John O’Connell, outgoing Lincoln County administrator, celebrated with friends and colleagues on St. Patrick’s Day as he prepared to leave his office of seven years.

O’Connell will be replaced by Lincoln County Finance Director Carrie Kipfer, who in turn is being replaced by Sagadahoc Accounting Director Michelle Cearbaugh, who is slated to come on board fully in late April, but will be working part time while her own position is being filled.

On hand to speak for U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, R - Maine, was Patricia Aho, former head of the Maine Department of Environmental Protection, and now a member of Collins’ staff. “I am here to speak for Senator Collins, who wishes you all the best for your future life and plans,” she said.

County Commissioner Mary Trescot presented O’Connell with a framed photo and the commissioners’ best wishes for his retirement.

The potluck luncheon contained every Irish dish Midcoast Maine could produce in short order, including Irish stew, corned beef and cabbage, soda bread, and much more. Those who didn’t have an Irish dish to make simply colored their contribution green and called it good.

O’Connell will remain on duty until his replacement and her replacement are firmly in charge. He said his tenure has been interesting, and he looks forward to seeing what the next generation of county workers will do with some of the issues that have been closest to his heart, including composting and recycling, jail funding, and county planning.