Orlagh O’Connor was a special person and loved by many

A community in north Wexford has been left devastated by the passing of Orlagh O’Connor at age 51, following a lengthy illness.

Orlagh of Ballyscartin, Gorey, and late of Courtown Harbour was the cherished daughter of Ann and the late Liam Donegan, spouse of Donal, devoted and loving mother of Rian, Naoise and Beibhinn as well as the treasured sister of David, Jennifer, Barbara and Gerard.

Growing up, Orlagh attended school locally at Loreto Convent in Gorey. She went on to attend the College of Commerce in Dublin before studying Accountancy in Dublin City University (DCU).

She then worked as a Supervisor in financial services in International Investment Bank (IIB) for a time before marrying her husband Donal and returning to Gorey to raise their family. They have three children together; Béibhinn is 10 years old and attending Tara Hill National School, Naoise is 16 and attending Gorey Community School and Rian is 19 and attending UCD.

As well as being a loving mother and wife, Orlagh was also deeply committed to her community and had a lot of invaluable knowledge about Courtown’s natural and built heritage. This knowledge was particularly useful during the Save Courtown Woods campaign which led to the reinstatement of the Courtown Heritage Group. Orlagh became Chairperson of Courtown Heritage Group, and a statement by the group paid tribute to Orlagh’s invaluable contribution to the area.

“Despite her declining health, Orlagh remained a steadfast presence within the group and her absence will be greatly felt by all those who knew her. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Donegan and O’Connor families at this very sad time. Rest in peace, our dear friend and mentor, Orlagh.”

Sinn Féin Councillor Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin also paid tribute to Orlagh and expressed his deepest sympathies to her family.

“Orlagh was loved by many, in the Courtown area and beyond and was a wonderful community person, having campaigned for the protection of Courtown Woods, among many other things for the betterment of her area. Suaimhneas síoraí di. My deepest sympathies to her brother David Donegan who works in Wexford County Council, to her extended family and many friends.”

Many heartfelt tributes have also been left on RIP.ie: “Words cannot express how sad we are to hear that Orlagh has passed away. We are devastated for you all, especially Ann, and all her family. Orlagh was a very special person and we had the privilege of her being in our lives. May her gentle soul now rest in peace. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this terrible time. May her gentle soul rest in peace.”

Another mourner wrote: “We are very sad to hear this heart breaking news, Orla was one in a million. Condolences to all the family especially Rian, Beibhinn and Naoise who she adored. RIP dear Orlagh.”

Orlagh’s family would like to thank Wicklow Hospice for the tremendous care they gave Orlagh before her passing on Monday, May 6. Her funeral mass will take place at Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, Riverchapel on Wednesday, May 8.

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