FOR many years he has been the public face of Killarney National Park thanks to his remarkable knowledge of the great outdoors, his passion for nature and his wholehearted dedication to his position as a conservation ranger with the National Parks and Wildlife Service.
But, this Tuesday, in addition to celebrating his birthday, Killarney man Peter O’Toole parked up his work jeep for the last time as he retires after a remarkable 40 years of service.
The astonishing knowledge of the 26,000-acre park he has accumulated over the past four decades is second to none and Peter is a respected authority, in particular, of the deer population in the park, their behaviour, habits, history and importance.
He also led the fight against the invasive rhododendron, educating voluntary groups and others on what, exactly, is required to bring it under control and ensuring whatever clearance work is being done is carried out in a responsible, planned and proper manner. He has had great success with his control methods, especially with the stem treatment process which is versatile, efficient and cost effective.
Peter has been a valued leader of voluntary groups undertaking work in the park under the Meitheal programme and he has been the guiding hand in the push to ensure everything that is carried out is done the correct way, with the park always afforded the absolute respect it deserves.
Away from the passion for his job, Peter is an exceptional photographer, specialising in nature and the great outdoors, and his images have been met with great critical acclaim. Not surprisingly, given the quality of his work, much of his photography has made its way on to sitting room and living room walls around the globe.
He is also a passionate angler and he has won numerous awards down through the years with his encyclopedic knowledge of the lakes giving him a distinct advantage.
Throughout his life, it has been no secret to anybody that knows him that Peter loved his work and his commitment to his everyday tasks and to ensuring the integrity of the park he loves is upheld, is unsurpassed.
He seldom arrived for work without a dog by his side and he was heartbroken earlier this year when his beloved best friend and long-time faithful companion Oscar – who knew every inch of the park and featured in many of Peter’s photographs – died following an accident.
Commenting on his retirement on a post on social media this evening, an emotional Peter said: “The day has finally come. In a way, I was hoping that it never would, but life goes on”
He added: “There is a sense of sadness that my partner on the job for the last 15 years, Oscar, is not still with me. I would like to take this opportunity to say a big thank you to everyone for your kind words and wishes”.
Peter and his wife, Karie, live in Muckross, Killarney and they have two grown up children, Sarah and Peter Jnr.
Pictures: Valerie O’Sullivan. Click on individual images for details
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