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Randles Hotel Killarney shortlisted for Sustainable Energy awards

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Randles Hotel Killarney is delighted to announce that they were one of the shortlisted finalists at this year’s Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) small and medium business category award, which took place on November 16 in The Mansion House, Dublin

SEAI Awards 2023 - Randles Hotel

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Set up twenty years ago, the SEAI Energy Awards recognise and reward excellence in all aspects of energy efficiency and renewable energy in Ireland. They also acknowledge businesses who demonstrate high levels of innovation and strong potential for replication, and those who have achieved significant energy demand reduction or clean energy deployment.

This latest award follows on from Randles Hotel’s recent sustainability award they received in May this year, when they were awarded with the All-Ireland Business Foundation’s Solar Evolution Business All-Star Renewable Project of the year award, at the All-Ireland Business Summit.

Speaking about being shortlisted as this year’s SEAI Sustainability Awards, Tom Randles said: “Randles Hotel is honoured to be shortlisted in the small to medium size business category for the prestigious SEAI 2023 award. We are delighted to be recognised for the work that we have done to minimise our carbon footprint over the past twenty years. Our main goal is to deliver top-quality customer service to our valued clientele, while consciously achieving eco-friendly, sustainable, and effective energy solutions across all aspects of our business. We would like to extend our warmest congratulations to Ballykilcavan Brewery, the winners of this year’s SEAI award, and we are privileged to have been nominated alongside them.”

Since the onset of the Randles Hotel’s sustainability project in 2001, they have made huge strides in implementing their unique and effective reduced carbon footprint and sustainability plan, and it is no mean feat that they are the first hotel in Ireland to roll out such an extensive carbon zero project on the Island of Ireland. They have also recently completed a series of positive sustainable initiatives via their sister hotel, the Dromhall Hotel, Killarney.

Phase one of Randles Hotel’s sustainability plan was completed in May 2023. This includes innovative and effective developments, such as, the reduction of single use plastics, introducing eco-friendly motion sensory lighting throughout the hotel, the avoidance of food waste, the reduction of chemical usage, and minimising transport for in-house laundry.

Under the direction of Kerry based designer, Tim O’ Leary, the hotels most recent developments include, turning a Victorian building into a carbon-free hotel, via the addition of Solar PV panels, an air source heat pump, and air to water heat pump, and an overall energy monitor of the system. As a result, Randles Hotel have achieved energy savings of 28,294Kwh and 13,451kg C02 per year, which has all led to effective and progressive change. This pioneering work was carried out by DJ Walsh of Thermopro, Castleisland, Lukas Kadlik of MastertTherm, and Brigid Walsh of Solar Evolution, who advised and installed the Solar (PV) panels.

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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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