Sadness as former Limerick All-Ireland Minor Hurling winner passes away

THERE IS a deep sense of sadness in the Limerick GAA community following the passing of a former All-Ireland Minor Hurling winner.

In Doon and the wider GAA community in Limerick this Thursday, there is sadness after the death of Con O’Connell.

Con, from Cooga, was full-back on the Limerick team that won the All-Ireland Minor Hurling Championship in 1958. The Treaty have only ever won three minor All-Irelands.

Con is also a grandfather of last year’s senior All-Ireland winner, Barry O’Connell. In 1959, he played a captain’s role in midfield in Doon’s County Minor Hurling title win.

Con passed away surrounded by his loving family in St Camillus’ on Wednesday following an illness bravely borne.

Married to Nora, they had six children – John, Michael, Fionnuala, Susanne, Anne and Therese. The family have many fond memories of Con who was a builder and farmer. He actually built the community centre in the village.

John described his dad, who was aged 77, as a “great father”.

“He was a hard working man and a great provider. He had a fantastic sense of humour and sense of mischief. He had that right up to the end. We have very fond memories,” said John.

President of Doon GAA Club, Br James Dormer, said Con was an “absolute gentleman”.

“He was a quietly spoken man and very hard-working. He was a fine hurler in his day with Limerick at minor level and then with Doon. He was a very popular man in the parish and will be very sadly missed.

“He is a grandfather to Barry O’Connell on the current Limerick senior hurling panel.

“A younger grandson, Aidan, plays juvenile with Doon and a granddaughter, Eimear, plays camogie with Doon,” added Br Dormer.

Reposing at White’s Funeral Home in Doon on Friday, December 4 from 5pm to 7.30pm with removal to Doon church. Funeral Mass takes place at 11.30am on Saturday, December 5 followed by burial in the local cemetery.

May he rest in peace.