GOT THE CHOP: Eight-year-old Elaine McCarthy from Gneeveguilla cut 14 inches off her hair as her communion is not going ahead next month.

By Michelle Crean

With home haircuts all the rage at the moment one girl from Gneeveguilla opted for a short bob – but with a twist!

Eight-year-old Elaine McCarthy, who was a bit disappointed that her Holy Communion was postponed this year, decided that since she wouldn’t need curls for her big day next month that instead she’d chop the lot for charity.

Elaine asked her mom Julia to cut it short and now that it’s done they plan to send the hair to the Rapunzel Foundation in Wexford where they make wigs for sick kids.
In all, 14 inches came off and Elaine is loving her new look, Julia explained to the Killarney Advertiser.

“She was to make her communion on May 9,” Julia said.
“However, it’s not going ahead now due to COVID-19. She wanted to cut her hair last year but as her communion was coming up she wanted to have it long with curls on the day. Now that it’s not happening she asked last week if she could cut it. We put it in a ponytail and chopped it and straightened it after.”

Now, going for walks nearby their home, neighbours have been admiring it from afar.
“Elaine loves her new hairstyle. She can hardly tie it up but loves flicking it. She’s delighted with it and doesn’t know herself.”