and Munster. Our expansion is in response to the demand from businesses in the Cork and greater Munster region for a bank that understands business and puts the needs of business people first. Our success is due to our willingness to go the extra mile for all our clients.? Through its Cork Office, IIB Bank offers a comprehensive range of corporate banking and business development financial services to owner-managed businesses (large & small), property developers, investors and corporates. Based on its extensive experience of meeting the needs of Irish businesses, IIB Bank has built a position as lender of choice to the Irish business and corporate market place. Recently the Bank has been involved in a number of landmark transactions including multi-storey car parks such as the Howard Holdings City Hall Car Park and various Section 50 Student Accommodation developments including the site of the former Arcadia Ballroom on the Lower Glanmire Road, Cork. In addition, through the professional team available within the Cork Office, customers will be able to access IIB Bank?s innovative range of treasury, private banking and wealth management products. The bank?s mortgage business, IIB Homeloans will also operate from the new premises. One of the leading providers of mortgage finance in Ireland, IIB Homeloans operates primarily through an extensive network of leading mortgage intermediaries in the Cork area. Ireland’s largest voice and data company, Calyx, has come back to its roots, using its Cork office as a model for national operations. Founded by Corkman Maurice Healy, Calyx was initially called ITG and grew extensively over the years, moving into the international market focusing on voice and data communications. As C.E.O. and owner of the company, Maurice will be focusing his efforts on Cork for 2003, implementing an intensive sales and marketing campaign here in an effort to grow the local business and bring Calyx’s massive resources to new and existing clients. Calyx has been providing Irish businesses with the full range of voice and data services from telephone systems, PCs, software, and computer networks for more than 20 years. They not only offer technical support for these services, but full training as well in order to maximize the use of the products. Their client list includes AIB, Aer Rianta, Department of Health, Revenue Commissioners, Musgraves among other, and although Calyx may not yet be a household name in Cork, Maurice has extensive plans for changing that. ‘When we first set up shop back in the ’80s, we were a very small operation with offices in Cork and Dublin, today we have a strong national presence, and it’s time to step up our presence here in Cork, where it all started’, says Maurice. ‘Cork is a very important market with an extensive number of multi-nationals, large corporations and small businesses and every office uses the type of products and services we offer. We will be implementing a strong sales and marketing campaign over the next six months to target these businesses and we hope to grow our Cork business by 200% in five years.’
We are delighted to announce that we have been appointed to handle the public relations in Ireland and the UK for the new Cork to Swansea Route by Fastnet Line.
We congratulate the West Cork Tourism Cooperative Society Ltd. on their courage and intuitive reasoning in bringing this initiative to fruition and look forward to representing the Fastnet Line and their interests with pride’.
Mark Hopkins
Managing Director
Hopkins Communications
13th January 2010.
Judy joins the family firm
According to Mark Hopkins, Managing Director of Hopkins Communications, when you have grown up surrounded by paper clippings, line drawings, storyboards and reams of discarded pages of scriptwriting, and phones ringing day and night (even though there was an office in the city), it is only natural that you are drawn to the creative industry of your foremothers.
“The Mother Mary was (and is) a huge influence in our lives, as she worked day and night on her advertising and pr ideas, using us as guinea pigs, sounding boards, promotional personnel, bulb changers (for electronic advertising screens) and general dogsbodies as required. Now we are all ‘growed up’ and ‘well able’ there is a certain amount of role reversal going on. Mary is now Chairman, but the quiet/deadly one (i.e. me) runs the company (just marking my territory folks!). Now – lo and behold – the sister-who-used-to-be-a-pest has joined the team at Hopkins Communications as Account Manager – New Media. It happened because she had been biting at our heels for several years, dying to get stuck in to do what is in her bones, and because we know she is well-qualified for the job – see below to be sure to be sure!
Joining from SensL (the international high-tech company), Judy is experienced in International Marketing and Search Engine Marketing/Optimisation. She is also experienced in account management in the high-tech, IT and digital media sectors and her passion is online social networking for business use, trend spotting, and digital communication strategies.
Judy holds an Honours Degree in Marketing & Languages, a Higher Diploma (Level 8) in Public Relations and a Diploma in Online Marketing.
