Tributes paid to Larry O'Connor who will be remembered as one of nature's gentlemen

As news filtered out in the Cathedral Town of the passing of Larry O’Connor, Killinan, Thurles on Wednesday evening last, the Tipperary footballers were being entertained by Kerry in Austin Stack Park, Tralee in the Munster Co Op league.

And, for the first time in more than half a century two Thurles Sarsfields men were in the starting Tipperary line-up, with one of those, Paddy Creedon, getting the first score of the game from his full forward berth.

Larry, a football advocate domiciled ‘on the missions’ away from his native Kingdom county for most of his life, and living in the heart of hurling territory, would surely have had a wry smile at the thought – the smile would have been one of pride and satisfaction that much of the groundwork he undertook, alongside others, in Dúrlas Óg and Thurles Sarsfields could have paved the way for a such a scenario to unfold.

Formerly of Knocknagoshel, Kerry, Larry was a very well known and highly respected gentleman in Thurles and surrounds. He was a man who exuded class and his wonderful sense of humour and natural charisma made him a dear friend to many.

Indeed, Larry had time for everyone and his colleagues at work would speak of a man who was devoted to his work, was highly organised and competent and who would go out of his way to help anyone in need of assistance.

He was also regarded as a confidante and mentor to many and his easy way, coupled with the vast knowledge he possessed made him a go-to person in so many fields of work.

Larry worked in Teagasc, the University of Limerick and in Thurles Sugar Factory– his expertise and experience was second to none and the level of excellence he brought to each role was much commented upon.

But, you would never know of Larry’s achievements of his level of intellectual nous by speaking to him – he was humble, honourable and very much a person who was interested in others rather than promoting himself.

Hailing from Kerry, Larry loved Gaelic football and he passed on the skills and love of the game to so many juveniles over so many years in Dúrlas Óg.

His teams enjoyed great success and when Larry spoke, players listened.

He carried on his coaching role in Thurles Sarsfields and in both clubs a considerable level of success ensued with county titles coming back to the Cathedral Town with great regularity.

Larry brought the necessary finesse to the management teams and he involved himself in the Tipperary Football Board and the Friends of Tipperary Football also as he strived to advance the fortunes of the blue and gold jersey in league and championship fare.

He derived great satisfaction out of Tipperary’s recent successes – the All-Ireland minor title of 2011 and the recent Munster senior title which marked the centenary of Bloody Sunday being particular highlights for him.

Larry was also very well known in rugby circles. He came to Thurles in 1958 to run the research section of the sugar factory, and was straight on to the first team of Thurles Rugby Football Club.

Such was his acumen with the oval ball that he was to hold the position of club captain from 1960 to 1962 leading Thurles RFC to a Garryowen Cup in 1962 – the first in 32 years – and he played with the club until 1967, usually occupying the full back position.

In 1966 his home club Abbeyfeale requested his services for the Munster Junior Cup Final replay after their fullback had got injured in the first match – Larry answered the call and went on to have an excellent game to win a Munster Junior Cup medal.

When he became Chairman of Thurles RFC in 1966 – a position he held until 1970 - he oversaw the purchase of the club grounds in Loughtagalla and the building of the pavilion.

He became Trustee of the Club from 1987 until 2008 and always kept in touch with the goings on of the club, maintaining an interest in Thurles RFC affairs right to the very end.

While the games were all-important to Larry, the most important match of his life arrived when he met and married Clare Kenny from Borrisoleigh.

The famous hurling family which boasted the likes of Paddy, Phippy and All-Ireland winning captain of 1951, Sean, welcomed the Kerry man who knew little of hurling into the family and the union was to be a most successful and happy one which provided much inspiration to those around them.

Larry and Clare welcomed Ken, Graham and Grace into their lives and in time the grandchildren which followed – Lisa and Alex- brought immense joy and delight to them.

The family home in Killinan was a happy one with an open door to all and Larry and Clare were regarded as great neighbours who were warm, generous and extremely friendly to all who passed their threshold- Larry’s passing is greatly regretted in Killinan.

There were many tributes paid to Larry on social media following news of his passing. But perhaps the greatest tribute was the level of support offered to Clare and the family throughout the funeral period.

People came from near and far to pay their final respects to a man they respected greatly and as he was laid to rest in Killinan cemetery - only a short kick-out from his family home – there was a very deep sense of gratitude amongst the gathering that they had been privileged to know and be a friend of Larry and the O’Connor family.

They say our lives are framed by the influence of those who cross our path during our journey – if that be the case, Larry O’Connor was certainly one of those who made a wonderfully, positive and warm impression on so many.

He is remembered for that warm, wry smile and glass half full attitude. But above all, he is remembered as one of nature's gentlemen.

Sympathy is tendered to his wife Clare, sons Ken and Graham, daughter Grace, adored grandchildren Lisa and Alex, daughter-in-law Charlotte, nephews, nieces, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, relatives, former colleagues in An Teagasc and University Limerick, great neighbours and a wide circle of friends.

Sleep easy Larry.