Connect with us

News

Ukrainians plant Viburnum bushes as a sign of gratitude

Published

on

0236284_Ukranian_Bush_Plantation_1.jpg

As Independence Day of Ukraine approaches on August 24, the Ukrainian community presented 20 Viburnum bushes (Kalyna - ukr) to the Killarney community.

Ukrainians want to leave behind a memory for many years in Killarney, as well as express their gratitude to all locals for their hospitality and warm welcome.

Ukrainians, together with the Mayor of Killarney, planted the 20 Viburnum bushes in the Maurice O'Donoghue Memorial Park on the footpath behind the Riverside Hotel on Tuesday.

Viburnum is a very important symbol for every Ukrainian. In every yard of every grandmother in Ukraine, you will find a Viburnum bush. Its white flowers and red berries are sung in folk songs, embroidered on traditional clothes and towels, houses, and coats of arms of towns and cities have been decorated with Viburnum since ancient times.

The battle march "Oh, the Red Viburnum in the Meadow" is now heard all over the world and is the anthem of the resistance of Ukrainians against Russian aggression.

"Viburnum for a Ukrainian is also a symbol of his native home," says Volodymyr Kravchenko, one of the youngest participants of the initiative. "We want to have a little corner of Ukraine here in Killarney. We also want to express our gratitude to all residents of Killarney for their hospitality and leave a Viburnum alley as a memory."

Niall Kelleher, Mayor of Killarney, who granted permission to plant the bushes and also joined the action, added that "there is a lot of Ukrainian people in our community so it's very important".

"We're all growing together in our community and it's going to set vector for the growth of those bushes and the growth of Ukrainians here in Killarney and in Kerry and in Ireland. It symbolises where we're going together as human beings and after one another, so I suppose it's important if we can do that.”

Ukrainians are very grateful to Sheila Casey for her help in organising this event.

Advertisement

News

Kerry coaches firm honoured with All-Ireland title

Published

on

By

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.

Attachments

Continue Reading

News

Trainee Blacksmith forging a career at Muckross Traditional Farms

Published

on

By

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/.

Continue Reading

Last News

Sport