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Missing Christmas: One London-Killarney family’s disappointment

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LONDON: Muckross man John F O'Mahony, with his wife Michelle and twins Ronan and Aoife. Photo: Ginger Nut With A Camera

 

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By Sean Moriarty

It was a Christmas like no other for so many Killarney families. It was even more difficult for those living abroad and unable to return to Kerry for the festive season but sacrifices had to be made to protect the health of those both at home and abroad.

One London-based Muckross family, John. F O’Mahony and his wife Michelle, who have newborn twins Ronan and Aoife, explained their decision-making process to the Killarney Advertiser.

It is exactly one year since they set foot on Kerry soil and it could be at least another six months - maybe more - before they do so again.

Usually they would make it home to Killarney “at least half a dozen times a year”, but their annual spring break was ended by the first national lockdowns on each side of the Irish Sea.

Although things opened up slightly through the summer months, Michelle was in the late stages of her pregnancy and unable to travel. John did not want to leave her alone for any extended period at this time.

Instead they turned their attention to a possible Christmas trip. The twins were born on October 24 and by Christmas they should have been able for the challenges of a flight or a ferry crossing.
That is until the health situation deteriorated again in both countries.

“The decision was made for us once the number of cases picked up,” John told the Killarney Advertiser.

“At the time things were a lot worse here [in the UK] than there, it was a difficult decision to accept at the time but we had to do the sensible thing. We did not want to be the people who landed into the country and caused a spike in cases."

John’s father Brendan, who lives in the Muckross area, has yet to meet his two latest grandchildren although technology like Zoom and WhatsApp keeps the two sides of the family in touch.

There was an additional difficulty for John, who is 10 years in London, and his son Aaron Morris.

“It was the first time since I came here that I could not get home in May for Aaron’s birthday, and he is of the age where he could get over to us a few times a year,” added John. "We are not looking for sympathy. This is just an example of the reality for many people in 2020 and 2021. We are staying put in London until it's safer to travel, being part of the solution instead of being part of the problem."

 

 

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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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