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.
Funeral arrangements have been announced for the respected Killarney journalist and founder of KillarneyToday.com, John O’Mahony, who passed away on Tuesday 9th June.
Mr O’Mahony passed away peacefully following a short illness, surrounded by his family at St. James’s Hospital in Dublin. The news of his passing has brought a widespread sense of sadness across the local community, media, and political sectors, where he worked for over four decades.
He is sadly missed and dearly loved by his wife Geraldine, his daughter Molly, her partner Joe, and his dog Nigel. He is also lovingly remembered by his brother Brian, sisters Joan, Mary, and Sheila, extended family, relatives, neighbours, and a wide circle of friends. He was predeceased by his parents, Patrick and Sheila O’Mahony.
Reposing will take place at O’Shea’s Funeral Home, Killarney, this Sunday 14th June, from 3:30pm to 6:00pm.
The funeral cortege will arrive at St. Mary’s Cathedral on Monday morning, 15th June, at 10:00am for Requiem Mass at 10:30am. A private cremation will take place afterwards at the Island Crematorium in Cork at 2:00pm.
Photo: Eamonn Keogh
Special golf tournament to remember the late Dermot Galvin
The late and deeply missed Dermot Galvin will be remembered at a special charity golf tournament on June 26.
The ‘Teeing Up for Charity – The Dermot Galvin Classic’ is organised by his wife, the renowned local photographer Michelle Cooper Galvin.
The event will raise funds for the Kerry Hospice Foundation’s Palliative Care Unit and Comfort for Chemo.
Organisers have issued the timesheet to participants and request that all players arrive at least 40 minutes before their tee-off time. Goodie bags will be provided on arrival.
The prize-giving ceremony and the presentation of cheques to the chosen charities will take place at approximately 8pm that evening.
“Your support means a great deal and helps the Kerry Hospice Foundation and Comfort for Chemo continue their invaluable work, while also honouring Dermot’s memory,” said Michelle.
There will be no raffle on the day, but raffle tickets are currently on sale in advance. Tickets can be purchased directly from Michelle on 082 583 3336.
Team payments must be made by Friday 19th June. Payments can be made to the Killarney Credit Union account under the name ‘Teeing Up for Charity’.
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