Saturday, December 25, 2010
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Power tools top the most unwanted Christmas Present list
Diy fanatics will be in a minority this festive season, as power tools have been voted the least wanted Christmas present this year. According to the new survey by TNS on behalf of online bidding site ebay.ie, power tools were the lowest rated gifts.
The survey also found that the most wanted Christmas gifts include clothes, shoes and accessories. In second place in the most wanted list are gift vouchers, which will entitle the recipient to pick whatever gift they like. After this, gadgets and books came on the most popular list.
When it comes down to who does the Christmas shopping, eBay discovered that 41 per cent of men lump their lists onto their partners. Looking at single people, 80 per cent of women do their shopping by themselves, as opposed to 29 per cent of men. One in ten men wait until Christmas week before they begin their shopping.
Meanwhile, men are most likely to reject the gift of a trip away with 43 per cent of men saying they don’t like the idea. The survey also reveals that women are 70 per cent more likely to cover jewellery than men.
Before the present buying rush, the survey found that 27 per cent of Irish people drop hints to what present they want, along with the 11 per cent of people who are willing to go out and buy their gifts themselves. When it comes to online shopping, 53 per cent of people will be using the internet to buy their presents.
Ruth Szyszkowski of eBay says the reasons that people are moving to buying presents online are obvious.
“With fantastic savings and unparalleled choice available, it comes as no surprise that 37 per cent of Irish people intend on doing more Christmas Shopping online this year than ever before. Nearly one in four people plan on shopping less in local shopping districts and that’s because online shopping relieves the stress and purse pinching often associated with Christmas.”
The survey also found that the most wanted Christmas gifts include clothes, shoes and accessories. In second place in the most wanted list are gift vouchers, which will entitle the recipient to pick whatever gift they like. After this, gadgets and books came on the most popular list.
When it comes down to who does the Christmas shopping, eBay discovered that 41 per cent of men lump their lists onto their partners. Looking at single people, 80 per cent of women do their shopping by themselves, as opposed to 29 per cent of men. One in ten men wait until Christmas week before they begin their shopping.
Meanwhile, men are most likely to reject the gift of a trip away with 43 per cent of men saying they don’t like the idea. The survey also reveals that women are 70 per cent more likely to cover jewellery than men.
Before the present buying rush, the survey found that 27 per cent of Irish people drop hints to what present they want, along with the 11 per cent of people who are willing to go out and buy their gifts themselves. When it comes to online shopping, 53 per cent of people will be using the internet to buy their presents.
Ruth Szyszkowski of eBay says the reasons that people are moving to buying presents online are obvious.
“With fantastic savings and unparalleled choice available, it comes as no surprise that 37 per cent of Irish people intend on doing more Christmas Shopping online this year than ever before. Nearly one in four people plan on shopping less in local shopping districts and that’s because online shopping relieves the stress and purse pinching often associated with Christmas.”
Monday, December 20, 2010
SVP rely on 'rainy day funds' during Christmas period
The Regional President of Saint Vincent de Paul (SVP), Cork claims that the organisation is currently getting by on its ‘rainy day’ fund but will help everyone who seeks assistance. Brendan Dempsey said he was not sure if the other SVP offices around the country are facing the same problems, as they are all too busy to keep in constant contact.
“I’d say it’s the same in all regions, but I’m not sure. We won’t be meeting again until after the New Year because we’re so busy. The money should last us into the New Year. After that, we may have to rely on public donations.
For those who cannot give money, Mr Dempsey said the organisation would gladly accept volunteer time.
Mr Dempsey said that the recent half a tonne free cheese that was delivered to SVP Cork was out of stock by 4pm on the day that it arrived.
“We were absolutely blown away by the amount of people who were looking for the cheese. The half a tonne we ordered was gone only a few hours after it came in. We’ve ordered a new batch and we’re still waiting for that to come in.”
Mr Dempsey, a retired lorry driver, said that the future of Ireland is at risk and the current Government is not doing enough to save it.
“Just the other day a third year student in the university came in to us saying that he has to drop out of college because he couldn’t afford it any more. He was unsure about what the future holds for him and his face was pure white when I was talking to him.
“There are thousands of students missing out on becoming doctors, dentists and whatever else the university in Cork offers.
“Young people like that young man will have to become lorry drivers like me. That wasn’t what was supposed to happen. This generation was supposed to have it different to mine. They were supposed to have it better.”
Mr Dempsey went on to say that politicians didn’t do enough to help prevent the social injustices.
“The government didn’t do enough to help people. Most of them are gutless, toothless and useless. We elected them and we elected their opposition. The only real opposition to the social injustices that were going on was the media.
“The only politician that springs to mind that really helped Cork was the last Lord Mayor, Dara Murphy. He got up and came out and talked to the people on the street. He was great.”
