Connect with us

News

Ireland’s oldest man celebrates 107th birthday!

Published

on

IRELAND’S OLDEST: Michael J O'Connor who celebrated his 107th birthday on Tuesday is Ireland's oldest man. Photo: Michelle Crean

By Michelle Crean

 

Not only is he the oldest man in Killarney or even Kerry - but Michael J O'Connor - who celebrated his 107th birthday on Tuesday - is Ireland's oldest man!

And it's a title he's very proud of - as he wasn't expected to live past the age of six after contracting the Spanish Flu. But after months in bed he eventually recovered. Unfortunately his mother Bridie, a teacher in Glencar, succumbed to the illness some months later. His father Daniel, also a teacher in Glencar, died in his 40s.

On Tuesday, the champagne was flowing at his home in Muckross, and there were so many cards that he hadn't had time to open them all!

Not many can say that they have experienced the War of Independence, the Civil War, World War One and Two - but Michael, who worked at sea and then went onto a career in aviation, also remembers the only mode of transport being a horse and cart to get from his home place to Killarney for shopping - to later in life experiencing the contrast with two trips on a Concord to New York.

Michael also went from using the social media of the day - Morse code - in his early career, to later learning to how to send text messages.

Today he says he's agile and "thankfully comfortable" and enjoyed all the well wishes, cards and presents including his seventh medal from the president.

"107 years ago I kicked myself into this world," Michael told the Killarney Advertiser this week.
"I was born in Glencar to Daniel and Bridie, I travelled the world for five years, three in the last war. I then changed to aviation in the early '40s and stayed in aviation for the rest of my life based in Ballygreen between Shannon and Ennis."

Michael came to Killarney 40 years ago in 1980 with his wife Joan, who died in 2008.

"I built a holiday home up the side of a mountain a few years before I retired. Then, when I retired, I sold the house in Limerick and have been here ever since. There's no nicer place in the world - and I've been around most of it!"

SECRET TO A LONG LIFE

Michael let the Killarney Advertiser in on a little secret, saying he puts his longevity down to a daily glass of whiskey.

"The secret is a glass of Red Breast Whiskey every night before bed," he said.

With COVID, he thinks it's very unfair that it has happened but feels people should do as they're asked and stay within the confines of their home as much as possible.

These days he is enjoying his time with his family and watching the History Channel on Sky - and not many can say they have lived through most of it!

Advertisement

News

Overnight water restrictions in Greater Killarney

Published

on

Overnight water restrictions in Greater Killarney

Uisce Éireann has introduced overnight water restrictions across parts of Greater Killarney to help reservoir levels recover during the current spell of warm weather.

The restrictions will take effect tonight from 9pm until 7am tomorrow morning. Areas affected include Aghadoe, Beaufort, and Listry on the Mid-Kerry Water Supply Scheme.

Increased demand during the warm weather has meant treated water is being used faster than it can be produced. Uisce Éireann stated that the nighttime shut-offs are necessary to protect the daytime supply for homes, businesses, and essential services.

Operations manager Eoin O’Connell urged local residents and businesses to conserve water where possible:

“Nighttime restrictions are being implemented to support treated reservoir recovery and maintain daytime supply. Conserving water will help protect resources and maintain supply for all. When there is an increase in temperatures it leads to a rise in demand for water. Water is a hugely precious resource, and it is important to conserve water.”

Uisce Éireann is monitoring water levels daily and will conduct a further operational assessment later this week.

Attachments

Continue Reading

News

West End and Great Southern team up for theatre experience

A powerful production of one of Ireland’s most celebrated contemporary plays is coming to the Killarney stage this month. In an exciting joint venture, the West End House School of […]

Published

on

A powerful production of one of Ireland’s most celebrated contemporary plays is coming to the Killarney stage this month.
In an exciting joint venture, the West End House School of Arts has partnered with the Great Southern Killarney to offer audiences an unrivaled theatre experience.

The West End Players Ensemble will present By the Bog of Cats, Marina Carr’s haunting and critically acclaimed masterpiece, on Wednesday, July 29 and Thursday, July 30 at 8:00pm at the town centre hotel.

Charlie Hughes, the show’s director and Head Tutor at West End House School of Arts, expressed great pride in the milestone, stating he is “so proud that our five years in operation here in Killarney have been able to support and develop such talented local actors to stage this production”.
Set against the stark beauty of the Irish midlands, the compelling drama tells the unforgettable story of Hester Swane, a fiercely independent woman determined to hold on to her home, her daughter, and her place in the world. Rich in Irish folklore, dark humour, and unforgettable characters, Carr’s masterpiece explores themes of love, betrayal, identity, and the enduring pull of the past, offering an unflinching portrait of Irish society.
Maria O’Meara, Director of Rooms at Great Southern Killarney, welcomed the production, saying, “Welcoming such a gripping and powerful production into the hotel is a wonderful way to celebrate creativity and culture. Creating memorable experiences has always been at the heart of the Great Southern Killarney, and we are proud to host an evening that brings people together through the arts.”
Theatregoers can enjoy an exclusive pre-theatre dining experience. A special menu will be available at the five-star Great Southern Hotel’s Arbor Restaurant for €55 per person. Dining reservations can be secured in advance by calling 086 663 8000 or by emailing events@greatsouthernkillarney.com.
The play runs for two hours, including a brief intermission, and is suitable for audiences aged 16 and over. Show tickets must be booked in advance online via Eventbrite at https://bythebogofcats.eventbrite.com

Attachments

Continue Reading

Last News

Sport