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Jack keeps promise to Thomas with special song tribute

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By Michelle Crean

A Killarney man who is much loved for his musical talent has paid a wonderful and very special tribute to his young teenage brother who tragically died in July.

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14-year-old Thomas Healy from the Gap of Dunloe, sang his brother's self-penned song 'Christmas Without You (Candle on the Window)' just weeks before he passed away unexpectedly in an accident on Ross Road.

However, his eldest brother, Jack Patrick Healy, only recently heard the video existed and decided to create a duet of them singing together to fulfil a promise they made to record it.

Thomas' beautiful tones are mixed with Jack's and it has since been released online for free.

"Myself and Thomas made a deal that we would record it together," Jack, who has been living in London for the last three years, told the Killarney Advertiser.

"However, because of COVID it never happened."

In 2009 Jack wrote the song after being "thrown out" of maths class one day in the Intermediate School in Killorglin. He was aged 15, the same age Thomas would have turned this December 27.

"I was sitting outside in the hallway and I was writing chords and the lyrics were just coming to me. I was listening to Christmas songs and they're all happy but not everyone is happy at Christmas time, and thinking of my mother who has a tradition of the candle in the window at Christmas."

Himself and Thomas sang the song each year in Sol y Sombra in Killorglin in aid of the local hospice branch but sadly never got the chance to get to the studio together.

Seven weeks ago Jack received a message from one of Thomas' friends saying there was a video he needed to see.

There, he saw Thomas singing his song which is especially poignant given how close it's getting to Christmas.

Then Jack decided to keep their promise and using modern music technology recorded their voices together as a duet in the most amazing and special way.

"I listened to it and I said I have got to do something with it," Jack said. "He had his own way of singing and it's lovely. I took his voice and my voice and put it together. I'm very proud of it, and it's a lot of healing for mom and dad [Julie and Ger]."

And the song is not for sale, he added.

"I'm not selling it. It's up online for people to listen to. If it can give one family a bit strength I've given something from myself and Thomas."

To listen to the special duet go to Facebook: Jack Patrick Healy.

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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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