AN APPRECIATION: Tullamore mourns death of leading business man and sporting icon

The late Gerry O’ Connor, or Gerdy as he was commonly known, was an iconic figure in the life of Tullamore, Offaly and the Midlands.

Gerry passed away on March 28 following a short illness and he is greatly missed by his wife, Tricia, daughters Bridie, Rachel, Jean and Trisha, family, friends and neighbours. Gerdy led a full life, working hard as a young man, developing many businesses, having a great sporting interest and a big devotion to his family.

Gerdy was born in the cottages on the Arden Road on December 13 1942; his parents were Joe O’ Connor and Bridie(nee Molloy from Holycross). Joe and Bridie moved to live in 89 O’ Molloy St. where they established the famous O’ Connor shop in the front sitting room. This shop has a special place in Tullamore history. This shop operated through the World War era when supplies were scarce; tea was sold here by the ounce. Gob Stoppers, Nancy Balls and Penny Bars were all the rage. Woodbine cigarettes were sold singly, in twos and fives. Bags of turf were delivered. Money was scarce and the “book” was the order of the day.

Gerdy’s mother died as a young woman when Gerdy was aged six years old. Gerdy’s father married a second time and his new wife, Rose, became heavily involved in running the shop. Gerdy worked in the shop, which moved to a new premises built by Offaly Co. Council on the slip road between O’ Molloy St. and Marian Place. The services expanded to further fuel delivery of turf and briquettes, making their own ice pops and selling the much sought after home cooked Crubeens after midnight on Fridays.

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Gerdy and Tricia got married on August 2 1965. They moved to live in accommodation with Maggie Slate in O’ Molloy St. which was one of the first houses to have a TV, his brother Martin recalls going there to watch favourite programmes of the day. They moved to live in 24 Marian Place in 1967 from where they developed a serious Fuel business with access from the back lane. The fuel business moved to a premises in the Tanyard from 1982 to 1988. The fuel business was the biggest in the Midlands and it is estimated that Gerdie had 80% of the fuel sales in Tullamore. He remained as a Fuel Merchant for 22 years and employed many local people.

Meanwhile he moved into the Turf Accountant business starting in a premised under the then Paddy Dowds Bar where he operated from 1981 to 1987. He also had bookies shops in Mullingar, Portarlington and Edenderry. He moved to a new premises in Colmcille St in 1987 and closed this business in 1999, leasing the premises to Boyle Sports. He subsequently worked for Boyle Sports as advisor and in customer care.

Gerdy also had sporting interests, especially Racehorses and Greyhounds. His greyhound “Hammond” won the Puppy Derby at Shelbourne Park in 1977. This dog then went to White City where he was second favourite for the English Derby in 1978 but had to pull out injured after winning his heat. His Father In Law, the late Joe Connaughton, assisted with the training of the greyhounds. The great Ger McKenna was his greyhound trainer and he had dogs running in Cork also, including Moylena Goldie. He teamed up with Larry Greene, a Vet based in Roscrea for his interest in racehorses. His horse “Run For Cover” won races as did other horses at courses such as the Phoenix Park and the Curragh.

The O’ Connor family made history for all the wrong reasons on November 12 1988 when they subject to the first ever armed robbery in Tullamore. Three masked men entered Gerdy’s house in Charleville View and made off with a significant amount of money after locking his daughtersin the hot press. The culprits were never caught and thus Tullamore’s first armed robbery remains a mystery.

Gerdy loved the Bridge House where he celebrated his 50^th, 60^th, 70^th and 80^th birthday parties. Until his final illness he could be seen there every Wednesday afternoon having food and a few drinks with his Brother, Benzy; He had his own table here. The Bridge House staff paid a special tribute to him as his funeral cortege passed the Bridge House on its way to Clonminch for his funeral.

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He had health issues in later life but he was always positive. He had great praise for the EX Well medical rehabilitation course operated by the HSE in Mucklagh Community Centre.

He loved holidays and himself and his wife Tricia, travelled to many places including Egypt, USA, Dubai and Lanzarote. Gerdy loved history and especially loved visiting Egyptian sites such as the Valley of Kings and the Pyramids.

Gerdy was a quietly very generous man and is known to have helped many local people. He often used the phrases “keep your own counsel” and “don’t ever forget kindness” as advice to his children. His family meant everything to him and he adored his many Grandchildren. He loved cooking and baking with a Pavlova being one of his specialities.

Gerdy’s remains reposed in O’ Reilly’s Funeral Home and also in his daughter, Trisha’s, house in Rahan. His Funeral Mass was held in Tullamore Parish Church on 31 March 2025 with burial afterwards in Clonminch Cemetery. He is fondly remembered by his Wife, Tricia; Daughters Bridie, Rachel, Jean and Trisha; Sons In Law Garrett, Billy, Ciaran; Grand Children Glen, Jessica, Gearoid, Leah, Tara, Alex, Isobel, Ciara, Conor, Aaron and Jack; Brothers Brendan, Martin, Kevin and Sister, Mary; Family Friend Jean Butler; Brothers In Law, Sisters In Law; Nieces; Nephews; Relatives, Neighbours and many friends.

Ar Dheis De Go Raibh a Anam Go Deo.

S. O’ B.