Tributes paid to Cork Con stalwart Flor O’Leary

The Lord Mayor of Cork, councillor Fergal Dennehy, has led tributes to the late Flor O’Leary, former captain and president of Cork Constitution FC, who passed away on Thursday. He was 97.

A lifelong stalwart of Cork Constitution, Mr O’Leary helped in the early 1950s to lead the club’s move from its then home on the Mardyke to its current grounds in Temple Hill, and was key to guiding the club’s progress over the decades. Mr Dennehy said the late Mr O’Leary was “a man whose life was defined by service, commitment, and a deep love for his community and his city”.

“Flor believed deeply in Cork and in the importance of community, giving freely of his time and energy to support others,” he said.

A central part of Mr O’Leary’s life was his long and valued association with Cork Constitution, he added.

“Flor believed passionately that Cork Constitution was about more than rugby — it was about camaraderie, respect, and fostering a sense of belonging across generations.

“Beyond the club, Flor was a devoted family man and a valued friend, neighbour, and citizen,” Mr Dennehy said.

“His passing leaves a void for all who knew him, but his example will always inspire.”

Cork Constitution past president Der O’Riordan said Mr O’Leary’s true strength had been in his sense of care for young players coming into the club. “He would get to know them; he would give them encouragement.

“He was always a steady hand, and the person in the club you could go to for advice,” Mr O’Riordan said.

“He was a very kind man, a great conversationalist, and until his passing, the club’s oldest member.”

Mr O’Leary is survived by his wife Clare, their daughter Ann, sons Ian, Peter, and Kieran, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family, and a wide circle of friends.

Reposing from 5pm to 6pm tomorrow at O’Connor’s Funeral Home, Boreenmanna Rd.

Requiem Mass at noon on Monday in the Sacred Heart Church, Monkstown, with funeral afterwards to St Mary’s Cemetery, Passage West.