Warm welcome to new islanders and future good wishes

TINA Robinson is a lady who has in recent times re-located to the home place of her paternal roots. She and her partner Kevin Lynch have moved from Kilfenora in Co. Clare to Cooil Road, Valentia Island, with their two sons, Jack (12) and Caoimhín (7).

Tina’s father Dick (Richard) Robinson is originally from Knightstown and her grandfather Harold worked in the Valentia Radio Station. Dick Robinson was born on Valentia Island on May 3, 1943. He served as an Assistant Principal Officer in the Department of Justice and also Chief District Clerk of the Court in Ennis. His mother Maureen Renwick is of old Knightstown stock.His father Harold (Joe) came from Swansea to Valentia as a Radio Operator and was the Officer-in Charge at the Station from 1956-68,having served at the Station since 1922.

Dick’s wife is the former Tess Lane of Abbeyfeale, and together with daughter Tina, they have a son Richard. Dick Robinson has a long time and passionate interest in Valentia Lifeboat affairs and has written two books on the Lifeboat history, namely Emergency: Kerry Coast and Valentia Lifeboats: A History.

Tina’s partner, Kevin, has strong associations with the famous Kilfenora Ceili Band in that his father Jerry Lynch is a singer with the Kilfenora and his uncles play with the band. His late grandfather was a founding member.

Tina spent her childhood holidays on the island and the family are very familiar with it. After another holiday on the island in July, they decided to relocate as they feel Valentia is the perfect place to raise a family. The island still has a sense of community and they feel it will be of huge benefit to their boys who are loving the sea sports and sporting activities at the Community Centre. They feel very welcome.

They consider the Skellig Coast’s natural beauty as a perfect location for their businesses. Kevin is an Organic Horticulturist, and runs Airmid Natural Irish Skincare, in the Dromid Centre outside Waterville. The business began after Caoimhin was born with eczema, and they didn’t want to use commercial chemical products on him, so they began making traditional Camomile soap for him. The success in clearing his eczema led to Airmid being developed into a business in 2012.

They grow all the flowers and herbs used in the products, and now manufacture a full range of soaps, shaving soap, body lotion, lip balm, shampoo bars, bath melts, aromatherapy candles and gift sets for sensitive skin. Tina is a freelance Graphic Designer and also works on all branding and social media for the business.

She was a designer at the Clare People newspaper for six years. Kevin has opened a Retail and Production unit in the Dromid Centre and is a member of the Original Kerry Craft Trail.

Valentia Isalanders extend a warm welcome and all good future wishes.