Mr Dempsey said that SVP Cork is still searching for more volunteers, who would volunteer for two to three hours a week.
“We would train them up and then they would take part in some of the activities we organise. We do prison visitations, meals on wheels, help the homeless and we have around 18 shops throughout the city and county.”
To volunteer with SVP Cork, phone 021-4270444 or visit the base at Ozanam House, 2 Tuckey Street.
“I’d say it’s the same in all regions, but I’m not sure. We won’t be meeting again until after the New Year because we’re so busy. The money should last us into the New Year. After that, we may have to rely on public donations.
For those who cannot give money, Mr Dempsey said the organisation would gladly accept volunteer time.
Mr Dempsey said that the recent half a tonne free cheese that was delivered to SVP Cork was out of stock by 4pm on the day that it arrived.
“We were absolutely blown away by the amount of people who were looking for the cheese. The half a tonne we ordered was gone only a few hours after it came in. We’ve ordered a new batch and we’re still waiting for that to come in.”
Mr Dempsey, a retired lorry driver, said that the future of Ireland is at risk and the current Government is not doing enough to save it.
“Just the other day a third year student in the university came in to us saying that he has to drop out of college because he couldn’t afford it any more. He was unsure about what the future holds for him and his face was pure white when I was talking to him.
“There are thousands of students missing out on becoming doctors, dentists and whatever else the university in Cork offers.
“Young people like that young man will have to become lorry drivers like me. That wasn’t what was supposed to happen. This generation was supposed to have it different to mine. They were supposed to have it better.”
Mr Dempsey went on to say that politicians didn’t do enough to help prevent the social injustices.
“The government didn’t do enough to help people. Most of them are gutless, toothless and useless. We elected them and we elected their opposition. The only real opposition to the social injustices that were going on was the media.
“The only politician that springs to mind that really helped Cork was the last Lord Mayor, Dara Murphy. He got up and came out and talked to the people on the street. He was great.”
Mr Dempsey said that SVP Cork is still searching for more volunteers, who would volunteer for two to three hours a week.
“We would train them up and then they would take part in some of the activities we organise. We do prison visitations, meals on wheels, help the homeless and we have around 18 shops throughout the city and county.”
To volunteer with SVP Cork, phone 021-4270444 or visit the base at Ozanam House, 2 Tuckey Street.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
An Focal wins TV3 award
I'm delighted to say that my friend, Finn McDuffie has won the TV3 Student Newspaper of the Year on Tonight with Vincent Browne. Finn has worked very hard with the paper and I'm proud to say that I was his campaign manager to get elected to his position. Undoubtedly, there will be a party in UL to celebrate the award.
Finn called me a few hours before it was announced to tell me the news. He has no idea who nominated him and he's still getting over the news. You can now follow him on twitter here. To view past editions of An Focal, click on the link in the masthead.
Congratulations on a well deserved award, Finn.
Finn called me a few hours before it was announced to tell me the news. He has no idea who nominated him and he's still getting over the news. You can now follow him on twitter here. To view past editions of An Focal, click on the link in the masthead.
Congratulations on a well deserved award, Finn.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Insight into: Corrective Eye Surgery
In September, I took the trek up to Dublin to see how soon I could get the surgery done. Imagine my disappointment when I was told my eyesight was too bad to get normal, run-of-the-mill laser surgery. I was told I would have to get phakic lens implants into my eyes, which would have to be clipped in with microscopic metal clips. After days of contemplating it and even looking up the surgery on youtube to see how bad it is, I decided to take the leap and get it done. Anything would be better than having this kind of eyesight for the rest of my life.
It took the lenses that they would put inside my eyes eight weeks to be made and delivered, so for the last two weeks of the semester one I wasn’t allowed to wear contacts, which I hated having to do. Let me just tell you how much I hate my glasses. They were thinned down as much as they can be and they still look like the bottom of milk bottoms. When I was in national school, my blonde hair didn’t help matters and I gained the nickname the Milkybar Kid, even if I thought I looked more like that kid from Jerry Maguire, if I do say so myself. Last Halloween I stirred things up by donning a cowboy outfit and packets of the white chocolate, just to have a laugh. I started using contacts when I was 15 and never looked back.
Three days before Christmas, I packed my bags to get my right eye done in the Mater Private Hospital. I was under the care of Professor Michael O’Keefe, who has many articles on the internet about eye care and who is regarded internationally as one of the best. I had to pack a nightgown and slippers, as I would be recovering in the hospital for the afternoon, after I wake up from the anaesthetic. I was given more eye drops and forms to fill out than I could count, but following that, I was given my hospital gown and wheeled into the anaesthetic room. After a few minutes of nervous waiting, the nurse put those curious sticky pads on my chest and connected my to a monitor, where I had a good look at my heart rate, naturally not having a clue what it meant.
