The Café Roma at the heart of John Street will sadly be no more from June 3 next.

The fantastically family-run eaterie was a hugely popular spot for grub over the years and although it had been ‘takeaway’ only during the so-called Covid Pandemic it will always be remembered as a super eating house, a great food experience and last but not least, it boasted a warm and friendly staff. 

Typically gracious and ever thankful Daniela and Domenico of the Pesce family have sent their heartfelt thanks to customers, staff and suppliers for their support over the years.

The not so surprise closure comes hot on the heels of another local café, The Ground Floor, High Street, another house of food respected and loved by locals and visitors.

We say ‘no surprise’ because in the present climate there is very little if any security and Government back-up for small family businesses in particular while big brothers, Data Centres, international business giants, pharmaceuticals and others are bowed and cow-towed to.

At another time the corner shop, usually a family-run affair was the life and soul of local business. 

SUPERMARKETS STRIKE

That was until the supermarket hit cities and towns all over Ireland crushing the tried and trusted and went next door to closing the majority of favourite shopping spots.

Of course we have to accept change and it is inevitable that there will always be competition in the market place but we will have to ask the question: 

Is competition always fair as it is obvious that the big guns of the hyper and super market scene will naturally have more cash to splash by buying in bulk, which many smaller stores couldn’t or can’t do because of frugal purses.

Hence the super market rules the roost as bulk buying means cheaper prices and inevitably the death of family outlets.

Make no mistake about it, the supermarket won’t always be king either. 

That business has learned quickly how to get the best in the market by introducing pay as you go machines where customers can take their goods, pay for them, pack them and head into the day or night air.

SELF-SERVICE MACHINES

The self-service machines will, we suspect be the beginning of the end of a new form of shopping where it will be pay as you go throughout stores meaning that there will be little or no room for staff to keep the doors open by taking care of customers’ needs.

It will be self-service all the way with machines totting up the contents of shopping baskets and collecting the cash or cards (sadly, most likely a majority of the shoppers may be using cards).

We are not suggesting that anything like the former is the reason for casualties in the café and restaurant business but we are pointing the accusing finger at Government which has a habit of cushioning the road for big business while showing little or no respect or even interest for smaller shops.

LOSE ON THE ROUNDABOUTS

What Government and its allies may forget is that stores of all shapes and sizes attract business from locals and visitors to towns and cities throughout our country and what Revenue may gain on the swings it could well lose on the roundabouts.

Sadly, we do know that what we fondly call chippers have been struggling for some time. Even the big hitters in our capital city are finding things tough despite having excellent reputations for sit-down and takeaway food over the decades.

We will always have happy memories of sitting down to a steak, onions and chips in The Café Rome or ambling across John Street while dipping into a bag containing a beautifully crispy fish ‘n’ chips.

The world is changing and it is not our intention to encourage people to become Luddites. 

At the same time we should be careful what we wish for; do not accept changes that are foisted on us, remembering that the Governments of the world and wealthy power-mad tycoons across the Globe simply want to control us and how we live. Full stop.

IRISH PUB FAMOUS ACROSS THE WORLD

We know that many types of business are struggling, including our pubs, many of which have already perished.

The Irish Pub is famous across the world but if we are not careful we will be talking about all pubs in the past tense. 

That would be both sad and shameful and will be a real tragedy if we allow a collective closure to come to pass.

A few pints of porter and a fish ‘n’ chip on the way home!

We must do everything possible to protect The Irish Pub or else the time will come, sooner than we might think where we will be asking the damning question: Where would you get a few pints or a pudding supper?

The question may seem frivolous to some but I kid you not, it is worth mulling over.

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As I write, there are many workers in our city, county too whose jobs may be in jeopardy and they may not even realize it.

Here is what you have to do. When you complete your shopping in your local store/supermarket you can score what could be a winning goal by bringing your basket or trolley to a checkout that is manned or wo-manned and not to any self-service hub.

You will be striking a blow for fair play and respect by your action as it will mean one less customer scanning his or her own groceries at unmanned machines that I believe will cost many good people their jobs sooner rather than later.

