Michael started at ESB in 1979, working on residential and commercial projects, before moving to Tralee in 13 years later. He was involved in the laying of electrical cables across the Shannon Estuary to Moneypoint power station, which was Ireland’s largest electricity generation plant for period, and travelled the length and breadth of the county.
In 2013, he changed track once again, riding the burgeoning wind farm economy and helping construct power stations to connect the new turbines to the grid. While his work has brought him to all parts of the picturesque county, for Michael it’s the people that he met along the way which have brought his career to life.
“You start working with your work colleagues, but they soon become your friends. That was a big standout for me…I most certainly enjoyed my working life,” said Michael
The highlights of Michael’s career include his taking part in ESB’s entry into the charity pole push for Crumlins Children’s Hospital in 1986.
ESB also entered the annual Power Challenge competition in 1993 and became the only Kerry team to win the national title. The competition consisted of a serious of physical and mental tasks which tested contestants to the limits of their endurance. The team went on the compete against English teams in the Lake District where they came runners up, losing by only a single point.
His sporting interests continued outside work where he was instrumental in the Killarney Swimming Club in 2012 and was the chairman of Killarney Athletic AFC soccer club for 16 years. His younger daughter even Niamh carried the touch for Ireland in the 2009 World Swimming Championships in Rome.
Michael’s retirement celebration was held at Tigh Mary Dolan bar in Killarney – formerly White Gate Hotel which he had helped connect up to the grid during his career.
“They came from different areas of Kerry, some actually beyond, so many people from the different departments attended,” said Michael.
“It was an important night for my family as well. My son came up from London…and my younger daughter came down from Leixslip…my eldest daughter organised the night.”
Reflecting on his career, Michael said ESB was “absolutely fantastic” to work for and that he enjoyed it even up to his final years.
“What was most pleasing to me as well was that I worked with a team of younger guys who were starting out in their career,” he said.
“I have to say I enjoyed my last three years of my working life just as much as I enjoyed my first few years, and that was very much down to the young people. The respect that was shown to me, I was absolutely humbled by it.”
Officially retiring on October 1, Michael is looking forward to spending time with his wife Clióna and family. He already has two grandchildren and is expecting a third in January. A proud Kerry man who finds great joy in the natural landscape of the county, staying fit and tending to his garden, Michael is sure he can enjoy his retired life to its fullest.