The brother of Kieran O'Connor has hailed the tribute by winning Grand National jockey Davy Russell to the former Cork footballer as "a touch of class".

O'Connor, who is battling a rare form of cancer, was watching the big race at home with his wife Sinead and their three children when Russell dedicated his win aboard Tiger Roll to him.

"There's a guy at home, Kieran O'Connor, from Aghada, and he's going through an enormous battle of his life. Just to let him know we're thinking of him. He played football for Cork and he gave his life to sport. He's a real fan of mine and this one's for Kieran," said fellow Cork man Russell.

Speaking to the Irish Daily Star, Kieran's brother Patrick explained: "Kieran was at home watching the Grand National. I was watching in work. I shed a tear on hearing Davy's speech and no doubt Kieran and Sinead shed a tear. it has given him an unbelievable lift.

"It was outstanding. It just shows what an amazing man Davy is. With all the emotion going on in his head after the win, for him to think and mention Kieran and go on for about a minute was just incredible.

"It was a touch of class."

Tweet

Most Read Stories