Ray (Raymond) O'Connell

Our hearts are broken, but we are consoled that Ray passed away peacefully at home on May 8, wrapped in the love of his family: his wife, best friend, and life-long soulmate Eileen, and adoring children Shaunagh, Daniel, and Raymona. Predeceased by his parents Dan and Hannah Mai, and brother Noel, Ray will also be forever missed by his sisters Mairead, Lucy, Siobhán, Aíleen and brother Seamus; son-in-law Jake; mother-in-law Kathleen (O’Connor); sisters-in-law Mary, Katie, Bríd, Edel, Noreen, Colleen and Denise, brothers-in-law, Timmy, Liam, Tim, John Noel, Thomas, Patrick, Darren and Tom, partners Cal and Kay, nieces, nephews, large extended family and wide circle of great friends.

Ray always did things his own inimitable way, true to himself right to the end. His free spirit, generous soul, and open heart touched many and helped even more. That spirit was never more evident than in recent times when he battled against hard odds to be there for his daughter Shaunagh’s marriage in Dingle two weeks ago to Jake Golding from Melbourne. It was a day full of love and laughter, and memories we will always cherish. As Ray always said, “It’s all about love”.

We will be forever grateful to the exceptional palliative care team at University Hospital Kerry in Tralee for the love and compassion they showed Ray over the past six weeks, especially for helping him fulfill his wish to be there for Shaunagh and Jake on their big day, and for enabling him to spend his final days at home in Aghadoe.

May his beautiful soul rest in peace and his spirit live on in our hearts.

Reposing at O' Leary's Funeral Home, Knocknagree (eircode P51 WD63) on Sunday evening (May 11th) from 4.00pm to 6.00pm. Requiem Mass for Ray will take place on Monday morning (May 12th) at 11.30am in the Church of Christ the King, Knocknagree. Mass will be live streamed on https://mcn.live/Camera/christ-the-king-church-knocknagree. A Celebration of Life Service for Ray will take place at 3.00pm on Monday (May 12th) at the Island Crematorium, Rocky Island, Ringaskiddy, Co. Cork.

House Strictly Private. To leave a message of sympathy for Ray's family, please use the condolence link below