Connect with us

News

O’Sullivan replaces Botty at Kerry GAA Store

Published

on

F

Former Kerry footballer Seán O’Sullivan has taken the reins from Niall ‘Botty’ O’Callaghan at the Kerry GAA Store in Killarney and the four-time All-Ireland winner says he has big shoes to fill.

“I know Botty since he joined the Kerry set-up in 2004 as our equipment manager and from the minute he walked in, you just knew what kind of guy he was,” Seán said. “He’s a bubbly, vivacious character. Very friendly. When they opened the shop in 2013, it was a no-brainer for him to be the manager. He just has the personality for it.

“After five years here he’s moving on to different things and I know that if I’m half as popular as he was, I’ll be doing a good job. My mantra is, ‘if it’s not broke don’t fix it’. I have my own ideas for the shop and how to take it forward but Niall and his staff have run it brilliantly. I just want to keep that going, and maybe add my own style to it as well.”

The Cromane native is no stranger to Killarney having previously worked for 13 years at Bank of Ireland on New Street. The opportunity to return to the town was ‘one of the main attractions’ of the job, O’Sullivan says.

“Killarney has a great vibe and I love the people, so from that point of view I’ve had no problem settling in. But the daily running of the business is something completely new to me so that is a little bit challenging.

“Every day I’m getting better at it. I have great support in the staff that I have around me and it’s a ‘learn-as-you-go’ process. But I’m really enjoying it.”

The store, which is located in the Killarney Outlet Centre, is currently preparing for a busy Christmas period and O’Sullivan says the new National League range is proving particularly popular with supporters.

“Weekends are busy but like any business, there’s a bit of a November lull at the moment. We’re hoping to ramp up our Christmas campaign over the next few weeks. Vouchers are huge for us and they’re very popular at this time of year,” he said.

“The new gear is lovely. It really is. And right now we’re already talking to O’Neills about our championship gear for the summer. We’ve got some very good, fresh ideas in relation to that as well. That’s the way the business works; you always have to be ahead of the game.”

The new store manager is hoping for a prosperous 2019 and he acknowledged that the exploits of the Kerry senior team was bound to have a direct effect on business.

“We want Kerry to go all the way – and maybe a few replays thrown in as well!” he joked. “No, look, there’s no doubt about it, Kerry not getting out of the Super 8s last summer affected the store. That only makes sense. The longer Kerry stay in the championship, the better it’s going to be for us. And it goes both ways: the better the store is doing, the better Kerry are doing because the profits are going straight back into Kerry GAA.

“It’s a win-win for everybody.”

Advertisement

News

Kerry coaches firm honoured with All-Ireland title

Published

on

By

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.

Attachments

Continue Reading

News

Trainee Blacksmith forging a career at Muckross Traditional Farms

Published

on

By

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/.

Continue Reading

Last News

Sport