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Rally of the Lakes to be launched on Sunday

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2 years ago

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DEFENDING CHAMPIONS: Last year's winners Noel O'Sullivan from Muckross and Callum Devine from Derry are set to be announced as the top sets for the Assess Ireland Rally of the Lakes at Sunday's launch. Photo: Sean Moriarty

Killarney and District Motor Club will launch the Assess Ireland International Rally of the Lakes at the Gleneagle Hotel on Sunday afternoon.

The 42nd running of the biggest rally in Kerry will take place on April 29 and 30.

So far over 220 crews have entered, setting an all-time record for the event and beyond doubt proving the rally’s popularity. Along with a high volume of entries, there is strong representation across all the categories, including the Juniors and Historics who will run separately from the main field, allowing for an extra 50 cars to take part in the event.

The club plans to have over 200 cars at the start line trying to ensure that all who have entered will be able to enjoy the iconic stages.

Rally fans can expect an action-packed weekend, beginning with the now-traditional ceremonial start on Main Street on Friday night.

The rally returns to the Beara Peninsula on Saturday for the first time since 2019 and the route will include the favourites like Cod’s Head, Ardgroom and the Healy Pass.

Sunday’s route also features some new roads, and after two runs over Moll’s Gap and Ballaghbeama the rally heads to east Kerry.

The sting in the tail includes two runs over Gortnagane and a stage that has not been used for rallying since the 1983 Circuit of Ireland – the last time the famed five-day event visited Kerry.

“We will have a couple of special announcements regarding the town centre at the launch,” said Clerk of the Course Dermot Healy.

With entries set to close on Friday, April 14, the club will be in a position to reveal some of the big names that will tackle the rally in just over two weeks’ time.

New for 2023 is title sponsors Assess Ireland - front runners when it comes to providing automotive and engineering inspection services. It provides a nationwide service through its network of engineers.

Established in 1999, Assess Ireland currently employs a team of more than 80 highly skilled people throughout Ireland including engineers, finance, customer support and logistics teams. With headquarters based in Tralee, the firm has been undoubtedly a longstanding supporter of the local economy.

Assess Ireland offers a range of motor services to the corporate insurance sector as well as providing engineering/work equipment inspections to a wide range of businesses both locally and nationally.

“Given our involvement in the automotive and engineering sectors, the sponsorship of the Rally of the Lakes is an ideal event for our company to be associated with. We are delighted to be supporting one of the most famous annual motorsport events. It is our intention to continue as the main sponsor for a minimum of three years,” Conor Deasy, Managing Director of Assess Ireland, said.

Sunday’s launch gets underway at 3.30pm and there will be a static display of some of the competing cars.

Local drivers, including Muckross man, defending champion and recent Circuit of Ireland Rally winner Noel O’Sullivan will be on hand to answer queries about the rally.

The event also marks former World Rally Championship co-driver Paul Nagle’s switch to rally organisation and he has been appointed Assistant Clerk of the Course with specific responsibility for the event’s safety tracker devices.

Sunday’s launch is open to the public and all are welcome to attend and hear about the 2023 rally.

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Kerry coaches firm honoured with All-Ireland title

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2 hours ago

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14 June 2025

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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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7 hours ago

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14 June 2025

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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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