O'Connor, Eddie
July 30, 2007
Eddie O'Connor was one of life's gentle, inoffensive men. A big man, with a distinctive laugh, Eddie was extremely loved by those who knew him.
Eddie, from 1 Trinity Street and originally from Maudlintown, died suddenly at Wexford General Hospital in the early hours of Tuesday morning. He was 69 years of age, having just celebrated his birthday a week prior to his passing.
A former Mayor of Wexford, Eddie was extremely well known throughout Wexford and beyond for his life-long affiliation with the Labour Party.
He served as mayor of Wexford in 1997, and he was a good ambassador for the town, and extremely proud to have served as its first citizen.
One of the highlights of his year as Mayor was a trip to Annapolis in the United States - not only for the important business of forging links with the area, but because his beloved late wife Kathleen got to share in the experience.
He was a loving husband all his life, and good father. The death of his wife Kathleen (nee Duffin) six years ago at the age of 61 was a devastating blow for him, and he missed her love and companionship every day after her passing.
Throughout his life he was a player and staunch supporter of the St. Mary's of Maudlintown Gaelic Football Club, and was currently the club President. He also served as club secretary for 25 years, and he spent hours every week at the club pitch in Pairc Carman watching matches, and encouraging the young teams in their training. He attended the club's 50th anniversary reunion and was overwhelmed when the club presented him with a lifetime achievement award.
He loved all sports, particularly GAA, and would spend hours in front of the television watching games, or listening to sports results on the radio. He was also a life-long Chelsea supporter, and greatly enjoyed their recent successes.
He was also a huge fan of horse racing, and a regular down in Nancy Codd's bookies office (now Boyle Sports).
In his younger years he played sports at the highest level, and won a county senior championship medal with the Faythe Harriers in 1965.
He worked in Clover Meats until their closure in the 1980s, and prior to that was employed with Godkins. He also worked on the busses in England in his youth.
Fond of a large bottle of Guinness, he loved nothing more than shooting the breeze with the other regulars around the bars at Kelly's of King Street and Billy Kelly's pub in the Faythe.
He was a good, and loyal family man, and was proud of his children Martin and Ann Marie and all of their achievements. He loved going to matches, and talking sports with his son, while he never missed a show performance when Anne Marie was on stage.
He was also extremely close to his extended family- particularly the O'Connor's from Bishopswater, and would drop into his cousin Mary (Morris) every Sunday for a chat, and to catch up on their lives.
He was a good man, and will be sorely missed by his family and many friends. He is survived by his son, Martin; daughter Ann Marie; brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, the extended O'Connor and Duffin Families; relatives and many friends.
Courtesy of The Wexford People
July 2007
Most Read Stories