Then came the nasty little needle the nurse stuck in my hand, so that the other syringes that would undoubtedly follow could just attach onto. The anaesthetist then stuck in an injection to make me happy. It worked. Last thing I remember before going off to the land of sleep is talking utter rubbish about how much I love college and how I’d been having a rough time lately. I told that poor nurse more gossip and feelings than I would tell good friends. I would imagine she was delighted when she could knock me out with the general anaesthetic. Then I fell into a deep sleep.
I woke up a few hours later in the recovery room. The first thing I noticed was the strange feeling in my right eye. It was covered in a few layers of gauze and what felt like anti-bacterial goop. I kept constantly waking up and falling asleep and continued to talk rubbish until I was given tea, toast and a new batch of eyedrops. I was then wheeled upstairs to the eyecare part of the hospital where the bandage was taken off and to my surprise, I could actually see. There were even more drops put in my eye and it was examined. The doctor seemed very happy with the progress, before asking me to read down the dreaded optometrist’s chart. Without any lenses, normally all I could see was a white board; I wouldn’t have even been able to see the outline of the letters. I was overwhelmed to be able to even see the letters, let alone make it down as far as the fourth last line on a very long chart. Who would have ever imagine reading letters would be such a huge novelty?
So, with stitches in my eye and enough eye drops to last me a long time I went home. Two weeks later I returned to get the left eye done, which was a very similar experience. The help and support offered by all the staff in the Mater Private Hospital was fantastic. It’s amazing how calm I remained during the time I spent there. I cannot thank them enough for what they have done for me and how much they have changed my life.
At the time I am writing this, I have a few more visits to the hospital ahead of me, mostly just check-ups, but also to get these pesky stitches out of my eye, but I’m looking forward to it. The days of me being blind and having my eyesight restrict what I do are over. I could not recommend this surgery or the Mater private enough for what they have done. Have no fear of the surgery, just do it and don’t look back. I know I won’t.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Free for all
A price war that has erupted between Ryanair and Irish Rail could see an increase in Cork business tourism. Irish Rail is exploring the possibility of offering free tickets on the Cork - Dublin route, after Ryanair began offering its customers one-way flights from Cork to Dublin for €10, including taxes and charges. Irish Rail has already started offering commuters on the Galway - Dublin route free fares, only charging €2 for online booking
The company says it will consider introducing free fares on the Cork – Dublin route if the scheme proved successful.
The possibility of free fares to Cork could work wonders for Cork’s business tourism, which has been identified as having major potential for the Munster region. However, regional air travel subsidies may be one target for Government cutbacks in next month’s Budget
Programme Manager at Cork Marketing Partnership, Liz McAvoy said that the more options people have of coming to Cork, the more likely they are to come.
“We’re delighted to hear that Irish Rail are considering this initiative. The more competition there is the better. We need to get as much connectivity as possible. The customer needs choice. We all rely on it.
“This is very good news from a Cork perspective. Any promotion that entices people who may not usually be interested in coming to Cork to come is a good thing, whether it is by rail, air, ferry or road.”
Cork Convention Bureau has already taken steps to get more business tourism from abroad with a week-long drive in the UK.
The County Mayor, Jim Daly and Lord Mayor of Cork, Michael O’Connell are leading the week-long UK hunt for business tourism to Cork.
General Manager of Cork Convention Bureau, Evelyn O’Sullivan said that there are plenty of opportunities for Cork to benefit from business tourism.
“With over 55 direct access routes from the UK and Europe and the value and selection to be had in our regional venues, Cork is a very attractive proposition to UK and European buyers; we just need to communicate this directly to them, which is why this event is so important.”
Cork Convention Bureau’s Honorary Chairman, Seamus Heaney said he is happy that transport agencies are offering cheap Cork transportation.
“Anything that gives cheaper access routes to Cork will be hugely beneficial, whether it is air transport or rail transport.
“We hope that the people that are attracted to visit Cork with the cheaper fares will become regulars to the city and will enjoy the city as a clean, varied and friendly destination.”
Mr Heaney also said that the Cork Convention Bureau’s UK visit is going well so far.
“We have been getting very good feedback from the drive so far. I think we will see the benefits of this trip will be seen for years.
“We are very grateful to Cork County and City Councils as well. The fact that we can send our mayors to the UK for the week shows that Cork is serious about attracting business tourism.”
The company says it will consider introducing free fares on the Cork – Dublin route if the scheme proved successful.
The possibility of free fares to Cork could work wonders for Cork’s business tourism, which has been identified as having major potential for the Munster region. However, regional air travel subsidies may be one target for Government cutbacks in next month’s Budget
Programme Manager at Cork Marketing Partnership, Liz McAvoy said that the more options people have of coming to Cork, the more likely they are to come.
