News
Phenomenal supports available for new enterprises
There are phenomenal supports available for new enterprises through both South Kerry Development Partnership CLG (SKDP) and the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection (DEASP) to give them every chance to succeed.
This was the key message for potential new business owners at a showcase event for enterprises set up under the Back to Work Enterprise Allowance Scheme that took place in Killarney recently. It was the first in-person promotional event to be held since the COVID crisis started.
Speaking at the event, Owen MacMahon of Weasel Party Hire said that the Back to Work Scheme was a phenomenal support to him and he feels he used the supports very wisely over the two years he was on it. He said he used each and every one of the supports offered to him.
“I would advise all start-ups to support each other at events such as this, exchange details, learn from each other and do business with each other,” Owen said.
Among the elements of advice Owen offered for others thinking of starting a new business was to get into good habits from the beginning by getting a good accountant and keeping excellent paperwork. He said that it was worth taking time to make goals, monthly, bi-annually and yearly goals. Owen added that new businesses should make a plan for the first two years and he encouraged them to plough as much money as possible back into the business and it would pay off.
Owen also advised new business owners to take time to research other ideas that you could add into your business to add value and reach other to similar businesses to ask them how this idea worked for them – especially if they are not in your area and not competitors!
Michael Kenneally of the DEASP pointed out to those present that in addition to their weekly payment, start-up businesses could also get financial support with the costs of setting up the business through the Enterprise Support Grant scheme. Elements that are covered in this scheme include capital outlays, insurance costs and accountancy costs, however a person has to be approved for the Back to Work Enterprise Allowance scheme.
Enterprise Officer with SKDP, Joanne Griffin, added that in addition to the supports available through DEASP, SKDP can also provide additional support to start-ups such as mentoring and training supports in the form of marketing, taxation workshops and entrepreneur mindset workshops.
Anyone interested in starting their own business and who is currently in receipt of a social welfare payment should contact Joanne in the SKDP Killorglin Office on 066 9761615 or Clare O’Shea in the SKDP Cahersiveen Office on 066 9472724 for further information.
Couples across the parish of Kilcummin gathered at Our Lady of Lourdes Church for a special celebration Mass honouring milestone wedding anniversaries.
The special service, celebrated by Fr Pat O’Donnell, brought together local couples celebrating 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, and 60 years of marriage. Each couple received a commemorative certificate in recognition of their decades of commitment and companionship.
Following the ceremony, the parish committee hosted a reception in the parish hall, where attendees enjoyed tea, home baking, and an opportunity to catch up with neighbours and family members.
Organisers extended their gratitude to Fr O’Donnell, the church committee, photographer Anne Holland, and all who helped arrange the celebratory event.
ANNIVERSARY MASS: Pictured at the Kilcummin wedding anniversary mass are (front row, left to right) Michael and Mary Dorrigan, Michael and Mary Moynihan, Marion and Timmy O’Keeffe, and Clare and Sean Moynihan; (second row) Robert and Ann Marie Keane, Paudie and Kate Cahill, Hann and Denny Donnelly, Sheila and Charlie O’Neill, and Maureen and Francis O’Doherty; (third row) Maura and Cornelius Brosnan, Joan and Jeremiah Desmond, Breda and Timmy O’Leary, Noreen and Patie Nagle, and Barry and Breda Duggan; with (back row) Willie and Breda Fleming, Mary and Noel Cronin, and Fr Pat O’Donnell. Photo: Anne Holland.
PEARL ANNIVERSARY: Clare and Sean Moynihan celebrating their 30th wedding anniversary at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Kilcummin. Photo: Anne Holland.
GOLDEN JUBILEE: Marion and Timmy O’Keeffe marking 50 years of marriage during the parish anniversary celebrations in Kilcummin. Photo: Anne Holland.
RUBY CELEBRATION: Timmy and Breda O’Leary celebrating 40 years of marriage in Kilcummin. Photo: Anne Holland.
SAPPHIRE MILESTONE: Joan and Jeremiah Desmond celebrating 45 years of marriage at the anniversary Mass in Kilcummin. Photo: Anne Holland.
CORAL ANNIVERSARY: Robert and Anne Marie Keane marking 35 years of marriage at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Kilcummin. Photo: Anne Holland.
Killarney Plaza wins top golf hotel award
Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa has been named IGTOA Large Golf Hotel of the Year at the 29th National Golf Tourism Conference and Gala Irish Golf Awards.
Organised by the Irish Golf Tour Operators Association, the annual conference brings together golf operators, hotels, clubs, and industry partners from across Ireland. The awards ceremony took place during a black-tie gala evening at Ballygarry Estate Hotel and Spa, hosted by broadcaster Des Cahill.
The category winner was selected through votes cast by IGTOA tour operator members. Established in 1996, the association promotes Ireland as an international golfing destination.
Hotel management expressed gratitude to the tour operators, regional partners, and guests who supported the venue throughout the year. The hotel operates as part of the local O’Donoghue Ring Collection.
GOLF AWARD: Representing the Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa, part of the O’Donoghue Ring Collection, Seán Howley (Group Business Development Manager), Brian Lawlor (Group General Manager), and Tomás O’Gorman (Guest Relations Manager) at the National Golf Tourism Conference
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