Image source: RIP.ie
Warm tributes have been paid to the late John Joe (JJ) O’Connell, from Fossa, Killarney, whose removal service will take place this Wednesday evening prior to Requiem Mass tomorrow morning.
A very well-known and hugely respected community man, who devoted so much of his time to the GAA, JJ passed away on Monday and the news was met with real sadness and regret by those that had the pleasure of knowing him.
From Aughacurreen in Fossa and previously of Knockanes, Headford, JJ had a long and distinguished caterer as a psychiatric nurse, based in St Finan’s Hospital, Killarney and his caring and compassionate nature and great personality ensured he had all the social skills required to be successful in that role.
He was, in particular, a highly regarded community nurse and he was considered by all with whom he was in contact as a thorough gentleman who was both respectful and respected.
At the time of his passing, JJ was vice president of his beloved Fossa GAA Club and he was a pioneering and dynamic club chairman from 1985 to 1987.
He was the long-serving Foss club delegate to the Kerry County Board, from 1987 to 2013, and he was the first ever chairman of Fossa Coiste na nÓg.
A passionate and knowledgeable Kerry supporter, who loved discussing the finer points of the game, he was also a voluntary steward at Fitzgerald Stadium and he loved nothing more than the excitement of a Munster Final day at the local venue.
JJ is survived by his wife, Pearl (née Griffin), children Micheál, Kate, Miriam, Margaret and Eoin, sons-in-law Tim Foley and Jerome O’Driscoll, daughters-in-law Jennifer Cahill and Sarah Leavey and grandchildren Adam, Finn, Hannah, Pearl, Tadhg, Siún, Ollie and JJ.
Predeceased by his brother Thomas, JJ is further survived by his brothers Tony, Pat, Neilie and Michael and sister Mary O’Shea, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews and many other relatives and friends
Reposing at O’Shea’s Funeral Home, Killarney this Wednesday from 4.30pm to 6.30pm will be followed by removal to the Prince of Peace Church, Fossa.
Requiem Mass will be on Thursday at 11.00am followed by burial afterwards in Killarney Burial Ground, Knockeendubh.
The Requiem Mass for JJ will be live streamed on https://churchmedia.tv/fossa-parish.
The family has asked for no flowers by request, with donations, if desired, to be made to Rockmount Day Care, Kilgarvan.
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