Eddie O'Connor

Having Just Heard of Mr Eddie O'Connor Passing
My Deepest Condolences to Mrs O'Connor and all Family & Friends.
Take Care and May he Rest in Peace.

To the O'Connor family,

I was shocked and extremely saddened to hear of Eddie's passing. He was larger than life and a wonderful person to work for and be mentored by. My sincere condolences.

Jarlath

The O'Connor family.

My deepest sympathies for the loss of Eddie. He was truly an inspirational man and it is an honour to work for one of his companies. It's on us now to realise his vision and work towards a better world.

Kindest regards, Finbarr.

My thoughts are with all the O'Connor family at the sad loss of Eddie. He will be much missed by you all - I hope your time together earlier in the month was a lovely chance to celebrate his life and his wonderful achievements, and that you will also remember him joyfully in future gatherings.

Nuestras condolencias en estos momentos duros para Hildegarde,Lesley y Robert.
Os tenemos en el corazón y recordamos los veranos que pasó Lesley con nosotros en España.

My sincere condolences on the very sad news of Eddie's passing. I have very fond memories of our school days together. Thinking of his extended family at this difficult time.

Sincerest sympathy to you Hildegarde and your extended family on the death of Eddie. May he rest in peace after by any measure an extraordinarily encompassing, generous and successful life.
I watched Eddie's evolving and dynamic career with interest and knew that he was the son of Bob of the ESRI.
It is only since his death that I have discovered from Sligo friends that he was your husband and that you had been together for so many happy years! It seems a long time now since our Sligo schooldays!
Thinking of you, Leslie and Robert at this difficult time!

My parent always spoke so highly and fondly of Eddie. Sincere condolences to all the O'Connor family on your loss.

Sincere sympathies to the O’Connor family on the sad passing of Eddie.

It is with great sadness that I heard on Eddie O´Connor´s passing.
Mr. O´Connor was always interested and eager to engage and work with Colombia and its people regarding the opportunities to advance on renewable energy and sustainability.
My deepest condolences to his family and friends. May he rest in Peace.

Patricia Cortes Ortiz
Former Colombian Ambassador to Ireland and current Director at Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Dear Hildegarde, I was deeply saddened to hear of Eddie’s death and want to offer my deepest sympathy to you and all your family. I’ve admired Eddie’s progress through life and his visionary achievements and was most pleased to meet him again when you and he so kindly supported the celebration of 50 years since the ‘Gentle Revolution’ in UCD a few years ago. May you have peace.

Deepest Regards to Hildegarde and the family.

Eddie was a bright spark in 1968 when he ran for and won the UCD student presidency and he lived up to that promise the rest of his life.
A hell of an engineer!

Eamon McCarthy, Morgan Hill, California

My sympathies Hildegarde, Lesley and Robert for this sad loss. Eddie was a modern day renaissance man with a vision for our energy future. He made a difference and will be missed.

Deepest sympathy to Hildegarde and family on the sad loss of Eddie. My late dad Tom Downs and Eddie spent some great times together in Rosses Point.

To Hildegarde and family our deepest sympathy on your loss.

Many years since we met but never forgotten.
A wonderful human being.

Drs Eric & Anne Marie Carr — Kilrush, Co Clare

Eddie, thank you for the fun and company and the fabulous wine and champagne you brought to our annual golf gatherings. You will be sorely missed and remain the 5 times champion. Sincere condolences to Hildegarde and family.

So very sorry for your loss, dear Hildegarde and family

To all the O'Connor Family and extended group of friends - sincere condolences and sympathy on the loss of a visionary for Ireland's future. He was a leading figure in driving the awareness and use of renewable energies worldwide.
I met him a few times in my role as Professor of Energy Engineering at University College Cork and was always blown away by his enthusiasm and positivity about the future. He saw the provision of energy for Europe as a system and his interconnection scheme for electricity was truly visionary. Ireland is extremely vulnerable to external shocks in the energy supply system as we have all experienced after the Ukraine war - I think Eddie would have been the (non-political industry) leader we needed to address that problem. Unfortunately now, we will have to find a solution without him !.
He will be sorely missed in the energy sector and again sincere sympathy to all his family and may he truly Rest in Peace.

