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New GAA partnership is “first of its kind” in Ireland

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A new partnership between Kerry GAA and the Bon Secours Hospital Tralee (BSHT) has been described as the "first of its kind for a County Board in Ireland". 

Both Bon Secours Hospital Tralee (BSHT) and the Kerry GAA have signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the hospital to become a new health partner.

Under this Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Kerry GAA and BSHT will collaborate across a range of mutually beneficial areas. This collaboration will include our elite players having access to physiotherapy services, certain diagnostic testing, DEXA scans and other diagnostics as required.

The collaboration will also include BSHT basing their Physiotherapy Out-Patient Service in the Currans Centre of Excellence along with other office-based staff.

The document was signed on behalf of the Bon Secours Hospital Tralee by Mr TJ O’Connor, CEO and on behalf of the Kerry GAA by its Chairman, Mr Patrick O’Sullivan. The partnership has been agreed initially until 2027 and both the hospital and the Kerry GAA are keen to see this partnership develop into a longer-term relationship.

Mr TJ O’Connor, CEO of Bon Secours Hospital Tralee, welcomed the agreement.

“Bon Secours Tralee is very happy to sign this MOU with Kerry GAA," he said.

"When Liam Lynch first approached us with his vision for this partnership arrangement, we immediately embraced the concept and are delighted to bring it to fruition. We look forward to sharing our state-of-the-art facilities and people with our elite GAA athletes over the coming years for the ultimate benefit of our GAA teams in Kerry."

Mr Patrick O’Sullivan, Chairman of Kerry GAA, said that the new agreement will be of great benefit to Kerry GAA.

“Having access to the facilities, services and people in the Bon Secours Hospital Tralee for our elite GAA teams is an imperative in the modern game," he said. 

"Quick access to diagnostic testing and scanning plays a critical role in facilitating early diagnosis, rehabilitation and return to play. Having this speedy access to these services and the range of specialist at the Bon Secours Hospital Tralee will ensure that our players receive the best possible care and are back on the pitch as soon as possible. This is hugely important to us and we look forward to developing and expanding our partnership with BSHT over the coming years.”

Ms Rosalie Stack, Physiotherapy Manager, Bon Secours Hospital Tralee said “this is a really exciting opportunity for the Physiotherapy Department in BSHT".

"We look forward to recruiting some additional staff and working collaboratively with Kerry GAA in the months and years ahead.”

Mr Liam Lynch, Vice Chairman, Kerry GAA said “this partnership arrangement with BSHT is the first of its kind for a County Board in Ireland".

"We are excited and delighted that we have been able to make this innovative proposal a reality.”

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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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