Tipperary man John O'Leary left rich legacy that will live forever

John O’Leary of Goatenbridge was born on July 26 1942 to parents Ned and Kate O’Leary.

He attended primary school in Goatenbridge alongside his younger sister Eileen until he was 14 years old. John had worked with local farmers after school and during the holidays from the age of 12. These were no easy tasks and the work involved everything from thinning beet and turnips to whatever else needed to be done.

On finishing his years in education, John then went to work at Ardfinnan Co-Operative Society, gaining invaluable experience in the grocery shop and bar. He married Maria O’Bryne from Mount Melleray on February 1 1967 and the couple went on to become parents to Catherine, Margaret and John and, later, grandparents to seven girls and three boys, with one great grandson to follow.

John O’Leary liked nothing better than when his children and grandchildren came to visit himself and Maria in their home at Goatenbridge. He loved these visits, finding out all about their lives and, when the occasion demanded, offering some sage advice based on a varied lifelong experience.

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Following his period at Ardfinnan Co-Op, John went on to work at Lowry’s Hardware Store in Clonmel, later moving on to the Mitchelstown Co-op Hardware Shop in Cahir while also, in the evenings, working part time in the office of O’Gorman Construction. He eventually took on a full time role with O’Gorman’s, where he spent 35 years happy years until retirement.
John inherited the family farm in 1971 from his late father Ned.

Then, a further opportunity beckoned as John, seeing the potential that existed, purchased the Glenview Lounge, Goatenbridge in 1977, building a successful business in a popular hostelry that was well patronised by locals and many from far beyond. Goatenbridge became very much the place to be for entertainment and meeting up with friends to enjoy dancing to many of the top bands and enjoying the craic.

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John, Maria and their family made many lifelong friends along the way. He sold the Glenview Lounge in 1990 and remained in the office at O’Gorman Construction until his retirement in 2007.

In his youth John played GAA with his local club, Ballybacon Grange, and remained a lifelong supporter, facilitating many fundraisers for the club.

He took pride over subsequent years in watching his grandsons Michael Goonan and Darragh O’Leary playing hurling and football with the Ballybacon and Ardfinnan clubs, as well as seeing Darragh wear the blue and gold of Tipperary.

John was also an active member of the St Finian’s Cycling Club in Ardfinnan, cycling the highways and byways throughout Tipperary and beyond. He enjoyed many successes during the cycling career, including victory in a prestigious 25 Mile championship race.

Adding another string to his impressive sporting achievements, John helped form Ballybacon soccer club in the 1980s with his good friend Michael Meaney, providing a field for matches that were enjoyed by all the community.

John O’Leary loved all sports and also helped with the Newcastle Athletics Club, organising and attending their many competitions.

He got great joy from participation, win or lose.

Dipping his toes into the equine world, John bought his first thoroughbred foal in 1984, which he named Glenview Lady.
This heralded the start of great intertest in and love for racing and bloodstock breeding. Glenview Lady and her progeny won many races along the way, while Keep on The Sunnyside brought great enjoyment by winning seven races, including the Midlands National, alongside Talk to the Tail with her many successes.

The greatest joy, however, came in seeing Roxana win a Grade 1 Mare’s Hurdle at Cheltenham in 2019.
John was forced to finish his breeding and racing career due to ill health but the interest in the equine world remained strong. Even though his health was declining, John continued to attend matches and other sporting occasions with the help of his family members.


The high esteem in which John was held was generously reflected in the huge crowds that gathered to pay their respects as he was laid to rest at Ballybacon Graveyard on Sunday December 15 2024, when John’s love for the GAA was honoured by Ballybacon and Ardfinnan GAA clubs.

A legend in his own right, John O’Leary came from humble beginnings but enjoyed many wonderful achievements over a long and fulfilling life. His legacy will live on forever in South Tipperary and far beyond.

May his soul rest in peace.
(JB)