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SPONSORED: Breathe new life into old decking

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By Tony Griffin, Manager Pat McDonnell Paints Tralee

Given our climate in Ireland, decking requires regular maintenance.

We get a lot of queries at Pat McDonnell Paints this time of year about how to breathe new life into old decking. Once you have decided it is time to spruce up your deck, below are the steps that are involved.

Step 1: Preparation

For every paint job you need the surface as clean as possible. Clean down the entire area with a decking brush and multi-purpose solution like Farbex Exterior Fungicidal Wash to remove any mould, moss and algae making sure to scrub between the boards – leave for 15 minutes and hose it off.
Avoid bleach cleaner as this can shade the wood to a white which could cause further damage. Leave the decking to dry for at least two days. Tomorrow it might look dry but there will still be moisture in the deck and if you seal that moisture in it will come out somewhere. Trapped moisture can make the deck look like it’s cracking and splitting.

If required, sand off any loose or flaking areas and run a cloth soaked in white spirits to remove any sanding dust.

Step 2: Choose the Correct Product

Typically, your decking will have been coated with Decking Oil, Decking Stain or a Solid Decking Colour. To re-coat with a similar type of product is the most straightforward but remember while you can go darker with a stain or oil it's very difficult to go lighter so I always advise to test first.
Sikkens HLS is my go-to product in a stain or a solid colour; another alternative is Textrol Oil.

Tip: Check the weather forecast before you start, you will need a few of days of dry weather to complete your project but best avoid very hot weather as this can result in the product drying too quickly and not fully absorbing into the wood.

Step 3: Now it is time to paint/stain/oil your decking!

Use a 4” paint brush to apply your chosen product, a 4” Classic from Harper & Green would suit, or you could use a 4” Masonry Brush if you had it to hand. While you can use a roller it can sometimes result in an uneven finish.

Tip: Start at the furthest end of the deck and go in an 'S' shape painting one or two boards at a time for an even finish.
We recommend you give it two coats in April. After your final coat, if the gods allow it, leave at least 24 hours of good weather before you use it. At the end of September, give your decking the third coat to protect it from the winter.

You can find more tips and how-to-guides on our site www.mcdonnellpaints.ie.

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Overnight water restrictions in Greater Killarney

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Overnight water restrictions in Greater Killarney

Uisce Éireann has introduced overnight water restrictions across parts of Greater Killarney to help reservoir levels recover during the current spell of warm weather.

The restrictions will take effect tonight from 9pm until 7am tomorrow morning. Areas affected include Aghadoe, Beaufort, and Listry on the Mid-Kerry Water Supply Scheme.

Increased demand during the warm weather has meant treated water is being used faster than it can be produced. Uisce Éireann stated that the nighttime shut-offs are necessary to protect the daytime supply for homes, businesses, and essential services.

Operations manager Eoin O’Connell urged local residents and businesses to conserve water where possible:

“Nighttime restrictions are being implemented to support treated reservoir recovery and maintain daytime supply. Conserving water will help protect resources and maintain supply for all. When there is an increase in temperatures it leads to a rise in demand for water. Water is a hugely precious resource, and it is important to conserve water.”

Uisce Éireann is monitoring water levels daily and will conduct a further operational assessment later this week.

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West End and Great Southern team up for theatre experience

A powerful production of one of Ireland’s most celebrated contemporary plays is coming to the Killarney stage this month. In an exciting joint venture, the West End House School of […]

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A powerful production of one of Ireland’s most celebrated contemporary plays is coming to the Killarney stage this month.
In an exciting joint venture, the West End House School of Arts has partnered with the Great Southern Killarney to offer audiences an unrivaled theatre experience.

The West End Players Ensemble will present By the Bog of Cats, Marina Carr’s haunting and critically acclaimed masterpiece, on Wednesday, July 29 and Thursday, July 30 at 8:00pm at the town centre hotel.

Charlie Hughes, the show’s director and Head Tutor at West End House School of Arts, expressed great pride in the milestone, stating he is “so proud that our five years in operation here in Killarney have been able to support and develop such talented local actors to stage this production”.
Set against the stark beauty of the Irish midlands, the compelling drama tells the unforgettable story of Hester Swane, a fiercely independent woman determined to hold on to her home, her daughter, and her place in the world. Rich in Irish folklore, dark humour, and unforgettable characters, Carr’s masterpiece explores themes of love, betrayal, identity, and the enduring pull of the past, offering an unflinching portrait of Irish society.
Maria O’Meara, Director of Rooms at Great Southern Killarney, welcomed the production, saying, “Welcoming such a gripping and powerful production into the hotel is a wonderful way to celebrate creativity and culture. Creating memorable experiences has always been at the heart of the Great Southern Killarney, and we are proud to host an evening that brings people together through the arts.”
Theatregoers can enjoy an exclusive pre-theatre dining experience. A special menu will be available at the five-star Great Southern Hotel’s Arbor Restaurant for €55 per person. Dining reservations can be secured in advance by calling 086 663 8000 or by emailing events@greatsouthernkillarney.com.
The play runs for two hours, including a brief intermission, and is suitable for audiences aged 16 and over. Show tickets must be booked in advance online via Eventbrite at https://bythebogofcats.eventbrite.com

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