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Pádraig Harnett honoured posthumously by club he loved

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Lifelong soccer stalwart and sports reporter Pádraig Harnett, who passed away in October following a brief illness, has been honoured posthumously by the club to which he devoted much of his life.

Killarney Celtic FC Achievement Awards were presented to Diarmuid Daly Brian Spillane and Gary Keane by (left) Paul Sherry (Club Vice Chairman) and (right) Tim Jones (Club Chairman) at the Killarney Celtic FC Awards ceremony in the East Avenue Hotel Killarney on Friday. Photo: Michelle Cooper Galvin

Killarney Celtic FC Committee Paul Sherry (Vice Chairman) Jane O'Donoghue Tim Jones (Club Chairman) Michelle Kennelly Hurley and John Somers at the Killarney Celtic FC Awards ceremony in the East Avenue Hotel Killarney on Friday. Photo: Michelle Cooper Galvin

Diarmuid Daly (second from left) Under 17 Manager presenting the Killarney Celtic U17 Player of the Year Award to winner Eoghan Crowley with his parents John and Desireee Crowley at the Killarney Celtic FC Awards ceremony in the East Avenue Hotel Killarney on Friday. Photo: Michelle Cooper Galvin

Diarmuid Daly (second from left) Senior 'B' management team presenting the Killarney Celtic Senior 'B' Player of the Year Award to winner Adam McMahon with Stephen Hayes Management team at the Killarney Celtic FC Awards ceremony in the East Avenue Hotel Killarney on Friday. Photo: Michelle Cooper Galvin

Alan Doyle (back centre) presenting the Aiden Cronin Memorial Perpetual Shield to Senior 'A' team Player of the Year Stephen McCarthy with (left) Brian Spillane (Senior Team Manager) Sarah and Aiden Cronin (back from left) Diarmuid Daly Stephen Hayes Alan Cronin Paul Sherry (Club Vice Chairman) and Tim Jones (Club Chairman) at the Killarney Celtic FC Awards ceremony in the East Avenue Hotel Killarney on Friday. Photo: Michelle Cooper Galvin

Jerry and Maria Falvey (seated left) presenting the Jimmy Falvey Perpetual Cup Killarney Celtic Youth Player of The Year to Darragh O'Shea who accepted the cup on behalf of winner Sean Fitzgerald with Killarney Celtic FC Youth players (front) Karl Kalvin O'Sullivan, Cathal Kelly (back) Liam Brosnan Murphy, Liam O'Donoghue, Shay O'Meara, Tim Jones (Club Chairman), Paul Sherry (Club Vice Chairman), Robbie Harnett, Eoghan Crowley, Luke Costello and Diarmuid Daly (Team Manager) at the Killarney Celtic FC Awards ceremony in the East Avenue Hotel, Killarney on Friday. Photo: Michelle Cooper Galvin

Pádraig was named 'Club Person of the Year' by Kerry soccer kingpins Killarney Celtic FC at their annual awards ceremony to a mark outstanding contributions and achievements.

Pádraig served in several positions with the club and he always worked tirelessly and passionately for Celtic and Kerry soccer at many levels.

When Pádraig passed away last October, his coffin was draped in the green and white flag of Celtic and club officials, members and players staged a very moving guard of honour as the cortege wound its way through the streets of Killarney.

At a reception in the Killarney Avenue Hotel on Friday night, the award was accepted by Pádraig’s wife, Maura and also in attendance were his stepson Seán Daly, his brother Brendan, sister-in-law Kathleen and nephews Mark and Robbie Harnett.

The awards were presented by club Chairman Tim Jones and Vice Chairman Paul Sherry.

Another recipient on the night was former senior manager Brian Spillane who received an 'Outstanding Achievement' award for his record-breaking exploits on the sidelines.

During his tenure, Celtic won an unprecedented four Premier League and cup doubles in a row as well as the coveted Munster League of Champions trophy.

A key member of that all-conquering Celtic squad was the outstanding Gary Keane who won every honour in the domestic game and is considered a Celtic legend who has been part of the club since he was a schoolboy.

Gary, who recently hung up his boots, was also presented with an outstanding achievement award as was club mentor Diarmuid Daly who was the kitman for the four-in-a-row squad and managed teams at senior B, youth and Under 17 level.

Other awards presented on the night were:

Senior A Player of the Year: Stephen McCarthy
Senior B Player of the Year: Adam McMahon
Youth Player of the Year: Seán Fitzgerald
Under 17 Boys’ Player of the Year: Eoghan Crowley

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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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