Rotary remembers!

This Thursday, December 4^th, the Rotary Club of Waterford launches its 17^th annual Memorial Christmas Tree at 5.30pm at John Robert’s Square in Waterford City.

It will, as always, be a central feature in Waterford City’s Winterval Festival.

The Memorial Tree Appeal will be official launched by Her Worship the Mayor of Waterford Metropolitan District Cllr. Lola O’Sullivan.

Ann Marie Caulfield, President of the Rotary Club of Waterford said, “For 17 years the Rotary Club of Waterford Memorial Christmas Tree has been central to Christmas in Waterford. Most of us have been touched by the wonderful work Waterford Hospice does in our community. This year in particular Rotary in Waterford has had its own friends and long serving members who have passed and who we fondly remember.”

In 1998 the first Christmas Memorial Tree appeal was established by the Rotary Club of Waterford to help raise funds for the development of a 20 bed Hospice facility on the grounds of Waterford Regional Hospital. To date the initiative has raised nearly half a Million Euro towards Waterford Hospice.

As well as raising much needed funds in Waterford for the Hospice Movement, the Memorial Tree Appeal provides people with a means of remembering their loved ones in a dignified and meaningful manner. Indeed over the years the Christmas Memorial Tree Appeal has become synonymous with the celebration of Christmas in Waterford and enjoys widespread support from the public.

From the Deise to Dubai!

It’s almost a year to the day since the Waterford Blaa received the highest recognition as a quality European foodstuff - PGI status.  This prestigious designation meant that the Waterford Blaa could claim its place among the ranks of internationally renowned products such as Italy’s Parma Ham, France’s Camembert de Normandie Cheese and Greece’s Kalamata Olive Oil. 

And claim it, it did!  The sky seems to be the limit for this once humble bread roll.  Following the appearance of the Waterford blaa on Aer Lingus menus on transatlantic flights, the blaa recently made its debut at the Bonnington Jumeirah Lakes Towers in Dubai.

This prestigious five star hotel now serves the blaa in its Cavendish Restaurant and McGettigan’s Irish pub.  Mr. Dermot Walsh of M & D Bakery, based in Mount Sion Avenue in Waterford City is delighted that the blaa is making an appearance on Middle Eastern menus.

“The interest in the blaa has mushroomed beyond all expectations.  To see the blaa on the menu of one of the Middle East’s most esteemed hotels is a hugely significant achievement and one that all Waterford blaa bakers can be very proud of.  The Bonnington Towers is the latest addition to the Regency Hotel Groups chain and the owners were intent on bringing a taste of Ireland to Dubai.  We had been speaking with the team in Dubai, through their distributors La Rousse Foods, for a few months and were delighted they chose to bring a taste of Waterford to their restaurants.”

“Back in 2009, M & D Bakery, along with three other traditional family bakeries from County Waterford and South Kilkenny set up the Waterford Blaa Bakers Association. It was our objective to protect the Waterford Blaas as a traditional food product and register it as a protected food product in Europe, which we achieved last year.”

The Blaa Bakers Association consists of M & D Bakery, Hickey’s Bakery, Barron’s Bakery and Kilmacow Bakery, who between them, produce over 100,000 blaas weekly.

Mr. Walsh added, “Since the awarding of PGI status, the blaa can be found throughout Ireland, the UK, France, the U.S. and now in the Middle East.  It’s been an exciting journey from the Deise to Dubai.”

The last year has also seen the blaa receive a host of awards and accolades, both nationally and internationally and it has featured in countless publications, blogs and journals, including the New York Times.

Speaking of the introduction of the Waterford blaa to Middle Eastern fayre, Mr. Michael Hussey, Manager of Bord Bia, Middle East said, “It is wonderful to see the blaa such a long way from home.  We have been working with the Blaa Bakers Association in order to bring this project to fruition.”

Mr. Hussey added, “There are huge opportunities in the Middle East. The market is growing by 5 to 6% year on year in food service due to the growth in tourism in UAE and other factors such as population and income growth in the entire region. However, growing the market is very competitive, so hotels, restaurants and other catering outlets are looking for points of difference to make them stand out from competitors and the Waterford Blaa offers this to discerning customers”.

The story of the Blaa goes back to the 1690’s, when the French Huguenots arrived in Ireland introducing white flour and their baking skills. Over 300 years later, it remains a firm stable, not just of the Waterford diet, but of thousands of Irish diaspora scattered throughout the world. 

Currently the Blaa Baker’s Association is working on a joint marketing initiative to raise awareness of the blaa’s esteemed PGI status and continues to explore new export markets for the now, not so humble blaa!

Metalman points the way for new businesses

There has probably never been a better time to set up your own business in Ireland. 

Organisations like the Local Enterprise Offices and Enterprise Ireland are constantly supporting and rewarding new businesses as they take the plunge.

This is why it is extremely appropriate for Grainne Walsh of Metalman Brewing to give her ‘Top Ten Tips for new businesses’ on Thursday November 27^th. 

Following on from the success of these lunches with speakers such as Des Whelan of WLR fm, Louise Grubb of Q1 Scientific, Ronan Mulligan of Mulligan’s Pharmacies and John Noonan of Flahavans, Grainne’s tips are sure to be eagerly received by Waterford’s business people and start-ups alike.

These ‘Top Ten lunches’ are a series of networking events on the theme of ‘my Top Ten Business Tips’ delivered by successful local business people and occurring once per month. Each lunch will outline a speakers’ views on a specific topic and take place in the Bistro in the Tower Hotel from 12.30pm to 2pm.