Dear Mrs. O’Connor,
Dear Rob, Dear Lesley,
Dear Family,

My sincere condolences and deepest sympathy with the loss of Eddie as a loving husband, father and grandfather.

Eddie’s DNA had this rare combination of radical non-conformism embedded in disciplined professionalism.

Conservative mindsets are convinced that the first excludes the last, while the last without the first leads to latency of systems and degradation. Eddie embodied both, empowered by an unparalleled charisma outsmarting conventional thinkers. He was more than a lighthouse for me during more than 2 decades.

‘We can (…) shape the substance of future legends,
If only we dare to be real, and have the courage to realize
That is the time to dream the best dream
Of all the dreams that exist’ (*)
The only right thing to do now is to do better what we were doing together with Eddie.

I look forward in continuing doing so with all of you.


Geert Palmers
Brussels, January 11th 2023
[(*) Excerpt from Ben Okri's work "The Struggle in the Mind’ dated 1990-2000]

Sincere condolences to Hildegarde, Lesley, Robert and the extended O’Connor family on the sad passing of Eddie, May he rest in peace.
Joe and Pauline Smyth, Ballaghaderreen

Sincerest condolences to Lesley and family. Thinking of you all during this time.

Hildegarde, I was very sorry to hear of Eddie's death. May he rest in peace.

My deepest sympathy to all the O’Connor family on the passing of Eddie. I had the privilege of working on the Arklow Bank offshore wind project alongside Eddie in the earlier days of Airtricity. He was a tremendous leader and character whose vision and resolve established the independent renewable’s industry in Ireland and catalysed the offshore wind industry. What a remarkable legacy.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam

Condolences to Eddie's family and colleagues. We first played rugby in Lansdowne when Eddie was nearly 40 and I was almost 20. Last year, I had the absolute pleasure of an afternoon with the great man, discussing our common energy intrests and environmental concerns. I was sorry I hadn't worked with Eddie over the intervening decades and hope the Supernode vision & reality continues. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.

Sincere condolences to the O’Connor family- I worked with Eddie in bringing Worker Participation to BNM in the nineties. A far seeing and kind man. RIP.

My sincerest sympathy and condolences to Hildegarde, Leslie, Robert and Eddie’s extended family and many friends.

It was with sadness and regret that I heard about Eddie’s untimely death.
Happy memories of rubbing shoulders with Eddie as lock forwards 4 & 5 in our school days. In later, more recent years it was always inspiring and a pleasure meet Eddie at class reunions and get-togethers.
Eddie's visionary and pioneering and entrepreneurial spirit has left us all a wonderful legacy, it is up to us all to pick up the ball and run with it.

Pat Molloy, Blackrock, class of 1965

On behalf of our family, and particularly on behalf of brother Frank, can I offer our deepest condolences to Hildegard, Robert, Lesley and Eddie's wider family on his untimely departure.

From the time he came into our lives, regular visiting our family home in the late 1960s and early 70s, Eddie was a larger than life character, with his infectious enthusiasm and good nature.

Frank liked to recall his times with Eddie, manning the revolutionary barricades while in UCD, long sessions in Hartigans, hopeless performances on rugby pitch, and together, they claimed, keeping the national grid securely running for the nation.

He leaves us with wonderful memories and a rich legacy.

Ar dheis Dé anois, Eddie

🌿 🙏 🌿

Deepest sympathies to Eddie's family and friends. While I did not get to work with Eddie I was fortunate to have further developed and delivered some of his early project creations (Arklow & Greater Gabbard). A true pioneer who inspired people to inspire and motivate others.

Sincerest sympathies Hildegard and family on the sad passing of Eddie.

Dear Rob and Lesley I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of your Dad. Thinking of you all. The Memorial Service was lovely and a great tribute to a wonderful man.

On behalf of the Blackrock College Union,I would like to extend my sincere condolences to Hildegarde, Lesley and Robert on the sad passing of Eddie.

He was a remarkable man, a wonderful supporter of our Union and school and inspired many students in Blackrock and beyond with his vision.

