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Landowners burning gorse are “acting within the law”

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MOUNTAINS AFLAME: The remains of two burning fires near Castlemaine in the early hours of Tuesday morning. Photo: Michael G Kenny

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By Sean Moriarty

A spokesperson for Killarney Fire and Rescue has confirmed to the Killarney Advertiser that landowners are acting within the law by burning gorse at this time of the year. Concerns were raised on Tuesday and Wednesday night when several gorse fires in the area lit up the skies.

A large fire was reported in the Scartaglin area on Tuesday evening. A unit from Killarney Fire Station provided back-up to Castleisland Fire Station for this incident.

A second, smaller fire, was reported in the foothills of Strickeen Mountain at the same time.

A third fire near the communications mast at Leamnaguilla, Kilcummin was attended to by units of Killarney Fire and Rescue in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

“It was not such a big ordeal,” a Killarney officer, who attended the Kilcummin fire, told the Killarney Advertiser. “It is legal at this time of year, until February 28. No doubt there will be irresponsible people burning after this date and that is when people should be giving out. But they are giving out now when it is perfectly legal.”

On Wednesday night further gorse fires were reported in the Killarney area near Glenflesk and on Mangerton Mountain. Further afield there were gorse fires near Castlemaine and Inch.

Unseasonal dry underfoot conditions and the early week easterly winds helped fan the flames but the arrival of rain as well as snow on higher ground on Thursday helped contain the fires.

The practice of burning gorse bushes has long been controversial. Farmers defend the need to burn the upland gorse as it is an evasive plant and prevents animals from getting access mountainside grazing.

“Managed burning of gorse is good land management practice as it allows the regeneration of mountain land,” said an Irish Farmers Association statement.

Nature conservationists are opposed to the practice saying it causes damage to the natural habitats and disrupts wildlife in the area.

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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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