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Michael’s feeling great at 108!

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By Michelle Crean

It was yet another very special birthday for Ireland's oldest man as Michael J O'Connor celebrated turning 108 on Wednesday!

And unlike the confines of COVID last year, Michael got to have a special celebration, a meal with his closest family and friends at his home in Muckross - and he even made a speech!

"I'm doing great," Michael told the Killarney Advertiser.

"It was strictly a family party, it's what I wanted. It wasn't an open house. There was no comparison to last year as everything was closed down."

Wednesday began with a visit from local priest Fr Kieran O'Brien followed by family and many many well wishers.

"You couldn't move, the room was full," he said, although his daughter Avril explained that it was all done in a safe socially distanced manner.

"I was tired [afterwards] but thankfully not as tired as I thought I'd be. I feel quite active this morning [Thursday]."

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

In February this year Michael received the first dose of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine at Deenagh Torc Medical Practice, Reeks Gateway, and said then that he was looking forward to "life without fear".

He came to Killarney 40 years ago with his wife Joan, who sadly passed away in 2008.

He puts his longevity down to a daily glass of whiskey.

Up until four years ago - at the age of 104 - he was driving, and remembers his first car was a Model T Ford.

"I was driving cars from 1930 until 2017. The old Model T Ford had no gears, no accelerator and there was a throttle for slowing down and for normal driving." He also remembers driving a Volkswagen Jetta up until he stopped driving and never experienced power-steering.

Michael, who has featured in a number of television documentaries, was quite active and independent up until COVID hit 19 months ago.

These days he enjoys time at home with his family, good food, some daily exercise, plenty of rest and a glass of whiskey.

In his family speech he thanked those closest to him for their support saying "everyone has contributed to my happiness", and finished with some inspiring words.

"Every day is an exciting day and you learn something from it."

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All eyes down as St Oliver’s hosts bumper bingo fundraiser

It will be All Eyes Down as the saying goes on October 23 as St Oliver’s Primary School hosts a bumper Bingo Fundraiser night. The event, which is being held […]

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It will be All Eyes Down as the saying goes on October 23 as St Oliver’s Primary School hosts a bumper Bingo Fundraiser night.

The event, which is being held to raise additional funds for the school’s Special Classes, will take place in the Killarney Racecourse in the Celtic Steps venue.

According to Colm Ó Súilleabháin, Principal of St Oliver’s, the idea for the fundraiser was the brainchild of Denise Hendey, a parent of one of the children in the Special Classes who approached the school wanting to assist with raising much-needed funds for the classes. “She has been utterly amazing with the amount of work and organisation she has put into this event, sourcing an incredible number of fantastic prizes for the raffle and spot prizes for the bingo winners” he said.
Continuing he said “We are so appreciative of the incredible support we have received from all the businesses who have sponsored some amazing prizes and made very generous donations in support of the event.”

St. Oliver’s has eight separate Special Classes, home to 62 children. All monies raised on the night will go towards purchasing additional resources for the classes.

The event will commence at 7pm with doors opening at 6pm. So be sure to come along to what is promised to be a fun-filled night with numerous opportunities to win some amazing prizes and hopefully if there is a ‘knock on the door’ or a ‘bang on the drum’ it will be on your bingo card!

Bingo books (€10) and raffle tickets (€5) are available to buy from the school office and will be available on the night. All welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

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Milltown plan to preserve history in community project 

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The Milltown History and Heritage Society has announced plans for an oral history archive for the community.

It is hoped that the collection and preservation of stories and folklore will be a valuable resource for future generations.

Oral history expert and historian Dr Tomás Mac Conmara will speak in Milltown in support of the launch.

Dr Mac Conmara, who is an award-winning oral historian, lecturer and author, will speak at the Muintir na Tíre Hall in Milltown at 8pm on Friday, October 24 and will introduce the fundamentals for the collection of oral history.

The presentation is free of charge and is supported by funding from the Creative Communities Grant Scheme 2025.

Attendees will be introduced to the practical skills required in interviewing, recording and documenting local heritage.

Stewart Stephans of the Milltown History and Heritage Society said they are excited to have Tomás to set them on the right path towards the development of the archive.

He said: “The collection and retention of oral history needs to be approached properly, drawing on the right advice and maintaining high standards, so we are pleased to be getting the input of such a renowned expert.” The event is open to anyone who would like to attend.

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