The Late John Paul O'Connor The death occurred on Thursday, December 27 of John Paul O'Connor, Barrow, Ardfert, at Kerry General Hospital after a short illness, bravely borne. John Paul, a native of Monaree, Ventry, moved to England to work in 1947 at the young age of 19 and joined his brother, Mick in the construction industry. John Paul worked most of his life in the construction industry and also worked with Birmingham City Council for a period. Big jobs and hard work held no fear for the big west Kerry man. John Paul met and married Breda Byrne, a native of Tramore, Co. Waterford, in 1960 and raised their two girls, Teresa and Pauline in Birmingham. John Paul was involved in all aspects of Irish life during his time in Birmingham, particularly Gaelic football and hurling, the Kerry Association, the Rose of Tralee and extensive fundraising for his church, St Marks. This quietly determined man joined the Tara GAA club in his early years in Birmingham and later, owing to the disbanding of the Tara Club, was one of the founders of the Kingdom Club in which he was treasurer and County Board Delegate for many years. One of the most highly respected Kerrymen in Birmingham during his lifetime there, his funeral bore testament to this fact with a large representation of the Kingdom Club and the Kerry Association present at his removal and burial. On their return to Ireland in the early 90's, John Paul and Breda settled in Barrow, Ardfert and became part of the fibre of the community. Both being avid gardeners they created a beautiful haven in the shadow of Barrow Harbour nurturing their plants and flowers in the path of the salt winds from Tralee Bay. John Paul was a regular at Tralee Golf Club, Barrow, for his pint and made many friends with his easy going manner and willingness to discuss the rise and fall of famous Kerry teams over the years. He was a religious 'match goer' to both hurling and football at club and county level and had great pride in the green and gold of the county, and the black and green of his adopted club, Churchill. Both his club and the Kerry Supporters Club turned out in their numbers to bid farewell to John Paul with an impressive guard of honour on his removal from Hogan's Funeral Home. John Paul is survived by his wife, Breda, daughters Teresa and Pauline, son-in-law, grandchildren, brother Mick (Ballybunion) and extended family. He will also be sadly missed by his large circle of footballing friends. May the sod rest lightly on you John Paul. Courtesy of the Kerryman 30 January 2008 Tweet

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