Tributes to Kerry buisnessman: ‘A big man with a big heart’
SEAMUS O’CONNOR PASSED AWAY AFTER COVID-19 BATTLE
THE sudden passing of businessman Seamus O’Connor last Tuesday has rocked his native county and left his heartbroken family without their loving father.
Tributes have been paid to the wellknown businessman, whose latest venture was the well-known Killarney restaurant Kitty O’Sheas with his partner, Eileen, a follow-on from the same venture in Kinsale in Cork.
The 59-year old had been rushed to hospital after suffering breathing difficulties where he spent almost a week battling the effects of Covid-19.
Though he had been taken off a ventilator in ICU, Mr O’Connor subsequently suffered cardiac complications and died last Tuesday.
“It was such a shock. We had been talking to him that morning and there was good signs,” his son Stephen told The Kerryman.
He paid tribute to his beloved father, remembering how he would sit him on his shoulder at hot-rod races when he was young.
Mr O’Connor and his family lived at Farmers Bridge. Seamus first ran the Castle Inn in Castlemaine before purchasing the Anvil Bar in Boolteens in and which Stephen now runs. Seamus and his wife, Elizabeth had four children - Louise, Stephen, Cora and Owen and each of them inherited traits from him, not least his business acumen. Mr O’Connor lived in Killarney in recent years.
“He was a lovable rogue .. he never shied away from taking a business chance. He was not afraid to fail,” said Stephen.
In his eulogy his children described him as an extraordinary man.
“There will never be enough words to comprehend what has happened over the last week and what a battle he fought. We are all in a complete state of shock.
“Our father was a hardworking, strong, lovable rogue, he had an infectious laugh and presence. He gave us great advice and always guided us in the right direction in life – he was one of a kind.
“I think everyone who knew dad as a larger-than-life character, no matter where you met him he always stopped to have a chat and always gave you a warm welcome.
Originally from Kilcummin and from a family of nine Seamus was the singer of the family.
His brother, musician Neily O’Connor also paid tribute to him: “He had a great personality, he was out going and loved singing,” he said.
He said Covid-19 has taken his brother: “He was on the mend and then he was taken from us. It is a very dangerous virus don’t underestimate it. Unfortunately we never got to talk to him or say good-bye.”