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Palliative service receives an enormous present

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By Michelle Crean

Pulling their most festive jumpers on resulted in over €16,000 being raised for the Kerry Hospice Foundation - which was handed over to the charity on Monday.

CERTS: Receiving certificates in recognition of raising over €16000 for the Kerry Hospice Foundation from Christmas Jumper Day organised by St Brendan's College in collaboration with many of othe local schools from l-r were: Anne Lucey (Holy Cross Mercy NS) Pat Doolan (Kerry Hospice Foundation) Sean Coffey (St Brendan's College) Conor Gleeson (Lissivigeen NS) Colm Ó Súilleabháin (St Oliver’s NS) Elaine Moynihan (St Brendan's College) Mary Brosnan (The Mon NS) Doireann O'Sullivan (St Brigid’s) Cathal Walshe (Kerry Hospice Foundation) Gerda Poetzsch (Killarney Community College) Elaine Spillane (St Francis Special School) and Dermot O'Reilly (Kerry Hospice Foundation). Photo: Marie Carroll-O'Sullivan

Students from St Brendan's College, St Oliver's National School, Killarney Community College, Presentation Monastery, Holy Cross Mercy, St Francis Special School, Lissivigeen National School and St Brigid's Presentation presented a cheque for €16,402 to the charity - the result of their combined 'Presents 4 Palliative' fundraiser in December.

This year was the third year the schools joined forces for this cause and while they initially set their goal at €10,000, the amount it costs to provide a week of the organisation's services, they quickly surpassed their goal. This donation brings the total donated from the combined efforts of these schools, over three years, to €30,000.

The Five LCVP class who coordinated the event in St Brendan's College were very grateful for the support they received and delighted to contribute to the relationship built up between themselves, the other schools and this incredible cause.

"Our LCVP class cannot thank the Killarney community enough for their support, both in words and donations," student Dara O'Shea.

"The hospice is an organisation that provides a crucial service for the local community and is one that has touched many of our own homes - to be able to give back to them is a real honour for myself and my classmates."

Aaron Coffey said that he feels "proud and honoured" to have taken part in this fundraiser.
"They do amazing work, giving people the gift of comfort and dignity in their final days and we were delighted to be able to raise so much for them."

Ryan McCarthy added that they "thoroughly enjoyed" organising the event and were "delighted with all the support" they got. "We are very proud to have exceeded our goal for a cause as special as the Kerry Hospice Foundation."

For TJ O'Sullivan he said they learned a lot about the hospice through this fundraiser and are delighted to have raised such a substantial amount.

"As students we are very proud of ourselves and the entire school community and incredibly grateful for the generosity shown by all who donated," student Mark Sheehan added.

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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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