CORK ALL-IRELAND winner Kieran O’Connor has passed away at the age of 41 following a long illness.
A member of the Cork squad that lifted Sam Maguire in 2010, he was diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer in October 2017.
Tributes have been paid this evening after his passing by his club Aghada and the Cork county board, with sympathies expressed to his wife Sinead, his three children Isabelle, Ava and James, and his wider family.
Cork GAA would like to offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of All Ireland medal winner Kieran O’ Connor RIP. https://t.co/Q32bcm3HhS https://t.co/vpEMG4KhDA pic.twitter.com/xYsKfeKKsT
— Cork GAA (@OfficialCorkGAA) July 15, 2020
Aghada GAA and the ‘Friends of Kieran’ fundraising group released a statement this evening.
“It is with the deepest of regret that we announce the passing of one of our greatest clubmen and dearest of friends – Kieran O’Connor. The courage, determination, spirit, and bravery of Kieran as a player was seen at its finest over the last 3 years as he battled his illness with dignity and respect.
“Today is one of the saddest occasions our club has ever known. There are no words that will capture just what Kieran O’Connor meant to Aghada GAA. We know that Aghada was embedded in Kieran’s heart and his club meant so so much to him also. We are truly proud of him and his achievements in the Aghada and Cork jerseys. We are honoured to be able to call him an Aghada man.
“To his incredible family we send our heartfelt condolences. Our thoughts and prayers are with Sinead, Isabelle, Ava and James. And also with Pa and Mary, Pa jnr, Johno, Ashling, and Loretta, Regina and Ronan. Our condolences go out also to Kieran’s parents in law Joe and Margaret, and all of Kieran’s extended family and friends.”
County chairperson Tracey Kennedy paid tribute on behalf of Cork GAA.
“It was with great sadness that we learned of Kieran’s death today. He was a tower of strength on the field of play, and showed that same strength of character and courage in dealing with his illness over the past few years.
“He will be an unimaginable loss to his family, and on behalf of all in Cork GAA, I would like to extend our deepest sympathies to Kieran’s wife Sinéad, their three children, Isabelle, Ava and James, and also to his parents Pat and Mary, sister Aisling and brothers Patrick and John Paul. Our condolences also to his club, Aghada, his wonderful friends who did so much to support the family throughout Kieran’s illness, and all who mourn his loss.”
The defender emerged on the Cork senior setup during Billy Morgan’s time as manager before later establishing himself when Conor Counihan was in charge.
He enjoyed great success in claiming Munster senior and National league medals before helping the county end a 20-year wait for All-Ireland senior football glory in 2010. At local level he was a long-serving player for his club Aghada in football and hurling.
There had been a huge level of support for O’Connor in recent years when he became ill.
In the spring of 2019 his club-mates in Aghada and former Cork team-mates helped promote the support group ‘Friends of Kieran’ which was established to help raise money for his future medical expenses.
A fundraising walk took place last March from the Aghada GAA grounds in East Cork with the campaign receiving huge support around the country in the weeks afterwards.
Jockey Davy Russell paid a special tribute to Kieran in the aftermath of his Grand National triumph at Aintree with Tiger Roll in 2019.
"I can't believe it. Ah jaysus, I can't."
— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) April 6, 2019
Brilliant interview with @_Davy_Russel_ after the Corkman wins back to back Grand National's on Tiger Roll!#Aintree #GrandNational pic.twitter.com/G6c6zJzpMB
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.
R.I.P.
@Mícheál Moran: awful news, heart goes out to his family
Tragic news. Thoughts are with his family. May he rest in peace.
That’s so sad
I just felt ridiculously sad reading that.. 41 year old former athlete. Cancer is so horrible, we all must know someone touched by it.
Terrible news. Why does life have to be so cruel to those so young. May he rest in peace
R. I. P.
Condolences to family & friends.
Very sad news. God love his family. No doubt he fought this like he played football… he gave it everything.
Very disrespectful to call him ‘O’Connor’ instead of his first name. Shame on you at the Journal
@Carol Cunningham: actually change my post to ‘Shame on you Fintan O’Brien’
‘
@Carol Cunningham: I don’t think any disrespect was meant. Usually sports stars are referred to by their surname.
@Carol Cunningham: calm down
@Carol Cunningham: Christ, you have a lot to be complaining about. Maybe just leave your sympathies to this man’s family and be done with it. A journalist calling him by his surname as would be done when he was a player is hardly disrespectful to the man. The piece is well written and strikes the right tone.
Clearly a good man in every field of life. Condolences to his wife and young children, it’s always heart breaking to see someone so young and strong taken from all that knew and loved him. He was a fine player RIP
May he rest in peace
Terrible parallels with the 1990 team. RIP Kieran. So sad this evening
RIP.
Rip kieran.all Ireland winner.
Jesus that’s terrible news. Saw him a good few times playing with cork & he was a tough competitor. Condolences to his family & friends at this tough time RIP
Rip Kieran. A gentleman.
Condolences to Kierans family and friends. So sad to see someone so young taken from us. Rip
RIP.
Terrible news. RIP.
A tragically young age. RIP
So sad.
Great player from a great club.
Condolences to his family.
R.I.P.
Terrible news.rip keiran..
Mo chomhbhrón
God bless good sir
Very sad News,fought hard tough battle with bravery & Grace,my condolences to the family & close friends!
RIP
Rest in peace .
God rest his soul and give his family strength at this difficult time rip.
Can I just say how much of a class act Davy Russell is.
Great ambassador for Cork Football and so sad for his family & community. Condolences.
R.I.P