Whitfield Clinic hosts 3rd Hip and Groin sports injury Symposium

150 delegates travelled from all over Ireland to Waterford’s Whitfield Clinic on Saturday April 18th for the 3rd Hip and Groin Symposium.  

The highlight of event was a live arthroscopic hip operation performed on-site by Mr. Patrick Carton to demonstrate the treatment of Hip Impingement.

Mr. Carton organised the event to bring together specialists in hip and groin sports surgery, as well as national experts in sports rehabilitation, to discuss many of the difficulties surrounding hip and groin sports injury and its management.

The symposium, chaired by Mr. Tadgh O’Sullivan consisted of a number of presentations on the diagnosis and management of chronic groin and hip conditions commonly associated with sports.

This year the symposium featured a ‘live’ arthroscopic hip operation performed by Mr. Patrick Carton of Whitfield Clinic, a specialist in sports surgery of the hip and groin. The live operation session was streamed to the conference meeting and moderated by Mr. Antonio Andrade, who provided commentary on the procedure and facilitated the interaction between delegates and the surgical team.

The guest speakers were highly regarded as specialists in their fields and included Mr. Antonio Andrade, internationally renowned hip surgeon and host chairman for the International Society for Hip Arthroscopy (ISHA) annual conference 2015; Dr. Alan Byrne, sports physician and medical director for the Football Association of Ireland (FAI); Mr. David Lyons, senior physiotherapist (St. Mary’s Rugby and IRFU) and medical coordinator of Kildare GAA.

The aim of the event was to create awareness and update practitioners of the recent advances in the diagnosis, investigation and management of both acute and chronic injury to the hip and groin.

This is a prominent and common issue within sport with many of the country’s top athletes returning to sport following hip surgery under the care of Mr Patrick Carton including GAA All-Ireland winners Conor McGrath (Clare), Eoin Larkin and Richie Power (Kilkenny) and Ireland soccer international Keith Fahey to name but a few. Players travel from all over Ireland and from aboard to undergo this pioneering hip surgery at Whitfield Clinic.

Mr Carton was delighted with the success of the event, “Over the past ten years we have perfected our hip surgery, performing a keyhole ‘Sports Hip Repair’ which is unique to Whitfield Clinic.  It was fantastic to see so many sports doctors and physiotherapists travelling to Waterford to watch the surgery live; it will give them a much better understanding of what we do and help with rehabilitation of the athletes. The symposium was a great success”

For further information, please visit www.whitfieldclinic.ie 

Waterford Country Fair shines the spotlight on country life and country living

On June 14^th Mount Congreve Gardens will host the first Waterford Country Fair, a festival celebrating the very best of country life and country living.

The one day event will feature a host of field sports and country pursuits including dressage, side saddle displays and sheep dog trials, along with falconry, beekeeping, artisan craft producers and local food producers.

Jo Breheny, Chair of the Waterford Country Fair is delighted with the reaction to the festival so far.  “A few months ago, some friends and I discussed the idea of a festival that showcases the best of country pursuits, but we also wanted to ensure it was a festival that would have a wide appeal to all ages.  We formed a dedicated committee, spoke to some local businesses and so far, have received phenomenal support from the business community.”

“The day itself will have something for everyone, not just those with an interest in equestrian and country pursuits.  There will be pony club games, sheep dog trials, and dressage.  There will be an exciting falconry display as visitors can learn more about these majestic birds, hot-shoeing farrier demonstrations, carriage driving displays, beekeepers will give a fascinating insight into the busy life of bees, traditional artisan crafts such as basket weaving and some of the county’s finest food producers will have stalls at the event.”

The event setting couldn’t be more stunning.  Mount Congreve Gardens are regarded as “one of the great gardens of the world.”   Situated just outside Kilmeaden in Co. Waterford the gardens consist of seventy acres of planted woodland gardens and a four acre walled garden. 

