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Inspirational students interviewed for RTÉ show

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TV TIME: Students from Killarney Community College Darja Puzanova, Julia Olabode, Caoimhe Fleming, Aoife O'Brien, Ben Cussen pictured with teacher Lorraine Crowley, RTÉ presenter Bláthnaid Treacy and cameraman Conor Lenehan. Photos: Michelle Crean

 

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By Michelle Crean

They're only back to school a matter of weeks - but five students will soon be featuring on RTÉ - after their inspirational project was nominated for a National Garda Youth Achievement Award.

One of the country's fastest rising TV presenters, Bláthnaid Treacy, who currently hosts the National Lottery and RTÉ 2FM's popular chart show, was in town on Monday to film the group at Killarney Community College about their 'Be Dementia Aware' project for a segment on the 'Today' show with Maura and Dáithí.

Luckily the weather played ball as Bláthnaid, who was accompanied by cameraman Conor Lenehan, interviewed the Young Social Innovators (YSI) and their teacher Lorraine Crowley outdoors.

The group, comprising of Aoife O'Brien, Caoimhe Fleming, Julia Olabode, Ben Cussen and Darja Puzanova, won the National Young Social Innovators Social Media Award in 2018 for their hard work and dedication promoting awareness of dementia using many social media platforms.

The campaign raised money for the Alzheimer Society of Ireland and The Rockmount Care Centre in Kilgarvan where their information booklet is still on show to this day. The students' work has meant so much to many families.

Their teacher nominated the group for the Kerry Garda Youth Awards 2019 which took place in January this year and it won the group award on the night. Further to that, Tralee Garda Station put the group forward for the National Garda Youth Awards that was meant to take place in April this year but was delayed due to COVID-19. RTÉ then chose to film them as part of this nomination.

"The dedication and care 'Be Dementia Aware' showed throughout this project is an inspiration to all young people," Lorraine, the students' YSI guide, told the Killarney Advertiser.

"Caoimhe, Julia, Ben, Aoife and Darja showed amazing commitment and passion as they worked tirelessly to promote awareness of Dementia and support families and people who have dementia. This award nomination is very well deserved and to be filmed by RTÉ Today has been the icing on the cake for the five students. It was such a fun afternoon with Bláthnaid and camera man Conor."

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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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