Issue 42. Are you on the list?

Good Morning and Welcome,

To issue No.42: This week, A chance to save a pub and start a marriage. What more do you want?

South Kerry by the numbers:

• 37.4: mm of rain fell on the Valentia Observatory on the 4th of Jan. That’s 20% of the expected rainfall for the month, in a day.

• 8: (only 8?) Days with over 10mm of rain were recorded.

• 198.8: mm of rain fell throughout the month of January.

First, a word from this week’s sponsor

All are welcome at the very first meeting of the Skellig Coast Beekeepers Association, I’m going & haven’t even got any bees. Any questions contact Denis on 0872382665

Join Louise to honour the incoming Spring energy, a chance for you to start afresh with your hopes and plans for 2025.

This unique experience blends supported yoga poses with the soulful resonance of live cello. Each piece of music has been carefully selected to support the experience of the pose. We’ll explore how supported restful poses, breathwork, and music can help ground and nourish you. You’ll be ready to enter Spring with renewed energy and hope.

Hot drinks, and delicious cakes & snacks are also included.

Well worth it for the cakes alone I’ve heard. Book here.

Ads now €20 p/week for the close season.

There is nothing which has yet been contrived by man, by which so much happiness is produced as by a good tavern.

Samuel Johnson, who wrote the first dictionary, knows his onions, like.

What better tavern could there be, than one run by its community?

The good people of Forbairt na Dromoda Teo are hoping to rescue & run this one, but they need our help.

For a bit of history (lifted directly from the gofundme) Cillín Liath which is one of Ireland’s newest villages had its inception many years ago with the foundation of a national school (Scoil Náisiúnta Chillín Liath) in 1973, it remained just this for many years with the community having no access to community facilities for its people or its youth. In the late 1980s, the O’Connor family of Toorsaleen came up with the idea of building a pub/foodstore for the people of Dromid and hence began the birth of the Inny Tavern Bar & Foodstore.

The current owners of the Inny Tavern/Tábhairne na hÚine have decided to retire and the business has been up for sale for two years. They have decided to take the business off the market. The option to sell the licence and the building as a separate entity is now very much a real possibility. Having watched a community develop over the years, if this option comes to pass then the shop and pub steeped in history and folklore of 35 years will close.

Therefore the directors and management at Forbairt na Dromoda have decided to examine the possibility of purchasing one of Ireland’s few community owned pubs/shop. We have raised enough for a deposit to purchase the business and sourced a bank loan to add to this. However, there is a deficit to be made up and to that end, we wish to appeal to our community and our diaspora at home and abroad to help us succeed.

That’s where we come in dear Oracler’s, donate here. To those cleaning living amongst us who feel that we have enough pubs, I refer you to one of our finest literary minds, a frequent frequenter of such establishments;

When things go wrong and will not come right, Though you do the best you can, When life looks black as the hour of night – A pint of plain is your only man. Flann O’Brien/Myles na gCopaleen

We Should Celebrate the Open in Close Season.

Thanks to everyone who are still getting in touch. To all of you out and about this week, do call in to one of these brave businesses still serving our towns & villages.

Where’s missing? Add them by clicking below

It’s The Signs of South Kerry 🎺🎺🎺

Where’s this?

You drive past all the time, I’m certain of it

Congratulations to last weeks winners

• Mary O Sullivan 

• Áine Uí Bheoláin 

• David fitz 

Well done you three, mighty stuff!

Who will we put on the Skellig list?

The what?

On this day that’s full of love, I thought I’d take the chance to look back on a custom which began in the mid 1700's, the Skellig Lists.

In those days, marraige was banned during lent, so the early part of the year was a time for fervent matchmaking, South Kerry, as ever, made its own rules. The monks on the Skelligs used the Julian calendar, meaning lent happened later on the Skelligs, so if lent was fast approaching, you could still marry on the Skelligs.

A gossiper’s dream, the lists were made up of humourous verse focused on those still single, whom the community thought was about time they fixed that. A feeling, any single person will tell you, is very much alive today…

Here’s one from Cahersiveen in the 1940’s

Across the street lives a tradesman neat,

And he pounds and pounds all day.

He brings fresh life to the young housewife,

For he makes new soles they say.

A more coherent explanation & more examples can be found here.

So, time to polish up your funny bones and

No names please, if we get a good few, I’ll get a boat for them.

Auntie Agnes Can’t Help

If you don’t tell her your problems

The Oracle’s Nineteenth Cartoon

I don’t think I’ve seen a more accurate portrait. Bravo Tim!

Everything Else

• There’s a load of Valentines options, the Skellig coast have done a mighty job collating them all here

• NIGHTVISITING Songs, Tunes and Stories from the Hearth With Lisa Lambe, Eoghan Scott, Claire Sherry and Vincent Lynch and special guests - Danny O’Mahony ( Ballyduff) Ina O Keeffe, John O Keeffe, Cormac Dineen and a 23 piece choir. Portmagee Community Centre, next Saturday

• Sea Synergy have a beach clean tomorrow in Castlecove

• Foilmore Community Centre are hosting a fundraiser variety show for Filemore NS tonight from 7pm

• De Zeutons play at the Blind Piper tomorrow night

• There’s an Iveragh Jobs Fair in Colaiste Na Sceilge on Wednesday 19th of February from 11am to 1pm.

