THE community has been saddened by the passing of Robert ‘Bobby’ McConnell who passed away on December 18 at Daisy Hill Hospital, Newry, after a period of illness. He was 71.
Bobby was born in 1942. He grew up in Ulster Avenue, Annalong, with his sister Carol and his parents Hugh and Jean. He loved to spend his time playing football at the ‘plot’ and was a bright scholar at Annalong Primary School and Kilkeel High School.
He entered the civil service aged 17 and enjoyed a long and rewarding career. Bobby served at Social Security offices across the Province, including Newry, Banbridge, Belfast, Downpatrick and Limavaddy and ended his career as general manager of the Kilkeel and Newcastle Social Security offices. Bobby was held in high esteem by his colleagues and superiors who recognised his commitment and efficiency.
Aged 16 a pigeon flew into Bobby’s grandmother’s yard and so began a lifelong interest for Bobby. Over 50 years that Bobby was involved in the world of racing pigeons he established a strong team of pigeons with many winners amongst their ranks.
He acquired birds from all over the UK and beyond, making friends along the way. He was secretary of Annalong Homing Pigeon Society for more than 40 years and held other elevated positions in Northern Irish racing pigeon organisations.
His commitment to the Annalong club was nothing short of outstanding and he spent many hours completing the necessary administration.
Pigeons aside, Bobby had great interest in sport and his knowledge of soccer was encyclopaedic. Bobby liked nothing better than to sit down and watch a good sporting event should it be the Olympics, Commonwealth Games or the Ryder Cup. He was also a dog-lover and lifelong supporter of Marie Curie Cancer Care.
Bobby’s life centred around his family. Having moved to Roselea, on Annalong’s Kilkeel Road, in his early thirties, Bobby married his wife, Maureen, in 1975. Bobby and Maureen were devoted lifelong companions. Maureen supported Bobby greatly in his professional and sporting life, a fact which Bobby frequently attested to.
When faced with Bobby’s sad illness in the final years of his life, Maureen dutifully cared for Bobby and attended to all his needs. Maureen and Bobby had one child of their marriage, Karen, who Bobby unreservedly supported. Karen considered Bobby to be her guide, inspiration and role model and is devastated by his passing.
A Service of Thanksgiving was held at Annalong Presbyterian Church on Saturday, December 20, at which the Reverend Stuart Finlay officiated. The church was packed and the mourners had the opportunity to offer condolences to the family at the wonderful tea served by the Presbyterian Women’s Association after the service.
The funeral arrangements were attended to by Mr. Ryan Newell, Annalong. Donations in lieu of flowers were to the Northern Ireland Chest Heart and Stroke Association.
Bobby is survived by his wife, Maureen, daughter, Karen, son-in-law, Edward, grand-daughter, Anna, sister, Carol, brother-in-law, Albert, nephews, Robert, William, Charles, Alan and David and niece Amanda. Bobby was predeceased by his father, Hugh, and mother, Jean.