The first ever account of the life and times of the former Fianna Fáil TD, county councillor, greyhound owner and successful businessman, Timothy ‘Chub’ O’Connor will be published in his native Killorglin later this month.
The book, titled ‘Chub: The Life and Times of a Remarkable Kerryman’ was written by his son, Patrick ‘Chub’ O’Connor, who passed away in May 2022, and is being published posthumously by his family.
The book, which documents the many aspects of the life of one of Killorglin’s most famous sons, will be launched by the former minister, Gerry Collins at a special gathering in Killorglin on Friday, 24th November.
‘Chub’ – as he was always known – was born in London in 1906. Orphaned at a young age, he was raised by his grandfather at his home at Meanus near Killorglin. He fought against the Black and Tans during the War of Independence as a member of Fianna Éireann and the IRA before studying at the London School of Economics.
Returning to his native Killorglin, he established several successful businesses including the importation of coal at Ballykissane Pier as well as a busy quarry, timber mill and hardware store. His many businesses created significant employment in mid-Kerry in difficult economic times during and after World War II.
Timothy ‘Chub’ O’Connor was a long-serving county councillor and was a Fianna Fáil TD for Kerry South from 1961 to 1981, serving under Taoisigh including Seán Lemass, Jack Lynch, and Charles Haughey. He was also a member of the Council of Europe and was instrumental in attracting investment, industry and employment to Killorglin and Kerry.
‘Chub’ owned some of the most successful greyhounds in Irish history including Spanish Lad and the record-breaking, three-time Irish Greyhound Derby winner, Spanish Battleship.
This new memoir of his father was substantially written by his son, Patrick, before he passed away last year and the book has been supplemented by additional research and edited by historian and author, Owen O’Shea.
With a foreword by Gerry Collins and including a large selection of images, ‘Chub’ is an important family, social and political history which offers fascinating insights into the life and times of a remarkable Kerryman.
‘Chub’ will be launched by Gerry Collins at ‘10 Bridge Street’ in Killorglin on Friday, 24 November at 7.30pm. Everyone is welcome to join the O’Connor family on the night for this very special occasion. ‘Chub’, published by Laune Press, is priced €14.99 and will be available at the launch and in local bookshops later this month.
