WITH the permission of his family, Cork County Council is to rename Schull’s stunning foreshore walk in honour of the late Dr Larry O’Connor, writes Jackie Keogh.

The proposal was made by locally-based Cllr Caroline Cronin (FG) at a recent meeting of the West Cork Municipal District, who said it would be one way of acknowledging the incredible service that Dr O’Connor gave the people of the Mizen Peninsula.

For more than 35 years, Dr O’Connor was a compassionate provider of healthcare, so it’s easy to understand why Cllr Cronin’s proposal has been met with such strong local approval.

‘The local response reflects the deep respect and affection people have for a man who spent his life caring for others,’ Caroline told The Southern Star.

She said the GP was respected for his medical skills and dedication, but loved for his kindness, compassion and good humour.

In fact, both Dr O’Connor and his wife, Liz, were known for their quiet acts of kindness in their community.

‘He contributed more than medicine,’ Caroline added. ‘As an active member of the Schull Development Association, and as the first chairman of the Board of Management of Schull Community College, Dr O’Connor played a key role in shaping important developments in local education and the life of our community.’

Renaming the popular foreshore would, according to Caroline, be a fitting tribute to a doctor known for his love of the sea, his passion for fishing, and spending time taking the air on Schull’s broad pier. Quite simply, Caroline said: ‘The water was his happy place. So, with his family’s approval, it would be good to honour his memory in this way.

‘It would be more than just a gesture,’ she said.

‘It would ensure his legacy would be remembered by those walking along the shore he loved so much.’