Maxol bids Millie farewell following 55-year career
Millie Walsh, who has operated the Maxol Service Station on Dublin Bridge in Mullingar for almost 40 years, has retired, marking the close of a monumental 55-year career.
Millie has become a local legend, widely recognised for his cheerful and friendly customer service.
A Mullingar native, he has been a dedicated presence in the community providing fresh food, groceries, fuel and countless car washes to locals and his catchphrase, ‘drive in that car and we’ll give it an ‘aul wash for ya’, is a symbol of his welcoming and generous spirit.
Millie’s popularity extends far beyond Mullingar. His story captured national attention following a radio appearance on the Joe Duffy Liveline show, and he was the subject of the 2023 documentary, Millie’s Maxol Magic, by Ethan Scally and Conor English, which sold out a three-night run in Mullingar.
Brian Donaldson, CEO of Maxol, praised Millie’s dedication to serving the community on behalf of Maxol: “There was always a big welcome and a story for all who popped in to Maxol in Mullingar. For years Millie’s warm demeanor and engaging tales made everyone’s visit to the service station a memorable and enjoyable experience.
“He has always epitomised Maxol’s community values and will be greatly missed by all. On behalf of all the team at Maxol, I wish to thank Millie for his years of loyal service and commitment to Maxol and wish both Millie and his family the best for the future.”
As Millie steps down, he will be succeeded by new Maxol licensee Eoghan Murray, an experienced and highly regarded local retailer who was awarded Mullingar Chamber’s 2023 Emerging Businessperson of the Year.
Eoghan is set to continue the legacy of outstanding, friendly service at Maxol Mullingar as Millie hands over the baton to the next generation.
Millie was also honoured at last year’s Mullingar Chamber’s business awards when he was presented with a Lifetime Achievement/Contribution award.
Millie has already embraced his next role as the new sacristan of St Paul’s Church.
In a social media announcement posted by a colleague, Millie expressed his gratitude to his customers: “It was a pleasure to come in every morning at 6.30 and meet so many faces – old faces, young faces – and indeed, lovely faces! That was the enjoyable bit of it, and I will never forget that.”
Millie’s retirement has prompted an outpouring of tributes and appreciation from colleagues and the community.
Maxol presented him with a caricature marking his four decades as a Maxol licensee and in lieu of gifts from well-wishers, Millie has asked for donations to be made to the Irish Kidney Association, a cause close to his heart.
Donations can be made via GoFundMe (search ‘Millie is retiring’).
Millie Walsh’s departure marks the end of an era for Maxol in Mullingar, but his legacy of kindness and dedication will continue to inspire the community he served so faithfully.