News
New venture for Ulster Bank’s Justin Healy
On February 19, 2021, when Ulster Bank announced they were withdrawing from Ireland and effectively shutting down, it came as a shock to everyone, not least the staff.
Killarney local Justin Healy was the branch manager in UB Killarney for nearly 15 years, ably assisted by his branch staff but also his Financial Planning Manager, Mike Doolan, who was in situ for 14 years.
It came as a shock, but Justin was quickly thinking about next his steps “My first thought was my brilliant staff, and that they would lose their jobs, and then to our fantastic customers, who were loyal over the years and with whom we had built up great relationships with, and how this was going to cause hassle for them, which was not their doing. Then of course, I started to think, what about me, what do I do next?”
It was then that Justin spoke to Mike and threw out the idea of maybe taking a leap of faith and instead of going into another similar PAYE job, to go it alone and look at setting up an independent brokerage.
As Justin says, the idea of being independent was what was the big motivating factor: “to be able to give customers unbiased, independent access to the various companies and products, be it Mortgages, Life companies, Investment or pension providers, was the carrot and with a little advice here and there we decided to go for it.”
One person Justin and Mike sought counsel from was John Healy, Justin’s brother, of Healy Insurances.
As Mike says: “There is great tradition from John and Justin’s late father, Jimmy, who started the Healy Insurance business at 11 New Street, and with John taking that forward to new heights, it was a natural fit for us to set up at 11 New Street and we are delighted to be here.?'
John, owner of Healy Insurances, says “We are delighted to be involved in this new venture. Justin and Mikes principles and ethos perfectly align with ours at Healy Insurances. It is a great asset to add another financial service to 11 New Street and we wish them every success. “
Healy Doolan Financial are now open for business.
Kilcummin man opens New Zealand pub
A Kilcummin native living in New Zealand is appealing to the Kerry community for genuine local memorabilia to decorate his new Irish pub and deli on the other side of the world.
Cian Curtin and his wife are currently fitting out The Snug, a new venture located in New Brighton, a seaside suburb of Christchurch. By day, the venue will operate as a deli serving Irish staples such as breakfast rolls, chicken fillet rolls, home-made soda bread, and fresh milk. In the evenings, it will transform into a traditional neighbourhood pub featuring Irish food, drink, and live music.
Determined to create an authentic atmosphere rather than relying on generic decorations, Cian is calling on Kerry locals, businesses, and sports clubs to send over items with a real story behind them.
“Being from Kilcummin, there’ll naturally be plenty of Kerry influence around the place. One thing that’s particularly important to me is that the pub doesn’t end up filled with generic, newly made ‘Irish pub’ decorations. I’d much rather fill the walls gradually with genuine pieces from home that have a bit of history and a story behind them. If any local pubs, clubs, businesses or readers had an old sign, photograph, jersey, bar piece or other bit of Kerry memorabilia gathering dust that they thought deserved a new home on the other side of the world, I’d absolutely love to hear from them.”
If you can help email: thesnugirishbar@gmail.com
The fifth annual Pedal for Grace community fundraiser will take place in Firies on Saturday, September 5, with organisers aiming to push total funds raised past the €90,000 milestone.
Held in honour of local girl Grace O’Sullivan, who lives with Stargardt disease, the event brings together cyclists, walkers, and supporters from across the local community to raise vital funds for Vision Ireland. Over the past four years, the initiative has raised almost €90,000 for the national sight loss charity.
This year’s event offers options for all fitness levels, including a 60km route, shorter spins, and a walking course, with tandem options also available. Following the physical challenges, the day will feature a community barbecue, family fun activities, a raffle, and an evening of music and entertainment.
Grace was diagnosed with Stargardt disease, a genetic eye condition that affects central vision and causes progressive sight loss. The annual event was established by her family to raise awareness and support Vision Ireland’s work, which provides practical and emotional support, rehabilitation services, and assistive technology to help people living with visual impairments maintain independence.
Members of the public are invited to register in advance or support the event in Firies on the day. Full details and registration information are available on the Vision Ireland website.
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