Contributed by Kevin and Paul O'Connor.
History tells us that the O’Connor Clan ruled Connaught as kings for centuries and rose to be High Kings of Ireland from 1058 to 1198, their reign ending with the Norman invasion. While we would very much like to claim that we are direct descendants of the Irish kings, it is inconveniently difficult to find evidence to corroborate this.
More recent, verifiable history begins with my great-grandfather, John O’Connor, who actively supported Charles Stewart Parnell, leader of the movement for Irish Home Rule, from his home on the Cork/Kerry border. Subsequent to Parnell’s death in 1891, John moved with his wife and family of eight to Cork City, where he practised as a chartered accountant, being a very early member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland.
His second child, John Joseph—my grandfather—had four children: Tadhgh, Charles (my father), Oonagh, and John (who died in an accident at age twelve). Tadhgh graduated from UCC as a doctor and practised in Leeds, where he died at the age of thirty-three during an influenza outbreak on the day the Second World War began. A memorial in Leeds still honours his dedication.
My father, Charles, joined the Civil Service in Dublin after graduating. He served in the Department of Industry and Commerce until his untimely death in 1966 at the age of fifty-six. In his career, he was associated with the Commission on Youth Unemployment, the foundation of the Industrial Development Authority, and the preparation for the introduction of decimal currency, weights, and measures. During the Emergency, in addition to his full-time Public Service occupation, he joined the Local Defence Force (now the FCA). Because of some brilliant strategic achievements, he was promoted to the highest rank equivalent to Colonel—the only such rank held by a non-military person. He retired from that role at the conclusion of the hostilities.
In 1936, he married Maureen Gibney, whose mother, Josephine, had a shop in Brunswick Street (now Pearse Street). She was celebrated for giving refuge in the shop to citizens fleeing indiscriminate shooting by the Black and Tans. Charles and Maureen had four boys—Don, myself, Charles, and Paul—and one daughter, Colette.
After completing my studies at Trinity College Dublin, I followed in my father’s footsteps and entered the Civil Service, becoming a Trainee Inspector of Taxes posted to Dundalk. There, while involved in musicals and drama, I met my darling, Anne (née Jones), during a show in which we were both performers. We married in 1962 and were blessed with five wonderful children: Marge, Polly, Liz, Grace, and John. I completed my commissioning exams in 1964 and, with promotions and transfers, progressed through Dublin to Limerick, where we were very happy.
Anne had a very busy social life, notably as a foundress of the Lifford Ladies Association, a social activities club for women in the local neighbourhood (and the first of many such associations in Ireland). In the meantime, I was tempted by a local firm of chartered accountants to leave the Revenue and work with them as a tax consultant. I took articles and qualified as a chartered accountant myself. I continued to take part in amateur musicals and drama and devoted an unforgivable amount of time to my other love, golf, as a member in Castletroy, Limerick, and Lahinch, County Clare.
In the 1980s, our two eldest daughters, Marge and Polly, qualified as nurses and, typical of the time, set off to work in hospitals in the United Kingdom. Liz studied accountancy but, while visiting her sisters in London, was attracted by a job notice in a bank. She enquired and, after supplying some details, was offered an appointment on the spot, which she accepted. At around this time, the United Kingdom was experiencing a boom, whereas Ireland was rather in depression.
My firm’s tax practice in the United Kingdom was very busy, and I was offered the opportunity to move from Ireland—a decision that proved to be the right one and one which we have never regretted. We quickly settled into our new surroundings by singing in choirs, and I played golf at Ganstead Park near Hull. Grace and John continued their education here and, after university, Grace went on to become a primary school teacher, while John embarked on a successful career in telecommunications. Anne established a home care business for the elderly in the community.
Anne and I retired in the mid-2000s and spent much of our time with our children and grandchildren. Now, at the ages of eighty-seven and eighty-five respectively, we no longer sing with choirs or play golf, but music, song, and plenty of chatter continue to be part of our home in Hull.
Sadly, Anne has since passed away on 20 February 2025. She is dearly missed by her husband, family, and friends, both in the United Kingdom and Ireland.