Ray Sinnott, Mount Congreve Estate Manager, is looking forward to hosting the Waterford Country Fair.  “The festival and the gardens complement each other very well.  The Fair will put the focus on country living and we believe that Mount Congreve Estate is the perfect example of country living at its best.  We have wide open spaces to accommodate the myriad of events on the day with plenty of room for country pursuits’ enthusiasts, families and tourists.  Visitors will also have the chance to explore the largest collection of plants in Ireland and thousands of trees and shrubs.”

The Waterford Country Fair will also work with the charity CRY, Cardiac Risk in the Young.  According to Ms. Breheny, “We chose CRY as our charity partner in order to raise awareness of the crucial work this organization does tirelessly.  It raises awareness of Sudden Cardiac Death Syndrome, provides free counselling and support for families affected by sudden cardiac death and supports the Centre for Cardiovascular Risk in Younger Persons.  We hope the day will help spread the message about sudden cardiac death syndrome and raise funds for this remarkable charity.”

To find out more about Waterford Country Fair, which takes place at Mount Congreve Gardens on Sunday, June 14^th, visit www.mountcongreve.com or keep up to date with Facebook and Twitter

Something’s brewing at Coffee House Lane

When you think of some of the great foodstuffs that originated in Waterford you can’t but help think of the blaa, rashers or even cream crackers.  But, one of Waterford’s better kept secrets is coffee, and a Waterford company, is reviving the tradition of coffee roasting.

The Coffee Warehouse is renowned for its Ponticelli brand and has just launched a new coffee brand, Coffee House Lane, in honour of Waterford’s coffee roasting tradition.  Back in the late 17^th century, John Aikenhead was the visionary who first brewed and distributed coffee in Ireland, from his coffee house in the aptly named Coffee House Lane. 

Mark Bergin, founder of the Coffee Warehouse, has a long association with coffee, with Ponticelli being the first brand created by the company in 2009.  Then in 2011, Mark invested in a coffee roaster and exclusively roasts at its Kilcohan facility.

“Ours is a labour of love”, said Mark.  “My father has been working with coffee since the 60’s and it was only a matter of time before I got into coffee too.  After we acquired the coffee roaster in 2011 we knew we wanted to pay tribute to the true home of coffee in Ireland, Coffee House Lane.  We have created Blend 1690, which is a medium to dark roast.  The slow roasting of the beans gives a sweetness to the blend, which balances the deep earthiness of a dark roast.”

“Not many people know that Waterford led the way in coffee roasting in Ireland over 300 years ago and I am confident that it is a tradition we can revive on a large scale.”

The venture would not have been the success it has been without local and national support.  “We have had the good fortune to work with support agencies such as Waterford Local Enterprise Office, Love Irish Food and, of course, SuperValu which now stocks our product in 62 stores throughout the country.”

Sourcing the finest coffee beans from around the world, the beans, which are green at this stage are roasted between 180ºC and 230ºC for 14 to 20 minutes. The length of time roasting has an impact on colour, aroma and moisture.  The Coffee House Lane beans are roasted for longer, thus giving them a darker colour and richer roast flavour.  The popularity of the blend is also a reflection of the evolving Irish palate.

Waterford Local Enterprise Office has backed the venture since Day One.  According to Ciaran Cullen, it is a proud Waterford tradition that deserves to be revived.  “When Mark approached us about investing in a roaster we heartily concurred that coffee roasting should be encouraged, promoted and nurtured in its Irish birthplace.”

“The food and beverage landscape in Waterford is one of the most vibrant in the country.  Entrepreneurs and small producers are creating an exciting portfolio of high quality, great tasting local produce and at Waterford LEO we are delighted to be part of a movement that shines the spotlight on Waterford’s taste revolution.”

Keep up to date with Coffee House Lane on Facebook and Twitter.

Alternatively if you have an inspirational food idea and what to know what assistance is available to you, talk to Waterford Local Enterprise Office.  Call 051 849905 or visit www.localenterprise.ie/waterford/

Local food hero supports Waterford Rotary charity event

Rotary Club of Waterford presents a celebration of food with the award winning south east chef Kevin Dundon of the Dunbrody Country House Hotel. This exciting event, in association with Caulfield’s SuperValu at the Hypercentre will take place at 7.30pm on Tuesday April 28^th at the Tower Hotel in Waterford City.

