O'Connor, Hugh
April 20, 2011Sympathisers turned out in large numbers recently to pay their respects as 83 years old Hugh O'Connor was laid to rest in The Ballagh. A stalwart GAA supporter and father of a large family, Hugh died peacefully at his home in Glentire after over a year of poor health.
The deceased hailed originally from Monavullen in Oulart, son of the late Paddy and Margaret O'Connor. He moved to the neighbouring parish of Ballaghkeen and married Mary (nee Parle). The couple enjoyed more than half a century together before Mary passed away eight years ago.
They raised six boys, Paddy, Martin, Richard (Butch), Brendan, Hughie and Billy and four girls, Rita (Fenlon), Anne (Kirwan), Marie (Murphy) and Bernie (Sheridan). Hugh lived to lavish his affection on more than 30 grandchildren and a succession of great-grandchildren.
He worked for many years as a farm labourer and then for 22 years in the road department of Wexford County Council up to the time of his retirement in the mid Sixties. In his free time, he was happy playing cards and he devoted much of his energy and enthusiasm to following the fortunes of club and county on the hurling fields. he also took an interest in boxing.
His own playing career as a hurler was at underage level and it was as a pitcher of horseshoes that he made his own particular sporting impact. It was a matter of considerable satisfaction to him that he and three of his sons were on a team that won county horseshoe honours for the Castlellis club. He also competed on the national stage at the RDS.
A quiet character, he was respected wherever he went. The funeral Mass at The Ballagh was celebrated by curate Fr Dermot Gahan, while it was left to Fr Jim Butler to speak of Hugh's life and times.
The deceased in mourned by his sisters Nan and Betty, by his brother Paddy, by his sons and daughters, by other family members and by the many friends and neighbours who enjoyed his quietly impressive company over the years.
He now lies interred reunited in death with his wife Mary.
Courtesy of the Wexford People.
April 20th 2011 Tweet
