August 17, 1927

Appearances can be deceptive. This is a photo of the O'Connor family, Tramore, Co. Waterford. At first glance, the paterfamilias Peter O'Connor looks like a mild-mannered solicitor. Solicitor he was, but mild-mannered, no. On 15 August 1901, he jumped 24ft 11¾ins (7.61m), a World record in long jump that lasted 20 years. His Irish record in long jump lasted 89 years. Peter O'Connor won a silver medal at the Athens Olympics in 1906, but did not like being regarded as a British athlete. He climbed a flagpole and raised an Erin go Bragh flag. In sporting retirement, he became Vice-President of the Incorporated Law Society of Ireland. Thanks to ofarrl for doing great research on the names of O'Connor family using Mark Quinn's book on Peter O'Connor, The King of Spring and adding notes on all the family members in this photo. Date: Wednesday, 17 August 1927 NLI Ref.: POOLEWP 3455