With Mr. Dundon donating his time for free all proceeds from the evening will go towards St Vincent de Paul and Waterford Belarus Dental Charity.

One of Ireland’s best-loved chefs, Kevin Dundon can usually be found busy at work in the Dunbrody House kitchens and cookery school. You will also often find him gracing the TV screens and chatting on Irish radio covering all things to do with food. A chef with a love of locally-sourced indigenous produce Kevin considers himself spoilt with the positive bounty of fresh seafood and fantastic fruit and vegetables literally on his doorstep. Inspiration is easy to come by when you can indulge in the huge selection from the Hook Peninsula and also from Kevin’s own kitchen gardens at his hotel Dunbrody Country House.

Established by Kevin and his wife Catherine in 1997, Dunbrody has become synonymous with contemporary Irish Country House cooking. Reflected in all of Kevin’s cookbooks, this passion for freshness mixed with both simplicity and flair is the signature of Kevin’s cooking.

Ms. Ann Marie Caulfield, President of the Rotary Club of Waterford said, “The Rotary Club of Waterford is so proud to present this event. I’d like to thank Kevin for giving his valuable time and talent for such worthy charities.”

This is strictly a ticket only event and priced at just €25 tickets can be bought from Caulfield’s Supervalu at the Hypercentre, Nolke Opticians at Ardkeen the Tower Hotel, from Rotarians and on line at www.waterfordrotary.org . Ticket price includes a free glass of wine and a goody bag.

One stop shop event for small businesses in South East region launched by Minister Bruton

Taking Care of Business  - informing existing and potential entrepreneurs of the Government supports available to them

REGISTER NOW: Thursday 30th April in The Tower Hotel, Waterford at 8.30am to 1.30pm www.takingcareofbusiness.ie

· Event will allow small business owners to learn about financial supports and assistance available

· Get advice from a diverse mix of Government Agencies

The Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton, T.D together with the Minister for Housing, Planning and Coordination of Construction 2020 Strategy, Paudie Coffey, T.D., launched Taking Care of Business – a one-stop-shop event for existing and potential entrepreneurs in the South East region.

This free event will take place on Thursday 30th April in the Tower Hotel, Waterford from 8.30am to 1.30pm.

The half-day event is specifically targeted at people thinking of starting a business, as well as small business owners and managers. Attending the event will allow entrepreneurs to:

· Better understand the key regulations that affect them so that they can focus on the main task of running their business;

· Meet experts from a broad range of public bodies in an informal setting;

· Find out about advice and supports that are available from across the public sector.

This joint initiative of the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation and the Health and Safety Authority, as part of the Action Plan for Jobs, will bring together over 26 State bodies in one location and builds on previous events in Dublin in 2013 and 2014. Earlier in 2014, three regional events were held in Cork, Limerick and Galway, bringing the total attendance at TCOB events to date to just over 1,750.

Minister Bruton said: “‘Taking Care of Business’ is part of a wider effort to communicate better with business and promote awareness and understanding of the full range of Government supports that are available for the SME sector. Two thirds of all new jobs come from start-up businesses in the first five years of their existence, so it is essential for Government to support new businesses in order to grow employment and that is what we have being doing through the Action Plan for Jobs process.

“This will also be a great opportunity for people to ask questions and raise individual concerns face-to-face with staff from across the public sector. The Government is committed to engaging with the small business community and this event will help SMEs to better understand the regulatory environment. I would strongly encourage anyone with a business or thinking of setting up a business to come along to get free information about state supports”.

Minister Nash, who will attend the event on April 30th, said: “As the minister with responsibility for SMEs, I would encourage businesses from across the South-East, but particularly start-ups or people thinking of making the leap to start their own business to attend this event. Government has a range of supports available to help SMEs make their business a success and the Taking Care of Business event is a great way for busy people to get all the information they might need from our agencies in one spot.”

