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Festive fundraiser for Ian O’Connell

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FUNDRAISER: From right: Eric McDonnell (owner), Ian O'Connell, Josie McDonnell (owner) and Micheal O'Shea (coach at Belief Boutique Gym).

 

By Sean Moriarty

EXCLUSIVE

A unique festive fundraiser in aid of the Ian O’Connell Trust saw 50 members of the Belief Boutique Gym travel the equivalent of four times the Ring of Kerry – indoors – last Saturday.

 

Each Christmas the popular town centre gym organises a fundraiser for local charities and this year’s chosen benefactor is in aid of the inspirational Killarney teenager who is confined to a wheelchair following a mountain biking accident two years ago.

 

Members of the gym took turns – two to three minute stints – on rowing machines, static bikes and skiing machines. During the course of the day an estimated 50 members completed a distance that was equal to going around the Ring of Kerry four times or a total of nearly 720kms.

 

“Two years on from my accident and they are still people fundraising!” Ian told the Killarney Advertiser. “I am so grateful for the efforts of these people. I called in for about two hours, it was great craic and plenty of music too.”

 

Co-owner Josie O’Shea was delighted with the turnout on the day.

“The goal was to complete the Ring Of Kerry four times in under three hours. This was achieved in 2hrs 40mins,” she told the Killarney Advertiser. “We had a great turnout of local Killarney people and members. Local businesses sponsored prizes, there was a DJ and festive treats from The Shire. Ian and his family also came in for the event and it was great to have him there.”

The gym has set a target of €2,000 and their efforts, so far, exceeded that target by €100  with more donations expected to come in.

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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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