The Late Margaret O'Connor Margaret O'Connor (nee Francis), who died on Sunday, March 20, at her home in Keylod, Moyvane, was a popular and integral member of her community who worked hard all her life to provide a marvellous home for her family. She passed away at the age of 88 after a long illness. Originally from Lahesrough, Ballybunion, Mrs O'Connor attended national school in Lisselton and went to work full time on the family farm upon leaving. Born to the farm, she loved every minute of the hard work and was to spend the rest of her life in such an environment. One of seven siblings, Mrs O'Connor left the family fold after her marriage to Patrick O'Connor in 1952. The couple settled in Mr O'Connor's homestead in Keylod, Moyvane, where they raised four children together in a very happy environment - Pat, Richard, Michael and Bernadette. Her faith was the internal cornerstone around which her life was based. A devotee of Padre Pio, Mrs O'Connor visited his monastery in San Giovanni, Italy on more than one occasion. She also took part in pilgrimages to Knock, Lourdes and visited the moving statues in Ballinspittle 20 years ago. She also relied on her faith to get her through the annual trails of the All-Ireland football championship. Family and friends affectionately recall her inability to watch Kerry's attempt at the five-in-a-row against Offaly in 1982 on the television. Mrs O'Connor and a neighbour spent the duration of the match outside their homes praying for the team, such was the nervousness induced by their passion for the county game. A very sociable woman and a life-long pioneer, Mrs O'Connor rarely missed great community occasions such as weddings and she was loved by all in her homeplace. Famous for her baking skills she supplied many of her neighbours with Christmas cakes and her wonderful currant bread. Mrs O'Connor's husband sadly passed away last December at the age of 95 and the end of an era in Keylod was heralded by her death on Sunday, March 20. She is survived by her brothers Tom and Sean, her sister, Sr Fintan and her four children. Courtesy of the Kerryman 1st April 2005 Tweet

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