The late Matthew O'Connor 1992-2008 A sense of deep shock and sadness descended upon the communities of Abbeyfeale and Cordal and indeed throughout the counties of Limerick and Kerry on Thursday July 24, when Matthew O'Connor of Dromtrasna Collins, Abbyfeale, Co Limerick died tragically in a road traffic accident. At the tender age of 16 Matthew was an exceptional and very special individual. He was an extremely talented, gifted, bright and handsome young man just starting out on his journey throughout life. Matthew was a wonderful son to his mum and dad Juliet and Con, and idol to his younger brothers Andrew ,John and Connie, while he was like a best friend to his older sister Noreen. He was dearly adored and admired by all his cousins. He will be sadly missed by his aunts, uncles and grandparents who described him as "a character" and "a rogue" Matthew was an ambitious and very promising young sportsman who won a lot of rewards and achievements. He had recently been selected for the Munster youth squad and was described as a great prospect by team management. He was also the captain of the Abbeyfeale RFC under 16 team. He was named under 16 player of the year by Abbeyfeale RFC in 2008. Matthew also had a keen interest in football, soccer, golfing and hurling but his first love remained rugby. Without a shadow of a doubt Matthew would have gone down in history as a player on the Munster rugby team and would have made the whole of Munster very proud some day. Matthew was a leaving certificate student at St Ita's college in Abbeyfeale, where he was regarded as a bright and talented student who was extremely popular among his peers and teaching staff. Matthew's Short lived life was certainly a happy one. He had friends the length and breath of Kerry and Limerick; friends who adored and admired him. regardless of a person age Matthew knew how to make everyone smile. During his younger childhood years Matthew spent a lot of time in Cordal with his Nan and Granda Kathleen and Andy O'Connor of Ardmona. He could turn his hand to anything and was confident in everything he did. He worked in Lawlor's restaurant in Castleisland with his auntie Mary the proprietor for some time also working in Superbites in Abbeyfeale during his summer holidays. Regardless of the career path Matthew would have chosen no doubt he would have been a very successful young man as he just had the special twinkle and he will be sadly missed. Matthew was reposed at Harnett's funeral home, Abbeyfeale on Saturday evening, July 26 where thousands of people queued in respectful silence to bid farewell to Matthew who touched the lives of so many people. Members of the Munster u16 squad and club members in Abbeyfeale formed a guard of honour when his coffin was brought from the parish church in Abbeyfeale to the local cemetery for burial. Matthew's family are keen to express their thanks, gratitude and deep appreciation to the people of Limerick and Kerry and their neighbours and friends in Abbeyfeale for their support, comfort and compassion. Matthew will be remembered and loved by his parents `Juliet and Con, by his brothers Andrew, John and Connie by his sister Noreen, by his grandparents, aunts uncles, cousins, work-mates and many friends and neighbours. May he rest in peace. Courtesy of the Kerryman 6th August, 2008 Tweet

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