Jean O'Connor passes away Jean O'Connor, mother of record-breaking point-to-point rider Derek, and handler Paurick, passed away today after an illness. Only recently Derek recalled his earliest point-to-point memory as being a day at Dromoland with his mum and dad. In the same interview when asked as to how he got involved in racing he said: "My mum was quite a successful amateur rider (in the 70s) and I suppose I kind of inherited it from her." Poignantly Paurick and Derek teamed up for a winner just yesterday at Lingstown when Whatswrongwithyou, owned by trainer Nicky Henderson's Seven Barrows Limited, impressed with an always to the fore ten length victory in the five-year-old geldings' maiden. Jean was known to all supporting Derek at meetings around the country, and she was certainly instrumental in getting his unbelievable career on the right road from the early days. Funeral details from rip.ie are as follows Jean O'Connor (nee Moore), Knocktoby, Tubber, Co. Galway. Wife of the late Pat Joe, December 19th 2016 Peacefully at Galway Hospice. Deeply regretted by her loving family Loretta, Paurick, Sean & Derek, brothers Tom, Johnny & Charlie Moore. Son-in-law Ciaran O'Connor. Daughters-in-law Grainne, Carmel & Carol. Grandchildren, Relatives & friends R.I.P. Reposing in O'Donnells funeral home Crusheen on Tuesday evening from 4 o'clock to 7, Arriving in St. Anne's Church Shanaglish on Wednesday morning for 11 o'clock mass. Burial afterwards in Local Cemetery. Family flowers only please donations if desired to Galway Hospice.
