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KDYS and Tusla plan to extend Family Support Services

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By Michelle Crean

 

The KDYS are this week reassuring Killorglin locals that its Neighbourhood Youth Project will continue in the town. The news comes after growing fears that Tusla is to withdraw its support for the project.

Tim O’Donoghue, CEO with the Kerry Diocesan Youth Service (KDYS) said that the service has been meeting with Tusla managers to ensure the existing KDYS family support services remains.

KDYS has enjoyed a long partnership, initially with the HSE Community Work Dept., since 2006 and from 2015 with Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, to provide specialised preventative family support services, Tim explained to the Killarney Advertiser.

"Through this partnership, KDYS have provided the Springboard project mainly serving the Tralee area and the Neighbourhood Youth Project, Killorglin providing a response to specific youth and family support needs in the Mid–Kerry area. Following a review of Family Support Services in Kerry by Tusla, some gaps in family support needs have become apparent. We are very aware there is an urgent need to support the families of Kerry in accessing meaningful contact with their children who may be in the care of Tusla and to support teenagers in the community to continue to live within their family while receiving crisis support and ongoing high level interventions to the teenagers and their families. There has also been an awareness that these services should been available to young people and their families throughout the county and not just Tralee and the Mid-Kerry area. Currently KDYS and Tusla managers have been meeting to plan how best to ensure the existing KDYS family support services can respond to these gaps."

He added that while the services of the two projects will be maintained, the type of family support work will be focussing on responding to these emerging needs.

"KDYS has proven expertise in responding to young people who are going through difficult times and a wealth of experience in providing one to one support and group-work. This refocussing of service delivery will ensure better outcomes for children and families in Kerry. Tusla Kerry are delighted to support the on-going KDYS family support work to improve the service and offer better outcomes for children and families in Kerry throughout the county."

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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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