Westmeath County Council honour Millie Walsh with Address of Recognition

“Millie is not only a local legend but a national one,” said Cllr Ken Glynn, mayor of Mullingar, at a formal Address of Recognition for retired businessman Millie Walsh yesterday, Monday.

Cllr Glynn’s colleagues from the elected members and officials from the Municipal District of Mullingar Kinnegad joined Millie, his friends and family and invited guests for the event to honour his four decades of service and contributions to the community.

Millie operated the Maxol Service Station at the Dublin Bridge for nearly 40 years, and his reputation as a cheerful and welcoming presence in the community has spread across the country.

Cllr Glynn told Millie he was delighted to have him here today and “delighted that we could do this for you”.

“This is something that Seamus (Kiernan) approached me about some time ago, and we had a chat about it, and I said I’d be honoured to do it. My colleague Bill Collentine seconded my proposal and we’re delighted that you’re here today with family and friends to give this little bit of recognition to you.

“As mayor of the district, it’s my honour on behalf of my fellow members and people of Westmeath to preside here this evening and welcome you all to the Mullingar civic offices for this special event.”

Cllr Glynn said Millie is a true blue Mullingar man, a native of the town and has become a legend.

“His catchphrase, ‘drive in that car and we’ll give it another wash for you’, is a symbol of his welcoming and generous spirit.”

Adding that Millie has also been recognised on national radio, and by the local chamber of commerce, Cllr Glynn said when he retired, Millie asked well-wishers not to give gifts but instead asked that donations be made to the Irish Kidney Association, “a cause close to his heart”.

“For years, Millie’s warm demeanour and engaging tales made everyone’s visit to the service station a memorable and enjoyable experience.

"So I would like to thank you all for joining us here this evening to pay tribute to Millie on his retirement. On behalf of the citizens of Westmeath, young and old, we want to wish Millie and his family the best for the future and to say a heartfelt thank you."

After the formal Address of Recognition to Millie, the man himself addressed the gathering, beginning with thanks to Cllr Glynn and the council.

“I am honoured to be acknowledged and I greatly appreciate this. I do know promoting Mullingar and Westmeath have always been to the fore in my work at Maxol, and thank you again. It’s wonderful.”

Millie welcomed members of family and friends to the event, and continued: “Mullingar, the centre of Ireland, capital town of Westmeath, has a lot going for it and a lot more to come,” he said, making particular reference to the fine building that is the Cathedral of Christ the King, businesses, retail - hospitality and others - transport links, sporting facilities, the natural beauty of the area, and: “I never thought I’d see the day that we’d see a minister in our town.”

“We have a fantastic town, fantastic communities and if I was only young again in business, I’d know Mullingar has a brilliant future.

“I was so honoured to be involved with Maxol, nearly 40 years, absolutely a brilliant company.

"Just to finish off - thank you all again, I’m really humbled.”

Cllr Bill Collentine, leas-cathaoirleach of the municipal district, paid further tributes and thanks to Millie; and Seamus Kiernan from the Topic newspaper paid a personal tribute to him. “You’re a one-man marketing machine for Mullingar, and you’ve done the town a great service, and we’re so happy to have you as part of the town,” he said.

Fran Aldritt, chief executive of Mullingar Chamber, concluded the speeches by offering thanks on behalf of her organisation.