The festive period marked the end of an era in the Courtwood area with the news of the death of Rich O’Connor on Christmas Day.
Rich was the last surviving member of his generation of the O’Connor family and was a much-liked and popular member of the local community.
He had a varied GAA career, part of the Annanough team that won senior football honours in 1956 as well as Junior ‘A’ and intermediate hurling honours with the St Conleth’s hurling club in 1966 and 1968.
Following the formation of the Courtwood club in 1962, he played with them too and also served as chairman.
He was also well known through his involvement with the renowned Rath Variety Show and his quick wit and strong stage presence made him a leading light with that particular group.
In addition, he was a keen golfer, a member of Portarlington Golf Club for many years as well as with the Final Furlong Golf Society in Ballybrittas.
Rich passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family. Sadly missed by his loving wife Ellen, daughter Jackie, son-in-law Noel, grandsons Leon and Connor, great-granddaughter Amber, nieces, nephews, relatives and many friends.
His funeral mass took place in Rath on Wednesday, December 28, with burial afterwards in St John’s Cemetery in Killenard.
Donations, if desired, to The Irish Cancer Society https://www.cancer.ie/
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