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Education Minister “honoured” to represent Ireland on US trip

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It was a colourful and busy week for Education Minister Norma Foley during visits to Philadelphia and New York this week.

Minister Foley with Congressman Richard (Richie) Neal at the Ireland Day Leadership Breakfast hosted by Ireland INC at the New York Stock Exchange.

Minister Foley with Special Envoy Joe Kennedy III at the Ireland Day Leadership Breakfast hosted by Ireland INC at the New York Stock Exchange.

Minister Foley addressing the Ireland INC Opening Bell discussion event at the New York Stock Exchange.

Minister Foley speaking at the St. Patrick’s Reception with Chartered Accountants Ireland at the Irish Consulate in Manhattan.

The Kerry TD highlighted the importance of Ireland’s partnership and trade links with America during her visit as part of the Government’s St Patrick’s Day programme of events.

During a week of events and speaking engagements in the United States, Minister Foley took the opportunity also to visit local education facilities and education partnerships.

Minister Foley attended the Ireland Day Leadership Breakfast at the New York Stock Exchange where she met with Special Envoy Joe Kennedy and Congressman Richie Neal and discussed the breakthrough Windsor Framework.

Later that morning, the Minister took part in the 11th annual ‘Ireland Day’ Opening Bell Ceremony alongside Special Envoy Kennedy, Congressman Neal and members of the Ireland INC business network.

The Minister also met with a host of leaders in the business sector including Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland, IBEC, UNICEF Ireland and SelectUSA.

Over the course of the New York mission Minister Foley took the opportunity to visit Yonkers Montessori Academy where she met with students and toured the school facilities.

The Minister also met with members of the Kerry Association in New York and visited the Irish Arts Center.
A core element of the Minister’s programme involved an exchange with the Superintendent of Yonkers Public Schools and engagements and consultations with internationally renowned educationalists.

Prior to visiting New York, the Minister held a number of engagements in Philadelphia which included representing Ireland at the St Patrick’s Day parade, a roundtable discussion on Irish-US education and sports and culture initiatives.

HONOURED

“I am truly honoured to represent Ireland as part of the Government’s St Patrick’s Day programme of events, visiting two cities, New York and Philadelphia, which are steeped in Irish history," Minister Foley said.

“I particularly enjoyed rich discussions with many young people both in Philadelphia and New York who eloquently expressed what being Irish means to them in 21st century America and explored potential for future US/Irish education and business initiatives.

“I was also privileged to represent the Irish Government at the 11th annual ‘Ireland Day’ Opening Bell Ceremony alongside Special Envoy Joe Kennedy and Congressman Richie Neal and members of the Irish business community.

“It is imperative that the Irish Government uses its platform on our national holiday to highlight Ireland’s strong, cultural, economic and historical ties with the United States and to emphasise our support for the Windsor Agreement.

“Throughout my visit I was struck by the place the homeland of Ireland holds for many first and second generation Irish immigrants now settled in America. As we move ever closer to a global community the bonds of friendship that tie the Irish/American communities together have never been stronger and it remains a key objective of this Government to continue to foster, nurture and ennoble these connections.

“Over the course of the week I was honoured to represent Ireland during this significant visit and I will forever cherish the warmth of welcome and open hearts of the Irish communities of Philadelphia and New York.

“A particular personal highlight of the trip was the opportunity to meet with so many of the Kerry diaspora at the Kerry Hall in Yonkers and a number of former Rose of Tralee contestants at events throughout the week.”

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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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