Wouldn’t it be brilliant to save local jobs. It would be a hammer blow for greedy store bosses but more importantly it would be a super positive for the hard-working men and women, boys and girls too, most of whom serve Ireland’s shoppers so well.

And there is a little reward for yourself, the spoils of war maybe. 

By supporting staff members whose names you may not even know, you may be helping to keep work for the future for members of your own family, parents, brothers and sisters, sons and daughters, uncles and aunts.

Big store owners, many of whom by way of continuous price hikes, are easing to millionaires’ row and it seems they would begrudge workers even a small piece of the action.

Cleverly, these cunning owners started out with small numbers of unmanned money collectors but big business doesn’t think small, they have been and will be slipping more machines into their supermarkets.

Workers need to grab the bull by the horns, not tomorrow or the day after, but today, now; talk to their unions or if there is not one in their place of work they need to band together to fight the good fight for their livelihoods or they will rue any day that they dragged their feet.

There may be some decentskins who own giant stores and they just might thank local communities in which they trade by employing staff from the region that so often proves to be heir goldmine.

But I suspect that a majority may cut their costs leaving decent people high and dry.

The ball is in the court of the staff. It is vital that they show passion and determination to hold on to their jobs and it is so important too that they support each other in any campaign of conscience that, if won by workers will strengthen the hand of young job-seekers of the future.

It is up to all of us to support the store workers. Otherwise it won’t be too long until you get your pint of Guinness from a robot in local super pubs and no doubt hoteliers and all larger stores selling all kinds of everything will have a greedy eye on the way the cookie crumbles.

We can strike a blow for our fellow man and woman in the supermarket and other big businesses.

Should workers come out on the wrong side of this battle and fat cats get their way then no one’s job is safe for the future.

So, shoulders to the wheel must be the war cry. The job you save might well be your own or your son’s or daughter’s.

It would appear as if the gurus of big business view workers as a necessary evil. They would much prefer to think of all of us in the past.

People power can put a spanner in the works.

Big business can also be a winner. By kicking out machines instead of people they can earn the respect and support of local communities.

Blackjack is a world game of cards in which the object is to beat the dealer.

Nobody may want to beat anyone but raw deals should not be acceptable.

Meanwhile we should strive to support local business that for the most part tends to give a life to our local community.

Stores that give good service to our people and ensure that their prices are competitive with peripheral shops in local counties, in shop or online, deserve our custom.

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That is highlighted by 18 of our finest that are featured in Best of Ireland 2023. 

The annual publication provides a comprehensive guide to the best in the business in Ireland. 

In a coup for local tourism our businesses have been listed under the best that Ireland has to offer. 

Herewith the pride of the black & amber: Ballykeeffe Amphitheatre, Barrow’s Keep, Brewery Corner, Campagne Restaurant, Castlecomer Discovery Park, Cullintra House, Folkster, Kilkenny Design, Kyoto, Lux Boutique, Mimi Boutique, Nine Lives, Nóinín, Rive Gauche, Rollercoaster Records, Set Theatre, The Bula Bus and Zuni. 

The publication provides a comprehensive guide to classy restaurants, shops, venues, attractions, hotels and events.

Aisling Bea, starring in the recently released film Greatest Days is on the cover of the Best of Ireland magazine.

She shares details about her career in an in-depth interview before sharing Bea’s Best, her recommendations in Ireland. 

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For the woman who baked two beautiful iced cakes for his christening eats, drinks and lives for the kings of Merseyside soccer.

Ann Byrne of Collins Park, Callan is acknowledged as the Queen of Cakes in her native town.

For a lifetime she has been the go to for the finest of confectionary for births, birthdays, weddings and christenings.

Naturally it was Ann, fondly Nance who supplied the tasties for the christening of baby Noah Byrne, a two-year-old member of a proud Byrne Clan.

LIVERPOOL SUPPORTER

There wasn’t a mention of soccer on the icing on what proved to be delightfully tasty cakes.

