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Two Killarney STEM students receive Johnson & Johnson’s University scholarship

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Two Killarney STEM student are among five in total from Kerry that have been selected for prestigious scholarships.

Dana Daneshvari Site Lead Janssen Sciences Ireland and Dr. Alan Morrison Vice-Dean for Undergraduate Affairs College of Science Engineering and Food Science University College Cork are pictured with recipient Méabh O’Connell University College Cork at Thomond Park Limerick to mark her receipt of a scholarship from global healthcare company Johnson & Johnson as part of its WiSTEM2D Programme. Picture: Conor McCabe Photography.

Eimear O'Connor (Annascaul), Sarah Lynch (Listowel), Méabh O’Connell (Killarney), Alison Ward (Castleisland) and Ciara Casey (Killarney) were amongst 62 students from across five Irish universities who have been awarded scholarships as part of the prestigious Women in STEM2D (WiSTEM2D) Undergraduate
Awards at the first ever national event held in Thomond Park Stadium, Limerick this week.

The Award recognises outstanding female students in STEM2D disciplines: Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, Manufacturing and Design. Sixty-two students from Trinity College Dublin, University of Limerick, University College Cork, University of Galway and Munster Technology University have received scholarships as part of the programme.

This is the eighth year of the annual awards programme, showcasing the company’s commitment to advancing female excellence in STEM fields.

This is the first year that the company has brought all recipients together for a day-long event, with all attendees benefitting from a unique learning experience, including workshops and breakout sessions, carefully tailored to foster their growth and provide them with the essential skills and knowledge needed to prepare them for a successful career.

Research published by the Higher Education Authority earlier this year identified that 35% of students in STEM-related courses at third level are female. Furthermore, the HEA noted that the gender gap continues to remain evident at post-primary level. Johnson & Johnson recognises the importance of inspiring students to consider a career in STEM, and is committed to igniting the spark of curiosity in young minds, nurturing the STEM leaders of tomorrow, and maintaining a robust talent pipeline to support the life sciences industry.

The five Kerry students selected to receive the scholarships are studying:

· Eimear O'Connor; Chemical and Biochemical Engineering; University of Limerick
· Sarah Lynch; Biological Sciences; Univeristy College Cork
· Méabh O’Connell; Food Science; University College Cork
· Alison Ward; Biomedical and Biological Sciences; Trinity College Dublin
· Ciara Casey; Pharmaceutical Biotechnology; Munster Technological University

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris TD, said:
“Huge congratulations to the recipients of the Johnson & Johnson WiSTEM2D Award on their achievements. What they have achieved to date is inspirational and I hope will encourage more women to study STEM.
“There is so much more we can do to reduce the gender gap in STEM studies and as Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science I am committed to pulling every lever to do so, and making sure that there are no barriers to educational opportunities.

“It’s a great time to celebrate this occasion as it’s Science Week, a time when we celebrate the wonders of science and the potential it holds.”

“Our capacity to tackle the challenges of the future will be significantly enhanced through advancements in research, science, and innovation and it’s clear to me the full potential of the STEM community can only be realised when we eliminate gender disparities.

“I want to thank industry leaders like Johnson & Johnson for their commitment to empowering and investing in brilliant young women. By igniting the spark of curiosity in young minds, nurturing the next generation of STEM leaders, and supporting the development of a robust talent pipeline, we are investing in our shared future.”

Anna Rafferty, Johnson & Johnson WiSTEM2D University Lead and Director of Strategy, Johnson & Johnson Campus Ireland, said:
"Our Irish WiSTEM2D journey started in Limerick in 2016, and it is wonderful to be here again eight years on, to see how this programme has grown. This is now a truly national initiative, impacting the early careers of women and STEM in all corners of the country.”

“Johnson & Johnson's commitment to supporting women in STEM runs deep. We understand the tremendous value diversity brings to innovation and progress, and we believe that by empowering and investing in these brilliant young women, we are not only shaping the future of STEM but also advancing solutions that will benefit our global community."

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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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