Top Liqueurs Distributorship goes to Barry & Fitzwilliam
Mary Hopkins
Hopkins Communications
00 353 21 4272200; 00 353 87 2540804; mary@hopkinscommunications.ie
Rosanna Davison leads the way in promoting a vegan lifestyle to help save the planet
and Miss World, Rosanna Davison is appearing in a new Supreme Master Television ad campaign promoting a vegan lifestyle. The ad campaign, which is currently running on TV3, buses and the Luas, is aimed at encouraging people to re-think their attitudes to the treatment of animals generally and to meat consumption in particular, with its detrimental effects on the world we live in.
Mary Hopkins
Hopkins Communications
00 353 21 4272200; 00 353 87 2540804
http://www.hopkinscommunications.ie
Healer’s new book lifts the lid on how you can have a life without illness
Following the book launch the media have shown a keen interest in the facts and issues raised in the book and O Doherty will conduct several interviews over the next few weeks both on TV and in the press to answer the queries in relation to his findings and address the concerns of Ireland’s consumers.
Mary Hopkins
Hopkins Communications Cork
mary@hopkinscommunications.ie
021 4272200; 087 2540804
S.H.A.R.E. 39th annual fast & fundraising campaign for Cork’s elderly commences
Bio-medical firm expands pioneering technology and launches its Business Expansion Scheme 09
http://www.enbiomaterials.com
Hopkins Communications Cork
021 4272200; 087 2540804
mary@hopkinscommunications.ie
Cork GAA Clubs Forum rallies supporters to fast-track forward-thinking change.
Suggestions for the clubs report have come from supporters, players and officers in various clubs and have been properly received, canvassed, mandated and incorporated in preparation for submission to Convention.
pace of change, must remain as live issues which still remain to be activated.
Lights, Camera, Action: The 54th Corona Cork Film Festival is back
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‘The quirky and imaginative nature of the offerings, which are the hallmark of the Festival, are a good fit for lovers of the Corona Extra brand who appreciate the lighter, more creative side of life! During these challenging times for the arts and for business in general Barry & Fitzwilliam is pleased to stand by its commitment to the Festival once again this year, supporting it through its title sponsorship and a strong communications package to encourage people to visit the city and party here”
Cork’s Blackwater Castle open for Business as a Conference Destination.
“Its private location is ideal as it is removed from the hustle and bustle of life, yet on the doorstep of a lovely village, stunning rural hinterland and easily accessible from Cork, Shannon and Farranfore airports, as well as Cork ferryport” owner Patrick Nordstroem told us.
The Old Coach House Hall, which seats over 120 delegates conference-style, along with several garden apartments, is located in the courtyard of the estate.
‘Companies want flexibility and we deliver that. Indeed we hold several weddings and civil wedding ceremonies here on an on-going basis, and we are happy to report that both the couples and the contractors work very well together’ he said.
The Castle grounds also houses an ancient Holy Well (the Well of Saint Patrick) which is said to be imbued with magical properties and it’s own version of The Blarney Stone (or ancient loo as it was in olden days!).
Cork Company, Satellite Taxis awarded first license in Ireland
22 year-old outsider beats off stiff competition in gruelling 45hr competition
The ever-shrew Rolfe said he will invest his winnings in property rather than squandering it, “I’m really pleased to have won this event. It’s a big stepping stone and a chance to invest in a new house.”
Denny searches for what makes a Cork house a home
A specially created Denny house at number 65 Patrick Street in Cork will open for four days this Thursday, October 1st.
In addition to the pop up homes, Denny has created a ‘Home on Wheels’ which will also go on tour across the nation from Wednesday 30th September. Anyone can also request the Home on Wheels to visit them by going on to http://www.homes.ie (we’re on the move page) if they have a special event on, whether their wedding, 40th birthday party or golden anniversary.
Villa Maria chooses Barry & Fitzwilliam in Ireland
Clonakilty restaurant joins prestigious Good Food Ireland network.
From seared Beara Peninsula scallops to locally-caught lobster, organic salmon to seafood risotto, and locally sourced beef, the restaurant also works in exotic dishes, reflecting Richy’s Mauritian heritage.
However, Richy reports that numbers are down this year, ‘a trend which is replicated around the country’ he said. Never one to rest on his laurels, Richy has, for some years now, diversified into outside catering (weddings, private parties, family celebrations etc), produces his own deli products, has written a cook book and become involved in local community projects of which he is very proud.
‘My wife Johanna and our two children are really rooted in this area now, and determined to work through the downturn. While we have won several accolades for our food including a slot as the number one Clonakilty restaurant on the Trip Adviser website, we recognise that outside catering, whether in people’s homes or other venues, is becoming increasingly popular with Irish consumers.
