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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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Newstalk Summer Tour arrives in Killarney

Newstalk’s 2025 Summer Tour, in association with ESB, is making its way to Killarney this week, bringing live broadcasts from the town. On morning, Friday, June 20, Newstalk Breakfast with […]

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Newstalk’s 2025 Summer Tour, in association with ESB, is making its way to Killarney this week, bringing live broadcasts from the town.

On morning, Friday, June 20, Newstalk Breakfast with Ciara Kelly and Shane Coleman will be live from the Café du Parc in the Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa, kicking off at 7 am.
Ciara and Shane are scheduled to speak with local Kerry figures and take a trip on Killarney’s jaunting cars to see the sights.
Kelly said: “I am so excited to head to Killarney. I have had some fantastic memories as a child visiting Kerry and can’t wait to go back for Newstalk’s Summer tour!”
Coleman added: “Kerry is a wonderful place to visit and I am looking forward to seeing its natural beauty, vibrant culture and rich history.”
The week-long tour is taking the full Newstalk experience to towns across Ireland, featuring live shows, special guests, and conversation.

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Ring of Kerry Cycle to honour founder Paddy O’Donoghue

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This year’s Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle, scheduled for July 5, will be run in memory of Paddy O’Donoghue, a founding member of the event.

Mr O’Donoghue, aged 81, from Muckross, passed away following a road collision in Kilgarvan on Tuesday, this week.

Paddy was a retired Kerry County Council engineer, affectionately known as ‘Paddy the Engineer’.

He was a driving force behind the annual charity cycle since its inception in 1982, regularly participating and fundraising for various causes. Beyond his cycling contributions, the Glenflesk native was also a notable footballer, having been part of the East Kerry team that secured the first All-Ireland Senior Football Championship in 1971.

Cathal Walshe, PRO of the Ring of Kerry Cycle said: “On behalf of the Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle I wish to extend sincere sympathy to Brenda and the O’Donoghue family on the sad and sudden loss of Paddy.

“He was a fantastic supporter of the annual charity cycle since it’s inception back in the 80s. A regular participant and wonderful fundraiser for whatever charity he chose. Paddy loved a challenge in whatever he undertook and was the epitome of what the event was all about. We miss the banter and craic but he won’t ever be forgotten. This year’s event will be dedicated to his memory on July the 5th. His likes will never be seen again. Slan Abhaile our friend.”

Tributes have been paid to Mr O’Donoghue, including from his local Glenflesk GAA club, who stated, “Glenflesk GAA would like to offer our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Paddy O’Donoghue on his sad passing. He was a true Glenflesk stalwart as a player, mentor and lifelong supporter.”

Paddy is survived by his wife Brenda, children Florence, Áine, Denise, Brenda, Báirbre, Patrick, and Alice, 17 grandchildren, his brother John, sisters Margaret, Kathleen, and Anna, and a wide circle of relatives and friends.

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