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Christmas parade draws record crowds

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There was a magical atmosphere in Killarney town last Saturday week as record crowds enjoyed the first Christmas parade of the season.

Streets were lined with thousands of excited visitors of all ages and from all over, as the Magic Parade, which kick-started an exciting month of Christmas in Killarney events, made its way around the streets.

And according Christmas in Killarney Chairperson Kate O’Leary, this year’s event was the biggest to date.

The wonderful annual show has become a firm favourite with kids of all ages and huge crowds flocked to see the Christmas lights turned on, catch a glimpse of Santa and his elves, and a whole host of fun new characters.

“We seem to say it every year, but this year’s parade was the biggest yet,” Kate said. “We had a lot of new characters and the crowds were unbelievable. It was incredible.”

Santa’s Cottage will be opening this weekend from 1-6pm in Old Market Lane and will remain open Saturdays and Sundays in the run-up to Christmas, Dine in Killarney started last night and will run again next Thursday night, and the Christmas in Killarney Concert will take place in the INEC on Thursday, December 13. Further parades will be held this coming Saturday, and every Saturday at 6pm, right up until Christmas.

 

“The feedback has been super and we’re ready to rock and roll again this Saturday night,” Kate added. “Hopefully the weather will hold off for us. We tend to get really good crowds for these smaller parades as well.”

 

The Christmas in Killarney team are looking for volunteers to act as stewards at the upcoming parades. If you can spare 45 minutes on a Saturday from 5.45pm to 6.30pm, please contact Kate on 087 2446131.

 

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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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