Local fitness coach Mark McConnell laid to rest

An air of sudden shock and sadness gripped the village of Cappoquin and the surrounding Waterford area following the tragic and untimely death of well-known local fitness coach Mark McConnell on Friday, July 18, at the age of 36.

Mark, who was well regarded as one of the top strength and conditioning coaches in Waterford, ran his own fitness business and was also involved in a number of the local GAA teams, most recently, the Roanmore GAA senior hurlers.

The only son of Ray and Sylvia McConnell, he was the father of four kids, Érin, Fionn, Fiadh, and Caragh. He also had three sisters, Kate Ahearne, Sally McConnell, and Jane McConnell, whilst also being the loving partner of Mary O’Neill.

Amid poignant scenes on Tuesday last, his remains were removed from Walsh’s Funeral Home, Cappoquin, to St. Mary’s Church, Cappoquin, where they were received by Fr. Martin Keogh, PP assisted by Fr. Cullinan.

Inside the church, family and friends came together to bid a fond and heartbreaking farewell to a man who was always ready to help others. He was remembered by his father, Ray, and his best friend Daithi for his larger-than-life character, his ability to help others, and his mischief.

Symbols brought to the altar pivotal to Mark’s life before the Mass started included a dumbbell, family photographs, a Teddy Bear, his hiking boots, and a Waterford GAA jersey, which represented his love of following the county teams.

The congregation heard how Mark’s four children were “the light of his life and his greatest pride” with the family portrait demonstrating the “deep bond that they shared” that will live on forever.

In a tribute penned by his friend Daithi that was read by Mark’s father, Ray, he described Mark as a person who “stood out”. “He didn’t just stand out for his oversized yellow Arsenal jersey at the age of eight, but his wildness, which never changed throughout his life.

“I’ll never forget the long drives that we took travelling across the country watching Waterford matches – trips that were filled with endless conversations, whether it be about family life or the latest brainwave that was “definitely” going to make him a millionaire.” Daithi recalls how Mark was like “President of Ireland” walking down the street. “He would be stopping and shaking hands with everyone he ever trained. He had a kind word for everyone (most of the time), and he always saw the best in people.

“Over the years, Mark had good times and tough times, but he always found a way to say something that would make you break out laughing. He loved talking about the family adventures, the places that they’d been, but how proud he was of them. His love for his family and children was immeasurable.” He recalled how Mark was the kind of person who “inspired other people to push beyond their limits,” be it fitness or a personal goal. “When I asked him how he had the head to do it, his answer was simple: 'Ah, just get on with it, kid. With his attitude, anything in life was possible.” Remembering a treasured photo of himself and Mark, his father, Ray said, “He always had an adventurous spirit, where he started running early on in life. I can still see him running now out in the acre out the back doing lap after lap on his own.

“He progressed to doing a few races, and I think the proudest race that he did was the five-mile race down in Ballycotton, where photographer James Veale took a picture that I still have to this day of the two of us smiling at the camera. Mark’s smile was the biggest because he had just beaten his “auld fella” for the first time in a race.” Ray recalled with fondness Mark’s “mischievous spirit”. “Many times he broke our hearts, but that was just him. He joined the army, and we hiked the mountain together, and sometimes with Shane, where he would put us in some difficult situations at times with his daredevil tactics.

“He was a strong young man who would become a successful businessman. In later years, he has a strong body with an educated mind. I know you are a peace now, and I know that I’ll feel your presence at times in the mountains. You had mountains in the mind to climb and conquer, but they were just too steep for you, and you never got to the top.

“You were a big brother to your sisters, Mark, to our only son, rest in peace.”

Mark is survived by his children, Érin, Fionn, Fiadh, and Caragh, parents Ray and Sylvia (nee Mason), sisters Kate, Sally, and Jane, his partner Mary O’Neill. grandmother Joan, brother-in-law Shane, Sally’s partner Gordon, and Jane’s partner Alex, nieces Lily-Mae and Zoey, nephews Darragh and Callan, the mother of Mark’s children, Jemma O’Donnell, aunts, uncles, relatives, neighbours, and many friends.

May he rest in peace.