Connect with us

News

Good bloody man yourself, Michael!

Published

on

A

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.

Advertisement

News

Contactless payments launched on Local Link services

Published

on

By

Passengers using TFI Local Link Kerry services in Killarney and across the county can now pay for their journeys using contactless card payments.

The National Transport Authority (NTA) confirmed the rollout this week, allowing commuters to simply tap their debit card, credit card, or mobile devices, such as Apple Pay and Google Pa, when boarding.

The move is designed to offer more convenience for those using high-frequency rural and regional routes.

In Killarney, the new payment option will be available on the TFI Anseo town services, which have seen a significant increase in passenger numbers since their introduction.

The contactless system is currently available for single journey fares, while those using daily or weekly passes can continue to use the Leap website or the TFI Leap Top Up App.
Alan O’Connell, General Manager of TFI Local Link Kerry, welcomed the modernisation of the fleet.

“The introduction of contactless payments is another welcome step forward for public transport in Kerry,” he said. “It complements other major projects in the county, including the expansion of TFI Local Link services and the delivery of TFI Anseo in Killarney, which is proving to be another great initiative.”

While the new technology offers a modern alternative, traditional payment methods are not being phased out. Cash payments, TFI Leap cards, and Free Travel Cards all remains fully valid across the network.

Continue Reading

News

How will our Kerry TDs vote tomorrow?

Published

on

By

Tomorrow, Sinn Féin will be tabling a motion of no confidence against the Government after the protests that took place nationwide during the week.

Earlier today we asked our readers how would they vote in a no confidence motion against the Government?

Most of our readers said they would vote no confidence, while some said, yes they do have confidence in the Government.

One reader said: “Vote confidence. The only proper leadership over the last few days came from government. Courage came when needed despite how unpopular it looked in the moment. By contrast, opposition politicians wanted the country to burn to suit themselves”.

Another reader stated: “No confidence. Shambolic and heavy handed handling of protests this past week”.

However, some people didn’t have any confidence in either side with a reader saying: “No confidence in the no confidence! Different wings of the same bird! We need a complete overhaul of the political system”.

We asked the question to our 5 Kerry TDs before lunch-time today, asking them what their vote will be tomorrow.

We received one reply from Sinn Féin’s Kerry TD Pa Daly.

He will be voting no confidence in the Government tomorrow along with his party.

Other media outlets are reporting that Independent TD Danny Healy-Rae is undecided at the moment.

Continue Reading

Last News

Sport