Blackjack Cap # 65

It is with great sadness that we acknowledge this morning’s passing of Danny O’Connor.

Danny was capped in 1982 when selected for the fours to represent New Zealand at the Brisbane Commonwealth Games. With a team of Rowan Brassey, Jim Scott and Morgan Moffat he went on to win the silver medal but it is his incredible record at the National Open Championships that he will long be remembered for.

Danny is one of only three players ever to have received a bar to go with his Gold Star. His bar achieved in winning the fours at the 2014/15 National Heartland Bank Open Championships at Browns Bay.

His National titles were;

1975  National Open Fours

1979  National Open Fours

1981  National Open Fours

1982  National Open Pairs and Fours

1983  National Open Singles

1990  National Open Fours

1995  National Open Fours

2005  National Open Fours

2014  National Open Fours

NB; All titles won representing Okahu Bay except 2014 title which was for Birkenhead

Kerry Clark the CEO of Bowls New Zealand said that “it was a very sad day for the sport. On a National level, with a Gold Star and Bar, Danny is one of the very top echelon to have played our game. Not only that he was just a really nice guy. He will be greatly missed on the greens around New Zealand. Being such a great player I’m sure a future Hall of Fame place awaits him. Our heartfelt sympathy goes to his family, friends and bowls mates.”