Soccer community has lost a true legend of the game
‘Mr Bellurgan’ had a positive influence on countless people involved in football
THE soccer community has suffered a huge loss with the death of Michael O’Connor.
While it’s nothing compared to the grief felt by his dear wife Rosaleen and their three sons, Gerard, Sean and Daniel and mother, Elizabeth and his close family, the heartfelt sorrow, sadness and sympathy his passing has evoked is a glowing and fitting testament to Mickey.
That is attributable to the warm, humorous and positive influence Mickey had on the game in Dundalk and beyond.
He had a positive impact on countless men, women and children involved in the sport, in all it’s many facets from players of all ages to followers, supporters, administrators, managers and coaches.
The effect that Mickey had on the soccer family in particular in his native Bellurgan, Dundalk and the North East and beyond is incalculable. There are obvious concrete and lasting examples.
First and foremost is Flynn Park, the ground and facilities that are the envy of clubs, and not just junior and schoolboys outfits. He was the driving force behind the project, which became a reality due in no small part to Mickey’s influence. That was so typical of the man, who once he decided on doing something, nothing would hold him back from seeing it through.
His imprints are all over the thriving club, and he truly was ‘Mr Bellurgan’, the man everybody associated with his beloved team, and Tom Flynn Park.
However, he shared and spread his talents and drive and ambition for the betterment of the sport at all levels, embracing schoolboy, junior and the League of Ireland.
In his many roles with Dundalk Schoolboys and the Dundalk Summer League, Dundalk FC and the North East League he generated camaraderie and helped forge closer cross border links and bring about unity and common purpose of enjoyment of the sport as well as competition.
Michael‘s experience in the sport grew as a player. A handicap didn’t hinder him from playing like in all aspects of his life. He went on to become a coach and manager, and was still involved in these roles right up to his untimely passing. His passion undiminished over a life time, he was returning with fresh zeal.
He was a leader in the promotion of coaching to improve standards, especially at schoolboy and junior level, working with others in tandem with Tommy Connnolly, who is respected as one of the country’s top coaches.
Mickey was very much behind inter-league representative competition in his time with the Schoolboys League, and served on the board at Oriel Park, and remained a keen follower of Dundalk.
As a close friend and club colleague remarked: ‘Mickey was totally and utterly engrossed in soccer and Bellurgan was at the heart of it.’
It is such a shame when Michael was embarking on a new lease of enthusiasm for the game that he was taken away at a comparatively young age.
All in the sport will join in offering their sincere condolences to Rosaleen and the family. On a personal level visits to Flynn Park will not be the same without being able to engage with Mickey, a straight talker with a jolly, sharp wit and that heartfelt grin that invariably made you feel enriched.