THE heartbroken daughter of former Mayor of Killarney, Paudie O’Connor, paid an emotional tribute to her dad at his funeral Mass in St Mary’s Cathedral this Saturday morning.
Morgan O’Connor-Mauro, who travelled from her home in the US for the service, told of his many great attributes, the great relationship they had and how she would never forget him.
“I remember my dad glowing with pride when he was here in Killarney and I know he’s smiling down on all of us today. I now feel more connected than ever to this beautiful town,” she said.
Morgan said her father was a vibrant soul who lit up a room whenever he entered.
“He was serious when necessary but he never passed up the opportunity to laugh with friends and family when given half a chance. I could go on and on about the great man my father was but I believe you already have a good idea,” she said.
“Although not a day will go by that I will not miss my dad’s huge and infectious smile, his love, patience and wisdom will live on inside me forever,” she said.
Morgan said the articles that have been written about her dad since he passed away, on May 1, at the age of 66, as well as the messages of condolences and prayers received and the stories told have truly lifted her and kept her going.
Paudie’s brother, Seamie, said he had been so proud of his roots and he never missed an opportunity to promote Killarney and its hinterland.
He quoted Winston Churchill when he said Paudie would be of the impression ‘I’m ready to meet my maker but I’m not sure if my maker is ready for the great ordeal of meeting me’.
Killarney Parish Administrator, Fr Kieran O’Brien, said when the news of Paudie’s passing filtered through Killarney it caused great sadness.
“It’s a long time since I experienced so much shock by people as they met on the streets and spoke to one another about Paudie’s life, his untimely death and the legacy he leaves behind,” he said.
“We weren’t ready and we weren’t expecting this and it has been a difficult two weeks for the O’Connor family, he said.
Fr O’Brien said so much has been said and written about Paudie and some of the terms used to describe him included larger than life, a colourful character, a man ahead of his time, a legend and a wonderful ambassador for Killarney and Kerry.
“The crowd here in this church this morning is a true testament to and acknowledgement of this man, recognising what he meant to this town,” he said.
“Even though he has been absent for a number of years, we will never forget. Paudie loved Killarney and loved everything about it,” he said.
With the hearse flanked by guards of honour from basketballers and footballers, the streets of Killarney, where he served as mayor on four occasions, fell silent as Paudie made his final journey through the town to his final resting place in Aghadoe where two white doves were released to celebrate a lifeless ordinary.
He is survived by his daughter, Morgan O’Connor-Mauro and her mother Marti, son-in-law, Marcello Mauro, grandson Luciano O’Connor Mauro; brothers, Seamus and Mike; sisters-in-law, Fidelma and Peggy; nephews, Patrick, Richard and Phillip, relatives and a large circle of friends.
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