‘A living saint’ - Tributes paid to retiring owner of Waterford guesthouse
Michael Moroney has been running The Anchorage Guesthouse on The Quay since 2004
Tributes have been paid to an owner of a guesthouse in Waterford city who is retiring after 22 years in the business.
Michael Moroney has been running The Anchorage Guesthouse on The Quay since 2004.
A friend of Michael’s, Danny Murphy, paid tribute to him in a post on social media.
In the post on Facebook, Danny said: “22 years ago, a man from South Tipperary returned home from New York with a simple plan: to open a small business in Waterford, lock the door at 7pm, and leave work behind until the next day.
“Instead, Michael Moroney opened The Anchorage Guesthouse. What followed was not simply the running of a guesthouse, but a lifetime of service to others.
“Situated on the Quay in the heart of Waterford City, The Anchorage became far more than a place to stay.
“For countless people, it was a place of refuge, a place of warmth, a place where someone would answer the phone when nobody else could.”
He went on to highlight the hospitality with which Michael received his guests, regardless of their financial status.
“Over the years, Michael rarely turned away a person in need of a bed, a meal, or simply a chance. Many arrived with promises of payment ‘next week’.
“Michael understood that life is not always straightforward. For him, it was never just about the money. It was about people.
“Michael believed that with a little support, understanding, and dignity, people could change their lives. He quietly lived that belief every day for more than two decades.”
Danny also outlined how much has changed in Waterford during the time that Michael has been running The Anchorage.
“In those 22 years, Michael witnessed the changing face of Waterford. He saw people rebuild their lives, families reconnect, and individuals move on to brighter futures.
“Sadly, he also saw many pass away. Through it all, he remained a constant presence on the Quay,a familiar face, a listening ear, and often a lifeline.”
He continued by describing his experience of meeting his good friend on the evening The Anchorage closed its doors for the last time.
“Even this evening, as we shared a mug of tea together and reminisced about the many individuals that passed through The Anchorage's doors, Michael's phone continued to ring.
“Someone was looking for a room. It was a fitting reminder of the role he has played in so many lives.
“This evening, Michael closes the front door of The Anchorage for the final time. While a chapter of Waterford's story comes to an end, the impact he has made on hundreds of people will endure for years to come.”
Danny concluded by thanking Michael for his “kindness, generosity, patience, and unwavering belief in people”.
He added to that by wishing his good friend well in his retirement from the business.
Sinn Féin councillor John Hearne also paid tribute to Michael in a post on Facebook, describing him as a “living saint” and a “kind and humble gentleman”.