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Thousands of ‘love boxes’ sent abroad to vulnerable children for Christmas

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BY MICHELLE CREAN

This week, volunteers with Team Hope Killarney issued their heart-felt thanks as an amazing 4,100 boxes were sent to vulnerable children abroad this year in time for Christmas.

Margaret Scully, lead coordinator for Team Hope in the Killarney area, told Killarney Advertiser this week that it was only possible thanks to public support.

“Congratulations and thank you to everybody that helped make this our best year ever,” Margaret said.

“We sent 4,100 beautiful ‘love boxes’ to Lesotho in South Africa. 641 cartons were packed into containers by the Killarney Lions Club with the help of Michael O’Shea (O’Shea Tyres) who turns up every year with a forklift to help make the work a bit easier. Not forgetting our own guys, the master packers Michael Robson, Dave O’Connor and Chris Scully.

“We wish to say a massive thank you to every man, woman and child in South Kerry for all the amazing shoeboxes they filled with wonderful things for vulnerable children overseas.”

And she added that this work would not be possible without the help of all the schools, companies, businesses and the public that took part.

“We are so grateful to the teachers and parents that organised and dropped boxes to our checking centre.

“None of this work would be possible if we didn’t have a place to check the boxes and get them ready for shipment. We are extremely grateful to the O’Brien family for their generosity in providing the perfect space for the work to get done.”

She added a special thanks to the following drop off points, Killarney Advertiser, the two Dealz stores, Joe O’Shea Toymaster in Killorglin, Cahersiveen Credit Union and the Family Resource Centre in Cahersiveen.

“The ladies from Killarney Strutters and KOTE who turn up every year to check the boxes, thank you all for your help.”

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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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