GAA world pays tribute to retiring Donncha O’Connor
BALLYDESMOND waved farewell to the inter county career of one of Cork’s finest ever footballers Donncha O’Connor at a special tribute night with only standing room in Ballydesmond Community Centre.
Admiring fans from both sides of the county bounds flocked to salute the Cork star who announced his retirement in the wake of Cork’s 2018 championship exit in Portlaoise when defeated by Tyrone.
The Ballydesmond legend reached the pinnacle of a fantastic career in 2010 on helping the Rebels win All-Ireland glory. A proven campaigner of raw quality Cork Chairperson Tracey Kennedy spoke of Donncha as a brilliant and exciting player to watch.
“One of the standout Cork players, he brought fantastic joy over the years as well as commitment, energy, passion and drive. None of us would be here if it wasn’t to be for our clubs, Ballydesmond deserve credit for their organiation of this event,” she said.
And the Cork head was delighted to announce that Donncha has agreed to be part of the backroom team for the 2019 Cork U-15 football development squad.
“Over the next few years we’re planning to put alot of work into the next generation of Cork football by putting structures in place to return Cork back to the glory days of 2010. Those players have a huge part to play in the future of Cork football, best of luck Donncha, hopefully, not too much idleness for we want to witness your contribution to Cork football in the years ahead,” said the Cork chairperson.
Billly Morgan called O’Connor into senior ranks after impressing with the Cork Junior side over a number of seasons.
“A coach’s dream, he trained very hard, put in a terrific effort and his game went from strength to strength. Donncha’s skill and workrate were exceptional, an absolute gentleman,” said the Nemo Rangers great.
In a message, former commentator Michéal Ó Muircheartaigh told the audience the player from Kingwilliamstown, more popularly known today as Ballydesmond, drew notice from GAA patrons all over world, none more than the 2010 All Ireland SFC semi final against Dublin.
The Dubs led by five points entering the final quarter, O’Connor delivered style and substance in a compelling display of elegant assurance in a comeback helped by a converted penalty.
“Facing into 15,000 Dublin fans on Hill 16, the great man from Kingwilliamstown netted and Cork were on their way to snatching a dramatic win,” said Michéal.
Former Cork selector Ger O’Sullivan compared Cork’s march in 2010 to the Mourneabbey ladies surge from 2018.
“I had a front seat view of Donncha down through the years, a number of disappointments for the team before Cork got their just reward in 2010. A pity that we didn’t win an All Ireland earlier because our team would had progressed and won more titles. It will be interesting to follow the progress of Mourneabbey in the next few years after losing three All Ireland finals to come back and savour glory,” he said.
All Ireland winning manager Conor Counihan added congratulations to a great exponent of the game.
“A fantastic guy and player, he delivered quality performances for club, division and county over a long career. We will treasure his displays, hopefully Cork can unearth a few more Donncha O’Connors to push on the county,” he said.
The man of the night Donncha applauded the messages of support in addition to the presence of former team mates and managements.
“It’s so much easier to play in a game rather than stand here, I want to thank the public and my family for their support. There is so much that I owe to my club Ballydesmond, that’s evident by the effort, they put into this event, it was an absolute honour to play for the club, hopefully, I can continue to do so in the next few years”, he said.
Adding their congratulations to Donncha were sporting opponents Andy Moran, Paul Galvin, Colm Cooper, Tomás Ó Sé, Peter Canavan, Seán Cavanagh, Marc Ó Sé and Bernard Brogan with former colleague and Australian based Ciaran Sheehan recalling his playing days with Cork . From the world of entertainment came best wishes from Danny O’Reilly of The Coronas as did commentators Marty Morrissey and Ger Canning.
“Good form is temporary, class is permanent, that applied to Donncha,” beamed out Tyrone legend Seán Cavanagh.
Donncha came to prominence at club level, Donal Vaughan, Tadgh Ryan and Seán Murphy vouched for loyalty and commitment to Ballydesmond while Duhallow Board Secretary Tony McAuliffe spoke of Donncha keeping his feet on the ground as a massive servant to Ballydesmond, Duhallow and Cork.
A brilliant night summed up this tribute to Donncha O’Connor, helped in no small part by a rendition of the Cork anthem “The Banks of My Own Lovely Lee” , sung by the Ballydesmond NS children and MC Johnny Walsh enhanced the occasion with a story and verse.