'Millie is Mullingar personified' - Tributes pour in for a local legend

Millie Walsh has been hailed as an icon, an exceptional businessperson, and an extraordinary character upon his retirement from his Maxol Service Station in Mullingar.

Tributes to the local legend - whose last day was, Tuesday, July 30 - were led by Minister for Enterprise Peter Burke.

Minister Burke, whose late father was a first cousin of Millie’s, said his presence in the town is unrivalled.

“He has been an iconic figure in Mullingar for a generation and has an unwavering commitment to his community,” he said.

“He always has a special word for every single person that goes through his door and, not only that, he is also very aware of their personal situation, which is highly unusual for a businessperson in the modern era.

“If someone’s partner, husband, wife, son, or daughter is sick, Millie would be the first there with a special medal for them; to say a prayer for them, and console them.

“He is also an exceptional businessman. If you’re going in for a fill of diesel or petrol, it’s difficult to get away without a fill of oil, a car wash, or something else!”

Chamber of Commerce PRO John Geoghegan said it was “sad to see someone like Millie go”.

“He’s a one-in-a-generation type of person that is ceasing to exist, in terms of characters in retail,” he said.

“The world has become more homogeneous with big companies on main streets, and we’re losing these characters, so he’s a huge loss, but I wish him all the best.

“He’s also been an unbelievable man to promote the town; he knows everybody, everybody knows him, and he’s been a great representative of our craic and our culture.”

Local businessman Eoghan Murray, who is taking over the Maxol service station from Millie, said he has big boots to fill.

“Millie is Mullingar personified; he’s the face of the town and the voice of the community,” he said.

“Millie’s is not just a petrol station, it’s not just a filling station, it’s a place where people learn what’s happening in Mullingar and what’s going on in the community.

“I’m honoured to be given the opportunity to continue the legacy Millie has made, and if I can bring about half the community spirit he has over the years, I would be doing something right.”

District Mayor Ken Glynn thanked Millie for his service.

“He’s given his life to his business, he’s employed so many people, he’s been such a huge advocate for the town, and I will be calling on the council to offer him an address of recognition,” he said.

“As Mayor, I want to thank Millie for his service to the town. He’s always been Mullingar’s biggest cheerleader, and I want to wish him good health and happiness as he retires and starts to look after himself, rather than everyone else.

Parish priest Fr Phil Gaffney also paid tribute to the “loyal and dedicated parishioner”.

“He’s a collector in the Cathedral, he’s very involved in Marlinstown Cemetery, and has always been 100 per cent committed to anything he does,” he said.

“We are very much looking forward to having him at St Paul’s Church as a sacristan in his retirement as he’s a valuable asset because he’s so connected to the town and knows everybody.

"He’s loyal, he’s committed, and he’s a generous man who has helped a lot of people in their times of need, which I know from speaking to parishioners.”

Conor English, who co-produced the documentary ‘Millie’s Maxol Magic’ with Ethan Scally last year, said he was “honoured” to have made it.

“It’s really nice to have been able to document Millie Walsh before he retired, and that was a big motivator for me. I think we can take these people for granted in life sometimes,” he said.

“You could be worried about something, something’s on your mind, and go into his shop, and for those few minutes you’re there, he takes you out of it, makes you laugh, and puts a smile on your face.”