Snip Nua: Noonan haircut the real deal

WHILE Michael Noonan has his fingers crossed that NAMA has got its haircut plans right in revaluing assets of troubled developers, the finance minister knows he has got the real deal when it comes to a proper trim.

The minister has for years been getting a top value short back and sides at Limerick’s cheapest hair salon.

Gents haircuts cost just €9 at Karen Kiely’s salon in Edward Street, across the street from Sarsfield Barracks.

Karen’s small salon has been a regular port of call for Mr Noonan ever since he officially opened it 10 years ago.

Karen said: “I live in Russell Court and I worked at a hair salon there when I started out. Michael was a regular as he lived just around the corner in Gouldavoher.

“I have been cutting hair for over 20 years.

“When I moved here to go out on my own he officially opened the salon and he’s a regular ever since.

“During the election he called and I made sure he looked well groomed for his appearances on the telly. He comes every four or five weeks and enjoys the craic with other customers.

“He never rings ahead to book, he just arrives and takes his place in the queue. He prefers it that way as he enjoys the banter and the craic when he’s in for a haircut. Obviously, it’s a short back and sides for Michael.”

Mr Noonan said Karen was very successful because she was very hard-working.

He added: “Many of her regular customers, like me, would go to nobody else.”

Karen said her €9 clip is very popular and she was busy yesterday at the Ministerial tonsorial artist’s salon with colleague Kristina Byrnes from Garryowen.