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Michael’s feeling great at 108!

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By Michelle Crean

It was yet another very special birthday for Ireland's oldest man as Michael J O'Connor celebrated turning 108 on Wednesday!

And unlike the confines of COVID last year, Michael got to have a special celebration, a meal with his closest family and friends at his home in Muckross - and he even made a speech!

"I'm doing great," Michael told the Killarney Advertiser.

"It was strictly a family party, it's what I wanted. It wasn't an open house. There was no comparison to last year as everything was closed down."

Wednesday began with a visit from local priest Fr Kieran O'Brien followed by family and many many well wishers.

"You couldn't move, the room was full," he said, although his daughter Avril explained that it was all done in a safe socially distanced manner.

"I was tired [afterwards] but thankfully not as tired as I thought I'd be. I feel quite active this morning [Thursday]."

Micheal was born in Glencar in 1913 and wasn't expected to live past the age of six after contracting the Spanish Flu. He has also lived through the War of Independence, the Civil War, World War One and Two.

In February this year Michael received the first dose of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine at Deenagh Torc Medical Practice, Reeks Gateway, and said then that he was looking forward to "life without fear".

He came to Killarney 40 years ago with his wife Joan, who sadly passed away in 2008.

He puts his longevity down to a daily glass of whiskey.

Up until four years ago - at the age of 104 - he was driving, and remembers his first car was a Model T Ford.

"I was driving cars from 1930 until 2017. The old Model T Ford had no gears, no accelerator and there was a throttle for slowing down and for normal driving." He also remembers driving a Volkswagen Jetta up until he stopped driving and never experienced power-steering.

Michael, who has featured in a number of television documentaries, was quite active and independent up until COVID hit 19 months ago.

These days he enjoys time at home with his family, good food, some daily exercise, plenty of rest and a glass of whiskey.

In his family speech he thanked those closest to him for their support saying "everyone has contributed to my happiness", and finished with some inspiring words.

"Every day is an exciting day and you learn something from it."

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HeartBeat’s expert talk on the science of sleep

HeartBeat Kil larney will focus on the vital role of sleep in cardiac and mental health at its next community meeting on February 24. The event, held at the Parish […]

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HeartBeat Kil

larney will focus on the vital role of sleep in cardiac and mental health at its next community meeting on February 24.
The event, held at the Parish Centre on Park Road, features guest speaker Dr Anna O’Sullivan, a Senior Clinical Psychologist with the HSE.
Following her previous popular sessions with the group, Dr O’Sullivan will return to provide a deep dive into the neuroscience of sleep.
The talk will explore why rest is a cornerstone of physical and mental well-being and how sleep requirements shift throughout various life stages, from childhood and the teenage years to parenthood, perimenopause, and older adulthood.
Attendees can expect practical advice on managing common sleep difficulties and strategies for improving sleep quality. Dr O’Sullivan will also outline simple self-care actions that can maintain or enhance long-term sleeping habits, as well as the long-term impacts of insufficient rest.
The meeting begins at 8:00 pm at the Parish Centre and is open to all members of the community. A question-and-answer session will follow the presentation, and the evening will conclude with light refreshments and an opportunity for attendees to chat.

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Parking plan for Muckross Rowing Club boat launch

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Muckross Rowing Club will host a landmark event on Sunday to officially launch and bless three new additions to its racing fleet.

The ceremony is scheduled to take place at the club’s boathouse at 2pm and represents a significant moment in the club’s long-standing history.


The club has issued an open invitation to all past and present members, as well as supporters, friends, and family, to join in the celebrations.

Following the formal blessing and naming of the boats, light refreshments will be served at the boathouse for all attendees.


For those planning to attend the event, parking will be situated at the Muckross House car park.


The club has requested that anyone requiring parking access closer to the boathouse make contact with a committee member in advance so that appropriate assistance and arrangements can be made.


The core of the celebration is the naming of the boats in honour of three of the club’s most distinguished athletes: Paul Griffin, Sean Casey, and Cathal Moynihan.


These three oarsmen achieved the ultimate success in the sport by representing Ireland at the 2004 and 2008 Olympic Games.


Having started their journeys as Muckross juniors before rising through the international ranks, their legacy continues to be a major source of pride for the club as they are immortalised in the newest fleet.

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