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May reminders for CAO applicants

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By Guidance Counsellor Niamh Dwyer

The month of May is a very important one for CAO applicants as there are some key deadlines and dates coming up.

Late Applications close May 1

If you still want to apply to CAO 2023 and haven’t already done so, you must apply before the Late Application deadline which is on May 1 at 5pm. The fee for late applications is €60 and some restrictions do apply at this stage. For example, in general, courses which are categorised as ‘restricted’ cannot be added now and some Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) may not consider late applications for certain categories of applicant. Make sure to check the relevant HEI website before applying.

Statement of Application Process begins on May 5

CAO have stated that they will start to send out the Statement of Application emails on Friday, May 5 (subject to change) for those presenting Leaving Certificate qualifications. Those presenting other qualifications will receive emails in the following day/weeks. If you have opted to receive text messages you will be sent a notification by text and email to the number/address that you have supplied in your application. It is essential that you check this email carefully and follow the instructions. You will be asked to log into your CAO account and verify that all of your information is recorded correctly. This includes your personal details, qualifications and assessment section which includes examination and language exemption information as well as your course choices. If there are any omissions or errors you must inform CAO immediately as this could have consequences at offer stage and may lead to a loss of a college place. Don’t assume that your examination number and information is correct, check everything carefully. If you have not received the Statement of Application Record email by June 1, contact the CAO immediately via the Contact section of the website.

Change of Mind facility opens on May 5

From Friday, May 5 at 12pm the CAO Change of Mind facility opens to allow applicants to make changes to course choices. This can be done up to July 1 at 5pm, which is the final deadline to make any changes. You have two lists of courses to consider in your CAO application – Level 8 and Level 7/6. The two lists are completely separate in your application and you have the option to include up to 10 choices on both. The absolute golden rule when listing your courses on CAO is to do so in ORDER OF PREFERENCE. You can take out, add in or change the order of the courses. Some restrictions do apply. There is no charge for the Change of Mind facility and if you make a change online, an acknowledgement is sent to the email address used at the application stage. You can make changes right up to the July 1 deadline at 5pm but not after that! You can also log on to www.cao.ie to check the application at any time. Video guides to the Change of Mind and the Statement of Application Record are available on www.cao.ie.

Niamh Dwyer is a Guidance Counsellor in Scoil Phobail Sliabh Luachra, Rathmore and a member of Kerry Branch of IGC. See www.mycareerplan.ie or follow @mycareerplan on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

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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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