Tipperary GAA community is in mourning following the loss of a club stalwart

Moyle Rovers and the wider Tipperary  GAA community are in mourning following the passing of Pat O’Connor.

For over 50 years, Pat devoted his life to what was his second family, Moyle Rovers GAA Club. There was profound sadness at the news of his passing in the parish of Powerstown/Lisronagh, where he was held in such high esteem.

READ MORE: Tipperary film nominated for award at Los Angeles film festival

He passed away on Wednesday, surrounded by his loving family at his home at Mullinarinka outside Clonmel.

In February, Pat and his family were immensely proud when he was named the Club Person of the Year by the South Board.

When Pat O’Connor, along with his late wife Joan and their great friend, the late Eileen Boland, joined the first Moyle Rovers juvenile committee in 1975, little did anyone know the impact this trio would have on the lives of so many in their adopted parish of Powerstown and Lisronagh.

50 years later, Pat O’ Connor’s work with Moyle Rovers GAA club and the Monroe sports complex still impacts the lives of so many young men and women. Pat, through his unstinting work in Moyle Park and the Monroe sports complex, has provided a safe haven for so many.

His help and encouragement, while keeping a steady but firm hand on the tiller at Monroe, has enabled thousands of people to use the facilities, thereby developing their skills both sporting and social.
Friday nights at juvenile training are a joy to behold; every young boy or girl knows Pat, and he also knows them. Pat’s attention to detail in having pitches, footballs, sliotars, and jerseys ready for teams helps Monroe run like a well-oiled machine.

His management of the Monroe complex has seen it used for basketball, soccer, volleyball, cards, birthday parties, dance classes, and as a meeting place for groups of various nationalities. Under Pat’s care, the hall is also used as a safe place for adults with additional needs.

Pat O’Connor has, for so many years, been the front of house man in Monroe, where he juggled the diary for Moyle Rovers teams (football, hurling, ladies football, and camogie); for South Board fixtures and for visiting teams, both club and schools, thereby ensuring a place for everybody. Congratulations to Pat on being named the inaugural South GAA Board Club Person of the Year 2025.

READ MORE: Tipperary family carers representative hits out at Government energy support measures

Patrick (Pat) O’Connor, Mullinarinka, Clonmel, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family. He is pre-deceased by his wife Joan and brothers Eamon, Jack and Tommy. Beloved father of Paul, Kevin, Sharon, Marie and Jean, he will be sadly missed by his loving family, grandchildren Eoin, Darragh, Aaron, Claire, Eimear, Sarah, Rian, Kate and Niamh, brothers Jim, Mikey and Philly, sister Margaret (Furnell), son-in-law Eric, daughters-in-law Michele and Brenda, nephews, nieces, extended family and friends.

Reposing at Moyle Rovers Monroe Sports Complex, Clonmel (E91 PN29) on Friday afternoon from 4.00pm to 7.00pm.

Removal on Saturday to St John the Baptist Church, Powerstown. Funeral Mass on arrival at 12.00pm.
Those who cannot attend can watch live via the Powerstown Facebook Page. Burial will take place afterwards in the adjoining cemetery. Family flowers only please. Donations in Pat’s memory may be made to South Tipperary Hospice Movement.