Latest news with #Cork-based
Irish Examiner
2 days ago
- Business
- Irish Examiner
The Fota Collection reveals two senior appointments
The Fota Collection has promoted Fergal Harte to group hotel general manager; it has also appointed John O'Flynn as general manager, group strategy, as the Cork-based hotel group's ambitious growth plans. Fergal Harte has been GM of The Kingsley for the past decade. Now, as group hotel general manager of the Fota Collection, he will oversee the almost 800 full-time and part-time employees and overall operations. This is exclusive subscriber content. Already a subscriber? Sign in Take us with you this summer. Annual €130€65 Best value Monthly €12€6 / month
Irish Independent
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
‘An easy fix' – tattoo artist offers to change digit in Cork fan's premature ink
Studio owner Darragh Murphy said the tattoo was 'only a bit of craic' and offered to change the '25 to '26 A hurling fan who got an 'All-Ireland Champions 2025' tattoo days before Cork were humbled by Tipperary at Croke Park has been offered the chance to change a digit as a vote of future confidence in his beloved Rebels. Michael John Murphy (37) from Mayfield got the tattoo when Passage West studio Skint Tattoo offered a promotion with specific Cork-based inkings being offered for free earlier this month.
Irish Examiner
3 days ago
- Business
- Irish Examiner
SYS Financial acquires Cork-based Qifa Financial Planners and Wicklow firm Efficient Financial
Advisory firm SYS Financial has acquired Co Cork financial planning practice Qifa Financial Planners and Wicklow-based Efficient Financial, bringing overall assets under management to €650m. Qifa Financial Planners is based in Mallow with clients right across Ireland. The firm was founded by current managing director, Sean Lynch, in 2006 and manages €76m in client assets. Efficient Financial was established in Arklow by Henry Crummy in 1976 and has since been succeeded by his sons, Harry and Derek. The firm manages €50m in client assets. Mr Lynch and Harry Crummy will move into senior roles at SYS. 'Joining SYS Financial marks an exciting new chapter for Qifa Financial Planners, our team, and our clients,' said Mr Lynch. With further acquisitions planned for 2025, SYS Financial expects to grow its assets under management to over €1bn by the end of the year. 'This is a landmark moment for SYS Financial as we welcome two highly respected firms into the group. Qifa Financial Planners and Efficient Financial bring outstanding reputations, deep client relationships, and decades of expertise to the table. These acquisitions strengthen our presence in key regional markets and reinforce our ambition to be the leading provider of client-focused financial planning in Ireland,' said SYS Financial chief executive Tony Delaney. Efficient Financial director Harry Crummy said joining SYS Financial will give the firm access to 'enhanced resources, cutting-edge technology, and broader expertise'. Founded in 2015, SYS Financial is headquartered in Nenagh and has offices nationally including in Cork, Dublin, and Waterford, offering financial solutions for employers, individuals, families, and private wealth clients. The company has a client list of more than 8,000. In March 2023, SYS acquired Dublin-based Donald P McKenna & Associates for an undisclosed sum, while May 2024 SYS acquired Cork-based Global Life & Finance, which was founded in 2000 by Seamus Fox. Last month, SYS launched an expanded private health insurance advisory service, focusing on businesses amid rising health insurance premiums.
Irish Times
16-07-2025
- Business
- Irish Times
Sinn Féin blames ‘human error' for SuperValu gaffe
Sinn Féin has blamed 'human error' for three party TDs incorrectly referring to Irish supermarket chain SuperValu as being part of a US company. During a Dáil debate on supermarket profits last week, the party's finance spokesman Pearse Doherty as well as TD Paul Donnelly named US firm United Natural Foods as the parent of SuperValu. Another TD, Máire Devine, claimed an increase in 'SuperValu's stock by nearly 61 per cent' in an apparent reference to the performance of United Natural Foods shares. While United Natural Foods owns a SuperValu chain in the US, it is not connected to the Irish business. SuperValu in Ireland is owned by Cork-based Musgrave. It is not listed on any stock exchange. [ Who owns SuperValu? Don't ask Sinn Féin Opens in new window ] A Sinn Féin spokesman put the gaffe down to 'human error,' while adding that it should have been caught before the debate took place. It is understood that a Sinn Féin staff member searched for SuperValu in Google Finance and incorrectly took the result tied to United Natural Foods. The mistake threatened to undermine the party's points during the debate around food prices, which have continued to rise even as wider inflation has slowed. Consumer prices rose 1.8 per cent in June, according to Central Statistics Office data, down from 2.2 per cent in April and less than half the 4.1 per cent increase in January 2024. Still food prices are up sharply. [ Grocery prices now climbing by more than 5% new figures show Opens in new window ] The price of groceries in supermarkets rose 5.3 per cent in the 12 weeks to the end of June, according to Kantar Worldpanel. Over the course of a year, price inflation of 5 per cent will add close to €400 to a typical household's grocery spend. In a sign that shoppers are becoming more price conscious, the Kantar data showed that spending on promotional offers rose 17.6 per cent. SuperValu has a 20.3 per cent share of the Irish supermarket sector, trailing Dunnes Stores and Tesco.
Irish Independent
16-07-2025
- Health
- Irish Independent
Cork City Marathon 2025 breaks fundraising records with over €307,000 raised for Irish charities
The Cork City Marathon 2025 has crossed a new finish line—raising more than €307,673 for charities and community organisations across Ireland, making it a record-breaking year for the annual event. Donations were made by more than 9,400 supporters, who rallied behind friends, family, and colleagues running in the full marathon, half marathon, and 10k races on Sunday, June 1. The result is a powerful show of generosity that will benefit dozens of causes across health, wellbeing, and community support sectors. After almost doubling the amounts fundraised last year, the Cork City Marathon has reinforced its role as more than just a sporting event—it's a powerful engine for change and community impact. Among the top beneficiaries this year were Breakthrough Cancer Research, Marymount University Hospice, Pieta, and the Irish Cancer Society, each receiving five-figure sums. Cork-based charities featured strongly, with substantial funds raised for Cork ARC Cancer Support House, The Mercy Hospital Foundation, CUH Charity, The Rainbow Club Cork Centre for Autism, and Iris House Cork Cancer Support. Other well-supported Cork causes included Enable Ireland, Cork Mental Health Foundation, Cork Simon Community, and Sanctuary Runners, who brought vibrant local representation to the race. Nationally, much-needed support also went to the Alzheimer Society of Ireland, Breast Cancer Ireland, Irish Heart Foundation, Epilepsy Ireland, Diabetes Ireland, Jack and Jill Children's Foundation, Ronald McDonald House Charities, and Mental Health Ireland, along with services like BUMBLEance, Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind, and Make-A-Wish Ireland. From cancer research and mental health to paediatric care, disability services, hospice care, and suicide prevention, the sheer range of causes supported is a testament to the deeply personal reasons that inspired thousands to take part in this year's event. Race Director Eamon Hayes praised the community spirit behind the figures: 'Every year, we are humbled by the kindness and determination shown by our runners and their supporters, and 2025 has been our most impactful yet. Mr Hayes continued: 'Whether running in memory of a loved one, in solidarity with a cause, or to give back to a service that's helped them, these fundraising efforts are at the heart of what makes the Cork City Marathon so special. 'It's not just a race. It's a platform for hope, solidarity, and genuine impact in our own communities,' he added. Donations continue to come in, but the figures already confirm 2025 as a record-breaking year for the marathon, whose campaign #YourRaceTheirHope really hit home. Early registration for the 2026 Cork City Marathon on Sunday, May 31 went on sale last week and are selling extremely fast this year. For more information, visit
