O'Connor, Rory
February 10, 2011The tragic death of talented young GAA star Rory O'Connor in a car accident cast a gloom over Banteer and Duhallow early last Sunday morning. Described as one of the county's emerging teenage GAA talents, nineteen years old, always smiling, full of the job of life, pleasant and happy.
His untimely death in the bloom of his youth occasioned deep sadness. Indeed the wider GAA fraternity across North West Cork were left reeling by the devastating loss of the promising Lyre, Duhallow, Tralee IT and County U-21 panelist.
In the proceeding days to his untimely death, Rory was to be seen in his favourite pastime, playing football with club, college and division. Contributing significantly to Duhallow's triumph in a semi final over Douglas in the U20 Football Invitation Cup at a gale lashed Knocknagree on Friday night, team captain Rory hit a tally of 1-3 and figured in the build up to two further goals.
Earlier in the week, Rory helped Lyre to a win over Kanturk in the first round to the Duhallow U21 AFC prior to netting an all important second half goal for Tralee IT in their narrow All-Ireland Fresher Football League Final triumph over St. Pats of Dublin.
Duhallow U-20 coach John Fintan Daly said Rory was a star in the making with his football stature continuing to grow. "The GAA family has lost one of its real talents who was destined for glory. Rory was a real icon to the sport, one of the best young footballers to emerge on the scene. He was destined for a huge future for Lyre, division and county. His death is a devastating blow but particularly to his grief stricken family," he said.
Rory's talents surfaced last season on guiding Lyre to capture their first Duhallow U21 AFC title. Later in the year, Rory assisted Lyre on leaving brilliant and positive memories behind to be enjoyed in posterity when Lyre collected the divisional JAFC title for the first time since 1937 when Banteer lifted outright honours.
Apart from gaelic football, Rory enjoyed success in hurling, basketball, soccer and badminton. Away from sport, Rory was a student of Health and Leisure Studies in Tralee IT. Coming from a family immersed in sport and community life, the late Rory is survived by parents Pat and Bernie, sisters Carole and Grace.
Rory's passing creates a void that can never be filled yet his life will always be remembered. Deepest sympathy are extended to his parents and sisters.
Ar dheis De go raibh a aimn dilis.
Courtesy of The Corkman
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