Assembly Resolution No. 128

BY: M. of A. Lawler

        CELEBRATING  the  life and accomplishments of Noel
        O'Connell, renowned Gaelic  Football  Coach,  loving
        husband and devoted father

  WHEREAS, Noel O'Connell of Pearl River, New York, died peacefully at
home  on  August  12,  2020,  at the age of 65, surrounded by his loving
family; and

  WHEREAS, Born on December 23, 1954, in  Cahersiveen,  County  Kerry,
Ireland  to  Patrick  J.  and  Mary (O'Sullivan) O'Connell of the "Andy"
O'Connell clan,  Noel  was  the  youngest  of  six  boys;  their  family
immigrated to The Bronx, New York, when he was six years old; and

  WHEREAS,  Noel  O'Connell  spent  many childhood summers back in his
beloved hometown of Cahersiveen, where he developed  his  lifelong  love
and passion for Gaelic games; and

  WHEREAS,  In  1996,  Noel  O'Connell began his illustrious career as
Coach of the Rockland GAA u12 Boys Gaelic  Football  Team;  during  this
time,  the  majority  of  the players on this team had never picked up a
Gaelic football; and

  WHEREAS, Noel O'Connell was instrumental in turning  this  group  of
boys into an unstoppable force; under his able leadership, the team went
on to win the New York League Championship in 1996, 1997, and 1998; and

  WHEREAS,  A  true  gentleman,  Noel  O'Connell  treated  each of his
players as if they were his own children and had a tremendously positive
impact on all their lives; and

  WHEREAS, With a steadfast and  unwavering  commitment  to  both  his
culture  and  community,  Noel  O'Connell was very involved with the New
York Gaelic Athletic Association  in  all  capacities  from  player,  to
coach,  to  Chairman of the Minor Board where he was honored in February
of 2020 as a Guest of Honor at its Annual Dinner Dance; and

  WHEREAS, Furthermore, he served on the coaching panel of several New
York GAA u14 Boys and Girls Feile teams; and

  WHEREAS, In addition to his career as a coach, Noel O'Connell worked
for Con Edison/Orange and Rockland Utilities for more than 31 years; and

  WHEREAS, Overcoming  much  adversity,  Noel  O'Connell  beat  cancer
before  being diagnosed with ALS in the Fall of 2018; a true fighter, he
did not let the diagnosis stop him  from  living  his  normal  life;  he
continued  to  compete  in  numerous  5K  walk/runs, attend Rockland GAA
monthly meetings, coach Gaelic football, and travel back home to  County
Kerry, Ireland; and

  WHEREAS,  Noel O'Connell could truly light up a room and had a funny
story to fit every situation; he will be fondly remembered for his sense
of humor, positive attitude, and love of sport and music; and

  WHEREAS, While he was passionate about many things,  above  all  his
greatest  passion was being a father to his daughter, Maeve Grace, and a
husband to his wife of 30 years, Eileen; and

  WHEREAS, Noel O'Connell's infinite selflessness and benevolence will
shine  on through his family's vivid and happy memories; his insight and
strength will forever serve as a beacon of love, light and hope  to  the
countless lives he touched; and

  WHEREAS,  In  addition  to  his wife and daughter, Noel O'Connell is
survived by his beloved  four-legged  companion,  Trixie;  one  brother,
Joseph   (Nancy),  four  sisters-in-law,  Margie,  Terri,  Lorraine  and
Bridget; and brothers-in-law Mike (Brenda),  Tom  (Helena)  Gaffney;  as
well  as  nephews,  nieces,  relatives,  neighbors  and  friends;  he is
pre-deceased by his  parents;  and  four  brothers,  Padraig  (Pauline),
Michael, Eugene and Bart; and

  WHEREAS,  Armed  with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Noel O'Connell leaves behind a legacy which will long endure
the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory  to  all  who
were  privileged to have known and loved such an amazing man; he will be
deeply missed and truly merits the grateful tribute of this  Legislative
Body; now, therefore, be it

  RESOLVED,  That  this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn  the  death  of  Noel  O'Connell,  and  expressing   its   deepest
condolences to his family; and be it further

  RESOLVED,  That  a  copy  of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Noel O'Connell.