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Rathmore mourns passing of David Saunders

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By Sean Moriarty

The death of Rathmore man David Saunders on Monday was felt across the locality and further afield.

HERO: David Saunders (right) played for Cork City FC and represented Ireland in the Amputee Soccer World Cup in Mexico in 2014. Photo:Sportsfile

His life story is one of bravery and adversity, one he faced with dignity and courage.

After surviving cancer twice in childhood, he sadly succumbed to his third bout earlier this week.

David lost a leg to the disease in childhood but he never allowed it get him down.

David (40), was born in Bealnadeega, an idyllic location between Rathmore and Barraduff. He attended Meentogues National School and later Pobal Scoil Sliabh Luachra in Rathmore.

“The school community is deeply saddened by the passing of past pupil David Saunders who was the special guest and inspirational speaker at our School Awards in 2016,” school principal Denis Kerins said.

Despite his disability, David climbed The Paps, cycled the byroads and upon leaving school he qualified as a teacher.

He also became a prolific member of the Irish Amputee Football Team.

In November 2014 he was a key member of the Irish team that participated in the Amputee Soccer World Cup in Mexico.

“Everyone in Amputee Football will be devastated to hear the sad news that one of our warriors has sadly passed away. David Saunders was a truly inspirational player, and a gentleman to anyone who was graced to meet him,” said an Irish Amputee Football Association statement.

David also played for Cork City FC.

He was married to Anne-Marie who is from Castleisland and they have two children, Jack (4) and Aoibhín (2).

A proud Kerry man, he set up home in Carrigaline in Cork where he was a much loved teacher in Douglas Rochestown Educate Together National School. He lived cancer free for 26 years and in that time became a motivational speaker.

However, the illness returned and a GoFundMe page raised €171,752 to support him and his family. “This time around my prognosis is a lot bleaker," he said less than a month ago.

David passed away peacefully in the presence of his loving family. He is survived by his wife Anne-Marie and children, parents John and Anne, his three siblings Emer, Michelle and Sinead, and extended family and friends.

Requiem Mass will take place on Friday at St Joseph’s Church Rathmore followed by private cremation afterwards.

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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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