Jackie (John) O’Callaghan – RIP

It is with great sadness we announce the death of Jackie O’Callaghan,  a great personal friend and founding member of the Leevale AC. Jackie started his running career with Hilltown AC in 1957, and was the foundation stone of all Leevale and Cork distance running teams up to the late 70s. A member of a large sporting family from Grange, Douglas, Jackie excelled at an extra ordinary range of events; 880 yards (1.56), 1 mile (4.08), right up to the marathon (2:26). Among his many notable performances was his win in the first Cork to Cobh Road race in the colours of Hilltown AC. He had many county and provincial wins including the Munster Marathon.  He also finished second in the Irish 6 Mile Championships to the great Sean O’Sullivan in an epic race. He was a scoring member of all the Leeevale and Cork cross country and road running teams Through the 70s. An outstanding Clubman,  he will be remembered with pride and affection not only in Leevale, but by the many friends he made throughout the country.

We offer our sincere condolences to his devoted wife Eileen, his large family and relations, especially his brothers Georgy and Con, who were delivered colours with distinction. Sadly we will be unable to give Jackie there resounding send-off he merits due to this time of coronavirus but we will organise a memorial service when times normalise.

It was all also famous for celebrations where he was good for a pint or two and a song we will sing ’Prab ’san ol’. To his memory soon. 

The time you won your town the race

We chaired you through the market-place;

Man and boy stood cheering by,

And home we brought you shoulder-high.




Today, the road all runners come,

Shoulder-high we bring you home,

And set you at your threshold down,

Townsman of a stiller town

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis