The late John Joe O’Connell
WHEN past and present staff and board members of the FRS Network met recently in Kanturk to celebrate 40 years of the co-op, absent on the night due to illness was former chairman John Joe O’Connell. John Joe was remembered in prayers during the night as was Mary Geraldine Noonan, a valued member of staff who died in tragic circumstances a number of years ago. Unfortunately, later on that Tuesday night John Joe O’Connell also passed away. Paying tribute to John Joe, co-op manager Dan O’Riordan described him as a thorough gentleman. He said all involved were very saddened by the news. John Joe had been a user and supporter of FRS since it was founded in 1977.
He was unique in that he was the first Newmarket Co- Op farmer to become a member of FRS - proof that he was revolutionary and open to new ideas. Dan said he started his own career in FRS regularly milking cows on John Joe’s farm. Even back then John Joe had a prized herd of high yielding cows envied by many.
Outside of family, which was very dear to John Joe, his two great passions were farming and sheep dogs. He travelled throughout Munster and beyond to various sheep dog trials, and he was the source for many great sheep dogs throughout his life. He sometimes sourced some excellent dogs overseas and was widely known in the sheep dog fraternity.
During his time as chairman of FRS, John Joe presided over many positive developments and provided great leadership to an active committee. Dan said John Joe’s honesty and integrity shone through at all times. He described him as a great co-op man who was always enthusiastic about the progress being made and also very open to new ideas and developments. He will be sadly missed in FRS where his photo is proudly displayed.
A guard of honour by FRS, IFA , Freisian Breeders and members of the Sheep Dog Society accompanied his remains to St Mary’s Church, Newmarket on Thursday, April 27.
John Joe is deeply mourned by his loving wife, Sadie, son Bill, sister-in-law, nephews, nieces, neighbours, relatives and friends.