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One wedding leads to another for Mary and Michael

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THEY say one wedding leads to another and that was certainly the case for Mary Griffin and Michael O’Donoghue. Fossa native Mary and Michael, from Coolaclarig, Listowel, first met at Mary's sister Jacqui’s wedding to Daniel Allen.

At the time, Mary was living in Saudi Arabia and Michael popped the question in Bahrain during one of his visits to see her. However, all roads led to Killarney for her own nuptials when she and Michael exchanged vows in a civil ceremony at The Dromhall Hotel by registrar Helen O’Sullivan.

Jacqui and Daniel Allen took on key roles also on the big day as bridesmaid and groomsman respectively.

Also helping them lead the celebrations were Mary’s parents, Mary and Michael Griffin, Michael’s parents Mary and Michael O’Donoghue, ad Mary’s grandmother Chrissie O’Connor.

Completing the bridesmaid line-up were Mary’s other sister Geraldine King along with Michael’s daughter Lauren O’Donoghue.

Michael’s friend Darren Challoner was best man while his brother James O’Donoghue was a groomsman.

“Our wedding day was amazing, the hotel went out of their way to make it exceptional,” said Mary. “Michael Talbot and Ciara O’Callaghan of The Dromhall were wonderful and helped to co-ordinate everything on the day.”

Mary works for an Irish-owned construction company in London Pod-Trak Ltd as an office manager and PA to the managing director and Michael is area sales manager in South East Region of London for Scania (Great Britain) Limited. “Hence we had a Scania lorry outside the venue on our big day,” said Mary.

The newlyweds currently reside in Windsor in London but are planning to relocate in the future to Coolkeragh, Listowel.

 


 
Above: Mary Griffin and Michael O'Donoghue with their wedding party. Pic: Elaine Kennedy

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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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