To: Ann, Carol and Michael.
In loving memory of my brother, Cornelius (Con)
I could write a book about my brother, Con, because we were two of a kind, but that is for another day and time. For now, with a broken heart, I have to say “slán” to a much loved and special brother.


Con was a young rascal who was up to a lot of tricks, but no matter what he did he would always be forgiven, because he would always make amends. He loved sports, especially football. He was a champion Irish dancer, and also won prizes for ballroom dancing; Con was the Michael Flatley of his day! 


Con won many trophies and titles, but for him, the cups, medals and belts were not that important; it was the taking part that mattered. Our mother was kept busy maintaining the various trophies.


However, on a visit to a Sports Day event in the St. John of God’s school for Mentally Challenged Students in Dublin, Con felt that the students had the potential and energy to get involved in Irish dancing as a way to integrate. He discussed the idea with the Head Brother, and agreed to teach the students two nights a week.


When the students got to a certain level, he approached the Irish Club in Dublin to allow them to perform (he was one of the first people to bring such a group beyond their enclosed environment). Con donated most of his trophies to the St. John of God Brothers.
He held competitions in the grounds of the school and appointed me as the judge (I was also an Irish dancer), but got strict instructions there were to be certain categories, e.g. best performance, best effort, best attitude, and so on in that vein! Con’s trophies were well used and all were winners. We got a lot of joy during this time and the students were regular performers at various social events in Dublin.


My brothers John and Con were at home when our mother was diagnosed with a short life span, and the care they both gave her was exceptional.
I will always be grateful to them for their kindness, and was blessed to be part of their lives.
Your loving sister, Marie