Now I’m picking wild sea asparagus from the bays in West Cork and serving fresh mackerel line caught by our own staff! Would I change it all for the vagaries of Park Lane and No. 10? Not in a million years. I adore West Cork and Clonakilty and we’ve made it our home’.
INDIEPENDENCE Music & Arts Festival Gets Free Camping Green Light
Cork school wins national award in 4HOME’s ‘Let’s Get Gardening’ competition
They developed both practical and life skills and we hope they also had a lot of fun! 4HOME Superstores were delighted to be involved and the enthusiasm of all those who participated is infectious,” said Donagh.
Ballyhoura Country Launches Unique Weekend of Entertainment and Excitement
Barry & Fitzwilliam to deliver economies of scale for international drinks giant
Corona strengthens its commitment to the Arts sponsoring the Fastnet Short Film Festival
Michael Barry, of Barry & Fitzwilliam, importers of Corona Extra said, “Corona Extra as a brand has been committed to supporting the arts in Cork over the last number of years, and this sponsorship is a perfect fit for us. Corona is a young, vibrant brand and we were delighted to be able to assist and encourage such an innovative Festival and give something back to film and Corona lovers.”
Festival workshops for adults will be run by Tony Barry, (former Head of Drama at RTE) and Mark McCarthy, while children’s workshops will be run under the guidance of Jason Lee and Kirsten Sheridan, Co-writer of ‘In America’. The films produced by the students will be screened at the Festival.
Tickets for all film screenings and special event screenings with guest Directors will be available in weeks leading up to the festival and a full programme will be published in April. Further ticket information is available by emailing info@fastnetshortfilmfestival.com
Hilary McCarthy, Corona Fastnet Short Film Festival Coordinator: 085 15 88 309 / Therese Cullen, Hopkins Communications: 021-4272200, 087-7738628; pr@hopkinscommunications.ie 
€400,000 Guaranteed Prize Pool at Ladbrokes.com Irish Poker Festival in October
Shane Lynch and Model Stephanie Barry kicked off the qualification stages for the 2009 Ladbrokes.com Irish Poker Festival which takes place in Killarney from 2nd- 4th October. Qualification for the event, now in its second year, is underway at Ladbrokespoker.com. Last year’s high profile event attracted a record-breaking 832 entrants including celebrities and poker players of international profile, making it the largest European ranking event ever staged. Last year’s winner Jimmy McSweeney from Cork took home the grand prize of €100,000.
http://www.ladbrokespoker.com, with satellites starting from €5. Outright buy-in is available for €550.
April 2009
For further details visit http://www.Ladbrokespoker.com/killarneyfestival or contact Ladbrokespoker.com Events Team on +44 1372 277 722
Hopkins Communications and partners row in behind the Swansea Cork Ferry initiative
Rachel Allen launches 4HOME Superstores ‘Let’s Get Gardening’ competition for primary schools
Less than one in five children on the island of Ireland are meeting the current World Health Organisation daily target for intake of fruit and vegetables according to a review by Safefood*. In light of these trends, 4HOME’s Superstores Let’s Get Gardening’’ competition with Rachel Allen has adopted a Kitchen Garden theme designed to encourage children to grow fruit and vegetables in their schools.
KBC Bank Ireland plc Launches Annual Report 2008
Hopkins Communications supports Daffodil Day with Cork Society of Chartered Accountants
‘When it comes to cancer care we are humbled by the fantastic work carried out by the Irish Cancer Society’s nurses. We were happy to donate a sailing trip to help with the fundraising on the morning – it’s good to think that funds will be raised as a result and we’ll give the winners the time of their life!’ Mark Hopkins told us.
Hopkins Communications supports Alzheimer Society’s Home Care programme.
Ms. Hopkins went on to say: ‘We are exploring ways of helping charities indirectly at the moment as we recognise that they will now find it more difficult than ever to raise funds. We will do whatever little we can to improve their situation and are aware of several charities currently seeking sponsorship, in kind or otherwise. We welcome approaches from companies who may wish to donate goods or services for fundraising purposes for the many charities in the region.’
Barry & Fitzwilliam seals five new contracts with leading drinks brands
Rémy Martin
Cointreau
Piper Heidsieck
Mount Gay Rum
Charles Heidsieck
Jim Beam Bourbon
Teachers
Harveys
Cockburns
Courvoisier
Makers Mark
Sauza Tequila
Sourz
Aftershock
Laphroaig
Canadian Club
The Famous Grouse
The Macallan
Highland Park
Stolichnaya Vodka.
