Christy O'Connor Jnr R.I.P

Christy O'Connor Junior in his trademark flat cap.

Over a thousand mourners attended the cathedral in Galway city to pay their respects to Christy O’Connor Junior, who died recently whilst on holiday in Tenerife.

The 67-year-old became part of golfing history by helping Europe secure the Ryder Cup at The Belfry in 1989, with his famous two-iron into the 18^th. 

Fellow golf pro Eamonn Darcy spoke before the mass on behalf of the golfing community and the leading Galway bookmaker John Mulholland spoke on behalf of Christy’s friends.

The cream of Irish dignitaries attended, with Irish President Michael D Higgins in attendance with the Taoiseach’s Kieran Carey.

A Ryder Cup trophy, an accordion, a course design map and a family photograph were presented as symbols during the ceremony, which was celebrated by Father Michael Kelly who is a close family friend.

Fr Kelly spoke of Christy as a “family-man, who showed enormous pride in his family and never failed to acknowledge them when celebrating his achievements.”

He said Christy had "the gift of making every acquaintance feel that they were special – and he treated them accordingly."

He also spoke of Christy’s work as a fundraiser for missionaries in Africa and local charities such as the Galway Hospice foundation.

Fr Kelly also spoke about Christy’s son Darren who died in 1998 at the age of 17 in a car crash near Kileeneymore, Co Galway, so his was a life not untouched by grief.

Christy is survived by his wife Ann, daughter Ann and son Nigel, grandchildren Ava, Zara and Leda and extended family including his and uncle, one of Ireland’s best known golfers from the 1950s and 60s Christy O’Connor Snr.

We wish a found farewell to a lovely man and a fine golfer. Here’s that 2-iron shot to savour again.

Christy O'Connor Junior in search of divine inspiration on the golf course.