Kilkenny man with glittering career honoured after four decades of service

Retired Ryanair pilot and Kilkenny native, George O’Hara was honoured for his lifetime contributions to aviation on Monday, as Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council, Michael McCarthy held a civic reception in the council chambers for the local pilot and his family.

Captain O’Hara, Ryanair’s most senior pilot, capped off an almost four-decade career with the airline earlier this year.

George is a proud local man, who hails from Saint Francis Terrace in the city and exclusively told Kilkenny Live shortly after his retirement that he hopes his career will help inspire other young people to pursue their dreams in aviation.

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Captain O’Hara’s early days in the skies were in Kilkenny Airfield with friends and family offering great encouragement on a journey that would have him flying high!

"You achieved your dream career flying to destinations worldwide as a valued pilot with Ryanair," Cathaoirleach, Michael McCarthy said.

There were unusual scenes at Kerry Airport last month when the former Ryanair pilot flew over Kilkenny on his final journey, before being met by a guard of honour at the conclusion.

"It was so fitting that you would fly over the two most important K’S in the country on your last mission," Cllr McCarthy added.

"It’s my pleasure to present you with a token of our appreciation from the people of Kilkenny," Cllr McCarthy concluded.

EXCLUSIVE: Kilkenny pilot George O'Hara reflects on his storied career in Ryanair