O'Connor, Pat Joe

October 31, 2004
The Late Pat Joe O'Connor THE death occurred of Pat Joe O'Connor, late of 14 Marian Terrace, Causeway, on Monday, October 18, at Listowel Hospital following a long illness. He was 59 years of age. Cherished by everyone in his community, Pat Joe was always larger than life and quick with a funny word and a joke. His reputation as a raconteur preceded him wherever he went and he officiated at many an entertaining pub event from the Spa to Ballyduff. Born in Kilmoyley, Mr O'Connor moved with parents David and Mary to a new home in Causeway in 1954. After finishing his schooling at causeway Technical College he made the move to England where he worked for many years at Raleigh's plant in Nottingham. Altogether, he spent 11 years in Britain and became a passionate supporter of Nottingham Forrest during his time with Raleigh. He had been bitten by the soccer bug even before he emigrated and was a proud member of the Red Star Dromartin following his return. Hurling was another sport that interested Mr O'Connor. He was an officer of Causeway Hurling Club for several years and also played hurling. On his return from England, he began work with Kingdom Tubes on Rock Street, Tralee as a chargehand. In later years, he managed the Western Pride Bakery in Ballybunion, retiring from there some 11 years ago due to health problems. Managing the bakery was a job that he thoroughly enjoyed and he travelled all over, dealing with customers and friends in that capacity. Ever the passionate fundraiser, Mr O'Connor was renowned for the great work he did in aid of many good causes in Causeway. Only some years ago, he managed to raise more than £5,000 for a heart monitor for Tralee General Hospital. He also started the residents' Association in Marian Terrace and got their weekly lottery off the ground. Mr O'Connor was famed locally for the many humourous sketches he wrote. On one occasion, a piece penned by him ensured an All-Ireland win for Causeway in Scór na nÓg. His talent for sketch-writing was due to his intelligence and overgrown sense of humour. He was never seen in bad form. He will be sadly missed by brothers, Thomas, Noel, Brendan and Michael, sister Mary, sisters-in-law, brother-in-law, nieces and nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews, relatives and friends. His remains were taken from Casey's Funeral Home in Causeway to St. John's Church, Causeway. He was buried in St John's Cemetery following Requiem Mass.

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