March launch for new book 'The Liebherr Story'

photos and anecdotes to compile into a book.

“The idea is to gather stories and anecdotes from as wide a group of Johnny's friends and neighbours as possible and combine them with as many photos as possible.

“[Photographer] Valerie O'Sullivan is completely behind this project and has promised to help with photos of Johnny,” said his neighbour and friend Lucy Chisholm Greenfield in a social media post.

“The plan is to self-publish a little book to keep Johnny's memory alive. I will absorb the costs and the price will be set low to encourage everyone who knew him to buy a copy.

“All money from the sale of books will go to the two charities that Johnny was intending to raise money for by walking to the summit of one of The Paps with Sam McGuire on St Stephen's Day. The walk went ahead in the snow but without Johnny and with heavy hearts.”

The two charities that the book will support are the Kerry Cancer Support Group and the Brian Lawlor Trust.

| By Sean Moriarty

'The Liebherr Story' – a new book about the history of the Fossa crane factory - will be launched at the Europe Hotel and Resort on March 20.

Tom Foley’s new book traces the history of Liebherr Container Cranes in the locality since 1958.

“For 65 years, the Liebherr factory in Killarney has had a significant impact not only on the economy of the Southwest but also on the lives of families in the region and beyond. It brought wealth, prosperity and opportunity to the region,” said Trevor O'Donoghue, the marketing manager at Liebherr Container Cranes.

“New skills and trades were developed and passed along within Liebherr and eventually filtered out into the community. New businesses supplying the factory were established and grew through their connection with Liebherr.

“Of course, Liebherr’s presence extends further than the factory in Gortroe. The Europe Hotel and Resort, The Dunloe

Hotel and Gardens along with the Ard na Sidhe Country House are all part of the extended Liebherr story.”

The March 20 launch will take place at 6.30pm and guest speakers include members of the Liebherr family and author Tom Foley.

The book will be available on the night ahead of its general release on March 21.

A Killarney hotel receptionist has been named the Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) 'National Employee of the Year'.

Sonia Smith of the Cahernane House, was announced as the winner during the IHF’s national conference which was held in the Great Southern Killarney this week. Now in its sixth year, the award celebrates and recognises the hotel team member who has made an outstanding contribution to their workplace.

“This award truly showcases the immense talent and dedication shown by hotel and guesthouse teams right throughout the country. I am delighted to congratulate Sonia on being awarded the IHF Employee of the Year,” said Denyse Campbell, President of the IHF. "Her outstanding dedication, hard work,

| By Michelle Crean

For five years they have studied French but the language was really brought to life last week on a special trip to Paris.

Fifth Year French students from St Brigid's Presentation were given the wonderful opportunity to visit the picturesque city for four days.

Two students, Anna Cashman and Abbie and commitment to providing exceptional service to guests are truly commendable. We are grateful to have such wonderful teams of hotel employees right around the country who consistently go above and beyond to make our guests' experiences unforgettable. It is their passion and dedication that make our hotels truly special places."

Sonia started in 2018 in the accommodation department of Cahernane House after completing her Leaving Certificate. She quickly showed immense aptitude and ability and soon moved to reception in 2019 where she was promoted to Reception Supervisor in 2022.