Francis O'Connell - A Tribute

On Saturday 8th February as the Celbridge GAA community assembled to honour the best of our players and administrators, a dark cloud descended on the event as news filtered through of the untimely passing of our former Chairman Francis O’Connell.

 

Francis was born in Valentia Island and as such was a staunch lifelong Kerry supporter. He and his wife Mary moved to Celbridge in the early 1980’s where they welcomed the arrival of their son Shane. Like many parents it was the desire to have their children involved in sport that introduced Francis to Celbridge GAA.

 

Francis was never the one to blow his own trumpet, and for that reason some of our members may not be aware of the very significant role that he played in the development of our Club. Even prior to becoming a member, Francis’s influence was evident through his role as Independent Auditor during the fundraising associated with the building of our clubhouse in the early 1990’s.

 

Francis served on the executive committee for many years during which time he held various positions including Treasurer and Chairman. As Treasurer, Francis set a standard that has served the club extremely well up to the present day. His constant willingness to mentor and support others in the intervening years has been a valuable resource to the Club.

 

As chairman, Francis got things done in his usual calm and considered way. Under his leadership many upgrades to our facilities were implemented, including the installation of the highest standard of floodlighting in our grounds. Perhaps the most pleasing aspect for Francis was his introduction and promotion of underage ladies' football in our club. This initiative has had a transformative impact in the club and has opened the door for so many young girls to become involved in the sport and create lifelong friendships in a safe and enjoyable environment.

 

Francis’s influence was not confined to our club alone. When Kildare GAA found itself in financial difficulty some years ago Francis was brought on board to advise and develop a pathway to financial stability. It is no coincidence that Kildare GAA is now the envy of other Counties in relation to its current healthy financial state.

 

Over recent years Francis has been a leading member of a local parish committee that is working to develop major infrastructural facilities for the community, that will come to fruition in the coming years.

 

Francis was a true visionary and a tireless worker for Celbridge GAA, his dedication to the club was unparalleled, and his leadership had a profound impact on all of us. His passing cuts deep for the generation of colleagues that worked closely with him over the years. In difficult situations where solutions seemed hard to come by, Francis was the one person that could be relied on to think deeply and come up with a workable solution. Francis, we will miss your wise counsel, and most of all your loyalty and friendship.

 

Celbridge GAA extends deepest sympathies to Francis’s wife Mary, his son Shane, Shane’s wife Emer, and Francis’s cherished grandchildren Fionn, Meabh and Oisin.