“We’re delighted to hear that Irish Rail are considering this initiative. The more competition there is the better. We need to get as much connectivity as possible. The customer needs choice. We all rely on it.
“This is very good news from a Cork perspective. Any promotion that entices people who may not usually be interested in coming to Cork to come is a good thing, whether it is by rail, air, ferry or road.”
Cork Convention Bureau has already taken steps to get more business tourism from abroad with a week-long drive in the UK.
The County Mayor, Jim Daly and Lord Mayor of Cork, Michael O’Connell are leading the week-long UK hunt for business tourism to Cork.
General Manager of Cork Convention Bureau, Evelyn O’Sullivan said that there are plenty of opportunities for Cork to benefit from business tourism.
“With over 55 direct access routes from the UK and Europe and the value and selection to be had in our regional venues, Cork is a very attractive proposition to UK and European buyers; we just need to communicate this directly to them, which is why this event is so important.”
Cork Convention Bureau’s Honorary Chairman, Seamus Heaney said he is happy that transport agencies are offering cheap Cork transportation.
“Anything that gives cheaper access routes to Cork will be hugely beneficial, whether it is air transport or rail transport.
“We hope that the people that are attracted to visit Cork with the cheaper fares will become regulars to the city and will enjoy the city as a clean, varied and friendly destination.”
Mr Heaney also said that the Cork Convention Bureau’s UK visit is going well so far.
“We have been getting very good feedback from the drive so far. I think we will see the benefits of this trip will be seen for years.
“We are very grateful to Cork County and City Councils as well. The fact that we can send our mayors to the UK for the week shows that Cork is serious about attracting business tourism.”
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Say cheese!
A total of 58 Cork charities have received over 18 tonnes of cheese this week as the Government’s free cheese scheme is rolled out around the country. In Cork, the voluntary organisations collected the cheese at Orchard Warehousing, Cobh Cross and Colso Enterprises, Togher.
The President of Saint Vincent de Paul in Cork, Brendan Dempsey, said there is much demand in Cork for the free cheese, saying he already has a list of around 65 to 70 people that are looking for it.
“People are delighted to be getting the cheese. We have had an incredible amount of people calling in to see if they can get it. I have a big list of clients that are looking for the cheese.
“Of course people will be embarrassed. People are always embarrassed when they ask for help, but people have to ask or help when there are children going to bed hungry, and there are plenty of children going to bed hungry in Cork.”
Mr Dempsey said that he has spoken with many people around Cork who are under pressure to save money that are looking forward to their free cheese.
“I met one family who have to survive for the rest of the month on €120. That’s €120 for a mother, father and child. When I called over to them they were eating dry pasta. “In the last few months, I have never seen as many grown men coming into Saint Vincent de Paul crying. We’ve had to put tissues in our rooms. People are under huge amounts of pressure. Some people may scoff when it comes to the free cheese, but some people really will appreciate it.”
However, Sinn Fein councillor, Henry Cremin blasted the scheme, saying that he was “fuming” when he first heard of it.
“I thought it was a joke when it came out a few weeks ago. A few people called me as well and asked if the Government was serious.
“What they should have done was give out hampers or reinstate the Christmas bonus. If they did that, the money would be going right back into the local economy. People don’t hold on to their Christmas bonus. They spend it.”
Cllr Cremin also said that not everyone who was given the cheese would get the full benefit of it.
The President of Saint Vincent de Paul in Cork, Brendan Dempsey, said there is much demand in Cork for the free cheese, saying he already has a list of around 65 to 70 people that are looking for it.
“People are delighted to be getting the cheese. We have had an incredible amount of people calling in to see if they can get it. I have a big list of clients that are looking for the cheese.
“Of course people will be embarrassed. People are always embarrassed when they ask for help, but people have to ask or help when there are children going to bed hungry, and there are plenty of children going to bed hungry in Cork.”
Mr Dempsey said that he has spoken with many people around Cork who are under pressure to save money that are looking forward to their free cheese.
“I met one family who have to survive for the rest of the month on €120. That’s €120 for a mother, father and child. When I called over to them they were eating dry pasta. “In the last few months, I have never seen as many grown men coming into Saint Vincent de Paul crying. We’ve had to put tissues in our rooms. People are under huge amounts of pressure. Some people may scoff when it comes to the free cheese, but some people really will appreciate it.”
However, Sinn Fein councillor, Henry Cremin blasted the scheme, saying that he was “fuming” when he first heard of it.
“I thought it was a joke when it came out a few weeks ago. A few people called me as well and asked if the Government was serious.
“What they should have done was give out hampers or reinstate the Christmas bonus. If they did that, the money would be going right back into the local economy. People don’t hold on to their Christmas bonus. They spend it.”
Cllr Cremin also said that not everyone who was given the cheese would get the full benefit of it.
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