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Pubs cautiously optimistic ahead of Monday’s reopening

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REOPENING: Brigitte and Ellie Whelan, John C and Joan O'Shea pictured with Ginny the dog in their new 'cabús' as they prepare to reopen this coming Monday. Photo: Grigoriy Geniyevskiy

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By Sean Moriarty

After six months closure one family run Killarney pub is both excited and apprehensive ahead of finally reopening their bar this coming Monday.

After many false starts, 'Wet Pubs' - those that do not serve food - will finally get the chance to reopen their doors next week.

Bar owners and customers will have to adjust to a new way of operating including having counter service replaced by table service, social distancing rules will have to observed, customers will have to remain seated, and strict closing times will be in operation.

Despite the new rules, implemented to reduce the spread of COVID-19, publicans across the town are looking forward to welcoming back customers for the first time since March.

John C O’Shea and his mother Joan are both excited and apprehensive to reopen Jack C’s on the top of High Street.

Joan has been behind the counter of the popular bar for the last 50 years and apart from obvious days like Christmas Day, Good Friday and family funerals, her bar has never been closed.

The O’Shea family took the decision to close their doors on Saturday, March 14, two days before the official Government announcement that closed all public houses at the start of the pandemic’s restrictions.

They have made a few noticeable changes to their bar as they prepare to welcome back their customers and friends.

These include a screen at the bar and sectioning off the seating areas.

Joan – ever the traditionalist – uses the Irish word 'cabús' to describe these new sections.

The word loosely translates into a snug or cubbyhole while the old US-English word caboose is a small train carriage, often used to house engineers and coupled to the rear of a large freight train.

“I can’t wait to meet everyone,” she told the Killarney Advertiser. “I have spent the last six months saluting them on the street.”

John warned that while there are many restrictions facing pub owners, the onus is on the customer to follow the new guidelines too.

“The pubs will do their bit but it is up to customers to obey the rules too,” he said.

However, he said he won’t believe he is actually open until he sees customers on the premises.

Previous Government proposals included potential reopening dates in June, July and August and he remains cautiously optimistic that Monday’s date will remain on schedule.

“We have had the rug pulled from under us too many times in the past,” he said.

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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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