But as is well known, Nance, proud mother of Shane and aunt of the baby’s mum Rachel has for a lifetime been a supporter of the Reds.

Noah was baptized by Fr Dan Carroll in St John O’Loughlin Memorial Church followed by a reception for 60 in the Club House Hotel, Patrick Street.

There were thumbs up for the happy baker from the lick-lickin’ guests, hear me.

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Andrew has enjoyed a stellar career of over 30 years and has held senior positions in some of Europe’s finest hotels and resorts including Mount Juliet, the Old Course St Andrew’s and Castlemartyr Resort. 

He joins the Xavier McAuliffe-owned Lyrath Estate from the world-famous Ashford Castle Estate, Cong, County Mayo. 

 “I am delighted to be returning to Kilkenny, my home town at such an exciting time for Lyrath Estate,” Andrew told Kilkenny Press.

“Following Xavier McAuliffe’s very significant investment in refurbishment and new product during the pandemic, the estate is now primed for a renewed focus on the guest experience. 

“I’ve been fortunate to work with some truly super teams and believe that when a hotel becomes a great place to work it tends to follow that it’s also a great place to stay. 

“Great hospitality is the essence of a memorable guest experience and we’re excited to deliver that at the wonderful Lyrath Estate”. 

Xavier McAuliffe added: “We are looking forward to working with Andrew, he has all the skills and experience we need to continue to offer the highest levels of service to our guests.  

“We pride ourselves in offering classic Irish hospitality and look forward to not just meeting our guests’ expectations but to exceed them. 

“We have made significant investments in the property over the last two years and have completely renovated all the bedrooms, built a new bedroom block and created a luxurious drawing room for afternoon tea.  

“These additions are part of our ambitious capital programme which will continue over the next few months. I wish Andrew well and know he will be a great inspiration to our hard-working team.”

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There is a range of learning opportunities for adults who wish to return to education, change career, up-skill or re-skill. 

Adults can learn at their own pace as they access courses from levels 1 to 6 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ). 

There are also opportunities for community and voluntary groups that wish to bring learning into their community. 

KCETB’s Adult Guidance Service can offer information and guidance on the range of further education and training courses and assistance with accessing available supports, including financial supports 

Orla Reddy, Adult Guidance Service 056-7764448 I orla.reddy@kkadulted.ie

The event also highlighted further education and training opportunities for people in employment, including a range of online courses. 

KCETB FET Solutions for Business can support employers to identify employees training needs, explore the range of government funded education and training options, design customised training (on/off site and in person/online). 

Currently, KCETB FET eCollege courses for employees include:

• Project Management
• Prince 2
• Information Technology
• Graphic Design
• Web Design
• Digital Marketing
• Software Development
• Basic Computer Literacy – ICDL
• Microsoft to Adobe and more

Contact: Gabrielle Carroll, KCETB FET Solutions for Business

087 3999972 I gabrielle.carroll@kilkennycarlowetb.ie 

KCETB FET is the smart choice for all

The post Start Your New Journey Today appeared first on Kilkenny Press.

Philip and Mary Cushen along with their daughter Miriam from Cushendale Woollen Mills have been nominated to represent Kilkenny at the National Enterprise Awards in the Mansion House, Dublin on June 2.

Cushendale Woollen Mills is the sixth generation of the family business and one of last remaining mills in Ireland that continues to operate as a vertical mill, working with the sheep’s fleece and processing it, all under the one roof.  

Cushendale has distinguishing characteristics by way of its rich and authentic heritage, using a distinctive process including traceability and sustainability and its ability to position itself in the bespoke luxury market.  

It also offers an authentic mill retail experience where visitors can view a range of exceptional textiles showcased against the backdrop of the historic mill. 

Cushendale has a strong Irish customer base and also export to Japan, whilst the US and Canadian markets have been growing significantly in recent times.  

LOCAL ENTERPRISE SUPPORT

Since the inception of the Local Enterprise Office and formerly the County Enterprise Boards, Cushendale Woollen Mills has been supported with grant assistance towards salary costs and capital investment. 

