The late John O'Connor The death had taken place of John (Sean Foxy) O'Connor, Carrigkerry West, in the loving care of the staff of Saint Ita's hospital, Newcastle West on Tuesday, July 18, 2006. Born in May 26, 1924 Sean formed many strong and lasting friendships over the years. He was appointed Parish Clerk of Saint. Mary's Church, Carrigkerry in 1946 and served until 1952 at which point he emigrated to England, his brother Michael taking over the duties until 1954. It was during his time in England that he met his wife Eillen and they were married in Slough, London in 1958. Eileen assisted by Sean took over the role of parish clerk in 1994 and is the current parish clerk. Both Sean and Eileen served the community well always making themselves available and showing kindness and willingness to help in times of need as well as ensuring that everything was in order no matter what the occasion. They were honoured for the 125th anniversary celebrations of Saint Mary's Church, Carrigkerry for which a booklet was also produced. A great sportsman in his day Sean played football with Kilcolman, junior hurling with Ardagh and senior hurling for Knockderry. He was a member of the 1956 team honoured by St Kieran's GAA cLub at one of their functions. As mentioned in the 1987 West Limerick Journal edited by the late Patrick T Aherne, "Kilcolman", "Our Carraig Foxy kept his pace, In the thickness of the fray, And John Kelly helped the victor's, To bring the kaurels of the day". He also played for his County at national league level and in tournaments. A member of the Ardagh junior hurling team defeated by Knockaderry in the 1947 final the song read: "Hurlers life young Foxy Conors, They are rare and they are few, He is as fast as Cloghan Thady, Or the race horse called Caughoo". He had the distinction of playing two finals on the same day. During his time in England he played with Saint Mel's Club, London. Sean loved the wren-boys and always looked forward to hunting the wren Saint Stephen's Day. He was a member of the Knockfinisk batch an later joined the Glensharrold wrenboy group. He had a lovely light style of step dancing which he learned from Jim Cummane in Kerriklye and he loved to play the hornpipe to the sound of the "Boys of Blue Hill". A member of the Tuesday Social Club he took great enjoyment in the activities that were organised by the club and was a regular dancer on the floor with Eileen by his side. Sean loved socialising and on such occasions enjoyed singing one of his favourite songs, "Lovely Carrig Town" written by David O'Connor and Dan Hartigan. He also had a keen interest in gardening and outdoor activities. Sean's gentle demeanour and kind nature will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. His remains were removed from Madigan's Funeral Home, Carrigkerry on Wednesday, July 19, 2006 to Saint Mary's Church, Carrigkerry. The St. Kiernan's flag and jersey, in which lined out at at number 11 draped out at number 11 draped his coffin, flanked by a guard of honour consisting of St Kiernan's GAA Club members, the wrenboys and his Tuesday Social Club colleagues as the cortege made its way to the church. Some members of the Glensharrold Wrenboys group also shouldered his coffin. Mass concelebrated by Fr Bowen, Fr Lane, Fr McBride and Fr O'Gorman the following morning was a celebration of his profound faith and fulfillness on this earth. Gifts drawn from his life's journey included his cap, which he never went without, a football and a hurley, a bunch of flowers demonstrating his love of gardening and closeness to nature, the 125th celebration booklet of Saint Mary's Church and a wrenboy photograph. The final musical tribute to Sean and Maura, donie, Donal and Michael was sweet, soft and gentle, so close to Sean's own heart: "The boys of the Blue Hill" and "Carrig Town". He was laid to rest in Ardagh Cemetery on Thursday, July 20, 2006. Sympathy is extended to his family and friends. Courtesy of Limerick Leader 05/08/2006 Tweet

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