Memorial paddle to honour Cork Dragons founder Mark's ‘legacy of kindness’

A memorial paddle, in honour of the late Mark O’Connor, will be held by the Cork Dragons at Lapp’s Quay this weekend.

Mr O’Connor (58), who died on February 19 following a long-time battle with breast cancer, was a founding member of the Cork Dragons Boat Club, and has been described as someone who left behind a “legacy of kindness, support, positivity, and encouragement”.

Following his diagnosis with breast cancer in 2011, Mr O’Connor became an advocate for men with breast cancer, dedicating his time and energy to raising awareness of the disease, and assisting in the creation of the Dragon Boat Club in 2012.

The club was set up as a means of support for cancer survivors, and was featured in RTÉ’s Dragon Hearts documentary last year, where Mr O’Connor was one of three people to share their love and devotion to the sport.

The Togher native was also the Irish male ambassador for the International Breast Cancer Paddlers Commission (IBCPC), an organisation which described his advocacy for breast cancer paddling as "second to none”.

“His friendship and kindness to all was a great treasure. He will be deeply missed by all of us,” said a spokesperson for the IBCPC.

Speaking to The Echo, a spokesperson for the Cork Dragon Boat Club said Mark was “the heart of Cork Dragons”.

“Mark was such a huge advocate for raising breast cancer awareness in men,” the spokesperson said.

“One of his dreams was to have the pink breast cancer ribbon to include blue, as men get breast cancer too.

"He was the bravest, most courageous, and honest man and will be irreplaceable.” 

Mr O’Connor is survived by his wife, Tina, and his 21-year-old son, Dylan.

His family unit was described by members of the Cork Dragon Boat Club as “tight knit” and “loving”.

Both Mr O’Connor’s wife and son will take part in the commemorative event this weekend, which will take place at Lapp’s Quay on Saturday from 10.30am.