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Cathal launches EP at Acoustic Club

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If last Friday’s performance in the INEC Acoustic Club is anything to go by, Killarney’s singer/songwriter scene is in a very healthy state. With support on the night coming from Tom Lucey, an acclaimed singer/songwriter in his own right who has headlined this venue quite a few times before, Cathal Flaherty took to the stage to a rapturous applause from the packed INEC Acoustic Club audience. He started solo with a gorgeous unreleased number Next To Me before continuing on solo through new songs and indeed old songs from his last EP Lost & Found.

Cathal moved from his trusty guitar to the piano for the mesmerising Make It Out Alive, telling the audience it was his first time playing piano in a live scenario. He was then joined on Weight Of The World by local fiddle virtuoso Brendan O’Sullivan, who arrived to play some of the most haunting fiddle parts you will ever hear. This proved to be a great addition to the sound and really added to the already impressive performance.

Your Best Friend and Two Hearts from the new EP followed with Cathal ending up finishing the gig in the middle of the crowd, singing Two Hearts completely acapella with the adoring crowd. Calls for an encore came immediately and Cathal did not disappoint, arriving onstage to kick things off again with current single, Grow. He was again joined by Brendan and also on piano by 18-year-old Donal Lucey who did a fantastic job.

The crowd erupted when Cathal informed them that the new EP, having just been released that day, was currently No. 5 in the charts, a massive achievement for the local artist. Finishing with his debut single A Thousand Miles and a well-deserved standing ovation, Cathal’s attention now turns to his headline gig in Whelan’s this Sunday and if it’s anything like this display the Dubs are in for a real treat!

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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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