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Senator Mark Daly listens to key issues during visit

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Senator Mark Daly visited Ukrainians in the Innisfallen Hotel who are temporarily protected by Ireland due to the war against Ukraine.

Ukrainians from Killarney previously invited the senator to the K-Fest Festival, where they organised a day of Ukrainian culture.

The senator talked to Ukrainians in an informal atmosphere. The key issues raised by the newcomers to Ireland were the introduction of simplified procedures for the recognition of Ukrainian diplomas in Ireland, the access of young people to higher education and the creation of additional housing for Ukrainians.

"Among the newly arrived Ukrainians there are many highly qualified people, such as doctors, teachers, psychologists, lawyers," Natalya Krasnenkova, local community coordinator, said.

"All of them can and want to work in specialties that contribute to the Irish economy and fill existing vacancies. But now the confirmation of Ukrainian diplomas is long and bureaucratic, which rejects our fellow citizens to low-paid working specialties. For example, a family medicine hospital director with 20 years of experience is forced to work as a waitress, while Killarney lacks doctors. Or we see a lot of vacant truck drivers, but no one knows how a Ukrainian driver can reschedule driving training to work."

The senator promised to do everything possible so that Ukrainian specialists can get involved in the economy as soon as possible.

In addition, Ukrainians have talked about higher education, as Ukrainian students who are not EU citizens have to pay a high price for tuition from €16,000 to €40,000 per year. It also narrows opportunities for talented and motivated young people.

HOUSING

"Today, Ireland is in dire need of housing, even for its fellow citizens. Therefore, after some time, the pressure on the housing market will increase, when all 33,000 newly arrived Ukrainians will leave temporary shelters or hotels, and will look for the potential to rent accommodation. Ireland should now think about creating modular houses or other options for fast housing," said the Ukrainians.

As a token of gratitude for Senator Daly's continued support, Ukrainians presented him with the work of young Ukrainian artist Anastasia Shkurko 'Ukrainian Phoenix Remembrance'. The work is dedicated to Ukrainian women who have suffered from torture, mass rape and other crimes committed by Russian troops in Ukraine.

"Impersonal images of women in national costumes symbolise Ukrainian women victims of the Russian-Ukrainian war. The pitchfork in their hands means the impossibility of forgiving crimes against humanity.
Nevertheless, I believe that these Ukrainian phoenixes will be reborn and find their peace of mind. I hope that the presented picture draws attention to the topic of crimes against civilians." Senator Mark Daly promises to put this work in his office.

In all, since the beginning of the war, Ireland has received more than 33,000 Ukrainian refugees. 1,900 of them are in Killarney. Senator Mark Daly is a lobbyist on the Ukrainian issue. One week ago, he submitted to the Senate a resolution recognising the genocide status of Russia's aggression against Ukraine and called for Ukraine to be a candidate for EU membership.

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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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