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Glenflesk Comhaltas is alive with the sound of music!

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On Tuesday night, there was huge excitement in air in Glenflesk as the strains of music were heard ringing out from Glenflesk GAA hall.

Cathal McHugh a new music teacher with Glenflesk Comhaltas is a traditional musician and also a primary school teacher.

Micheál Gleeson is Chairperson of Glenflesk Comhaltas and a music and primary teacher in St Oliver's National School.

MAKING MUSIC: Some members of Level 2 group are delighted to be able to gather again to make music. Front l to r: Conor Doherty Ryan Lowe Colm Kelly and Aoife O’ Sullivan. Back l to r: Seán MacGillicuddy Anna Roche Clodagh Donnelly and Sheolagh Daly.

COVID restrictions being eased and a newly elected Comhaltas committee meant that the first of many new exciting initiatives was implemented by Glenflesk Comhaltas - the formation of new music groups!

Glenflesk CCE have created traditional music groups to cater for children from five to 18-years-old, and the excitement and buzz in Glenflesk and the surrounding areas is palpable. The new committee have created four group levels when implementing this new initiative, ensuring that youngsters of all abilities are catered for.

"Our vision was to create a social setting for these youngsters to make music together, have fun, develop the skill of group playing and ultimately become better musicians as a result," Chairperson of Glenflesk Comhaltas, Micheál Gleeson, who is himself a music and primary teacher in St Oliver's National School said.

"The committee have done enormous work in the last few weeks getting this off the ground and I have to thank them and especially acknowledge in particular the hard work of my wife Paula, Martina O’Neill Angland and Margaret Creedon. It gladdened my heart after two years of restrictions to welcome the children and teenagers last Tuesday night, and feel the bubble of excitement, watch new friendships begin to form and hear our youth make music as a group."

The branch welcome a new teacher to teach these new music classes. Cathal McHugh is a Limerick native who has himself had enormous success as a traditional musician. He is a primary school teacher, and is hugely engaged with this initiative.

“I am looking forward to mentoring these music groups immensely," Cathal said. "There is a huge musical talent in this part of the country - I am thrilled to be part of this!”

Skills

These groups will be provided with many forums to ‘show-off’ their new found group music playing skills, and have a bit of ‘craic’ along the way. ‘An ole session’ is the staple of an traditional musician’s diet and these will be implemented over the coming weeks. These sessions will be a regular occurrence and as well as making music, the children can have fun together playing in a more relaxed environment! There will also be other forums to display the music such as an end of year concert, Kerry Fleadh participation and many more!

“Don’t forget folks to watch this space and keep an eye on our Facebook page - Glenfleskcce," Micheál added.

"We have so many initiatives in the pipeline. We will be showcasing our young talent and keeping you abreast of all the plans and of course ‘sessions’. As a group of parishes, let’s get behind these musicians, encourage them to make music and enjoy themselves. Mól an Óige agus Tiocfaidh Sí. My namesake and fellow Cork man Micheál Martin said last week ‘it’s time to sing again’ … let me add to that, it’s time to make music again!"

These groups cater for all traditional instruments, and for children in Glenflesk and indeed in all the surrounding areas! If you are interested in becoming a member please contact Paula Gleeson at 0873879733 or drop an email to glenfleskcce@gmail.com.

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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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