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Cute Christmas crafts go on sale for hospice

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By Marie Carroll-O'Sullivan

Crafting away at the International Hotel, Killarney Crafty Ladies were spotted creating a new batch of bears in aid of Kerry Hospice.

CRAFTY LADIES: Killarney Crafty Ladies can be found selling their revamped pre-loved bears for Kerry Hospice at the Killarney Outlet Centre over the next few weeks. From l-r were: Eilish O'Sullivan Bríd O'Donoghue and Peg Coffey. Photo: Marie Carroll-O'Sullivan

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Established in 2013 by Margaret McCarthy, the group have raised over €23,000 to date.

Two of the crafty ladies, Kate O’Connor and Betty Benson, boarded the train to Dublin to attend a stitch and knitting show, there they casually met with Peg Coffey and Margaret McCarthy - and Killarney Crafty Ladies was born!

Since then, the ladies meet up once a month - excluding the summer months. They have travelled to different charity shops nationwide to carefully select their adopted Killarney bears, giving these pre-loved bears a complete makeover into unique Christmas gifts, ready to take up residence in their homes this festive season.

Organiser, Margaret McCarthy, Countess Road, who is missing from the photo and hence taking up residence in the International Hotel, is usually host of these monthly meetings and chose the Kerry Hospice as a sole beneficiary, having lost her husband Oliver to cancer in 2011.

Ranging in price from €5 - €70, the Killarney Crafty Ladies can be found selling their creatively revamped pre-loved bears, at the Killarney Outlet Centre on the three Saturdays coming up to Christmas - tomorrow (Saturday), and December 3 and 10.

You can also support the Kerry Hospice this Christmas by popping by the Brícín Restaurant and picking up a bear of your choice at their shop between 10am - 6pm.

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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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