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Farmer’s health the focus of new school project

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By Michelle Crean

Highlighting the physical health of farmers has helped two local students to get the next round of a national competition.

St Brigid's Transition Year students, Ciara O'Donoghue and Isabel Waters, have qualified for the interview stage of the Certified Irish Angus Beef Schools Competition.

This competition showcases the innovative ideas from young agricultural enthusiasts, with a chance of winning five Angus calves to rear themselves.

Ciara and Isabel submitted a video application highlighting the physical health of farmers and its importance in the agricultural industry. It was then chosen from a large volume of entries to take them to the interview stage in the University of Limerick at the end of January.

"We chose to enter the competition as we are both from farming backgrounds and have seen the negative effects that some aspects of farming has on a farmer’s physical health," Ciara told the Killarney Advertiser.

"We saw this competition as an opportunity to raise awareness about this topic. We chose the topic of physical health as we believe it is often overlooked and farmers are relying too much on machinery. This is massively effecting their physical health."
 
Isabel added that they hope to spread awareness about this topic while also developing their skills and knowledge.

"We would like to enhance the physical health of farmers with our project and contribute valuable research to the agricultural industry," she said.
 
Teacher Claudia O'Donoghue said that "it is brilliant to see how eager and determined the girls are to make a change within the industry".

"They have highlighted a very important aspect of farming that is often ignored. The girls are working very hard to finalise their ideas and prepare for the next interview stage. It is great to see interest growing in girls and agriculture and I have no doubt that Ciara and Isabel will promote the area in a fantastic light." 

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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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