Golfing legend was a ‘man of faith’

Legendary golfer Christy O’Connor Snr has been described as a “man of faith” by the priest who presided at his funeral. 

Fr Martin Hogan of the Church of Saint John the Baptist in Clontarf told The Irish Catholic that Mr O’Connor was “very much a man of faith”.

“He was very involved in the parish. He was a regular Massgoer here on a Sunday,” he said.

Mr O’Connor, who died at the weekend aged 91, played in the Ryder Cup 10 times from 1955 to 1973 and won 24 European Tour tournaments including two British Masters.

Communion

Noting that the golfer had become “less mobile and couldn’t make it to Mass” in recent times, Fr Hogan recalled regularly bringing him and his wife, Mary, Communion. 

“When he ceased coming to Mass I used to bring himself and Mary Communion every month. He was one of my Communion calls and was no different from any other Communion call in that sense but he really appreciated being brought the Eucharist,” he said.

“I found him a very warm, hospitable and welcoming person. Clearly the Eucharist meant a lot to him. 

“He appreciated receiving Communion. He was a lovely person really.”

Fr Hogan also said he believed Mr O’Connor had been “very generous to the parish financially”, noting that the golfer had in the past donated a set of clubs to a parish fundraiser.

“He was very respectful of priesthood,” Fr Hogan added.

Indelible mark

“He seemed to have known a lot of priests through his golfing. I felt he appreciated who I was and what I stood for. He had a good feel for priests and what they do,” he said.

President Michael D. Higgins described him as a “gifted sportsman and wonderful human being” while Taoiseach Enda Kenny said he was a larger than life character who had left an indelible mark on his sport.