Pictures: Valerie O’Sullivan
The death has taken place in Killarney, after an incredible life and a wonderful contribution to society, of Michael J O’Connor, who was fast approaching his 109th birthday.
Ireland’s oldest man marked his 108th birthday in some style with a special meal with family and friends at his home in Muckross last October at which he delivered a powerful and moving speech.
Michael was born in Glencar in 1913 and survived the Spanish ‘flu and double pneumonia, as well as the War of Independence, the Civil War ad two world wars.
After a distinguished career as a naval merchant radio officer, he arrived to live Killarney 40 years ago with his wife Joan, who passed away in 2008. The couple had five children.
Michael always attributed his incredible longevity to adopting a caring approach to others, avoiding unnecessary conflict, good food, plenty of rest and a daily glass of whiskey and milk – but only if served in a cut crystal glass.
Michael was driving up to the age of 104 and his first car was a stylish, trend-setting Model T Ford. He loved gardening and his display of vegetables and roses had to be seen to be appreciated.
The Curraghbeag, Glencar native, who had been living in Muckross since his retirement as a ship radio officer in 1980, received his eighth presidential medal and birthday letter from President Michael D Higgins last year and he noted that he had as many prestigious medals as Pat Spillane or the late great PáidÍ Ó Sé.
Picture: Marie Carroll O’Sullivan
As for his secret for a long life, Ireland’s oldest man advised people to be honest in their dealings with everybody, be at peace with themselves as much as possible and try to avoid doing wrong by anybody.
And offering a kind word of advice to everybody he said: “You shouldn’t worry about the future. It’s not in your hands. We worry about things that we can do nothing whatsoever about”.
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