In February 2020 the late Timothy Murphy, an avid photographer and photo collector sent me the photograph above.
It was to be published for the purpose of getting the names of those in it. We presumed that it was taken by Danny Sheehy or that it was from a family album.
From the posters on the window, and some additional information, we were able to narrow it down to 1951 as that was the only year of several on each side on which the Munster football final was played in Killarney. We also know it was pre 1952 for sure because of the sad fact that Florrie O’Connor seated (left) on the window died after an accident in England in October 1952.
Florrie’s brother Bernie had a drapery shop across the road from Paddy Hussey’s.
Castleisland Jockey in The Grand National
It’s because today is Aintree Grand National day that I’m bringing this photograph to your attention as the late Florrie O’Connor was a steeplechase jockey in England and he rode in the great race twice – and survived in spite of being thrown from his mounts at both attempts.
In the Grand National of 1950 Florrie rode Tommy Traddles in the toughest steeplechase in the world but they parted company at the first fence. And in 1952 he and his mount Wolfschmidt set off and they ended their partnership at the seventh fence in the company of the illustrious Dick Francis on Skyreholme. Pat Taaffe and his mount Early Mist came down at the first fence in that race. That’s the kind of company the Castleisland man was keeping early in his short career.
Serious Head Injury
Florrie eventually suffered a serious head injury when his horse ‘Rum Chicken’ fell in the Okehampton Handicap Chase at Wincanton Races on Thursday, October 23rd 1952.
He was operated on in a hospital in Bristol but died at the age of only 29 three days later on Sunday, October 26th without regaining consciousness.
A Twist in the Story
In a strange twist to the story: Many years later Florrie’s niece was working in a hospital in England and she was sharing duties with a doctor there.
On a break one day at Grand National time of the year they were talking about the race and she told the doctor that she had an uncle who rode in the race.
She also told him that he had been killed as a result of an accident at Wincanton Races in 1952. To her astonishment the doctor asked her was it Florrie O’Connor she was talking about.
She confirmed that it was and the doctor told her that he was on duty on the day and was part of the team which received and treated the critically injured Florrie.
The Kerryman notes writer at the time reported the sad passing as follows:
Late Florence O’Connor
The death after an accident in England of Flor O’Connor was received here with deep regret.
He was son of Mrs. O’Connor and the late Bryan O’Connor, Lower Main Street. A leading steeplechase jockey he had many successes to his credit and was very popular in sporting circles both here and in England.
In his native town he was an idol, not so much for his prowess on the racecourse as for his pleasant personality, which never shed its schoolboy innocence and made him a leading favourite with all who ever met him.
The sympathy of the people of the town and district is extended to his mother, brothers and sisters.
Era in Context
The context of the time of Florrie O’Connor’s untimely death were vividly outlined as the notes writer filed his copy for the issue of November 1st 1952 with a piece on the delay of light and power coming to the area:
Rural ElectrificationFilm of the 1950 Grand National
Householders throughout this district, especially those who have agreed to avail of the service, are wondering if there is any hope of light and power in the near future.
Many persons who intend to install milking machines and other labour saving devices are very anxious to hear something definite from the ESB.
Film of the 1950 Grand National
There is a film of the 1950 Grand National on Pathe News and the first mention of Florrie O’Connor’s mount, Tommy Traddles comes with his downfall at the first fence at 1:45 into the film. The film also gives an idea of how savage a test the race, first run in 1839, was and still is on man and beast.
With thanks to Florrie O’Connor’s nephew, Brian O’Connor, Castleisland and Tralee and to the late Timothy Murphy.
In memory, on this day, of a brave Castleisland man Florrie O’Connor here’s the clip from British Pathé News of the 1950 Grand National: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wbV4lAjknQU
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