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Michael Healy-Rae tops Kerry poll in Election ‘24

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The 2024 General Election proved to be another commanding performance for Michael Healy-Rae, who topped the poll with a staggering 18,596 first-preference votes.

This marks the third time the Kilgarvan TD has led the constituency since his initial run in 2011. Healy-Rae surpassed his 2020 result by 1,778 votes, dedicating his win to his supporters and team.

Sinn Féin’s Pa Daly secured the second seat, receiving 13,751 votes. Daly’s victory was solidified with transfers from his running mate, Stephanie O’Shea, which pushed him 668 votes over the quota.

Danny Healy-Rae also regained his seat, joining his brother Michael to re-establish the Healy-Rae family’s dominance in Kerry politics. Following the 11th count Danny took 13239 votes to exceed the quota. In his acceptance speech, he honoured his late father, the legendary Jackie Healy-Rae.

Fianna Fáil enjoyed a resounding success in Kerry, with both Minister Norma Foley and Cllr Michael Cahill claiming seats.

Minister Foley reached the quota on the 13th count with 13,654 votes.

Cahill secured the final seat with 10,932 votes, falling short of the quota but benefitting from key transfers.

Meanwhile, Fine Gael suffered a major blow, losing its long-held seat in Kerry. Billy O’Shea, who ran to replace outgoing TD Brendan Griffin, fell short with 10,175 votes—757 behind Michael Cahill. The campaign was marred by early controversies over O’Shea’s selection and failed to ignite the necessary support, particularly in key Mid Kerry areas.

Final Vote Breakdown:

  1. Michael Healy-Rae (Independent): 18,596 votes
  2. Pa Daly (Sinn Féin): 13,751 votes
  3. Norma Foley (Fianna Fáil): 13,654 votes
  4. Danny Healy-Rae (Independent): 13,239 votes
  5. Michael Cahill (Fianna Fáil): 10,932 votes

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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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