• There’s a Boston Tea Party fundraiser just been announced, for the Iveragh Eagles u16 girls team (there are no better women) in Caherdaniel Hall, 4/4, compulsory attendance for all subscribers. More here. You can see these mighty athletes in action on Sunday, over the water, kick-off 2.30

• St Finian’s, Waterville are looking for plastic pots for the greenhouse, I’m sure we all have a few spare

Looking for work?

MANAGER WANTED

Job Description: Manager – Sea Lodge Emergency Accommodation Centre

Position: Manager

Location: Sea Lodge Hotel, Waterville, Co. Kerry

Reports to: Clopen Capital Ltd / Property Owner

Employment Type: Full-Time

About the Role: The Manager of the Sea Lodge Emergency Accommodation Centre is responsible for the day-to-day operations, resident welfare, staff supervision, compliance, and financial management of the emergency accommodation facility. The role requires a hands-on approach to managing residents, ensuring safety, handling crisis situations, and maintaining a high standard of care and operational efficiency. The Manager will be the primary point of contact for government agencies, service providers, staff, and residents while ensuring compliance with International Protection Accommodation Services (IPAS) regulations and health & safety requirements. Key Responsibilities

1. Operations & Facility Management • Oversee the daily operations of the accommodation centre, ensuring all facilities are functioning properly. • Manage maintenance issues, ensuring repairs are completed promptly. • Ensure the building complies with health, safety, and fire regulations, conducting regular checks. • Oversee cleaning and sanitation protocols, ensuring high standards of hygiene. • Manage inventory and supplies, ensuring residents have access to essentials (e.g., bedding, hygiene products, food, and laundry facilities).

2. Resident Welfare & Crisis Management • Act as the main point of contact for residents, addressing concerns and resolving disputes. • Manage conflict resolution, including mediation between residents and handling escalated issues. • Ensure the supervision and safety of children, enforcing policies on parental responsibility. • Monitor resident well-being, referring medical or mental health concerns to appropriate services. • Maintain accurate records of incidents, complaints, and disciplinary actions.

3. Staff Supervision & Performance Management • Manage and support a team of night porters, cleaning staff, and administrative personnel. • Ensure all staff are Garda-vetted and properly trained in safeguarding, first aid, and emergency protocols. • Conduct staff scheduling, performance reviews, and training to maintain operational efficiency. • Provide guidance and support to staff in managing difficult situations with residents.

4. Compliance & Government Engagement • Ensure full compliance with IPAS guidelines and contractual obligations. • Manage resident registration and reporting, including monthly school returns and maintaining an accurate register. • Serve as the primary contact for Kerry County Council, Development Works, and Kerry Family Resource Centre regarding funding and resident support services. • Prepare for and manage government inspections, ensuring all documentation and processes meet required standards. • Ensure fire safety logs and pest control records are up to date.

5. Financial & Administrative Management • Oversee budgeting, invoicing, and expenses related to centre operations. • Manage financial reporting, ensuring public transport reimbursements for medical and IPO appointments are properly documented. • Work with the accountant to manage payroll, VAT returns, and supplier payments. • Ensure government reimbursement processes for emergency transport and other expenses are followed correctly.

6. Stakeholder & Community Engagement • Build and maintain relationships with local service providers, including healthcare professionals, schools, and NGOs. • Work with Tusla and child protection officers to ensure safeguarding policies are adhered to. • Advocate for resident needs while maintaining positive relationships with the local community.

7. Key Skills & Experience Required Essential: ✔ Experience in a management role within accommodation services, social care, or hospitality. ✔ Strong crisis management and conflict resolution skills. ✔ Experience in staff supervision, scheduling, and training. ✔ Knowledge of IPAS guidelines, safeguarding policies, and government reporting requirements. ✔ Ability to handle challenging situations with professionalism and empathy. ✔ Strong organizational, administrative, and financial management skills. ✔ Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. ✔ Comfortable working in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment. ✔ Knowledge of health & safety, fire safety, and property maintenance procedures. ✔ Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Email) and administrative software. Desirable: ➕ Experience working in asylum seeker accommodation, emergency housing, or social services. ➕ Familiarity with government funding and reimbursement processes. ➕ First Aid and Fire Safety training (or willingness to obtain certification). ➕ Experience managing community engagement and resident support services. ➕ Multilingual skills (an advantage but not required). Working Conditions & Expectations • Full-time role, requiring availability to handle emergency situations as needed. • Some evening and weekend work may be required based on operational needs. • On-call responsibilities for critical incidents or escalations. • Office is based on-site at the Sea Lodge Emergency Accommodation Centre in Waterville, Kerry. Salary & Benefits 💰 Salary: Competitive, based on experience. 🏥 Additional training & certifications provided as required. 🏡 On-site accommodation may be available if required. How to Apply To apply for this position, please send your CV and a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role to: [email protected]

Thanks

For those of you generous supporters of the Oracle, still no bonus article but many of you now have magnets, the rest are actually on the way next week. Hit reply to tell me what to write about.

If you have any ideas, events, suggestions, feedback, stories, characters, or dramas that you think should be in this email, just hit reply.

Good luck, be well, endless love

Dave

southkerryoracle.ie