Bols Liqueurs.
Vaccari
Galliano
Energy Healer, Michael O’Doherty to host Self- Help Seminar in Cork
How the body functions energetically, the science of the energy system, as well as explaining what causes disease and in turn how the Plexus Bio- Energy system treats disease. Other topics covered will include how the Plexus system treats children with learning and behavioral disorders as well as giving a demonstration of the diagnosis and treatment within the Plexus system. Michael and his fellow practitioners will aslo be on hand to answer questions and offer advice to attendees.
AWARD-WINNING PLAY STAGED FREE OF CHARGE TO CORK AUDIENCES
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To book places please contact: Joan Jeffrey c/o St. Luke’s Home, on 021 – 435 94 44 or joan.jeffrey@stlukeshome.ie
Château Lynch-Bages hosts Wine Showcase
‘Care of the Older Person’ workshop to highlight topical issues affecting older people
Celebrity Healer calls on opinion-formers to bring an end to negative sentiment
Recession brings Realism to Wedding Planning
http://www.blackwatercastle.com
World class innovation projects the cornerstone of practical business expansion
S.H.A.R.E. – bringing the benefits of interaction between young and old to a wider community
S.H.A.R.E. – Christmas Fast & Fundraising for the care of Cork’s elderly begins
Cork-based bio-medical firm launches its ground-breaking technology to world markets
KBC Bank extends its global brand to Ireland
Mexico’s Ambassador to Ireland praises drinks distributor’s support of filmmakers
Saint Luke’s Home to build a new Education Centre at Mahon, Cork.
Coen Brothers film set to open the Corona Cork Film Festival
“Though different in tone to last year’s opening triumph, No Country For Old Men, we are confident that this latest film from the talented Coen Brothers will delight our audience”.
Corona Cork Film Festival announces selected short films
Newstalk Radio to broadcast from O’Connell Street, Limerick next week.
Blarney Golf Resort Appoints George Hook as Sales Manager
McGuigan wines/Nepenthe Wines – TV3 – key points
Mcguigan Black Label Chardonnay
McGuigan Black Label Sauvignon Blanc
Nepenthe Sauvignon Blanc
Red:
McGuigan Black Label Merlot
McGuigan Black Label Shiraz
Nepenthe Tryst Red
Nepenthe ‘The Fudge’
www.mcguiganwines.com
www.nepenthe.com
McGuigan Black Label Range retails at €9.99 and is widely available.Dunnes Stores, Tesco,Super Valu /Centra,Superquinn.
Nepenthe retails at €13.99 for the Red and €15.99 for the Sauvignon Blanc the Fuge retails at €27.99 – available at good independent off licences nationwide.
5. Ask the sommelier or wine waiter for their advice – it’s their job, and they’re normally very good at it!
McGuigan Wines – The Toast of Ireland
Brian McGuigan of McGuigan Wines, the well known Australian winery, visited Dublin today (Monday, 14th July 2008) to celebrate the success of the brand in Ireland and host the McGuigan Wines Showcase 08 event at The Herbert Park Hotel, Ballsbridge, Dublin. The multi award-winning McGuigan Wines, Australia’s second biggest wine producer, exports to 25 countries worldwide and is distributed in Ireland by Barry Fitzwilliam Maxxium.
Brian McGuigan told us: ‘Coming back to my roots in Ireland is always an enormous pleasure. The McGuigan’s were one of the famous ‘Wine Geese’ families who left Ireland and carved a niche for themselves in the wine industry worldwide. In fact, two years ago I was installed as a Chevalier of The Wine Geese by the Irish organization dedicated to those whose ancestors left Ireland and became famous in the wine world, and I’m very proud that the international wine museum in The Desmond Castle in Kinsale has a section devoted to our family.’
Weight Management by Niamh O’Connor, Consultant Dietitian & Clinical Nutritionist Shanakiel Hospital
Cork Legal Firms merge to serve new generation of young entrepreneurs.
Cork’s talented Interior Designer finds his niche in TG4’s Shabby go Chic television series.
Shanakiel Hospital & The Irish Cancer Society hold Public Meeting on Bowel Cancer Prevention & Treat
Codorníu Cavas & Raimat Wines added to Barry Fitzwilliam Maxxium’s portfolio.