The State offices and agencies represented will provide information across a wide range of areas, including:

· Tax, employment and Health & Safety obligations;

· Legal requirements for setting up and running a business;

· Requirements in areas such as food and environmental safety;

· Advice on government procurement and intellectual property;

· Assistance and supports from enterprise agencies and Local Authorities.

There will be two separate strands running concurrently with presentations from State bodies in one area and information stands manned by staff from these bodies in a separate area. The concise presentations will focus on key regulatory requirements as well as assistance available to help entrepreneurs develop their businesses. Experts will be available at the information stands to speak directly to attendees and answer questions throughout the event.

Speaking at the launch, Minister Coffey said: “This event will allow small business owners to informally ask questions and get advice from a diverse mix of government agencies; Ireland needs small businesses to thrive and so I welcome efforts such as this to demystify government regulation and tell people about the supports available to them.”

It is essential for SMEs to make the most of the advice and supports available to them so I encourage entrepreneurs and those thinking of starting a business to capitalise on this chance to hear from a wide variety of agencies, in one location”.

The Minister for Housing, Planning and Coordination of Construction 2020 Strategy, Paudie Coffey, T.D., will give the keynote address. Clare Hughes, Managing Director of CF Pharma Ltd, will Chair the first set of presentations. Dermot Walsh, Director, M & D Bakery Ltd and Louise Grubb, CEO Q1 Scientific will chair the remaining two sessions. Minister for Employment and Business, Ged Nash T.D., will close the event.

To register for the event and for more details including the running order of presentations and the full list of State Bodies attending, please visit www.takingcareofbusiness.ie. Early booking is strongly advised as there are a limited number of places available.

Top Ten Tips for a Healthy Business by Dr. Mark Rowe

“The first wealth, is health” (Ralph Waldo Emerson)

Spring is the perfect time to think about new beginnings and new resolutions. This applies to personal health as much as business.  Because high performance in life relates to high performance in business the Local Enterprise Office has asked Dr. Mark Rowe of the Waterford Health Park to speak at its latest ‘Top Ten Business Tips’ networking lunch on Thursday April 16th on the topic of ‘Health in Business’.

The lunch will take place as usual at the Bistro in the Tower Hotel at 12.30 and they promise you will be back at your desk for 2pm!

Following on from the success of speakers such as Emma Jane Power of PicStash, Des Whelan of WLR fm and Louise Grubb of Q1 Scientific, Dr. Rowe’s tips are sure to be eagerly received by Waterford business people looking for an edge in business.

Dr. Mark Rowe has a background of working as a family physician based in Waterford City and is a thought leader in the emergent area of health, happiness and high performance in life.

He is a member of "leading by design", an invitation only international collaboration of leaders committed to improvements in health through a more effective design of the environment. He founded the Waterford Health Park (www.whp.ie) as a new paradigm for sustainable improvements in community health. The building was a short listed finalist for World Building of the year at the World Architecture festival awards in 2010. 

In 2013, the Waterford Health Park received the Global Health Improvement Award, "A Place to Flourish". Mark is author of ‘The Men’s Health Book- A Guide for the Irish Man’ which was published by Blackhall Publishing in 2009 with all royalties going to a Cancer Charity. He has also contributed to books on Leadership in Ireland and Healthcare Management.

Dr. Rowe has a long-standing interest in medical education, as a trainer of young family doctors with the South East G.P. Training Programme in Ireland, as Senior clinical lecturer with the University of Limerick Graduate Medical School and formerly as an ICGP examiner.

He has worked with organisations consistently over the years as an advocate for health. He is an international keynote speaker on the topics of " New Philosophy of Wellbeing ", "Health Leadership", "Generative Space" and " A Prescription for Happiness".  He also holds the position of Chairman of the Board at Garter Lane Arts Centre in Waterford City, Ireland and has recently been appointed to the inaugural Healthy Ireland Council.

The cost of this event is €8.50 and booking is essential. For more information or to register your interest please contact your Local Enterprise Office in Waterford on 051-849905 or email info@leo.waterfordcouncil.ie .