The Late Joe O'Connor Joe O'Connor of Ballindereen who died was a stalwart of the GAA all his life. At the age of 20 in 1942 he won the County Junior Hurling Championship with Ballindereen and since that time, he took an active part in GAA activities at club and county level, at first on the of play and later administration. He was a mainstay of Ballindereen's team from his early years. Interestingly, in 1943, when Ballindereen played in the County Senior Championship, in their first match, they were pitted against Castlebar, a game that was played in the Turlough, Ballindereen. The following year, Ballindereen defeated twice their close neighbours Ardrahan, in the South Board and County Championships. In 1948, Joe was one of the five Ballindereen players on the St. Mary's team contesting the County Senior Championship, the other four, John O'Connor (brother), Frank Moran, Paddy Moran and Jack Gill. St. Mary's was an amalgamation of players from Ballindereen. Craughwell, Ardrahan, Kinvara and Clarenbridge. In the years 1948 and 1950 Joe O'Connor won the Connacht Junior Championship with Galway. In 1951 the ravages of emigration took their toll on the Ballindereen hurling team and the Club was permitted to get four players from Kinvara to make up the team. In 1957 Joe was appointed Hon. Secretary of South Galway Board GAA and held that position until the Divisional Boards were disbanded in 1975. He served as selector on the County Senior Hurling team and the County Under-21 Hurling team (1969/70). He was Ballindereen's delegate on their County Hurling Board and served on the Co. Fixtures Committee and on the Co. Disciplinary Committee. He was President of the County Hurling Board at the time of his death and all hurling matches in County Galway were called off as a mark of respect. Joe was Trustee of Pairc Naomh Samhaine, Ballindereen. He won Vice-Chairman of the Ballindereen Hurling Club. Throughout his life, Joe was a staunch Pioneer. In 1951 he was a founder member of the Ballindereen Branch P.T.A.A.. In 2001, he was presented with Gold Pin for 50 years' membership. Joe was held in high regard both within the parish and outside and was an active member of Ballindereen Community Council. There was a huge congregation for the funeral to St. Colman's Church, Ballindereen the Requiem Mass and at Drumacoo Cemetery for the burial. County Board offices formed a Guard of Honour on Saturday and members of the Ballindereen Club formed a Guard of Honour on Sunday. The Ballindereen Club's colours together with its No. 6 jersey draped the coffin. It was All-lreland Hurling Day, Sunday, when he was laid to rest in Drumacoo Cemetery. Former GAA President, Seosamh Mac Donncadha in a tribute spoke of Joe O'Connors' tireless efforts to accomplish the work of the G.A.A. and the good example he gave to other. Very Rev. Canon Mclnerney P.P. officiated at the obsequies on both days. Joe O'Connor is survived by his brothers, John and Paddy; by his sisters, Mrs Eileen Larkin (Arann) and Mrs Margaret Sweeney (Tooreen); by nephews, nieces, other relatives and a large circle of friends. Courtesy of The Connacht Tribune September 2002 Tweet

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