Colin O'Daly
Colin O'Daly | |
|---|---|
| Born | September 23, 1952 |
| Died | August 4, 2023 (aged 70) |
| Occupation | Head chef |
| Known for | Earning a Michelin star at Park Hotel Kenmare's Park |
Colin O'Daly (23 September 1952 – 4 August 2023) was an acclaimed Irish head chef renowned for earning a Michelin star at the establishment known as Park.
Career
O'Daly's culinary journey commenced at age 16 when he took on the role of commis chef in the terminal kitchen at Dublin Airport, working under the guidance of Jimmy Doyle. Following his initial training, he secured a position at Ashford Castle located in Cong, County Mayo. However, health complications led him to return to Dublin. He subsequently held several brief appointments, including a year-long tenure at UCD, where he met his future wife. His first leadership role as head chef was at Renvyle House Hotel in Connemara, County Galway, but family health matters necessitated another move back to Dublin. Afterwards, he contributed his skills at Newport House in Mayo, a venue recognized with an Egon Ronay Guide star.
In pursuit of a more permanent role, O'Daly assumed the head chef position at the Park Hotel Kenmare's Park, where he achieved his inaugural Michelin star in 1983.
Faced with his children’s medical needs, he relocated nearer to healthcare facilities and acquired a dilapidated restaurant in Blackrock. With encouragement and assistance from friends, he transformed The Park into a thriving establishment, although it ultimately closed amid the economic downturn of the late 1980s.
Following negotiations with his bank, O'Daly opened Roly's Bistro in 1992. The bistro quickly gained popularity; however, it required seven years before its financial obligations were fully settled.
O'Daly stepped down from his role as head chef in 2009 and spent a year pursuing painting in Mexico. He later returned to the culinary scene as an advisor for Café en Seine.
Personal life and death
Colin O'Daly was divorced from his wife Lyn and fathered four children. Tragically, two of his sons passed away due to a rare illness linked to cystic fibrosis. O'Daly himself lived with coeliac disease. He died in Cork on 4 August 2023 at the age of 70.
Awards
- Gold Medal Award at the Catering Exhibition, Dublin 1971
- Michelin star recipient from 1983 to 1985