2007 Cork Business Person of the Year award for Drinks Industry Supremo
Hopkins appointed to the GOVERNING BODY of University College Cork
€38m deal for The Mainport Group
HLB Nathans launch BUSINESS EXPANSION SCHEMES for eight companies
Business Munster article – Why Live with Varicose Veins?
Network businesswomen host event for top surgeons
Support for small business in Cork only a click away
Entrepreneurs in Cork city can now use this valuable online resource to check out the supports and services available to them. The website enables entrepreneurs to ascertain whether they are eligible for funding, grant aid or business mentoring services, and it provides details on how to apply to the Board for such assistance.
The website, along with the brochure, also outlines the various subsidised training courses available, including Website Marketing, Website Design and SAGE accounting for small firms, along with several courses tailored to encourage personal development and entrepreneurship.
An additional educational bonus for any budding entrepreneur is that the site offers logical steps on writing a business plan, providing a business plan template to work with.
Speaking about these online developments Dave Cody, CEO of Cork City Enterprise Board said ‘We want to encourage would-be and existing entrepreneurs to click on to the fact that there are many free and subsidised supports available to them. We recognise the web as the way forward…the world at the click of your mouse. We realise that in this, The Information Age, everything is instant and websites provide the instant solution in the quest for information.’
‘Younger entrepreneurs, in particular, use the internet as their primary research tool and therefore a significant, easy to navigate, on-line presence is a must for us to encourage up-and-coming businesses.
Our new website http://www.corkceb.ie provides quick and easy access to clear, relevant and useful information. It will become a key marketing tool for the Cork City Enterprise Board going forward, as it will for most companies and providers as they reassess their communications strategies’ he added.
Mr. Cody further stated that The Cork City Enterprise Board website http://www.corkceb.ie will be particularly useful for those who are unaware of the Board and its activities, or for those who are unsure how to take that next step in their business or business idea. ‘The Board also recognises that, particularly in start-up situations, budding entrepreneurs work long hours, often from home, and access to information 24/7 is crucial’ he said.
For those who prefer hard copy, The Cork City Enterprise Board’s new brochure, outlines comprehensively the various services they offer. Copies are available at their offices in Union Quay Cork or call (021) 4961828.
The Board, one of several which were set up by the Department of Enterprise Trade & Employment and the EU commission throughout the country, assists small business in becoming more efficient, by providing a range of advice, information and resources for business start-ups and existing businesses.
Cork Footballer Launches Bodyglide Skincare Products for Active Sports People
Hazel Williams opens new gallery in Kilkenny
showcase art installations, video, sculptures and glass, etc.
Emma Berkery;
Helen Booth;
Louise Butler;
Samantha Clarke;
Chloe Early;
Hugh McCarthy;
Stephanie Malossane.
The Mainport Group expand into Drogheda Port
Sports stars line out to support Frankie & Joey Sheahan’s expanded mymortgages.ie business
Star Sailing Centre Kenmare
Twilight Tours and daily sailings are the hallmarks of a new ferry service to Cape Clear Island
A healthy development at Cork’s Shanakiel Hospital
Corona Extra announces its title sponsorship of Cork Film Festival
Cork company hatches plan
Pipelife acquires Quality Plastics in Ireland
Modernised Shanakiel Hospital, Cork, invests a further €2 million in its facilities
Mieke’s Star is on the Ascent: Kenmare’s gain is Ireland’s Emerging Artist
Corona Keeps its Cool While Others Cream It!
Barry Fitzwilliam Maxxium Seals Two New Contracts With Top Australian Wine
Whyte & Mackay re-brand their iconic Scotch Whiskies
awards
Barry Fitzwilliam Maxxium (021) 432 0900 (01) 667 1755 http://www.bfmws.ie
Vladivar is out to party with its bold re-branding
“Vladivar is out to party and everyone is invited! “ according to Michael.
Barry Fitzwilliam Maxxium (021) 432 0900 (01) 667 1755 http://www.bfmws.ie
Unresolved conflict in the workplace a serious impediment to Irish business
‘My colleagues, Sion Kearney and Bernadette Barry-Murray and I are accredited members of The Mediators Institute of Ireland and have been involved in mediation practice, law, and management, operating in this area for twenty years combined. It is very apparent to us that mediation is key to conflict resolution issues within business and that a change in the way we handle such conflict is essential to future success. We are convinced that businesses and organisations will embrace this service, recognising that unresolved conflict in the workplace has a cost, not just in financial terms but also in decreased individual competence, ineffective working relationships, breakdown in communications and impaired staff and team development. Our service encourages constructive communication in a safe environment, identifying mutual solutions and agreements and restoring respectful, professional working relationships’.
