Colin O’ Riordan’s g-g-grandmother was born in Coomlogane, Millstreet, about 1853. She was Julia Corkery, sister of Big Jerh, and she marrried James Twohig of Banteer in 1884. Their daughter, Ellen Twohig married Thomas O’ Riordan of Farrendoyle in 1918. Ellen and Thomas O’ Riordan had 11 children, and are both buried in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Millstreet.Colin’s gran-aunt, Julia, became a nun and was known as Sr. Agnes in Drishane Convent. Sr. Denise (Noreen) O’Riordan, was another gran-aunt of Colin O’ Riordan. Sr. Denise was a member of the Sisters of the Incarnate Word, Ohio, for 72 years and her passing earlier this year aged 87, marked the end of an era for that generation of the O’ Riordan family. Congratulations and continued success to Colin, his parents Michael and Imelda, and the extended O’ Riordan family in Farrendoyle and Tipperary.”
Colin’s wonderfully inspiring words following the historic win by Tipperary on Sunday, 22nd Nov. 2020:
“I can’t put it into words. It’s an emotional day for me. A few weeks ago I didn’t think I’d be here and just to be out there with the lads giving it your all for the sake of Tipperary, I can’t put it into words.
It’s the best feeling I’ve had in many years. It just fills me with pride so much, I get emotional even thinking about it. To me, it’s one of the best days of my life…
We’ve put in stepping stones with Tipp for a long time. Obviously I wasn’t there for the last few years, playing with Sydney or whatever. To come back to the stepping stones that these boys have out in for the last five years since I’ve been away.
This isn’t about me. It isn’t about Colin O’Riordan coming out to give interviews, it’s about the boys out here. To me, it means so much to be able to put on the Tipp jersey. It’s something I will never take for granted, it’s something I’ll respect to the day I die, that I had the opportunity to wear the jersey.
It’s a massive opportunity for me. I just want to say that I’m extremely thankful to Sydney for giving me the opportunity to play this game.
They were 100 per cent within their rights to say no to me and refuse me permission to play. They had no problem. John Longmire and all these lads over there with the Sydney Swans are an incredible organisation.”
Lovely to see this.
Tim O’Riordan Colin’s grandfather and his brothers Michael (my father) and John all played football for Fethard in Tipperary in the 50s.
They were acknowledged as bringing new life to football in Fethard and for their euthusiasm in a book celebrating the Fethard GAA story.
I’d say the same applies to Colin last Sunday.
Lovely to see this article thank you Joan for remembering the history
Thanks Eleanor. Duhallow people love making connections and you have many cousins living locally who are delighted to learn of the connections with the area. Apologies for omitting your uncle John. I thought he lived in America and wasn’t aware he spent time in Fethard also.
The O’ Riordan name is absolutely LEGENDARY in both Tipperary and Fethard football , never would you meet as passionate football people as the O’ Riordans and 3 O’ Riordan brothers , Tim , Mick & John won Tipperary County senior football medals on the same team in the 1950’s with Fethard and Colin’s own dad ,Michael , was an absolutely outstanding Tipperary and Fethard footballer , winning a hatful of South & County senior football winners medals and also Captained Fethard to South and County senior football titles in the Centenary year of 1984.
Proud O’Riordans here in New York ! My Father Thomas was the youngest of the O’Riordan brothers. He Left Cork and settled in New York. Years later He was one of the founders the Rockland GAA. He was very Passionate about football, as we’re they all. Can’t wait for the next game! Go Colin !
Am Bro. Colm O’Connell, a Patrician Brother, working in Kenya. Am better known as an Athletic coach, with specific reference to David Rudisha, Olympic Champion.
My mother is Kate O’Riordan, my grandfather is Jerry O’Riordan from Farrendoyle, Boherbue. He is a brother of Tim O’Riordan’s father, Tim being Colin’s grandfather.
Our relationship also extends through Julia Corkery to Bridge Cookery, the Cork Footballer and Comogie player.
And, of course, there is the Patrician connection for me through the school in Fetherd where Colin went to school.
It’s a small world !!!
Brother Colm….Thanks a million for getting in touch with our Millstreet Website regarding your very interesting connection with not only Colin O’Riordan’s relations but also with Bríd Corkery’s relations. As you say, it is indeed a very small world. Sincere congratulations on your own wonderfully renowned Olympic Coaching fame about which we’ve all become aware through the various media outlets. You have been a tremendous source of inspiration for so many. I also have a connection with the Patrician Brothers’ Order in that for five years (1975-1980) I taught as Remedial Teacher at St. Patrick’s Patrician B.N.S. in Mallow at a time when the great Brother Hillary was Principal there. Every good wish in your superb work. And we thank Joan (née Corkery) Galwey of Kilkenny and Ballydaly, Millstreet for initially bringing Colin O’Riordan’s direct link with the Duhallow area to our attention.