DEDICATION: On Monday a dedication of the roundabout linking Lewis Road with St Anne's Road was made in the memory of the late Paudie O'Connor. Pictured were: Fidelma O'Connor, Seamie O'Connor, Marcello and Morgan Mauro, Pat and Isabel Somers, Mike O'Connor and Philip O'Connor. Photo: Michelle Crean

By Michelle Crean

A very special ceremony was held in Killarney on Monday afternoon to remember one of the town’s great contributors.

The late Paudie O’Connor, former Mayor of Killarney and noted sportsman, was fondly remembered during a ceremony at the roundabout linking Lewis Road with St Anne’s Road. Cathaoirleach Cllr John Sheahan, Angela McAllen (Killarney Municipal District Manager) and the elected members of Killarney Municipal District, alongside Paudie’s family members gathered for the special event.

Cathaoirleach Cllr. John Sheahan acknowledged it gave him a great honour to be there as he had proposed the dedication of the roundabout to the late Paudie O’Connor.

He advised that it was significant that the roundabout linking Lewis Road with St Anne’s Road was chosen as it is only up the road from the late Paudie O’Connor’s home in O’Sullivans Place.

Paudie spent over 10 years as a Fine Gael Councillor in Killarney Urban District Council, serving the people of Killarney from 1974 to 1985. During this time he served as Cathaoirleach on four occasions in 1978, 1980, 1982 and 1984. Paudie also served as a member of Kerry County Council from 1979 to 1985.

Cllr Sheahan spoke of the fondness with which Paudie is remembered as one of the greatest players and characters to ever grace the Irish basketball scene.

“The sign erected here today is to mark the memory of the late Paudie O’Connor and his contribution to sport and to the Killarney people,” Cllr Sheahan said.

Paudie captained the senior national team, winning over 100 caps, and in 1977 had the distinction of being the first Irish player to make the All-Star Five of an international qualification tournament. Cllr John Sheahan concluded by stating that the sign erected is to mark the memory of the late Paudie O’Connor and his contribution to sport and Killarney.

Paudie’s brother Seamie also spoke saying it was a huge honour for their family.

“On behalf of the O’Connor family we are very honoured that this honour has been bestowed on Paudie, and we’re very grateful.”