Connect with us

News

Family call on community to Pedal for Grace

Published

on

0236773_IMG-20220617-WA0003.jpeg

By Michelle Crean

One family are so thankful for the services provided for their daughter with a vision impairment that they're calling on the community to support their upcoming fundraiser.

12-year-old Grace O’Sullivan was diagnosed with Stargardt disease five years ago, which causes progressive sight loss.

However, her family, mom Mary, dad Canice and sisters Farrah and Maisy, have been so amazed by the wonderful support from the National Council for the Blind of Ireland (NCBI) and the assistive technology which helps her live a relatively normal life, that they've organised the 'Pedal for Grace' charity cycle fundraiser next month.

"It affects her central vision," Grace’s mom Mary O’Sullivan, whose parents Sean and Mary O'Donoghue live in Deerpark, told the Killarney Advertiser.

"She has about two thirds of her central vision and has trouble recognising faces and fine detail, but to look at Grace you'd think there was nothing wrong."

She added that it's a progressive genetic disease and researchers think that both parents are carriers.

Unaware of the support of NCBI until they needed it, Mary says that they are a wonderful charity which allows Grace to meet with others her own age going through the same thing.

"NCBI helped Grace to become confident and independent as she goes through different stages of life," Mary, who previously raised €8,000 with a skydive and fancy dress party for her 40th birthday three years ago, said.

"Our family have decided to hold a charity cycle to show our appreciation and give something back to help others in the same situation."

EVENT

The event will kick off at the Firies Community Centre, Church Road on September 10.

Registration for 'Pedal for Grace' can be done on the NCBI website event page in advance of the event or can be completed on the day of the event from 8.30am onwards.

Those who fundraise €100 or more for the event will receive a free cycling jersey and no registration fee will be required. All cyclists must wear helmets.

You can also choose to take part in one of two events: 9.30am – 60km cycle of the Killorglin Loop, registration fee is €30, or the 10km cycle loop at 10.30am and the registration fee is €10.

Music and more fun will be available at Henderson’s Bar following the cycles.
People who wish to register for Grace’s big day can do so on the Pedal for Grace event page.

Advertisement

News

Kerry coaches firm honoured with All-Ireland title

Published

on

By

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.

Attachments

Continue Reading

News

Trainee Blacksmith forging a career at Muckross Traditional Farms

Published

on

By

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/.

Continue Reading

Last News

Sport