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Killarney photographer front and centre of Presidential visit

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By Michelle Crean

A Killarney photographer was one of the first in the country to capture American President Joe Biden as he stepped onto Irish soil on Wednesday afternoon.

Julien Behal pictured in front of Air Force One after it landed in Dublin Airport on Wednesday.

UP CLOSE: Photographer Julien Behal from Woodlawn was within touching distance of United States President Joe Biden as he met with members of the public at Dublin Airport on Wednesday.

Julien Behal from Woodlawn was front and centre of the action as he was the official photographer during the Irish leg of the Presidential visit.

The 46th President of the United States of America arrived to Belfast on Tuesday as part of the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement.

On Wednesday he travelled to Dublin Airport where he was greeted by family and friends of US Embassy staff at the Fire Station, by Taoiseach Leo Varadkar TD, Ambassador of the United States to Ireland H.E. Claire Cronin, and Ambassador of Ireland to the United States H.E. Geraldine Byrne Nason.

But it was Julien who got the first glimpse as the president descended Air Force One.

Julien, who now lives in Dublin, runs Julien Behal Photography and regularly works for the Department of Foreign Affairs.

With a team of six they covered the three-day visit to Ireland with Julien covering the airport and then sorting through thousands of images taken by the photographers each day before sending them to world media agencies such as Reuters.

And it's not his first time photographing Biden as Julien was hired as the official photographer during his visit to Ireland in 2015 when he was Vice President.

"It's such an honour, a good privilege to be asked," Julien told the Killarney Advertiser this week.

"I was at the airport on an elevated stand and it was lashing. It was just like the movies. They come off the back of the plane and they all stand in different directions around the plane. Then there's a big motorcade. It's blink and you miss it."

Next Julien was in the fire station where the US President greeted waiting guests.

"I got very close to him, I could have put my hand out and touched him, but I wouldn't have done that."

In March 2020 Julien's company got the Royal seal of approval when it was also chosen as the only agency to officially photograph the Royal visit and were subsequently distributed to Sky News, the BBC, ITV and other news outlets.

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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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