Old Head Golf Links visionary O’Connor dies

Tributes were paid yesterday following the death of one of the men who transformed a rugged headland in Kinsale, Co Cork, into one of the most spectacular golf courses in the world.

Old Head Golf Links visionary John O’Connor, who lived in Ballinskelligs, Co Kerry, died in Kerry General Hospital in Tralee yesterday, almost a week after suffering a suspected heart attack at home. He was 69.

“He was charismatic — a great character — who established the Old Head as a world-class attraction and developed the course into one of the world’s must-play golf courses,” his long-time friend, auctioneer Dominic Daly said.