Tributes paid to popular servant to GAA in Kilkenny following retirement

On Saturday morning club members, family and friends joined together with official Kilkenny GAA officers, club officers, local politicians, former club and county players and former chairpersons in the O’Loughlin Gaels clubhouse to pay tribute to one of O’Loughlin Gaels’ best.

Damien O’Connell has been synonymous with youth development, schools’ participation, games promotion and more significantly managing the preparation, promotion and distribution of match day programs at UPMC Nowlan Park for over a quarter of a century.

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Former club chairman, his friend Eddie Buckley, led the tributes to a packed room of well-wishers for a special coffee morning organised to mark the event.

Eddie took the audience through Damien’s impact in the club’s development through four decades, noting his generous attitude towards those who required a ‘leg up’ in life consequently setting them up on the right pathway to their futures.

Eddie also paid tribute to Damien’s wife Joan and family who was always very welcoming and appreciative of the time Damien afforded to club activities. A presentation was made to Joan by club secretary Joan Galwey.

Club chairman Johnny Holohan made a presentation to the guest of honour of a collage of images depicting Damien’s time at St John’s Park and Nowlan Park.

The club thanked Damien for all his good work at the club and acknowledge the positive impact that work has had on the development of O’Loughlin Gaels to what it is today.

Enjoy your retirement DOC - it’s well deserved.