Hopes roundabout will be named after Olympian O’Connor

CLLR John Snell has been praised for his efforts to honour Wicklow Olympic athlete Peter O’Connor.

A plaque marking Mr O’Connor’s achievement was unveiled recently outside his old home on Ashtown Lane in Wicklow town, with members of the O’Connor family present for the occasion.

Peter won a gold medal for the hop step and jump competition in the 1906 Olympics in Athens as well as a silver medal for the long jump.

At last Monday’s meeting of Wicklow Municipal District, Cllr Shay Cullen singled out Cllr Snell for praise.

‘You put a lot of effort into it, otherwise I don’t think it would have happened. The whole occasion was very worthwhile’.

Cllr Snell thanked his fellow councillors and the District staff for their support. He also thanked Vartry Angling Club for maintaining the cottage on Ashtown Lane where Mr O’Connor used to live.

‘It was important for the town’s history and heritage that we honoured the achievements of Peter O’Connor. It was great to have the families at the unveiling. Now we are hoping to name the roundabout near there after him’.

Emails have also been received from the O’Connor family thanking Wicklow Municipal District for honouring Peter O’Connor.