In recent times, it has also availed of the Trading Online Voucher Scheme to enhance its online presence and ecommerce website.  

The Technical Assistance for Micro-Exporters Grant has supported the business to attend international trade fairs and developing marketing material specifically for their targeted export markets. 

“Cushendale Woollen Mills will compete against 30 finalists from each Local Authority for a share of the €35,000 winner’s prize fund as national judging gets underway in May,” Fiona Deegan, Head of Enterprise with the Local Enterprise Office old Kilkenny Press  

“Categories include Best Export Business, Best Start-Up and Innovation, in addition to eight regional awards.  

“There are also two new National Enterprise Awards with a One to Watch award and a Sustainability/Green award. 

Run every year by the 31 Local Enterprise Offices in the Local Authorities Network, the National Enterprise Awards were set-up to celebrate the achievements of Ireland’s micro-enterprise sector. 

Previous national winners from Kilkenny include Mileeven, Mechanical Modular Solutions and MyBio. Further details about the supports available to local start-ups and small businesses at www.localenterprise.ie/kilkenny.

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Representing their club and team mates are Maggie Aylward, Conor Wall, Ellie Mae Aylward, Brian Wall. Evie Wall and Lucy Aylward 
Also in photo are Alan Wall, Damien Aylward, Phil Kenealy (Ecopower Director), John Joe Aylward and  Joe Walsh.

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A new partnership with BITS.ie signifies the start of their journey in terms of building and embedding the trusted business IT solutions firm’s brand in this marketplace.  

BITS will manage the IT for the club and help to further develop and evolve their IT strategy. 

The company HQ is in Smithlands Centre and has offices in Carlow’s Waterfront and at Dublin’s CityWest. 

Gavin Dixon, CEO of BITS.ie told Kilkenny Press: “We are delighted to support this great football club. 

“Shamrock Rovers is a very progressive club and that fits into what we’re also striving to achieve by working with businesses that want to progress using technology.

“The club has enjoyed a fantastic couple of seasons and we are looking forward to playing our part from the side-line in supporting them to further success.”

Denis Donohoe, Shamrock Rovers CEO, said BITS.ie had been supporting its IT development since late last year and it was a pleasure working with Gavin, Paul and all the team.  

“We’re delighted that they have chosen to support us in 2022 as our and we look forward to a great year together.”BITS.ie will provide Shamrock Rovers with back end functions such as technical support, security, licensing and further developing and evolving their IT strategy. This support is designed to provide greater efficiency and allows the club to focus on the game of soccer.”

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Expected price is at least €4.8million.

This profitable 3-star hotel comprises of 30 guest bedrooms and has recently been granted full planning permission for a 66-bedroom extension. 

This new extension will benefit from access to the newly opened St Francis Bridge that provides direct access to our city centre.

The hotel is a neighbour to St Canice’s Cathedral. The Kilkenny Inn is a short stroll to popular local nightlife, Smithwick’s Experience and Kilkenny Castle. 

The three-storey hotel was originally constructed in 2005. The 30 guest bedrooms have undergone a light refurbishment in recent years. 

The Kernel Bar & Restaurant is spread over two floors, offering two bars, serving residents and the public. 

The hotel also has a separate breakfast room and a popular meeting space within the Tower Suite.  There are 25 car spaces to the rear. 

In 2021, the hotel was granted full planning permission for a 66-bedroom four-storey extension and ground floor café outlet. 

This will increase the overall key count to 96 keys, once constructed and will provide a new landmark entrance on to the main route into the city and over St Francis Bridge.

Isobel Horan, Divisional Director, Cushman & Wakefield told Kilkenny Press

“We are delighted to be appointed on such an exciting opportunity. 

“It is rare that a profitable hotel of this nature comes to the open market with the exciting benefit of full planning permission for a 66-bedroom extension.”

Jack Fox, Associate, JLL said: “This is an exciting opportunity to acquire a significant existing and profitable hotel.

Viewing is by appointment with joint selling agents, Cushman & Wakefield & JLL

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