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O’Brien impresses on home debut

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National League Division One

Scotts Lakers 93-70 Fr Mathews

Despite trailing by 15 points at one stage, Scotts Lakers St Paul’s bounced back to take complete control and secure a comprehensive 23-point victory over Fr Mathews in Killarney Sports Centre on Saturday night. A capacity crowd filled the Killarney venue for this opening home game of the season and they didn't go home disappointed.

It was a match where Scotts Lakers’ outstanding new American signing Seán O’Brien was the difference between the sides. A game high of 37 points combined with a tremendous all-round display on both sides of the court meant he stood out from any other player on view. The Killarney side have certainly secured the services of a quality American player and his presence will be a huge boost to the Lakers’ challenge this season.

The visitors started much the better side and they led 20-5 with four minutes left in the first quarter as the Lakers struggled to make any impact.

The introduction of veteran assistant coach Shane McCarthy made a big difference for the Lakers. His smart assist play opened up opportunities for his teammates and the hosts trailed by just two, 23-25, at the end of the first quarter.

The home side continued to impress in the second quarter with big three-pointers from O’Brien, Greene, Hersisia and McCarthy and they led 44-36 with four minutes left in the half. They maintained control with further scores from Andrew Fitzgerald and Mark Greene to lead 57-43 at half-time.

Fr Mathews tried everything in the third quarter to narrow the gap but O’Brien led the Killarney challenge to great effect. His superb ball-handling skills and intelligent play beat Mathews’ full court press every time as the home side continued to dominate. Cormac O’Donoghue’s team led 74-56 entering the final quarter.

The gap was stretched to 91-62 with four minutes left in the final period. O’Brien left the action with less than three minutes remaining. He had scored 37 points at that stage - despite the slow start and the other times he sat out during the course of the game.

In the end it was a mere formality as the Scotts Lakers cruised to a 93-70 victory. It was a big improvement on the team performance from the win over Limerick IT the previous week and the Killarney side currently find themselves joint top of the Southern Conference.

Scotts Lakers: Seán O'Brien (37), Papito Hersisia (18), Mark Greene (14), Dailian Mason (12), Andrew Fitzgerald (5), Shane McCarthy (4), Cian Clernon (2), Justin Tuason (1), Philip O'Connor, Dylan O'Sullivan, Marko Bencic and James Murphy.

Fr Mathews: Deon Baker Jr (25), Michael McGinn (21) and Paul O'Driscoll

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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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