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Fears for local economy as Liebherr staff put on three-day week

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Staff at the Liebherr Container Crane factory in Fossa have been put on three-day weeks amid concerns that cutbacks at one of the south west’s biggest employers could have a knock-on effect on the economy of the region.

The reduced week is expected to be in place from Monday, September 3 until the end of the year. Employees learned of the news last week before their annual two-week break. The measure has been put in place to save jobs at the company; 27 people had already been let go and there were fears that a further 180 could be sacked.

The majority of staff will be affected by the move, including office and manufacturing staff. A small number of employees have been transferred to other Liebherr factories in Southampton and Germany.

A number of local businesses who do haulage and subcontracting work for Liebherr may also be affected by the cut-backs, and reduced wages for employees may adversely affect the local economy.

Dr Hans Liebherr opened his Killarney operation in 1958 and since then the company has been a reliable and valued source of employment for the people of Killarney and the surrounding parishes. Locals hope that the current set back is temporary and the global powerhouse can bounce back and prosper for many years to come.

The Liebherr family company owns three five-star hotels in the area and in the past decade alone some €100 million has been put into major upgrading of the Hotel Europe and the Dunloe Castle.

It has also invested heavily in equipment, technology automation, training and facilities at the crane factory. Cranes from the Killarney plant go all over the world via the port of Fenit.

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Kilcummin GAA announces return of annual Pink Night

The Ladies’ Committee of Kilcummin GAA Club has announced the return of its annual Pink Night, set to take place in The Klub Bar on Saturday, January 3. Now in […]

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The Ladies’ Committee of Kilcummin GAA Club has announced the return of its annual Pink Night, set to take place in The Klub Bar on Saturday, January 3.

Now in its 12th year, the event will support Comfort for Chemo for the fifth year running. The evening promises both fun and fundraising for the charity.

Guests will be greeted with a Prosecco reception and chocolate-dipped strawberries to start the post-Christmas celebration.
While attendees are encouraged to wear pink, dressing up is optional, with the focus on community and support for the cause. Prizes will be awarded for Best Dressed Female and Best Dressed Male.

The event begins at 8:00pm. Entertainment will be provided by Derry and Rosie Healy followed by Barry McGrath playing late into the night.

A raffle and door prizes, kindly provided by local sponsors, will take place on the night. Committee member Kathleen Ryan said the continued support of the local sponsors is deeply appreciated.

Admission to the event is free, and all are welcome to attend the celebration.

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A winter ascent of the MacGillycuddy Reeks is always special

Killarney resident and experienced mountaineer Melissa Trant recently shared incredible photographs and her account of climbing the snow-capped MacGillycuddy Reeks, highlighting the unique experience of the mountain range during winter. […]

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Killarney resident and experienced mountaineer Melissa Trant recently shared incredible photographs and her account of climbing the snow-capped MacGillycuddy Reeks, highlighting the unique experience of the mountain range during winter.

The MacGillycuddy Reeks at Christmas time offer a cure for whatever the heart needs, whether it is peace, relaxation, or reflection. Melissa described spending time there as magical at any point of the year, but particularly during the winter months when the mountains are covered in snow.
Climbing one of the winter routes on Carrauntoohil, Ireland’s highest mountain, requires essential safety gear, including crampons, an ice axe, and a helmet, making the experience “incredibly exciting and fun.”
Melissa said that she enjoys visiting the stunning peaks of the MacGillycuddy Reeks often because it is a place she can never get enough of. She finds that mountains make her feel alive, giving her joy, thrill, satisfaction, and peace. She added that the feeling of tranquility and calm on the mountains encompasses every ounce of her.
With Ireland’s finest and highest mountain range on our doorstep in Killarney, Melissa said she feels blessed to be able to head up whenever the mountains are calling

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