‘Chum’ Connor was a great Drogheda United stalwart

BY the death of Desmond Connor—’Chum’ to all of us who knew him—Drogheda has been deprived of one of its best known and popular characters. Son of the late Thomas and Elizabeth Connor, Hardmans Gardens, ‘Chum’ was aged 67 years and hailing from the near by St. Josephs CBS, Sundays Gate, was educated there back in the 1930s.

It was there too that the writer first made the friendship of Dcssie and is pleased to record that that friendship has remained throughout the years. Regretfully now our last meeting was at United Park on Easter Monday when ‘Chum’ was amongst those soccer followers who saw Drogheda United win the League of Ireland Shield for the first time. He had not been enjoying the best of health in recent months yet on that dull misty afternoon he still had his cheery salutation as we met which was now to be our last on this earth.

Down through the years ‘Chum’ worked as a casual labourer with local building contractors, helping out in such constructions as Mosney Holiday Camp and Our Lady of Lourdes Church.

Possessor of a rich singing voice he was frequently called on to sing mainly in local bars and lounges as he enjoyed his pint. He liked children and was often seen speaking and joking with them particularly along Hardmans Gardens and neighbours there have many kind words to say about his neighbourly manner and concern for all. Yes, ‘Chum’ has left many ‘chums’ who mourn a lovable and likeable character who will be missed particularly in the Hardmans Gardens ana Sundays Gate area.

He is survived by his brothers, John, Thomas and Benny; sister, Marie (Mrs. Wright); brother-in-law, sister-in-law, nephews, nieces and other relatives to whom sympathy is extended on their loss.

The remains were removed to Our Lady of Lourdes Church and the funeral to St. Peters cemetery took place following Requiem Mass celebrated by Rev. E. Sweeney, C.C, St. Peter’s. Also present were Mgr. F. Donnelly, P.P., V.G., and Rev. T. Daly, C.C.

Cyril Jolley (accordianist), Mona Murphy (violinist) and Ned Briscoe (vocalist) contributed appropriate renderings during the Mass paying their final respects to a friend and this added solemnity to the sad occasion.