Kerry industrialist receives award for work as German honorary consul

A LEADING Kerry industrialist has been presented with the Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany following his retirement as German honorary consul.

Klaus Nolke has been in Killarney for 40 years and also retired three years ago from his position as director of the local Liebherr crane factory, which employs more than 400 people.

The company was established in Killarney, in 1958, and is recognised as one of the most successful enterprises to be established in this country as part of the drive to attract foreign investment.

Huge container cranes manufactured by the highly skilled Killarney workforce are to be seen in major ports around the world.

Mr Nolke had been honorary consul for 19 years and was presented with the prestigious cross by the German ambassador, Gottfried Haas, at a function in Hotel Europe, Killarney, at the weekend.

Mr Haas said Mr Nolke brought enormous dedication and enthusiasm to his position as consul.

‘’The job of consul involves a lot of hidden work. It’s about being of service and of help to help German citizens living in the area and German visitors, who might need support and advice,’’ the ambassador said.

Replying, Mr Nolke said he was very happy to have performed the job, which meant being available to help people at any hour of the day, or night.

He said German people with problems often contacted the Liebherr company, in Killarney.

‘’Whether it was help with repairing a flat tyre, or where to find the best tweeds, or how to go about buying a cottage they saw on the coastline on a beautiful summer’s day, we always tried to help,’’ he added.