It was my great honour to present Eddie with the 2023 President’s Award at our annual dinner last April.

May he rest in peace.

John O’Doherty
Blackrock College Union

Deepest sympathy to Hildegarde, Lesley, Robert and Family. I feel very lucky to have known Eddie and spent time with you all growing up.

Deepest sympathy to Hildagarde and all the O’ Connor family on the passing of Eddie. I had the pleasure of listening to two wonderful eulogies about Eddie the family man by his daughter and son today at Mount Jerome. For me it was the loss of an old school friend, later a UCD classmate and friend. Yes he was always a larger than life character, oozing with confidence, charisma and positivity. My classmate from Chem. Eng UCD Class of 1970. . Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam.

Very sorry for your loss.
Light-Filled God,
Keep me ever close to you,
During those moments
When bleakness surrounds my life.
Comforting God,
Shelter me under your wings
When I am engulfed in sadness
And overcome with distress.
Joyce Rupp
(Out of the ordinary)
Sending you and your family thoughts of kindness and prayers from Donegal during this difficult time.
Regards,

Vision, intelligence, energy, curiosity: undaunted, articulate, multifaceted ability to inspire action, all placed Eddie O'Connor centre- stage to open our minds in realising the power of wind and widening our views of the potential of renewable energy.

An inspiring presence - a pioneer who did not seek popularity but stuck to his principles - with persuasive articulacy ...

They called such people ' a born leader' in school reports: I need not try to find better words.

We were the beneficiaries of his leadership: we must tribute his contribution to our country .

Deepest sympathy to his family at this time of searing loss..

Deepest sympathy to the O'Connor family on their sad loss. Eddie's immense contribution in transitioning Bord na Mona will never be forgotten.
May he rest in peace

Sincere Condolences to all the Family and his good Friends a talented and gifted Gentleman .Slan Eddie .R.I.P.

Sincere condolences to all of the O'Connor family on the sad passing of Eddie. We both joined Airtricity in its early days and were extremely lucky to be part of that incredible journey. Eddie hired the very best, treated employees with kindness, fairness and generosity, and motivated them to achieve greatness. He inspired pride, passion and commitment to his vision of making the planet a better place for future generations. He was a true legend and an extraordinary person, and he will be missed. May he rest in peace.

Hildegarde, Lesley, Rob and Family. So sorry to hear of Eddie's passing.

Deepest sympathy Hildegarde to you and your family on Eddie's passing.

Sympathies to Hildegarde and Family it’s a long time since we all used to meet for golf etc in Rosses Point may he rest in peace

My sincere condolences to Eddie's family & friends. A visionary who made things happen for the better. RIP.

I only knew and worked with Eddie briefly, but it was an absolute pleasure. He was truly unique, a great man who has made an extraordinary contribution. He carried his greatness lightly though. Eddie was unfailingly kind, courteous, good humoured, funny and decent. He was an absolute gentleman.

We are deeply saddened to hear the loss of Mr. Eddie O'Connor.

He was a wonderful, kind and caring man who was always full of amazing and bright ideas for the world and the future. He was always a wonderful role model, not only to all of the students of Blackrock College, but also to the Blackrock College Green Schools Committee, teachers and staff.

On behalf of all of the students, teachers and staff of Blackrock College, we extend and express our deepest sympathy and condolences to the family, friends, loved ones and relatives of Eddie O'Connor during this saddening and difficult time.

May he rest in everlasting peace in the presence and peace of God.

So very sorry to hear of Eddie's passing. He was, and always will be, the best leader and visionary that I ever worked with. An absolute gentleman who looked after everyone in his team. I remember missing a xmas party one year due to a cold, and he rang me to wish me well and reflect on the year. Such a kind gesture from a giant of a man. We will all miss him and keep his vision going in our own small way. RIP Eddie and thank you x

On behalf of Siemens Gamesa RE, I extend our sincerest sympathies to Hildegarde, Lesley, Robert and the O'Connor family.

