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Council interested in acquiring land at St Finan’s Hospital

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IT HAS dominated the landscape of Killarney since 1853 yet the imposing St Finan’s Hospital is now lying idle. News that Kerry County Council is in talks with the Health Service Executive about acquiring land at the former psychiatric hospital begs the question – what will be done with the this imposing Victorian building itself?

The potential of this centrally located and spacious facility must be harnessed for the good of the community and Killarney’s economy.

At the council’s recent monthly meeting, Kerry Independent Alliance Cllr Michael Gleeson asked the council to give an update on the Sir Thomas Deane-designed hospital and its lands.

Cllr Gleeson said the hospital should be kept in public ownership, suggesting it could be used for apartments for single people or elderly couples, or as a day-care centre for people with Alzheimer’s.

Part of the land could be used to solve the traffic crux at the Lewis Road/Killarney bypass unction while the site could also benefit Killarney’s recreational life, Cllr Gleeson told the council.

Meanwhile, Fianna Fáil’s Cllr Michael Cahill has suggested that a tourism training college be located in the building.

Killarney Advertiser columnist Anne Lucey noted that the former hospital building would be ideal for use as a catering college. “I have long argued we need a hotel cum catering college in Killarney, a bit like a Swiss college of catering,” she wrote.

Kerry County Council has met with the HSE a number of times in relation to the availability of surplus HSE lands. The council received correspondence from the HSE about St Finan’s at the end of June, and the local authority has formally indicated a strategic interest in land at the campus. “There are very few who would wish to see the building transferred to private ownership,” said Cllr Gleeson, adding: “I do not want to see St Finan’s end up in private hands.”
 


 
Above: St Finan's Hospital. Picture: MacMonagle, Killarney

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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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