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Huge international interest in Killarney Historic Rally

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3 years ago

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CLUB: Diarmuid Lynch KIllarney and District Motor Club and Rentokil Initial managing director Michael O'Mahoney with best local crew Mikey Galvin and Fergus O'Meara (fifth overall and winners of the Jimmy Devane Cup) at the Rentokil Initial Killarney Historic Rally prizegiving ceremony at The Gleneagle Killarney on Saturday night. Picture: Eamonn Keogh

By Sean Moriarty

An unprecedented number of overseas competitors entered last weekend’s Rentokil Initial Killarney Historic Rally bringing a very welcome end-of-season boost to the town’s businesses.

FANS: A large crowd attended last weekend's Rentokil Initial Killarney Historic Rally. Photo: Eamonn Keogh

WORLD STARS: Rentokil Initial managing director Michael O'Mahoney with Paul Nagle and Craig Breen at the Rentokil Initial Killarney Historic Rally ceremonial start in Killarney town centre on Friday night. Photo: Eamonn Keogh

FAMILY: Conor Hickey (son of the late Johnny Hickey) with his grandfather Charlie Hickey and aunt Charlene Hickey at the Rentokil Initial Killarney Historic Rally ceremonial start in Killarney town centre on Friday night. Photo: Eamonn Keogh

The rally attracted entries from England, Wales and the United States, as well as all corners of Ireland.

Participants and fans arrived in Killarney on Thursday and stayed until Sunday morning – many of them eager to see World Rally Championship star Craig Breen and his recently retired co-driver Paul Nagle defend their 2021 title in an ex-Frank Meagher Ford Sierra RS Cosworth.

The rally began with a ceremonial start on Friday night, an event that packed the town centre with rally fans, locals and curious tourists.

The dedicated fans had already entered the famous Moll’s Gap stage in their camper vans on Thursday night.

Fans lining the seven special stages on Saturday were served up a treat. After six tests Breen’s Sierra was tied with challenger Jonny Greer’s four-wheel-drive example.

In a true mark of sportsmanship, earlier in the day, Greer loaned Breen some crucial rear axle components, without which the defending champion would have been forced out of the rally.

However, a second failure on the approach to the third and final run over Moll’s Gap ended Breen’s challenge and allowed Greer through for a popular win.

Local man Alan Ring, and his West Cork co-driver Adrian Deasy were second for the second year in a row in their Subaru Legacy RS while Fergus O’Meara and Mikie Galvin were the top all-local crew. They finished fifth in their Ford Escort.

One place ahead was the similar car of Welsh visitor Neil Williams. The defending Irish Tarmac Historic Rally champion was one of many overseas drivers to make the finish.

Eighth placed Tom Clarke (England) finished one place ahead of Welsh visitor Melvyn Evans.

Londoner Harry Hunt, more famous for his Dakar Rally exploits, completed the top 10.

“This was the most fun we ever had on a rally, the organisation, the people, everything was top class,” he said.

Alan Watkins, from England, has been coming to Killarney for years.

He finished 13th on this occasion but his comments at the finish summed up the experience enjoyed by all international participants.

“Killarney never fails to impress, it’s not just the rallying, it is the town, the charm, the people, the welcome, the surroundings, come rain or shine once you’ve been it will never be your last visit,” he said.

Atlanta-based Donegal man Seamus Burke was the top US visitor while Kyle Tilley from Indiana had a film team with him and they recorded a documentary on their experience.

In the popular modified section of the rally, Glenflesk’s Denis Hickey and Eoin O’Leary were the best of the locals, finishing eighth in the category and taking home the coveted O’Riordan Cup.

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Kerry coaches firm honoured with All-Ireland title

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1 day ago

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14 June 2025

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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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1 day ago

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14 June 2025

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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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