Petro Motorny, Aged 106, Named Ireland’s Oldest Man
A native of Ukraine, Petro Motorny, has been recognized as the oldest man living in Ireland. The announcement was made by Ukrainian Action in Ireland through a Facebook post. Motorny was born on 5 November 1919 in the Cherkasy region and relocated to Mykolaiv after finishing school, spending the bulk of his life there. His working life lasted over 50 years at a shipyard in Mykolaiv, where he rose from a welder to a workshop supervisor.
A New Chapter Late in Life
In February 2024, at age 104, Motorny received his first-ever international passport. He then made the journey to Ireland, where his family was waiting for him. Come 5 November, he will celebrate his 107th birthday. Motorny is also known for reciting long excerpts from Ivan Kotliarevsky’s “Aeneid” from memory.
Ukrainian Action in Ireland has wished Petro Motorny strong health, many more years of life, and as many warm gatherings with loved ones as possible.
Motorny’s story shows how family ties can remain a source of strength and how it is never too late to embrace a new beginning. His decision to move to Ireland at such an advanced age could encourage anyone else who longs for a fresh start. At the same time, his devotion to literature illustrates that culture and learning can stay with a person for life, no matter the hardships along the way.