Born of a desire to see more beer produced by independent brewers in Ireland, Metalman Brewing is the brain-child of a couple of beer enthusiasts (Grainne Walsh and Tim Barber) who were frustrated by the lack of availability and choice of flavoursome, authentically Irish beer. Inspired by some of the other small Irish brewers, they eventually decided to try and help do something about it.

The first beer, Metalman Pale Ale, was brewed under contract at the White Gypsy Brewery in Templemore, and launched in March 2011 to a great reception. The Waterford brewery was commissioned at the Tycor Business Centre and production was moved across in May 2012.

The name of the brewery is inspired by a navigational aid on the Waterford coast. The figure of the Metal Man was erected in 1823 after a military transport ship called the Sea Horse was wrecked off the Tramore coast, resulting in a significant loss of life. The Metal Man stands on one of three pillars overlooking the bay, his purpose to guide seafarers, and keep them on their true course.

The cost of these events is just €8.50, this is for the cost of the lunch alone.  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

Home Instead advises "Keep seniors warm and safe this Winter"

Forecasters are predicting that Ireland is set for its coldest winter in years and Home Instead Senior Care is advising that preparations be made to help seniors deal with the big freeze.

With sub-zero temperatures and heavy snowfall set to grip Ireland over the next few months, Danette Connolly, Director of Care with Home Instead Waterford, says that there are some useful tips and practices that can be put in place to ensure our senior relatives, friends and neighbours stay warm, safe and cared for this winter.

“We are an ageing population with over 10% of people aged over 65 and at risk of poverty.  We have a duty of care to our ageing parents, grandparents and neighbours and by looking after their interests this winter, we can help alleviate the hardship that comes with a particularly severe winter.”

“By regularly visiting the home of a senior person, one should be able to identify the areas that can be improved.  For example, make sure the house is well stocked with the essentials, such as batteries for the smoke alarm, medicines, particularly repeat prescriptions and plenty of tinned fruit and veg and non-perishables such as pasta and rice.”

Ms. Connolly advised that encouraging our senior relatives to wear several thin layers of clothes, instead of one heavy layer and to keep all internal windows and door closed to keep heat in, will keep them warmer longer throughout the day

“It is crucial that seniors eat regular hot meals, as the body keeps warm by burning the food we eat.  Porridge is an excellent source of nutrients, it’s quick and easy to prepare and fuels the body for hours.”

Other tips include:

• De – ice pathways of snow and ice using salt or sand
• Clear pathways of wet leaves, which pose a trip hazard
• Keep all emergency / contact numbers close at hand
• Block draughts and keep curtains closed at night to retain heat
• Ensure electrical devices are unplugged at night

Ms. Connolly continued “Many older people can feel vulnerable as the evenings are much darker, colder and longer.  Please, when possible, visit your older relatives and neighbours.  Sometimes, bringing a gift such as a bale of briquettes or doing a grocery shop for them can be much more practical and useful than bringing a box of chocolates.”

This winter, if you are concerned about the welfare of a senior family relative or neighbor, visit www.homeinstead.ie or call Home Instead Senior Care on 051 333966.  Home Instead Senior Care can provide advice on the best solutions to looking after our seniors. 

Home Instead also offers an array of senior care services such as light housekeeping and laundry, meal preparation, transport and companionship, up to and including personal care, dementia care, post hospital care and disability care.

Fund Recs co-founder through to National IBYE final.

A young Waterford entrepreneur has won a place at the first ever national final of Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneur (IBYE) competition, for a chance to share a €100,000 investment fund.

Padraig O’Scanaill of Fund Recs will represent the Munster region in the Best Start-up category at the national final in Dublin this December and has already won €20,000 worth of investment from Waterford Local Enterprise Office.

Founded in 2013, Fund Recs provides cloud based software to the Investment Funds Industry, targeting a need for disruptive technology to automate the manual reconciliation of data and deliver streamlined workflows. Not even a year in business, Fund Recs already works with a Top 5 Global Bank, a FTSE 100 company and a globally renowned independent securities depository.

Originally from Ballyvourney, Co. Cork, Padraig graduated from UL and after several years working in Limerick, Galway and Dublin came to Waterford and volunteered as a CoderDojo mentor.  Padraig now regards Tramore as home.

Speaking of the IBYE journey, Padraig was delighted with the company’s progress in the competition. “The competition has been a fantastic experience for me personally and also for the company.  The starting point was being accepted onto the local IBYE programme, where we received mentoring and attended intensive business bootcamps.”

“I thought winning the Best Start-up category in the Waterford final was a major achievement, particularly in the face of such tough competition.  However going on to win the Munster regional final was tremendous. Representing Munster in the National Finals has focused so much positive attention on the business.  That, coupled with the support received from Waterford LEO has given our business invaluable exposure, funding, networking opportunities and potential to grow.”

Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneur competition is an integral part of the Action Plan for Jobs 2014 and is supported by the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation through the 31 Local Enterprise Offices around the country. 

Mr. Ciaran Cullen, LEO Waterford said, “It is very fitting that Padraig will go on to represent Munster in the national final in December.  Over 1,000 businesses entered from every county in Ireland and the competition was intense.  Padraig’s company Fund Recs develops cloud based reconciliation software and was recognised for its strong concept, innovative nature, originality and international growth potential.”  

“We are delighted to support Padraig and his company, which is testament to the entrepreneurial spirit in Waterford.  Business challenges and business opportunities are breeding start-ups, like Fund Recs.  Locally, there is a wealth of talent, intellect and vision, all combined with sound business acumen, which is ensuring that we see more young innovative companies like Padraig’s start, grow and flourish in Waterford.”

For all the latest news and updates about the Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneur competition, visit www.ibye.ie, www.localenterprise.ie or search #TeamWaterford or #IBYE on social media.