One of Cork’s greatest characters former councillor and shopkeeper Con O’Leary laid to rest

One of Cork’s greatest characters shopkeeper and former Independent Councillor, Con O’Leary, was laid to rest today following his passing overseas with his requiem mass fittingly ending with a rendition of My Way. 

Mr O’Leary (77) who ran Con’s Shop in Gurranabraher in Cork city for five decades, died unexpectedly on January 5 while on holiday in Gran Canaria.

Known affectionately in the northside of the city as “Con the Robber” he was predeceased by his much adored wife Ann. He is survived by his daughters Lorraine, Tina, Deborah and Aishling, his grandchildren, extended family and friends.

At his requiem mass today in the Church of the Ascension in Gurranabraher Lorraine thanked all those who helped her and her sisters in bringing their beloved father home from Gran Canaria following his sudden passing.

Con had had a lovely family Christmas and also saw in the New Year in style in Gran Canaria with his relatives.

Lorraine said that Con had a “gift of the gab” and a “talent for entertaining a crowd.” 

“While we inherited a lot of his traits and talents I am not so sure speech making was one of them.

"All through his life he was known in many ways. A councillor, an activist, a comedian, a charity worker, a rebel, a friend, a boss and of course ‘Con the Robber.’ But most importantly dad and granddad.” 

Lorraine said that her mother and father had worked long hours at Con’s Shop in St Rita’s Avenue in Gurranabraher in Cork.

“They were stories of how I as a baby spent hours behind the counter in a Tayto box. Child labour at its finest!

"Through their hard work Con’s shop went from strength to strength and last year we celebrated fifty years in business. A truly great achievement for any family run shop.

"When dad wasn’t behind the counter of the shop he was out helping people. All his life he understood the importance of community and charity work.

"He was the founder of the Gurranabraher and Churchfield Youth Club in the early seventies and often told us that more than one wedding had come to there. He joked to the couples involved that it was far too late to blame him now.” 

Lorraine said her father helped more people in private than he did in public. She said he loved every single minute of his time as an independent councillor in the city.

“He was never what [you] would call shy and often outspoken. He spoke for people who couldn’t speak for themselves. He pushed for change on many social issues.” 

She said that Con was “incredibly lonely” after their mother Ann died three years ago. However, he “did his best to keep busy.” 

Lorraine stressed that Con had a great love of his grandchildren and often turned up to collect them from school two hours early. He was a “loving, kind and funny” father and grandfather". 

“As I am standing here today I realise how fortunate we were to have him as our dad. There are no words to express the loss we are feeling at his passing. He was constantly surrounded by family who loved him so much. These are the things that we will cherish forever.” 

Lorraine joked that “dramatic to the end” her father took “as long as possible” to come home from Gran Canaria following his passing as he “didn’t like to leave the sun".

“He died in Spain surrounded by family in a place that he loved and where he had happy memories.” 

Mementoes of Con brought to the altar included a family photograph, a garden trowel which he used “as an excuse to go out and speak to neighbours passing by,” a sun hat, and a photograph of his shop.

Fr Aidan Vaughan said that the O’Leary family had had a long wait for the remains of their father to be repatriated.

He said Con had a great love for the parish church and had done so much for it over the years.

Following the mass Mr O’Leary was laid to rest at St Joseph’s Cemetery in Cork.

Tributes

Meanwhile, among those who paid tribute to Con following his passing was Tánaiste Micheal Martin. He posted on X that Mr O’Leary had served his community “with great commitment and generosity for half a century". 

“Con’s brilliant wit, and his dedication and passion for his city will be sorely used. Saddened to hear of his passing. My sincere condolences to his daughters, family and friends." 

Lord Mayor of Cork Cllr Kieran McCarthy said that Mr O’Leary was a “legendary Cork character” with “much wit.” 

"A native of Gurranabraher, Con will always be known as a legendary Cork character with much wit but whose caring efforts not only benefited Gurranabraher but also the wider city as well. May he rest in peace.” 

Mr O’Leary was involved in Churchfield/Gurranabraher youth club, St Anthony’s over 60’s club, the local Meals on Wheels, Ógra Corcaigh and the North Infirmary Action group. His involvement in the community led him in to local politics in 1991.