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Sliabh Luachra Journal is ready to be read

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How several IRA men managed to escape from thousands of British troops carrying out a major search of the “wild country’’ just east of Killarney, during the War of Independence, is recalled in the 19th issue of the Sliabh LuachraJournal, just published.

In an article titled, 'The Big Round-Up', Jeremiah O’Leary recalls the manhunt, in early June 1921. It was focussed on the Clydagh valley, Glenflesk, and estimates of numbers of troops involved ranged from 2,000 to 10,000.
As troops converging on Clydagh from Killarney and many barracks in Co Cork formed a ring of steel, the IRA was concerned as many of its members were trapped in the area being swept.
“But’’, O’Leary notes, “all made good their escape because they were familiar with the terrain and had ample warning of where the enemy was.’’
And they also had cover and support from local people. When troops entered houses, they found all the men had gone. On being asked where the men were, the usual response from women was: “They’ve gone to the bog'’.
Leading one British officer to retort: “You must have a hell of a large peat mine around here!’’
In a separate article on the War of Independence, O’Leary says 1921 was the most active year in the north Cork/east Kerry area, with ambushes in places like Tureengarrive, Rathmore and Headford. The journal has three articles to mark the centenary of the war.

TRADITIONAL MUSIC

Winning the senior fiddle competition at Scartaglen Feile Cheoil, in 1968, was the beginning of close ties with the traditional music of Sliabh Luachra for Matt Cranitch.
Now regarded as a foremost authority on the music of the region, especially that of the renowned fiddle master, Padraig O’Keeffe, he is also a leading musician on the national scene.
On the day Matt won the fiddle competition in Scartaglen, Jackie Daly won the senior accordion competition. “Little did we realise at the time that, many years later, we would go on to form a music partnership which, indeed, would bring us back to Scartaglen many times,’’ he recalls in the journal on page 12.
A native of Rathduff, Co Cork, Cranitch went on to win All-Ireland Fleadh Cheoil titles and numerous other awards and has performed widely at home and abroad.
He also received a PhD from the University of Limerick for his study of the fiddle-playing of Sliabh Luachra.
The 112-page journal, which is sent to exiles in many parts of the world, is published by the local history society, Cumann Luachra. It contains a wide range of articles covering the life and lore of historic Sliabh Luachra and is on sale in shops throughout the area as well as in Killarney and surrounding towns.

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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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