‘Quite capable of doing it all’: Talents of Rachel O’Connor recalled at funeral Mass

The daughter of award-winning actress Rachel O’Connor delivered a moving reflection at her funeral Mass on Friday.

Sophie O’Connor fought back the tears at St Patrick’s Church in Belleek as she remembered her mother.

Rachel passed away on December 29 after bravely battling with cancer for almost two years.

The Church was packed-to-overflowing as people came from near and fare to bid farewell to the talented actress and director who was a member of the Ballyshannon Drama Society right up to her death.

At the end of Friday’s Mass, Sophie O’Connor recited an emotional prayerful reflection that drew applause from the congregation:
“Mum, I said a prayer for you today, I know God must’ve heard
I felt the answer in my heart, although he spoke no word
I didn’t ask for wealth or fame, I knew you wouldn’t mind
I asked him to send treasures of a far more lasting kind
I asked that he be near you at the start of each new day
To grant you health and blessings and friends to share your way
I asked for happiness for you in all things great and small 
But it was for his loving care that I prayed for most of all”

Late of Brollagh Road, Belleek, the 61-year-old passed away in Omagh Hospital, where she was receiving palliative care. In 2004, while on the drama festival circuit, Rachel was diagnosed with cancer.

In early 2024, Rachel was crowned the Best Actress at the RTÉ All Ireland Drama Festival for her lead role in ‘Margaret’. Rachel enthralled audiences with her portrayal of the former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in a unique political drama.

Her Best Actress trophy was carried to the altar and rested alongside her coffin during the funeral Mass. There, too, were two pictures of her family, hair scissors, a cook book and a green blanket which she used for comfort during her sickness.

Canon Ramon Munster, who celebrated the Mass, recalled how Rachel, who attended Belleek National School and the Mercy Convent in Ballyshannon, attended the Rupert Stanley College in Belfast to complete a hairdressing and beauty course. She worked for a period in the Carlton Hotel in Belleek and became involved in the Donegal Drama Circle.

Later, joined the Borderline Players in Pettigo and was involved up to her passing with the Ballyshannon Drama Society.

“Rachel’s achievements were very personal as she had no professional training,” Canon Munster said. “She attended courses and workshops when possible. She greatly enjoyed all the many festivals and areas in which she played her part. She learned from others and taught herself the necessary methods.”

Canon Munster told the congregation how Rachel continued to play with the group in spite of her cancer diagnoses. He said he visited the wake house the night before the funeral and mused that “there must have been in the region of 1,000 people” offering condolences. 

“Her family, relatives and friends were greatly honoured by her success,” he said. “Life in Rachel’s home during these times must have been very interesting as Rachel assessed and prepared. That practise had to be shared with Sean’s work and the development of two wonderful daughters and a wonderful son. It was a very busy family.

“Moving from your own lifestyle into another is not for everyone. It is a real expertise and very few people could do it as well. It is a great strain on the brain moving from oneself to another character. There might even be a change of voice, a change of clothes, a change of light or a change of movement; to do all of that and go home to family and friends can be difficult and can indeed be a pressure. Rachel was quite capable of doing it all.

“Rachel had a wonderful ability to do that for such a long time.”

Canon Munster reflected on Rachel’s bravery in the face of her cancer diagnoses and how she remained steadfast in her own faith during those times. He prayed for all the medics who had cared for Rachel during her battle.

“She managed to face all these aspects of her life at the same time,” he said. “She was a very religious lady. She enjoyed being at Mass and taking part in Mass, assessing the Gospel and its teachings. She enjoyed personal prayers and tried to life in the best way possible.”

Canon Munster said her enjoyment of the Sacraments were testament to a deep faith and said the support of her family, in her life in drama and in illness, was a “great love and respect for all of her personal intentions”.

He said: “Rachel was a believer who copied the Lord and became a disciple.” 

The O’Connor family was struck by a double bereavement as Rachel’s’ father-in-law John was laid to rest at St Michael’s Church, Mulleek, on New Year’s Day following his death. 

Fr Joe McVeigh and Fr Frank McManus co-concelebrated Rachel’s Funeral Mass before cremation in Lakelands Crematorium.

Rachel is survived by her husband Sean, whom she married in 1990, their children Sophie, Lauren and Ros. Her death is also mourned by her brother Frank (Veronica), sisters Anne (John), Geraldine, Jenny, Felicity (Sean), nieces, nephews and the extended O'Connor family.

Tributes poured in following her passing.

The Ballyshannon Drama Society said it was “devastating” by her death, adding: “Rachel was an inspiration to us all as our secretary, as a director and award winning actress. She was a driving force behind everything both on and off stage.”

Borderline Players said: “Rachel was one of those performers who made an instant impression and her talent shone brightly and her successes in amateur theatrics over the years are well documented and deserved. 

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“Rachel performed on many stages the length and breadth of the country and achieved much acclaim for her many unforgettable performances.”