John O'Connor

John O’Connor, also known as John Connor, competed in the triple jump at the Olympic Games in Paris, finishing in 10th position out of 20 competitors with a jump of 13.99 metres. He was resident in Belfast at the time and competed for North Belfast Harriers. O’Connor joined the Royal Irish Constabulary on 16 December 1913 and served in County Clare and Dublin before the force was disbanded in 1922, after which he joined the newly formed Royal Ulster Constabulary. He won five national titles at the Irish Athletics Championships in the long jump, triple jump, and standing high jump. His best distance in the long jump and triple jump in his national championship wins were 6.97 metres and 14.45 metres, respectively. He also won seven Ulster titles and represented Ireland in various international athletics meetings.

O’Connor retired from the Royal Ulster Constabulary at end of July 1951 as head constable after 37½-years’ service as a policeman. After retirement he lived in Dublin and is interred in Rooske cemetery, Dunboyne, County Meath.

Personal Best: TJ – 14.45 (1925).