The Late Joe O'Donovan The sudden and untimely death of Joe O'Donovan of Douglas shocked and saddened the multitudes of people who have known and admired him over a lifetime. Accordingly, they came in large numbers to pay their respects at his removal and subsequent funeral to St. Michael's Cemetery, Blackrock. He was surely a Christian gentleman who never forgot his own people and his kindness and goodwill were known only to him and the beneficiary. His charismatic personality was such that Joe saw only good in everybody and he won much respect form all sectors far and wide. His sharp mind and business acumen saw him progress when others fell behind. He did not seek fame or plaudits. His beloved wife and family and his colleagues at work and in sport gave him all the happiness and contentment he could ever wish to have. It has been a lonesome and sad week for many. After his birth in 1930 he was orphaned and in 1933 came to live in Shanbally with Will and Mrs.Crowley in Looney's Boreen. From there he started National School in Shanbally and a few years later moved to live in The Kennel Boreen with Mrs. Hayes. Growing up in the 1930s and 40s was not easy with the economic climate very depressed and the only opportunity for most people was the emigrant ship. Joe's first job was on the nearby Ballybricken Estate, where he worked on the farm and in the market gardens. It was there he got his first experience and flair for vegetable growing. Joe was nineteen when he went to England to seek a better life, like so many of his neighbours and school friends. After some years away, his longing for home and his own place obviously tempted him to come back. On his return, he learned to drive and purchased his famous blue Volkswagen van. A new era was about to begin. Joe rented some land in Raheens near Coolmore and started into vegetable gardening. He developed a door-to-door service for fresh vegetables in Shanbally, Ringaskiddy, Monkstown, Passage West and later into Douglas. With hard work he was beginning to get a steady trade going. When the day's work was complete, Joe would wash out the van and install seating. In the evenings he would drive the hurling and football teams to games. He drove the Shamrock Drama Group all over County Cork and whenever transport was required, Joe was available. His entrepreneurial zeal was about to be ignited and he would go only one way and that was forward and upwards. His hard work and self-belief saw him purchase his first shop in Douglas two years after marrying Rita. This was surely another milestone and then progression was at a pace with the acquisition of a bigger shop and garage with forecourt. Joe was now a firm fixture in Douglas and the countless people to whom he called door-to-door over the years were now patronising his outlets. Whenever one called Joe was always there to greet one with a smile and hello. In the early 1980s he opened his first off-licence shop and he became the leader in this market with outlets in the city, suburbs and county. His business success and achievement surely have made him the envy of many, but importantly, Joe never changed. He was always approachable and his rich smile and positive attitude made everybody feel at ease. Those of us who knew Joe were very fortunate. Growing up in Shanbally, Joe became very keen on hurling and many hours were spent with his school friends wielding the caman and driving the sliotar in some local field. There was no official under age competitions in those days, only games organised locally. The first serious game Joe ever played was in 1945 when a team from the locality engaged a team from nearby Carrigline in a field near the Estuary. The main talking point of that contest so long ago was the performance of Joe at centrefield. His marker was the Paddy "Tackie" Drievers, who went on to be one of Carrigaline's stars and winning All-Ireland medals. Joe was the star and his departure for England deprived the Shamrock club of his services while in his prime. When he returned from England he took up the caman again and played at junior level where he was a very formidable forward. However, his rapidly developing business did not allow him much time for playing. He was an ardent follower of the teams over the years and later he would come back to work as an administrator and team manager. In 1989, the club failed to get anyone to take charge of the minor team. Joe answered the call, to everybody' surprise. Some people gave him little hope as the prospects were not too good. These people didn't know Joe and he transformed the side into winners and captured the league title, the first in many years. He went on to lead the minor teams to great success and in 1992 won four titles. The club, with a suitable presentation, later honoured Joe. His involvement continued until his death and last year he took great delight in the team's hurling success. He was very keen on athletics and followed the Hilltown club and later Leevale, where he made a telling contribution with time and effort. His son, Ken, was a very keen and successful athlete and no doubt this gave him much joy. Joe helped and supported many clubs and organisations in the Douglas area and was the main sponsor for the annual inter county under 15 hurling tournament played in Carrighoun for the Teddy Hanley Memorial Cup. He loved his own place and his own people, particularly his minor players. That was reciprocated when Joe made his final journey from St. Patrick's church to St. Michael's cemetery and every minor player travelled with him in a guard of honour. With heavy heart and some tears too, they said their goodbye to Joe, their mentor and true friend. Sympathy was extended to his wife Rita, daughter Liz, sons Alan, Gary and Ken, grandchildren and relatives and, of course, his staff who will miss him so much. Slan abhaile ar neamh a chara dil agus go ndeanna Dhia trócaire ar a h-Aman dilis. By J. Twomey Courtesy of The Southern Star January 2003 Tweet

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