Michael was born in Dublin in 1930, joined the Dominicans in 1950 when he was given the name Dominic, made his profession the following year and was ordained a priest in 1959.
He was an altar boy in St Saviour's, Dominick Street in Dublin. DOC were the initials on his soutane. It meant he was always called 'Doc O'Connor'.
Before joining the Irish Dominicans he spent a short time working in Clery's in Dublin.
Dominic, known affectionately as Mickey, spent most of his life in Trinidad and Tobago. He also spent a short time working as a priest in the UK.
In his 70s he returned home to Ireland where he lived at the Dominican communities in Athy and Newbridge before moving to the nursing home in Dún Laoghaire.
He was an engaging man, who was enthusiastic and imaginative in his preaching. He took his preaching seriously.
Mickey was a lively person, a great talker with very definite opinions. At one stage he saw money as the root of all evil.
The story is told that on one occasion he arrived in a fellow Dominican's parish in Trinidad having come from Tobago. Mass was about to start.
He asked his friend could he concelebrate with him and then when it came to the Gospel asked if he could read the Gospel, which he did and then went on to preach on how money is the root of all evil.
When he was finished preaching, he explained to his friend that he had forgotten that he had an appointment and must leave immediately, which he duly did, during the Mass.
When he was finished preaching, he explained to his friend that he had forgotten that he had an appointment and must leave immediately, which he duly did, during the Mass.
Mickey was a fearless person.
He liked the camaraderie of his fellow Dominicans, because of which he took to the golf course.
Dominic Michael O'Connor had that lovely quality of appreciating other people and complimenting them when they had done well.
In his company one always felt that he was genuinely interested in you.
Dominic was dedicated to his parishioners.
There was a great sense of fun about him.
We are all unique but Mickey's uniqueness was always evident, indeed enjoyable and exhilarating to observe.
He was a gracious and kind man.
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