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New logo for Kerry Biosphere Reserve

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A unique design has been selected by popular vote as the new logo to represent the Kerry Biosphere Reserve.

NEW LOGO: Akos Csontos (third left) whose logo design has been selected by popular vote as the new logo to represent the Kerry Biosphere Reserve. Pictured from left: Eleanor Turner (Kerry Biosphere Reserve Officer) Noel Spillane (CEO South Kerry Development Partnership) Adrian Steher (Managing Director Killarney Hotels Ltd sponsor of the winning logo design). Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan

The open competition received over 30 entries from designers all over the world. These were shortlisted by the Kerry Biosphere Management Committee made up of representatives from South Kerry Development Partnership, Kerry County Council and the National Parks and Wildlife Service. The three shortlisted designs were then put forward to a public vote held via social media in October 2021.

Akos Csontos, who has been living in Killarney for over 14 years, received 55% of the votes submitted and won a €500 cash prize that was kindly donated by the Killarney Hotels Group.

The new logo represents several key elements of the Kerry Biosphere Reserve.

"I have been always captivated by the natural beauty surrounding us here in Killarney and together with my beautiful wife Julia, our six-year-old son Logan and now nearly three-month-old new-born Layla, we always try to spend as much of our family time as possible in the Killarney parklands and Muckross woodland areas," he said.

"Up until December 2020 – when unfortunately, due to the pandemic my position has been made redundant - I had the pleasure to work as an in-house graphic designer and online content creator in one of Killarney’s five-star hotels. Due to its location right in the heart of Killarney National Park, I always felt even that much closer to nature as well and I think it is fair to say that all of Killarney and even greater Kerry residents are so lucky and truly privileged to call this little piece of heaven a home.

Needless to say, I was only delighted to come across the competition details online and I instantly felt connected with the call. In my approach to the logo - apart from the official requirements - I hoped to fit in as much of the core values as possible while maintaining a clean and modern look. I hope the Kerry Biosphere and its rebranding will be successful in raising more awareness on their mission to protect and preserve all this natural beauty, especially after some of the devastating events of last year with woodland fires or not to mention their ongoing battles with rhododendron. If my logo design aids just even that small step in achieving more visibility through their representation, I will feel truly honoured to have helped them along the way."

The competition was sponsored by Killarney Hotels limited who donated the prize money awarded to the selected entry.

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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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