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Competition continues to spread Donal’s message

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Entries are now open for the sixth annual Live Life Film Competition in memory of Donal Walsh.
The national competition, which was officially launched on Thursday last at the Kerry College of Further Education, is open to groups and individuals of all ages and abilities who are invited to submit a two minute film clip on a theme linked to positive thinking/living. This year's theme is ‘It All Works Out!’
The competition aims to continue to spread Donal's positive message as he began an anti-suicide conversation before he lost his cancer battle in 2013.
The fully-sponsored competition culminates in the highly acclaimed annual awards ceremony attended by over 800 people with celebrity guests and bands. This year only the primary school awards will be presented at the Live Life Awards Ceremony. A new element is being introduced for the secondary school and adult entries as the shortlisted and winning entries will be screened on the big cinema screens at a separate award ceremony.
The competition is fully sponsored and supported by local businesses and organisations, and the event manager for the competition, Mary Lucey, Principal of Kerry College of Further Education (KCFE) stated that without this ongoing sponsorship and support, the competition would not continue and could not have grown from strength to strength as it has.
This year will also see the assistance from Kerry College of Further Education (KCFE) teachers and student groups in the organisation and management of the competition.
Well known film and creative experts will judge the competition including Maurice Galway, Director of Dingle International Film Festival and Dingle Animation, award winning producer Lisa Fingleton, award winning creative designer Paul Ruane; TV producer Brian Hurley; award winning author and screenwriter Ailbhe Keogan; actress, writer and producer Maeve McGrath, and more.
As many people as possible are encouraged to submit an entry with a phone, a camera, an iPad - whatever can be used that that will work.
“What this film competition is about is capturing life and living life,” Mary Lucey said.
“What is important is that people have a great time making the films and realise live is for living, which was always Donal's message.
Films must be two minutes only and can be uploaded to YouTube/Vimeo and emailed to livelifefilm2019@gmail.com. Closing date for entries is March 17.

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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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