RIP: National Ploughing pay emotional tribute after death of young ploughman
'Still only a teenager, he was an aspiring young ploughman with tremendous potential whose life was taken far too soon'- National Ploughing
It has been announced that a young man from Cork has died suddenly and tragically and a special tribute has been made in honour of him by the National Ploughing Championships.
The young man (20) has been named Billy O' Connell who was from Templemary, Buttevant in Cork and died following a fatal car accident on Saturday, 11th October, 2025.
Billy was the dearly beloved son of Donal and Brigid (née Griffin - Carrig Demesne, Mallow), and much loved brother of Ben and Emma.
He will be sadly missed by his heartbroken family, grandparents Andy and Joan and the late Willie and Abina, uncles Dick, Tadgh, John, Andrew and the late Liam, extended family, relatives and a large circle of friends.
Funeral Arrangements:
Reposing in O'Keeffe's Funeral Home, Bank Place, Buttevant (P51 N2NP) on Wednesday evening from 5:30pm to 8:00pm, followed by prayers.
Reception into St. Mary's Church, Buttevant on Thursday afternoon for Requiem Mass at 2pm, after which Billy will be laid to rest in Lisgriffin Churchyard Cemetery.
Billy was an aspiring young ploughman and competed in the National Ploughing Championships in 2022 and 2024, achieving 6th place in the Under-21 Class.
In a post on Facebook, The National Ploughing Championships have expressed their deep sadness following the young man's tragic death, which reads as follows:
"The National Ploughing community was deeply saddened on Sunday to learn of the tragic and sudden passing of one of our young East Cork competitors.
"Still only a teenager, William (Billy) O’Connell was an aspiring young ploughman with tremendous potential whose life was taken far too soon.
"Billy competed in the National Ploughing Championships in 2022 and 2024, achieving 6th place in the Under-21 Class.
"The O’Connell family have a long tradition with the National Ploughing as Billy’s grandfather, Andy managed the Competitor Assembly Area for well over 20 years, only recently retiring. Our thoughts and prayers are with the O’Connell and Griffin families at this time".
Billy and his family have received countless messages of condolences from people across the country who are devastated by his untimely death.
One person said: "A terrible loss of a pure gentleman. Thinking of Donal, Bridget and family also Andy and Joan. May he rest in peace".
Another person said: "Billy brought light and warmth to everyone lucky enough to know him. His kindness, humour, and spirit left a lasting impression. He had a way of lifting those around him, often without even trying — a rare and special gift. Though his time here was far too short, his memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him, always. He will never be forgotten. Rest in peace, Billy".