Warm tributes have been paid to popular Killarney man Benny O'Connor who died, suddenly in Thailand after falling ill during a visit to a holiday home he had purchased there.
Mr O'Connor, who was 56, had recently retired as a psychitric nurse at St Finan's Hospital in Killarney and had been looking forward to spending more time in the sun-kissed resort of Pattaya.
He travelled to Thailand in June and intended to spend several months there playing golf and enjoying life but he fell ill two weeks ago and was placed on a life-support machine. Relatives jetted out to Thailand to be at his bedside but he lost his battle for life last week.
A huge crowd turned out at St Mary's Cathedral in Killarney for the funeral Mass on Monday morning and a cremation service took place on Monday afternoon. His former colleagues in the Dr Crokes GAA club provided a guard of honour as Mr O'Connor's funeral cortege wound its way through the streets of the town in which he was so well known and so popular.
A great sportsman, Mr O'Connor was a very accomplished basketballer and a brother of Irish basketball legend and former Kerry County Council and Killarney Town Council member Paudie O'Connor.
Predeceased by his wife Eileen and his parents, Dan and Mai, Mr O'Connor is survived by his brothers Seamus, Paudie and Mike, sisters-in-law, nephews and nieces.
His close friend and regular golfing partner, Nicky Barry said Mr O'Connor was a dedicated member of Killarney Golf and Fishing Club who served on many committees and was actively involved in encouraging young people to get involved in the game and helping to maximise their talents and opportunities.
In addition to his involvement with the Killarney club, he also captained the Murphy's Bar and St Finan's Hospital golf societies and was a founding member of McSweeney's society.
"He was one great fella who loved life and golf and he will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege to know him," said Mr Barry.
"Benny was a philosopher who always saw the big picture and was a joy to play and converse with," he added.
"Benny was a true star, marvellous company and a citizen of the universe. He will never be forgotten by all who knew and loved him," said Mr Barry.

- The Kingdom, 18th August 2009 Tweet

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