The death has occurred of Bridget (Beesie) Connor (née Bryan) of Monevane, Walsh Island, in county Offaly.
She was the mother of some of Offaly’s most famous footballers, Murt, Richie and Matt.
Murt won All-Ireland titles with Offaly in the 1970s while Richie (captain) and Matt played starring roles in the famous 1982 win over Kerry, thanks to the late Seamus Darby goal.
The victory is one which still haunts former Kerry and Laois manager Mick O’Dwyer – which he likened to a death in the family in the recent RTE documentary ‘Micko’.
Richie lifted the Sam Maguire that year, while Matt has been named Offaly’s greatest player on several occasions.
The rural Walsh Island club dominated Offaly football in the late 1970s and early 1980s winning six titles in a row, backboned by the Connor family.
They also won the Leinster club title in 1979 and 1980.
The family has strong links to Portarlington, where most of the family members went to school. Richie attended Ballyfin College.
Richie is currently principal of Shanahoe NS, having previously been in Rath NS.
Managed
He previously managed the Laois senior football team in the early ‘90s and was also involved with the Portarlington and Courtwood clubs in the past.
The Connors are also related to another legendary footballer, Willie Bryan, through their late mother’s side.
The late Ms Connor was the loving wife of the late Jim. She is deeply regretted by her loving sons Murt, Willie, Rich, Seamus, Matt and Sean, daughters Mary (Dwyer) and Breda, sister Nan, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Reposing at her home on Wednesday from 2pm with removal to the Church of The Immaculate Conception, Walsh Island at 7:30pm.
Requiem Mass is on Thursday at 12 noon with nterment afterwards to the adjoining Cemetery.
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