The death took place recently in Los Angeles USA of former Clondulane and Fermoy born John O'Callaghan, beloved son of the late Jeremiah and Ellen O"Callaghan, brother of Chrissie (Ormonde), Mary (Harte), Dan, Vonnie (O'Sullivan), Brendan, Ann (Garry), and the late Jerry and Bridget (O'Flynn).

The late John, who was a former priest based in California, was a great sportsman in his youth in Clondulane and Fermoy. He was an outstanding hurler and was a playing member of the Fermoy team which won a historical North Cork junior hurling title in 1964 after a campaign which included such tight and exciting matches against teams like Kildorrery, Liscarroll and Ballyhea twice in the final. He played with some colleagues from Clondulane on that team which included Mossy Kelly, Paddy Spillane RIP and John "Mackey" Twomey at the time.

He always retained his passion for sport and was described by his friend Fr O'Gorman from Los Angeles in his homily at John's Requiem Mass, as a great golfer and who trained and encouraged the youth in his parish to play Baseball and other sports. He also described John and indeed paid tribute to him for this unstinting work in the area of justice and rights for the poor and underprivileged in the area.

The late John was well remembered by all his friends and family members as could be judged by the large crowds at his Funeral Mass and at his burial in Kilcrumper Old Cemetery, the Mass was celebrated by Fr Eugene Baker CC Fermoy, he was joined by a number of priests who were close friends of John and these included former Fermoy based Fr Tobias Bluett now PP in Doneraile.

The late John will be lovingly and sadly missed by his brothers and sisters, brother-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, grand-nephews and grand-nieces, relatives and a large circle of friends. To them all we extend our sincere sympathies. Ar dheis De go raibh a anam dilis.

- Courtesy of The Corkman 25th August 2011 Tweet

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