News
Memorial plaque planned for Moll’s Gap to honour local hero John Mullane
The family of the late John Mullane have announced plans to erect a memorial plaque near Moll’s Gap to honour the man whose heroic actions and early dedication helped shape the Killarney and District Motor Club (KDMC).
John was a central figure in the local motorsport scene during the mid-1970s.
Many in East Kerry consider him a founding member of KDMC, noting his significant workload alongside rallying legends like Billy Coleman during the formative years of the Rally of the Lakes.
His life was cut short in 1980, just one year after the first Rally of the Lakes was held.
John died at Looscaunagh Lake, located beside the iconic Moll’s Gap stage, after entering the water to save a friend.
Despite being unable to swim, his selfless effort ensured his colleague made it to shore alive, though it cost John his own life.
“If John was still alive today there is no doubt he would be one of the main men contributed to The Annual Rally of the Lakes," said Anne Marie Clifford. "His love for motorsport and very early involvement in KDMC is widely spoken about by many of his peers throughout the years and the competition for this cup is intense and this year was no different.”
His legacy continues through the John Mullane Memorial Cup. Awarded since 1981, it remains one of the most coveted prizes in the rally, presented each year to the highest-placed crew consisting of two Kerry residents.
The new plaque will serve as a permanent reminder of his bravery and his lasting contribution to Killarney motorsport.
Gneeveguilla apprentice wins national stonemasonry title
Darragh O’Sullivan from Gneeveguilla won the overall prize in the Architectural Stonemasonry category at the WorldSkills Ireland competition held recently at the RDS in Dublin.
An apprentice stonecutter and stonemason with the Office of Public Works (OPW) based in Mallow, O’Sullivan secured gold for his technical accuracy and craftsmanship during the three-day event.
The state agency relies on traditional trade skills to manage, conserve, and restore national monuments, public buildings, and heritage sites across the country.
O’Sullivan’s success reflects the training provided by his OPW mentors and team, highlighting the importance of apprentice development in preserving traditional heritage crafts for future generations.
Picture Caption: CRAFT CHAMPION: Tom Little (Kerry ETB), Terri Sweeney Meade (OPW), category winner Darragh O’Sullivan (OPW), and Donal Keys (WorldSkills Ireland) at the RDS in Dublin.
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
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