Eddie was a titan of renewable energy, globally known, respected and admired by colleagues across the industry. He blazed a trail and inspired many to follow in his footsteps. Eddie's legacy will live on for generations and have a truly meaningful impact on our planet’s future.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis

Sincere sympathy to the O'Connor family on the death of Eddie. May he rest in peace.

My deepest sympathy to all of the O'Connor Family.
I got to know Eddie when his family moved to Saint Helen's Road, Booterstown, Dublin in the 1960s. He was a warm, generous and kind boy and man.
I had the pleasure of meeting him in 2023 at the Blackrock College Dinner when he received the Union President's Award for Achievement. He was still the same Eddie, with his marvellous sense of humour. He was so interesting and interested.
He wore all his outstanding achievements lightly. He will be greatly missed.

Our deepest sympathy to Hildegarde, Lesley and Robert and families on the sad passing of Eddie. We have great memories of our time working with Eddie in his first five years as CEO in Bord na Mona. Eddie had great purpose in his life and he has left an extraordinary legacy of achievement. May he rest in peace.

Rest in peace now.lovely gentleman.from le coq in Dublin.

Profoundly saddened by Eddie's passing. He was not just a long-lasting, good friend but also a cherished former colleague with whom I had the privilege of working at Mainstream and Dublin Climate Dialogue. I am truly honoured to have known him and grateful for the valuable lessons he imparted. Reflecting on Mao Zedong's words, "All men will die, but death could be weightier than Mount Tai, or lighter than a feather," Eddie's departure carries a profound weight in my heart, surpassing even the significance of Mount Tai.

Deepest sympathies to Hildegard on your immeasurable loss. Thinking of you at this difficult time. May Eddie rest in peace.

I am eternally grateful for having worked for Eddie at the beginning of my career. He had a profound effect on how I and many of my colleagues at Airtricity viewed the world. He had a huge positive impact on so many lives all over the world. Nothing can be achieved without enthusiasm and he had it in spades. Sincere condolences to Hildegarde and his family.

Dear Hildagard I send you and your family my sympathy on the passing of Eddie. Thinking of you at this difficult time. Sincerely, Pauline.

My sympathies to all the O’Connor family on Eddie’s passing. I had the good fortune to work with him twice and they were great experiences both professionally and personally. You don’t often get to work with someone like Eddie once - let alone twice. It was always interesting and his legacy is assured. May he rest in peace.

Sincere condolences to all the O’Connor family.

I was shocked and deeply saddened to hear of Eddie’s passing on Saturday.

He was a joy to work with and some of my best writing has been about him I like to think.

He stands out among the CEOs and founders I’ve been privileged to interview: most you might say are one of a kind or one-offs. There is no one like them.

But given the nature of his vision and what it aimed to achieve and the benefits it would deliver, there’s a sense - perhaps sadly now clearer only in what is now hindsight - that perhaps Eddie towered above all of them.

It’s a profound loss to Ireland and its business and renewable energy communities, as well as his family, friends and colleagues.

To Rob and all of the O'Connor family, my deepest condolences. I had the pleasure and the honour of crossing paths with Eddie on several occasions in life, each different but all inspiring, and never forgotten - as a rugby coach in Lansdowne slagging me for wearing a 'Rock jersey to sneaking him in to an unfinished airport to sooth his curiosity - a wonderful man who will be sorely missed.

Deepest sympathy to Hildegard and the wider family. Eddie was a big man in so many ways, with enormous energy and warmth, and will leave a big void. We have fond memories of our time as students together with Eddie in UCD, in the old SRC, and when our paths crossed in later years in Clonard and in climate matters. Eddie went from student leader in the Gentle Revolution, to give years of dedicated public service in ESB and Bord na Móna, and then to build another gentle revolution in wind energy. He made a huge contribution. Ní bheidh a leithéid ann arís.

Eithne and John FitzGerald

Sincere sympathy to the O’Connor family on Eddie’s passing. He was a giant of a man, an inspiration, a role model and a trusted mentor. To leave your mark on the world is one’s greatest legacy - and he certainly did! We all have a responsibility to bring to fruition his vision for a new energy future. RIP

Deepest sympathy to all the O'Connor family on the sad demise of Eddie. He will be sadly missed by all.