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Ava’s big-hearted gesture to benefit sick children

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3 years ago

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CHOP CHOP: Ava O’Sullivan from Firies chopped 14 inches off her hair to help sick children.

By Michelle Crean

It took a long time to grow but only minutes for Ava O’Sullivan's hair to be cut - but the lasting impact will be felt by sick children for a long time to come.

DONE: Ava O’Sullivan pictured after 14 inches was cut off her hair.

Hairdresser Mary O’Sullivan took the scissors to 11-year-old Ava's hair which she has now donated to much loved Irish charity LauraLynn Ireland's Children's Hospice.

Ava, a big-hearted pupil in Firies NS, had 14 inches cut off of her long, flowing locks and she couldn’t be happier with her new hairstyle.

Her ‘Locks of Love’ donation will go towards raising funds for children with life-limiting conditions in LauraLynn, while also creating a wig for a child in need through The Rapunzel Foundation.

Ava set up an iDonate page for her fundraiser, with all contributions going directly to LauraLynn Ireland’s Children’s Hospice. To date she has raised nearly €1,700.

"It was just something we talked about last year; she’d lovely thick hair and I explained that the hair goes to help them make wigs for children," Ava’s mum, Olivia O’Sullivan, said.

"She looked up about what LauraLynn does for sick children and the services they provide and couldn’t be happier to help them out."

Ava is a busy beaver who loves Irish dancing with the Chamber's School of Irish Dance, soccer with MEK’s, taking part in the Siamsa Training Academy in Tralee and also taking part in the Killarney Musical Society variety show next week.

People can still donate by using the link www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/OliviaOsullivan524.

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Cross-county collaboration key to building STEM skills in the South West

A meeting in Killarney has highlighted the opportunity for greater collaboration across counties to strengthen the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) talent pipeline in the South West. Representatives from […]

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9 hours ago

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22 October 2025

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A meeting in Killarney has highlighted the opportunity for greater collaboration across counties to strengthen the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) talent pipeline in the South West.

Representatives from STEM South West met with Minister of State Michael Healy-Rae, Fearghal Reidy, CEO of Kerry County Council, and Patrick Doyle, Regional Manager of the IDA, to discuss how STEM education and industry can be supported and expanded across the region.
The STEM South West Leaders Dialogue, held at the Muckross Park Hotel, focused on how the sector can continue to grow despite challenges such as skills shortages, competitiveness, and housing pressures. Participants agreed that stronger cooperation between national and local government, education, and industry is essential.
The discussion emphasised the importance of developing a long-term strategy to attract and retain skilled workers, and to support local and multinational companies operating in STEM fields. Programmes such as the Adopt a School initiative and the annual STEM South West Careers Expo were highlighted as key ways to connect schools, students, and employers.
Minister Healy-Rae said:
“It is key that all young people are given the full opportunity to reach gainful, suitable employment. From electricians to engineers, we need to educate young people on the opportunities available to them.”
Mary Good, Managing Director of Advanced Medical Services and Chair of STEM South West, said the event showed strong support for more joint action across the South West.
“Ongoing collaboration across all sectors is key,” she said. “We are inviting Kerry and Cork schools and STEM companies to take part in our Adopt a School initiative and our Careers Expo on 20 November.”
Audience members also called for greater recognition of SMEs that play a vital role in regional employment and work closely with larger international companies.
STEM South West is a not-for-profit, industry-led cluster aimed at building the region’s capacity in science, technology, engineering and maths.
For more information, visit www.stemsouthwest.ie.

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Songwriters invited to Song Circle at West End House

Local musicians and music lovers are in for a treat later this month, as West End House hosts a special evening dedicated to original music and creative collaboration. The Song […]

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9 hours ago

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22 October 2025

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Local musicians and music lovers are in for a treat later this month, as West End House hosts a special evening dedicated to original music and creative collaboration.

The Song Circle, taking place on Saturday, November 22 at 5:30pm, invites songwriters, composers, and performers of all styles to come together in a relaxed, welcoming setting to share their work and connect with others.
Whether you’re an experienced performer eager to showcase your own material or simply want to listen and be inspired, the Song Circle promises a warm, inclusive atmosphere that celebrates creativity and community spirit.
Organisers say the event is about more than performance , it’s about building a network of local musicians who can support and learn from one another.
The evening is free to attend, though booking is advised, as spaces are limited.
For more information or to reserve a spot, visit westendhouse.ie.

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