It is with the utmost sadness, and deep regret, to announce the unexpected and sudden death of J.J. O’Hara, Foxford, County Mayo.
J.J. was the President of the Admiral William Brown Society, (founder of the Argentine Navy and born in Foxford). He worked endlessly and tirelessly to forge, maintain and highlight links between Ireland and Argentina, which is residence to the largest Irish diaspora in a non-english speaking counrty. Without J.J. we would have no statues to Armiral Brown in Ireland, a man who is honoured with streets, statues and schools in nearly every Argentine town and city.
He passed away while on holiday in Dubai visiting his daughter in the company of his wife having suffered cardiac arrest.
THANK YOU. i am JJ BROTHER AND HIS PASSING WHILE VERY TOUGHT ON ALL OF US HAS BEEN MADE SOMEWHAT EASIER BY KNOWING HE HAD MADE FRIEND ALL OVER THE WORLD.
dominick
I have just got this sad news. With my son Ignacio and myself were with JJ last May 23 in our trip to Ireland. We Argentine people feel very sorry at this moment. My the Lord have him in heaven.
I express my sadness with my one words, as I’m not to good in English writing.
I am still coming to terms with this. I last spoke to JJ a couple of weeks ago. He was just back from Philadelphia, and was full of plans and ideas for promoting links between that city, the city of Admiral Brown’s younger years, and Ireland.
Ireland and Argentina are truly the poorer for his passing.
My sincerest condolences to JJ’s family.
This sad news had shocked us, we visited Ireland last year for Admiral Brown celebrations, and JJ was very kind and generous, he had some problems but he was alway smiling, he was tired but was always smiling.
JJ has left an indeleble mark in Argentina and all those who have had the pleasure of knowing him, we´ll nefer forget!
Que Dios te bendiga ! God bless you !
We will miss you
Adios amigo !
Angeles y Carlos from Buenos Aires
really very sad news,We always new he was a good friend for us.
Rezaremos por vos , y te vamos a extrañar.
Tomas & Julia from Entre Rios
My Sister, Rena and I were delighted to meet JJ on our first visit to Mendoza in February 2004 for the wedding of Pablo Aranda Hynes and Natalia. We played a soccer match the day following the wedding and JJ and I played with ‘The Rest of the World’ against Argentina. I think Argentina won.. the sun was beating down on us Irish lads. JJ was a lovely guy, on our first meeting, it was as if we were friends for life. It is very sad news learning of JJ’s untimely passing. To his Wife Bernie, His Mam, Bea and Family, Brothers and Sisters, we extend our deepest sympathy. Foxford, Mayo, Ireland, Argentina and the Rest of the World are at a very great loss. I hope Admiral William Brown will be there to greet and welcome JJ on his passing The Golden Gates of Heaven.
God Bless,
Frank, Anne and Rena Naughton.
We deeply regret the sudden passing away of JJ. He will be missed by all the Irish Argentine Community. He has left an indeleble mark in Argentina and in all those who have had the pleasure of knowing him
His passing means a great lost for Foxford, Mayo, Ireland, Argentina and the Rest of the World
To His wife Bernie, His mother Bea, and to all his family, we extend our deepest sympathy, quoting St. Augustine words:
«Why should I be out of your thought. Just because I am out of your sight? I am not far away, only at the other end of the path. You see, it is all right.
You will meet my heart again, you will find its purified tenderness again .
Dry your tears. And don’t cry if you love me.»
Very sorry to be informed of JJ’s passing by my brother James.
I did not know JJ very well but as so many I knew of him, and was priviledged to work for his father Johnny during my school holidays sometime in the early 60s. I’ve often been in the shop on Sunday mornings when down on holiday, but not for a few years.
I remember hearing JJ speaking on radio ulster bbc one time about his work with the Admiral Brown project and was proud to hear someone from my home town speak with such passion about Foxford.
May God grant peace and comfort to the whole family
David Mc Greal and family
I was both shocked and saddened to hear the news. Three years ago I had the good fortune to be sent to Buenos Aires for work. I was a little daunted to be in such a big city not knowing anyone, but JJ was good enough to put me in contact with contacts that he had there. His help and those people made my time in Argentina highly enjoyable, one of the best periods of my life. I will always be grateful for that. My sincere condolences to his family.
My family and i were so sad to hear of JJ’s passing…
While spending a great deal of my childhood in Foxford visiting my Family, JJ always had a big smile and a jolly hello…he will be sorely missed
Our condolences to all his family
Deirdre Kilroy-Shea
Nutley, NJ USA