Dave O’Connor, who died recently after a long illness, was outstanding in the field of agricultural education in Ireland.

A native of Co Kerry, Dave had a brilliant academic career, beginning in UCD and culminating in the award of the PhD degree by Cornell University, where he spent three highly productive years. Returning to Ireland, Dave joined the Department of Agriculture where he had the opportunity to pursue his consuming interest in education.

He served with great success on the teaching staff of Clonakilty Agricultural College. This was followed by a period of similar success on the staff of Kildalton College.

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Inevitably, this led to his promotion to headquarters as National Director of Agricultural Education. He retained this position in both the newly formed ACOT and its successor Teagasc, until retirement.

Besides his official duties, Dave had a second major interest, a deep concern for the welfare of people in developing countries.

Accordingly, he spent five years in Nigeria with Gorta. There he worked to great effect in advocating, teaching and demonstrating better methods of crop cultivation and land use.

Moreover, he neglected no opportunity to improve general living and social standards.

An unexpected, but priceless, bonus of his time in Africa was meeting his beloved Mary, who had similar interests, and who was to share his rich and productive life to the end.

Dave continued his dedication to less fortunate people by making many visits on behalf of Gorta, almost until his final illness.

Richly endowed with both commitment and knowledge, Dave O’Connor was a man who combined quite remarkable humility with the highest integrity.

The esteem in which he was held was evident in the numbers who travelled long distances to be present at his funeral.

The Irish Farmers Journal offers deepest sympathy to Mary and his family, .

- AM.