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Gleneagle begins first steps to reopening

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PLANS: Gleneagle Group CEO Patrick O’Donoghue outlined the roadmap for the phased reopening of the conference and events complex. Photo: Michelle Crean

 

A series of outdoor drive-in concerts and movies set to take place across the summer are the first steps in a detailed plan for the reopening of the Gleneagle INEC Arena.

 

At a special webinar hosted by Killarney Chamber of Commerce, Gleneagle Group CEO Patrick O’Donoghue outlined the roadmap for the phased reopening of the conference and events complex. Drive-in movies will commence later this month while drive-in concerts are also on the cards with tickets already on sale for Gavin James, due to perform on Saturday, August 8.

In all, 50 shows were affected by COVID-19 however 47 of these have been rescheduled to dates later in the year and beyond. These rescheduled events include sell-out performances by Dermot Kennedy and Daniel O’Donnell.

Aside from concerts, other key events scheduled for late 2020 and 2021 include the TUI and Fórsa national conferences, Scór na nÓg, Scór Sinsir, the CLRG all-Ireland dancing championships, An Chomhdháil world Irish dance championships and Oireachtas na Samhna 2021.

“Everything we are doing is and will continue to be dictated by Government guidelines," Patrick O’Donoghue said. "It will take time to return to the levels of business that we are accustomed to operating at, but we are determined to do so. We are working to secure artists and shows that will work while adhering to the guidelines and we are optimistically programming for the latter part of 2020 and beyond.”

The key findings of a report, produced by Dublin based consultancy firm CHL, detailing both the Gleneagle INEC Arena and also Killarney Convention Centre’s economic contribution to the locality were also outlined at the webinar.

According to the CHL report, in 2018 alone over 230,000 people attended one of the 194 shows and conferences that took place at the Killarney complex over the course of the 12 months. These 194 events generated in excess of 280,000 bed nights for the county (83,226 at Gleneagle Group properties and 196,921 across Kerry) with attendees contributing €34.6 million to the economy.

According to CHL, “The INEC/KCC is clearly good for the wider Killarney tourism and hospitality economy, though as a private commercial trading entity the Gleneagle Group might not consider that it is its role to generate such wider economic gains. However, the fact remains that it does so, and it has been doing so for the past 20 years. If the INEC/KCC did not exist, these gains would not arise, and Killarney would be the poorer for it.”

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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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