Jessica Cronin donates hair for children’s charity

Ten-year-old Killarney resident Jessica Cronin is set to cut and donate 12 inches of her hair to support young cancer patients, alongside a fundraising campaign for LauraLynn Children’s Hospice.

The hair donation will go directly to the Little Princess Trust, a charity providing real hair wigs free of charge to children and young people who have lost their own hair through medical treatment.
Alongside her hair donation, Jessica is collecting financial contributions for LauraLynn through the Locks of Love campaign.
“I want to help somebody that doesn’t have something that I have, hair,” Jessica said.
Her family expressed their pride in her decision to support both organisations.
“We are all so proud of her,” her mother, Grace O’Shea-Cronin, said. “Any donation, no matter how small, would be greatly appreciated.”
Donations to support Jessica’s fundraiser can be made online at

locksoflove.lauralynn.ie/fundraiser/jessicacronin1

Killarney apprentice John Stack has reached the final six in the national welding competition at WorldSkills Ireland 2026.

A fourth-year metal fabricator apprentice at Liebherr Container Cranes Ltd in Killarney, Stack represented the local firm at the national finals held at the RDS in Dublin. Across three days of intense competition, entrants completed a complex welding project designed to test technical proficiency, precision, and craftsmanship.

WorldSkills Ireland gathers top apprentices across various industries to benchmark vocational training standards and showcase emerging technical talent.

Stack secured his place in the final six after competing against leading fabricators and welders from across the country.

Dominique Maurer, Managing Director of Production at Liebherr Container Cranes Ltd, praised Stack’s performance on the national stage.

“We are proud to see John reach the final stages of the WorldSkills Ireland Welding Competition,” Maurer said. “This achievement is a testament to his hard work, determination, and welding skills. John has been an excellent ambassador for Liebherr throughout the competition, and we are extremely proud of the way he represented the company on the national stage.”

Liebherr Container Cranes has operated in Killarney since 1958, developing local engineering talent through its structured apprenticeship programme.
Further details regarding upcoming apprenticeship opportunities at the Killarney facility are available by contacting lcc.apprenticerecruit@liebherr.com.