Willie O’Connor of Kinvara GAA who had great success as a coach and a player for the club sadly passed away last week, he was also the club president at one stage and very popular in the area. We send our best to his family and friends at this extremely tough time. May he rest in peace.
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Willie O’Connor RIP
Kinvara GAA wish to express our sincere condolences to the family of the late Willie (Haley) O’Connor, Club President of Kinvara GAA.
Born and bred in Newtownlynch, Willie came from a family steeped in the history and culture of our parish, and especially Doorus. Willie grew up second eldest of a family of eleven, and loved his native townland of Newtownlynch. He never bothered to venture too far away from it, unless it was Kinvara for the shops, or, of course, a hurling match. Farming was one of Willie’s passion, and he was known have been a progressive farmer and having the very best of livestock.
From an early age Willie showed great skill and commitment to the game of hurling, and was always with his brothers and neighbours practising in local fields.
He was on our first ever county winning team – the 1959 Junior title. Willie played a starring role in the halfback line that day. He could play any position in the defence, and his style of play gave confidence to all around him. Although a gentleman off the field, Willie was teak tough on the field. He was strong and powerful, but always fair. His opponent may get past him the first time, but never a second time!
His hurling career continued onto 1966 when he had his finest hour, captaining Kinvara to our first ever county intermediate title in 1966. This time around he was joined by younger brothers, Tony, Jimmy and Joe. That was a proud day for the O’Connor family.
Off the field of play Willie was always heavily involved in our club. He was very active on our pitch committee that opened our first facilities on the Moy Road in 1961. In fact, as part of the matches on the day the pitch was opened, Willie had the distinction of playing with Galway senior hurlers.
After the playing career finished, Willie was involved in the sideline mentoring of various club teams down through the years. Most notably he was selector in 1994 when Kinvara almost made the breakthrough to senior success.
In recent years Willie enjoyed his honorary role as club President. A highlight was no doubt in 2017 when Colm and Conor visited his home with the Liam McCarthy Cup. Willie served the position of Club President respectfully and proudly, and he led the line at many a guard of honour for fallen comrades.
He also enjoyed social occasions with us, especially team re-unions and our annual social tour. He was on our inaugural “legends” tour in 2015 to Croke Park. A special occasion as it was his first time there. As I said, he didn’t leave Newtownlynch that often!
A pure gentleman and dedicated clubman, Willie will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
Our thoughts at this sad time are with Willie’s wife Lizzie, his son Brian, his daughter Michelle, grandkids, brothers, sisters, extended family, neighbours and many friends.
RIP Haley.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h-anam dílis.