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Killarney’s Michael J O’Connor has died aged 108

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By Michelle Crean 

One of Ireland's oldest men - who would have celebrated his 109th birthday this October - has sadly passed away this morning (Sunday).

107: Michael J O'Connor from Muckross believed to be Ireland's oldest man pictured celebrating his 107 birthday at home. He had put his longevity down to a daily glass of whiskey. Photo: Michelle Crean

Michael J O'Connor who lived in Muckross for over 40 years passed away in Kenmare Community Hospital.

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

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.

"I was born in Glencar to Daniel and Bridie, I travelled the world for five years, three in the last war," Michael previously told the Killarney Advertiser. 

"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 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!"

He was driving up until the age of 104 and had put his longevity down to a daily glass of whiskey.

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New Derreen sports facility moves closer to completion

The new multi-sport facility at Derreen has taken a major step forward. Past, present and future members of Killarney Judo Club, who viewed progress on the development, including a dedicated […]

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The new multi-sport facility at Derreen has taken a major step forward.

Past, present and future members of Killarney Judo Club, who viewed progress on the development, including a dedicated judo dojo (a specialist training hall designed for martial arts practice) said the the development will help boost the sport in Killarney
The project is being delivered by local not-for-profit company Derreen Sports CLG in partnership with Kerry Stars Special Olympics Club, St Paul’s Basketball Club and Killarney Judo Club. Once completed, the facility will provide long-term sporting and community benefits for the area.
Speaking during the visit, Tim Kelly of Killarney Judo Club said there is growing national interest in developing Killarney as a base for international judo training camps. “This opportunity will undoubtedly strengthen the club and support the development of future champions,” he said.
Construction to date has been funded through the Community Recognition Fund administered by Kerry County Council. Further works will be supported by Sports Capital and LSSIF funding through the Department of Sport. The timeline for completion will depend on the release of these funds.
The Derreen facility will include a sports hall, gym and dedicated spaces for multiple clubs and activities.

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Soroptimists support ADAPT Kerry with Christmas hampers

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Killarney Soroptimist Club marked the Christmas season by once again supporting ADAPT Kerry through the presentation of a number of Christmas hampers to the organisation.

Members of the club, along with family and friends, came together to create the hampers, which were delivered to the ADAPT Kerry team in Tralee before Christmas.


The annual initiative aims to provide practical support and a sense of care to women and children using the refuge service during the festive period.


Club President Teresa Irwin thanked everyone who contributed, saying the hampers were intended to bring some comfort and positivity at what can be a difficult time of year.

She said the club hoped the mothers and children would enjoy them over Christmas.


Catherine Casey, General Manager of ADAPT Kerry, said the ongoing support from Killarney Soroptimists was greatly appreciated and highlighted the strong relationship built between both organisations over recent years.

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