Another Brother Michael spend a short period in the Army from 1922 to 1924. Unlike his older Brothers he left the Army after two years and took up work in civie street. He died in the1960's.
Turlough, another Brother also joined the Irish Army, being musically minded he joined the Army School of Music in 1925 at the tender age of 15. Turlough like Piaras was very active in sport and excelled in Atletics, Soccer and Boxing but tragically like his other three Brothers died at the young age of 40.
It is fortunate that Piaras was encouraged by his brother
Sean to join the Marine Service in 1940. The sea air must have worked wonders because Piaras at 80 years of age is in perfect health and very agile as is his wife Rose who married Piaras in 1939. Piaras and Rose have
seven children 6 boys and 1 girl none of them following in their Fathers, Grandfathers, or Uncle's footsteps.
It was a fitting tribute to Piaras O'Connor that so many traveled to Cork to be at the presentation of his chain of office on September 6th 1998. It was also unique in so far as it was the first time since the foundation of the State that Royal Naval Association Colours were paraded in any Irish Naval or Military
Establishment. A representative party of Royal Naval Association including a colour party traveled from Britain to attend the ceremony.
Piaras has participated in all of the recent Naval Association events travelling to Boston, New York, San Diego, and the Normandy Beaches in May this year. On November 11th 1998 Piaras will head a 50 strong contingent of Irish Naval Association members who travel to Messines, Flanders to participate in the Inauguration Ceremony of the unveiling of a memorial and Peace Park dedicated to the thousands of Irishmen Protestant and Catholic as fellow soldiers died side by side at Messines during the first world war. President McAleese and Queen Elizebeth will be present at the dedication ceremony. | |