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€84k approved to develop local sensory garden

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By Sean Moriarty

A new state-of-the-art sensory garden will now be added at the Old Monastery after over €84,000 funding was approved this week.

Service users with Kerry Parents and Friends Association on Port Road will experience the amazing benefits of sight, smell, touch, taste and sound once the new facility is complete.

The Killarney charity will receive €84,292 from the Strengthening Disability Services Fund announced by Minister of State for Disabilities, Anne Rabbitte TD, earlier this week.

Kerry Parents and Friends Association is one of 65 similar organisations across the country to receive a portion of the €1 million once-off fund.

The plants and the materials for sensory gardens are specifically chosen to stimulate the senses of sight, smell, touch, taste and sound. While they are popular with the entire community, they are particularly beneficial to children and adults with disabilities inducing a sense of relaxation and stress reduction and improved physical, mental and emotional well-being as well as an increased awareness of surroundings.

“We are delighted with our successful application for a grant towards a sensory garden at the Old Monastery,” Marie Linehan, Chief Executive of Kerry Parents and Friends Association, told the Killarney Advertiser.

“This is a very welcome development as this sensory Garden will provide so many benefits to the people we support, more especially now during the COVID-19 pandemic. Kerry Parents and Friends Association is constantly researching and innovating to provide the best possible service to the people we support. We strive to ensure relaxation techniques, peacefulness in daily activities and enjoyment for all and this new development will deliver all that.

“We intend to develop other sensory gardens at our properties around the county also with the help of good people in our local communities. We are grateful for this support and look forward to working on these plans in 2022.”

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Kerry coaches firm honoured with All-Ireland title

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Kerry Coaches named All-Ireland All-Star Bus & Coach Company of the Year 2025

Killarney-based Kerry Coaches has been named All-Ireland All-Star Bus & Coach Company of the Year 2025 by the All-Ireland Business Foundation. This recognition also marks Kerry Coaches’ second Business All-Star Accreditation, having received its first accolade in 2024.

Founded in 1957, Kerry Coaches has established itself as a leader in the Irish transport industry, known for its exceptional service and commitment to quality.  With a fleet of over 100 modern chauffeur vehicles, mini-buses and coaches the company provides a wide range of transport services, including corporate travel, executive golf transportation and bespoke tours throughout Ireland and Scotland.

 Speaking on the achievement, Mike Buckley, Director of Kerry Coaches, said:

“We are incredibly proud to receive this national recognition from the All-Ireland Business Foundation. It’s a true reflection of the dedication, professionalism, and passion shown by every member of our team. Our mission has always been to deliver exceptional travel experiences, and this award reaffirms our position as a leader in the industry.”

Announcing the news of Kerry Coaches’ achievement, Deputy Chair of AIBF’s Adjudication Board, Kieran Ring, said: “It is my pleasure to commend Kerry Coaches for its outstanding performance in achieving the Business All-Star accreditation. After a thorough review, the firm has been honoured with All-Ireland All-Star Bus & Coach Company Of The Year 2025. Kerry Coaches is distinguished not only for its superior fleet but also for its exceptional team, some of whom have been with the company for over 25 years. This seasoned team brings an extraordinary level of knowledge and expertise, ensuring that every client experience is exceptional.”         

Managing   Director   of   the   All-Ireland   Business   Foundation, Kapil   Khanna, said:  “The accreditation, which is now held by over 700 firms, is needed by the thousands of small and medium businesses which operate to their own standards but have nothing to measure them by.”

He   added: “We   evaluate   a   company’s   background, trustworthiness and performance, and we speak to customers, employees and vendors. We also anonymously approach the company as a customer and report back on the experience. The business goes through at least two interviews and is scored on every part of the process against set metrics.”

About The All-Ireland Business Foundation

The All-Ireland Business Foundation is an autonomous national accreditation body tasked with enterprise development and the promotion of Best-in-Class Irish businesses.

As the accreditation body for the Business All-Star mark, the AIBF recognises Best-In-Class Irish 

businesses.   Companies   that   merit   recognition   based   on   an   independent   audit   of   their performance, reputation, and customer-centricity.

Business All-Star Accreditation Is The Nation’s Symbol Of Trust. Currently, there are over 700 

companies that are accredited by AIBF. Since 2014, over 5000 companies have participated in their programmes.

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Trainee Blacksmith forging a career at Muckross Traditional Farms

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Phillip Pestor-Young, a trainee blacksmith from County Kildare, is currently gaining experience under Master Blacksmith Tom Allison at Muckross Traditional Farms.

Pestor-Young is enrolled in the All-Ireland Heritage Skills Programme. This programme is a cross-border educational initiative by the King’s Foundation, The Heritage Council, and the Historic Environment Division in Northern Ireland. 

Prior to moving to Ireland in 2019, Phillip trained as an engineer and fabricator in the UK. He is now developing his blacksmithing skills in Kerry.

For more information on the program, visit https://kings-foundation.org/study/all-ireland-heritage-skills-programme/.

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