Tributes to Cork dad who died on holidays in Greece

A Cork man who died unexpectedly while on holiday will be repatriated back to Ireland tomorrow.

Johnny O’Connor, who was in his 40s, died late last week while on holiday with his wife Tara, originally from Urlingford, Co Kilkenny. His remains are to be repatriated back to Ireland on Wednesday.

Mr O’Connor was a brother-in-law of Kilkenny senior hurling manager Derek Lyng. He died while holidaying in Greece last Thursday.

The father-of-two is survived by Tara, two young daughters Erin and Lauren, parents Eily and John, sister Julie, brothers Mike and Pat, mother-in-law Anne, father-in-law John, brothers-in-law Peter and Derek, sisters-in-law Kay & Margaret, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, extended family and friends.

Mr O’Connor’s mother-in-law Anne is an aunt of former midfielder Michael Reddy and played for Sunderland and Grimsby Town.

Former Kilkenny hurler Nickey Brennan offered his condolences. “Deepest sympathy to the O’Connor and Lyng families on the unexpected passing of Jonny. RIP.”

Rower Inistioge GAA Club added: “Deepest sympathy to the Lyng and O’Connor families on the tragic passing of Johnny. You are in our thoughts and prayers.”

Milford National School Board of Management and staff continued: “We wish to extend our heartfelt sympathy to his wife Tara and daughters, Lauren and Erin, parents John and Eily, sister and brothers and the extended O’Connor and Lyng family on your devastating loss. May Johnny rest in eternal peace.”

Cork-based Fine Gael councillor John Paul O’Shea also offered his sympathies.

Mr O’Connor will be reposing in O’Malley Funeral Homes, Charleville on Thursday with his Requiem Mass taking place at 1pm in Milford Church with burial afterwards in Deliga Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers the family have asked for donations to the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust.

A spokesperson for the Department of Foreign Affairs said that they are aware of the case and are providing consular assistance: “As with all consular cases, the Department does not comment on the details of any specific case”.

May he RIP