O’Callaghan lines out after beloved grandmother dies

HEARTBROKEN Donncha O’Callaghan lined out for Ireland in New Zealand today just a day after being told his beloved grandmother had died.

Joan Roche, 85, died on Thursday at the South Infirmary/Victoria University Hospital in Cork after a short illness.

Donncha’s mother Marie — the eldest of Joan’s four daughters — said that the towering lock had been informed and had decided he would still play in today’s crunch Rugby World Cup quarter-final against Wales.

“He will be playing for his grandmother,” said Marie.

Donncha and Joan were extremely close, according to many people, including his brother, Ultan, who is Munster Rugby development manager.

“They weren’t just like grandmother and grandson, they were like two buddies.”

“There was great love, respect and affection between them and they always had great banter. She was a fantastic person who was able to relate to all generations,” said Ultan.

Joan, who had 13 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren, lived in Barrett’s Buildings before moving in later life to Mahon. She worked for a number of years as a cook at the Bridewell Garda Station and at Cork Polio, which later became the COPE foundation.

Ultan said he believed his grandmother would be a “presence” for Donncha and the other Irish players.

“Knowing Donncha and the whole dynamic of the team, I’m sure her death will bring them together,” he added.

He said all the family would gather together to watch the game before the removal, which will take place at 4pm from Temple Hill Funeral Home, Boreenmanna Road, to the Church of the Holy Cross, Mahon.

Ms Roche’s youngest daughter, Joan, is to fly home today from Australia.

Last May, Donncha officially launched Mahon Community Development Project’s home-visiting service for the elderly. His grandmother was one of the beneficiaries.

According to Viv Sadds, who is in charge of the service, it was clear the grandmother and grandson shared a special bond.

On the day of the launch, Ms Roche described Donncha as “her golden boy”.

“She was always talking about him,” said Mr Sadds. You could see he adored her too.”

Ms Roche will be buried at St Michael’s Cemetery after requiem Mass at Church of the Holy Cross at 12pm next Monday.