John O'Connor A hardworking family man who had great love of the GAA died peacefully at St Luke's Hospital. John O'Connor passed away peacefully at the ripe old age of 88. His love and zest for life remained with him until the end. He enjoyed good health until shortly before his death and was out and about on the family farm in recent weeks. John originally came from a twenty-acre farm at Loughteage near Portlaoise and was one of ten children. Sadly his father passed away when John was a young child and his mother who was only 29 was left to rear ten children in her own. The family worked hard as a team and invested wisely when interest rates were low in the 1930's. They grew everything from tobacco to sugar beet. The tobacco was dried in sheds in the winter in what was a very labour intensive process. John married Bridie in 1940 and the couple ran the pub in Crettyard. The couple enjoyed a happy marriage for 53 years. They had six children, Seamus, Maura, Breda, Bernadette, Sean and Liam. Father Sean is the chaplain at St Kierans College in Kilkenny. John shared a strong faith with his wife Bridie and travelled to Lough Derg on 43 occasions. He will also be remembered for his great contribution to and love of GAA and played minor football for Laois in 1935. He also played in Crettyard and Timahoe in Co. Laois and for Railyard in Co Kilkenny. During his years with Railyard he won a number of medals. In a poignant coincidence Laois won the Leinster Final as John O'Connor was been buried. The O'Connor family would like to thank the local community for the huge level of support that they have received some John's death. They would also like to thank Dr Jennifer Carroll of St Luke's Hospital and Dr Tom Lynch of Castlecomer. John is survived by his loving wife, his sons, daughters, grandchildren, brother Joe and sisters Sheila, Maureen and Nora. His funeral, which was attended by Bishop Laurence Forristal took place on Saturday in the Church of the Sacred Heart in Moneenroe. In a fitting tribute to a man who touched the lives of many rival clubs Railyard and Crettyard formed a guard of honour for a man who represented both clubs in his younger days. May he rest in peace. Kilkenny People 25/11/05 Tweet

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