Tributes paid to Tullamore pitch and putt stalwart
Tullamore Pitch & Putt Club has paid tribute to 'one of our greatest ever members' following the passing of Martin 'Alo' O'Connell.
The late Mr O'Connell, 97, of St. Colmans Terrace, Tullamore, passed away peacefully at home on October 27 surrounded by his loving family.
The Pitch & Putt Club said it is 'deeply saddened to hear of the passing of one of our greatest ever members'.
'Alo was one of the true greats of our club, a man who worked tirelessly over many decades to help transform our course into the wonderful facility we see on the hills of Arden today', the club said.
The club detailed how 'Alo' became a member of the club in the late 1960s, and served on the Tullamore committee alongside his wife, Teresa, for decades. In 1976, Alo and Teresa were named Gents and Ladies Captains respectively, becoming the first husband and wife to captain the club in the same year.
Alo was a key figure on the committees of the 1970s that helped transform Tullamore into such a respected outfit.
'His hard work and commitment played a huge part in enabling the club to successfully apply to host its first National Championship towards the end of that decade, a remarkable achievement for a club that was still relatively young at the time. Since then, Tullamore has become one of only two clubs to have hosted every major National and International Championship', the club said.
'Alo dedicated countless hours to working on the course and served as greenkeeper for a long period. He loved working outdoors and took enormous pride in maintaining the course, a passion he continued at home in his garden long after he had put the clubs away. We will forever be indebted to Alo for the enormous contribution he made towards establishing Tullamore as one of the jewels in the crown of Pitch & Putt in Ireland.
'As a player, 'Alo' was a fierce competitor who, on his day, could give any of the club’s top seniors a serious run for their money. He particularly loved playing in the old Business House League, which at the time was the most competitive competition in the club. He took great pride in competing alongside his sons, as family was always the most important thing to 'Alo'.
'That close bond with his boys, combined with his competitive nature, helped him overcome many a foe over the years', the club added.
'Alo' was further described as 'one of the club’s great entertainers', loved the social side of pitch and putt.
'Tullamore Pitch & Putt Club has truly lost one of its finest stalwarts and biggest personalities. Alo’s legacy at our club is set in stone forever. His children have all played pitch and putt at some stage, and now a generation of grandchildren and great-grandchildren have followed in his footsteps. His son Eddie and grandsons Darren and Michael continue to play the game, while also following Alo’s example by giving their time to working on the course and serving as Captains of the club. Alo’s name, alongside Teresa’s, will continue to be spoken with great fondness around the course for many years to come. Their contribution will never be forgotten, and their place in the history of Tullamore Pitch & Putt Club is forever secure', the club said.
'Alo will be greatly missed, but we will always cherish the memories and the time we were fortunate enough to share with him. Everyone at Tullamore Pitch & Putt Club extends deepest sympathies to the entire O’Connell family at this very sad time. May 'Alo' rest in eternal peace and happiness alongside his beloved Teresa', the club added.
Killeigh Football Club also expressed its sadness at the death of 'Alo', whose sons Ollie and Eddie are committee members at the soccer club.
'Everyone at Killeigh Football Club wishes to extend deepest and most heartfelt condolences to Ollie, Eddie and the entire O’Connell family at this very sad time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all', the club said.
As a mark of respect, all Killeigh Football Club fixtures, both home and away, scheduled for this weekend, have been called off.
The late Mr O'Connell was pre-deceased by his beloved wife Teresa, his brothers and sisters and his son-in-law Noel Bryant.
He will be sadly missed by his loving family, Pat, Ann, Betty, Bernie, Michael, Linda, John, Oliver, Edward, Teresa, Caroline and Martina, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, relatives and a large circle of friends.
Reposing at O'Reilly's Funeral Home, Harbour Street, Tullamore (R35 FC84) on Friday, October 30 from 4pm until 6pm. Funeral Mass will be on Saturday, October 31 at 12noon in St Colman's Church, Mucklagh. Following Mass, Martin will be laid to rest in the adjoining Old Cemetery.