News
Killarney’s Michael J O’Connor has died aged 108
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.
News
Kerry Coaches named Transport & Logistics Family Business of the Year
The team at Kerry Coaches is celebrating this week after being named Transport & Logistics Family Business of the Year at the prestigious Family Business Awards 2025. After a competitive […]
Kerry Coaches named Transport & Logistics Family Business of the Year
The team at Kerry Coaches is celebrating this week after being named Transport & Logistics Family Business of the Year...
Irish feature film set for Killarney cinema debut
A new feature film, created by Irish writer and director Liam O Mochain, is set for release in Killarney next...
Local pharmacies restock Lions ‘Message in a Bottle’
Killarney pharmacies are restocked with ‘Message in a Bottle’, an initiative by Killarney Lions Club. It is a small plastic...
HSE confirms new feasibility study for Killarney Primary Care Centre
The Health Service Executive (HSE) has confirmed that it has begun a new feasibility study to identify a suitable site...
24th gold medal in National Tidy Towns Awards
Killarney has secured its 24th Gold Medal at the 2025 SuperValu Tidy Towns Competition, continuing the town’s long-standing record of...
Lakers aiming to secure first win at home to Malahide
The Utility Trust St Paul’s Lakers will be hoping for a turn of fortunes this weekend after suffering a defeat...
Killarney Athletic stalwart Donie does it for the love of the game
Ahead of Killarney Athletic’s 60th anniversary, Adam Moynihan spoke to club stalwart and current chairman Donie Murphy about his passion...
Hosts Killarney defeat neighbours Tralee in local ‘Ryder Cup’
A team representing Killarney Golf and Fishing Club took part in a Ryder Cup style tournament against their neighbours from...
Clifford brothers to test their game against golf’s elite
Kerry footballers Paudie and David Clifford will take on some of the biggest names in golf when they line out...
Athletic’s Luke Doolan Signs for Kerry FC
Killarney teenager Luke Doolan has signed for Kerry FC, making the move from local side Killarney Athletic. The 17-year-old forward...
