It was with great sadness that we learned early on Sunday morning of the passing of James O'Connor, formerly Rossmore, Vicarstown in his 50th year.
From an early age he showed a fondness for gaelic football and his natural skills were further enhanced when he joined the Annanough GAA Club where he became a stalwart footballer for many years.
Indeed James was still only 18 when he was selected to play at wind forward in the replayed County Intermediate final of 1978. Immortalised in a ballad of that final of 33 years ago- 'Pat Miller lurked around the square, the brains fo our machine, James O'Connor showed the winning road, though only in his teens.
Indeed the following decade of the 80s James wore the Annanough jersey with distinction and although on the panel of the senior final of 82 against the All Ireland champions Portlaoise, it was the 85 champaign which will be recalled as a bold bid for honours and James notched many a score during this championship.
Graiguecullen, Mountmellick, The Rovers and Portarlington all fell to the Annanough boys. The semi final versus Ballyroan was drawn at first attempt, and again at full in the replay.
It was only in the extra time and Annanough with their noses in front that a late late Mickey Drennan goal helped Ballyroan scrape into their second final in two years.
A fine turnout of Annanough playing colleagues turned out for the Guard of Honour from the removal of the remains to The Church in Emo on Wednesday last and the Annanough Jersey draped the coffin also on his final journey to the cemetery in Emo where James was laid to rest alongside his late, father, mother and brother Gerry.
Sincere sympathy from all in Vicarstown and the Annanough GAA Club to his brothers and sisters on the passing of James.
Ar Dheis De go Raibh Se.

Courtesy of the Leinster Express
16th March 2011 Tweet

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