Doctor Pat as he was affectionately known in his native Duhallow, was born on the 28th of January 1907 at Derrygallon, 3 miles south west of Kanturk town. Pat was the third and youngest son of Paddy O’Callaghan and Jane Healy.
Doctor Pat’s mother was Jane Healy, eldest daughter of John Healy and Julia Vaughan of Cloonteens, Castlemagner. Her brother Tim was a National Sprint champion and played on the 1893 Cork/Dromtariffe football team. Jane was of average height and build with a quiet competent manner. A qualified Nurse, she was also Midwife for the district. She ran the family with a firm hand and was a resolute damper on the wild and vigorous nature of her boys. Her priority was their education and she tolerated their sporting activity only in so far as it did not interfere with study. A quiet maternal pride was evident only in her glittering Trophy Room where their cups, medals and other prizes were on show for very special visitors. Continue reading “Olympic Connections”