News
Niall retires from The Gleneagle after 51 years’ service
By Michelle Crean
For over five decades he has been the friendly face at The Gleneagle Hotel - and there's not many he hasn't met from around the country or the world - but this week it was time for Niall Doherty to say a final farewell.
EARLY CAREER: Niall Doherty pictured during the early days of his career with The Gleneagle Hotel.
EARLY CAREER: Niall Doherty pictured during the early days of his career with The Gleneagle Hotel.
Friends and colleagues gathered together to say goodbye to Niall who dedicated 51 years of his career to the hotel.
Niall began in hospitality in Jackson’s Bar in his native Ballybofey, Co. Donegal. In 1968 he moved to Killarney to take up a post as a barman at The Three Lakes Hotel. For the following three years, he divided his time between summers in Killarney and winters in London but love intervened and had him settle in Killarney for good. Niall met his wife, Greta Breen from Glencar, in Killarney and by 1975 they were married.
Niall joined The Gleneagle in 1971 after being headhunted by the late Maurice O’Donoghue and soon became a well-known face behind the bar at the hotel. In more recent years, he worked in beverage stock management where his expertise and attention to detail will be greatly missed.
Memories
Niall has a treasure trove of memories and stories from his many years in The Gleneagle.
“I loved seeing all the artists and musicians perform down through the years, especially Joe Loss and his orchestra and of course Joe Dolan. My favourite performance ever was by fellow Donegal man Rory Gallagher back in 1983," he said.
“Even back in the early days, The Gleneagle was always a busy place, I remember waxing and polishing the floor of the ballroom every two weeks - there was so much dancing between socials, weddings and dances. I loved my time in The Gleneagle, I made great friends over the years and shared many great times with guests and locals alike.”
Patrick O’Donoghue, who is among the third generation of O’Donoghue’s to work with Niall said, that they'd like "to sincerely thank Niall for his hard work and commitment over his many years at the hotel".
"I know our dad Maurice, in particular, highly valued his input and honesty," Patrick said.
"Niall always said it like it was, never fearing the repercussions. While we will miss working with him, we wish him and his family every happiness in his retirement."
Killarney National Park Autumn Talks up and running
Following a successful opening presentation by award-winning photographer James Crombie on the mesmerising starling murmuration’s of Lough Ennell, the 38th annual Killarney National Park Autumn Talks Series continues next week with a focus on Irish biodiversity.
The lineup for Thursday, October 15, features guest speaker Professor Grace McCormack of University College Galway, who will present a talk on “The Importance of Native Honeybees and Other Pollinators and Current Threats to Their Survival”.
Prof. McCormack’s address will explore the vital role native bees play in local ecosystems, the environmental pressures threatening their populations, and the conservation efforts required to ensure their survival.
Last night’s (October 8) opening talk, saw Inpho Sports Photography staff photographer James Crombie kick off the six-week series.
Crombie, named Irish Press Photographer of the Year in 2021, 2022, and 2025, shared the story behind his famous images documenting Westmeath’s starling displays, which reached millions of viewers worldwide.
The Autumn Talks Series runs weekly for six weeks in the Killarney House Auditorium (V93 HE3C) at 8.00pm. Admission is free, though seating is limited. All presentations are also live streamed via the Killarney National Park Facebook page.
MESMERISING NATURE: Multi-award-winning photographer James Crombie, who opened the 38th annual Killarney National Park Autumn Talks Series with a presentation on his famous starling murmuration photographs.
Missing Killarney chef located dead in UK
A 34-year search for missing former Killarney chef Patrick (Patsy) O’Sullivan ended following confirmation that he was located deceased in the UK.
Patsy was 35 years old when last seen by relatives in Lombardstown, County Cork, during the Easter Bank Holiday weekend in April 1992. At the time of his disappearance, he was working as a chef in Waterville, having previously worked across several Killarney hotels. He was scheduled to attend a family Christening shortly after returning from Kerry, but never arrived.
Despite decades of public appeals, including features on RTÉ’s Crimecall, his location remained unknown.
Investigations revealed that Patsy moved to the UK and changed his name to Patrick Aldridge in 1995, adopting the surname of his partner who passed away in 2022. He passed away from natural causes on July 5, 2024, living just over an hour away from his brother who also passed away in the UK last year.
Speaking on Cork’s 96FM, his brother Jerry O’Sullivan confirmed the family finally received closure following renewed efforts led by Garda PJ Roche and investigating officers. He noted that while unanswered questions remain about why Patsy started over fresh, the family is grateful for the work that brought final answers.
An Garda Síochána confirmed the missing person case is closed and thanked the public for their assistance over the years.
IN MEMORY: Patrick (Patsy) O’Sullivan, a native of North Cork who worked as a chef in Killarney and Waterville, went missing in April 1992 and was located deceased in the UK. Photo: Garda Press Office.
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