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A familiar face is to retire from Kerry County Council after nearly 40 remarkable years of service. Micheal O’Donoghue joined Kerry County Council in 1979 and has worked in both the roads and environment departments but has spent the vast majority of his career at the busiest recycling and waste facility in the county in Coolcaslagh, Killarney. Michael, , served as the site supervisor.

The popular site supervisor, who is originally from Glenflesk, is married to Bridie and has two daughters, Marie and Martina, and a son, Aodhán. His daughter Marie resides in Australia and Martina lives near Kenmare with her Welsh husband and two boys Rhys and Taliesin.

Michael has been described by his colleagues as one of those characters that every organisation cherishes. He is reliable, honest and has a great sense of humour and this was reflected in his work where he had a great relationship with customers and contractors alike.

Michael is known far and wide in the county and this stems from his time spent as a GAA referee. Over 30 years he learnt how to mediate and take control of situations and he transferred this life skill into his work as supervisor of Kerry's busiest recycling centre. He will be remembered for his famous catchphrase, “good bloody man yourself,” which he could be heard to utter when finishing each transaction with a smile and a chuckle.

Outside of Gaelic football, Michael's other pastimes are fishing, shooting and motorbikes. He previously toured Holland and the continent on his trusty motorcycle. Michael explained that he is looking forward to visiting his daughter in Australia and spending more time with his wife and grandchildren.

They broke the mould with Michael,” says Paul O'Connor, chartered engineer in the Environment Department. “He was one of a kind and will be missed by the people of  Killarney and East Kerry for his care, courtesy and consideration while representing Kerry County Council. Michael’s colleagues both past and present visited him at work and wished him the very best in his retirement.