Tom O'Connor of Racecourse Road, Tralee and formerly Ballymacelligott, passed away on Saturday, December 10 last. Aged 68, Tom was retired principal of Clogher National School in Ballymacelligott, a position he held for 31 years where he was affectionately known as " The Master".
He grew up in Gortagallane, near where the handball alley now stands, as one of ten children of Tom and Mary O'Connor. After attending Clogher school himself, he spent a year in The Green before moving on to Ballyvourney boarding school on a scholarship. There, he excelled at football and handball, landing two All-Ireland colleges medals.
Tom then trained as a primary school teacher in St. Patrick's in Drumcondra before getting his first teaching post in Ballyfermot in Dublin where he worked for 15 years. During this time he met and married Nora Doyle from Wexford, and had two children, Paul and Niamh.
In 1978 the job of principal of Clogher school became vacant and Tom applied for and got the job, much to the delight of his mother Mary. He settled in very easily earning a reputation as an excellent teacher whose pupils received a thorough grounding in their reading and writing, maths and Irish.
He had a great love of Irish music and taught the children al the old songs while accompanying them on his guitar. During his short illness he was heartened by all the messages of thanks and support he received from his past pupils.
Tom retired just two years ago and spent a lot of his time with his four grandchildren, playing some golf and walking his dog. Those who met him on these long walks remarked on his consistent good humour and friendliness.
Outside of his work, Tom was a keen golfer and had the honour of being captain of Tralee Golf Club in 1995. He served the club in many other voluntary capacities and was one of those who assisted in establishment of the Barrow course.
Tom played in club competitions every week and represented Tralee in national competitions over the years. He was always present for club social events over the years and could be relied on to get his guitar out if a sing-song was brewing.
At Tom's removal and funeral on December 12 and 13, the affection in which he was held was evident. Tralee Golf Club, Ballymacelligott GAA and the Clogher children all provided guards of honour on his final journey to Clogher cemetery.
Tom will be sorely missed by Nora, Paul and Niamh and by all those who knew him.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

Courtesy of The Kerryman
4th January 2012 Tweet

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