B

By Michelle Crean

A man in his 20s was arrested yesterday (Thursday) in connection with the fatal assault of 32 year-old Glencar man Stephen O’Connor.
Stephen, from Cappantanvally, Glencar, was assaulted after an altercation outside a take away in the Square Killorglin in the early hours of Sunday morning at approximately 2.20am.
Initially Stephen was rushed to University Hospital Kerry in a critical condition with serious head injuries, but sadly died the following afternoon (Monday) in Cork University Hospital, surrounded by his family.
Results from the post-mortem examination are not being released for operational reasons.
Today (Friday), his family, close friends and neighbours gathered to say a final goodbye at 11am Funeral Mass in St Stephen's Church, Glencar, followed by burial in Cummer Cemetery Glencar.
His devastated family this week bravely took the decision to switch off his life support machine and donate six of Stephen’s organs - helping five people.
Local Councillor John Francis Flynn said the whole community is just shocked and deeply saddened by the news.
“I knew Stephen, he was a lovely fella,” Cllr Flynn told the Killarney Advertiser. “He is a big loss to the community. The whole community of Glencar is very close. I sympathise with Stephen’s family and the community as well. Donating Stephen’s organs just shows the kind of kind-hearted people his family are.”
The arrested male is detained under the provisions of Section 4 of The Criminal Justice Act 1984 at Killarney Garda Station.
Gardaí are appealing for anyone with information or anyone who was in The Square, Killorglin at the time to contact Killarney Garda station on 064 6671160, the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.
Stephen, a farmer who also worked in construction, is sadly missed by his loving parents Pat and Kathleen, sisters Eibhlin, Marie, Michelle, brothers Cormac and Patrick, brother-in-law, aunts, uncles, nieces Mikayla and Alannah, extended family, relatives, neighbours and friends.