Shipping Group’s Seismic Contract Opens Up
http://www.mainport.ie.
Cork Rotary Clubs celebrate 100 years of rotary with European counterparts
Independent News and Media Expands its directory publishing business
Tubridy congratulates students on their funraising efforts for the elderly
Corona’s Irish ‘per capita’ sales a world phenomenon
Merger will rank accountancy firm tenth in Ireland
ESB’S Electric Aid assists S.H.A.R.E. Organisation
International children’s decor company launches in Ireland
Bishopstown Credit Union To Ballot Its 20,000 Members in Groundbreaking Deal With IIB Homeloans
Corona Extra Top 100 Party People
Minister Martin announces €5million for new initiatives to help small business
Innovation Vouchers scheme
ICT Audits programme
The Knowledge Acquisition Grants scheme is designed to develop the innovation capability and absorptive capacity of small companies. As recommended by the Small Business Forum, it will be available to clients of Enterprise Ireland. The Small Business Forum’s recommendation is consistent with the thrust of both the Enterprise Strategy Group report Ahead of the Curve and the Government?s Strategy on Science, Technology and Innovation for 2006 to 2013, published last June, both of which strongly emphasise the need to improve the awareness and capability of small business to be active in research, development and innovation.
Knowledge Acquisition grants will be focused on companies who are formalising their R&D activities for the first time. Grants of up to €50,000 will be available on a once-off basis for projects up to 1 year. A wide range of cost elements will be eligible for assistance, such as R&D planning; consultancy or mentor support; R&D training; conferences or site visits; market research; and small capital items.
The Innovation Vouchers proposal is designed to stimulate innovative activity and generate a culture of innovation within the small business sector. The initiative will enable small enterprises to work with knowledge institutions in researching or development ideas they may have to enable their businesses grow. Arrangements for the scheme, which forms part of the overall implementation of the Government?s Strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation, are well advanced and the scheme will be formally launched shortly.
The scheme will, over the next 3 years enable several thousand small businesses to undergo a highly subsidised ICT Audit of their existing systems. At the end of each audit, the business will be presented with a short, clear action oriented and realistic strategy aimed at developing and deploying appropriate ICT skills, systems, hardware and software within the business with the objective of delivering real and sustainable competitive advantage.
The scheme will be complemented with a number of seminars at venues throughout the country for interested companies that will outline how new information and communications technologies can benefit their businesses.
Details of the scheme, which will be administered by the County and City Enterprise Boards, are being finalized at present with a view to commencement early next year.
Cork City Enterprise Board encourages small business to avail of new Government-backed subsidies.
The Innovation Vouchers proposal is designed to stimulate innovative activity and generate a culture of innovation within the small business sector. The initiative will enable small enterprises to work with knowledge institutions such as universities, institutes of technology and bodies such as ??in researching or developing ideas they may have to enable their businesses grow.
Arrangements for the scheme, which forms part of the overall implementation of the Government?s Strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation, are now finalised and available to businesses through the Cork City Enterprise Boards and Boards throughout the country.
The scheme will, over the next 3 years, enable several thousand small businesses to undergo a highly subsidised ICT Audit of their existing systems. At the end of each subsidised audit, the business will be presented with a short, clear action-oriented and realistic strategy aimed at developing and deploying appropriate ICT skills, systems, hardware and software within the business with the objective of delivering real and sustainable competitive advantage.
The scheme will be complemented with a number of seminars at venues throughout the country for interested companies that will outline how new information and communications technologies can benefit their businesses.
Wines From The Bodegas Of Gonzalez Byass A Favourite With Irish Wine Lovers
Top Economist suggests most indicators point to continuing strength in Irish economy
Cork Group expands into Drogheda Port
Whyte & Mackay re-brand their iconic Scotch Whiskies
Cork furniture company secures agency for international brand
“We feel that hulsta will add a fresh and contemporary dimension to our stock, and offer a greater choice to our commercial and direct clients in Ireland,” said Angela.
ESB’s Electric Aid Assists S.H.A.R.E Organisation
BANK BUCKS TREND WITH NEW CORK OFFICE
Voice & Data Company to Use Cork as Test-Market