Background and Early Life
Sean O'Connell was born in Garvagh in the 1930s, his father Pat was a farmer and a talented soccer player. His mother Brigid (née McKenna), originally from Slaughtneil was a school teacher. He had four brothers and four sisters. His elder brother Seamus was a priest and played with Derry in the 1950s. His other brothers Paddy and Gerard played at Under 21 level for Derry, while Cahir was a decent club player in the 1960s and early 1970s.
His cousin Seamus O'Connell played soccer for the likes of Chelsea F.C. in England where he helped the club win their first ever League title in 1954–55.
Sean boarded at St Columb's College in Derry. O'Connell tried his hand at boxing in his youth and was a member of Garvagh Boxing Club. He worked as a teacher and was principal of St Patrick's College in Dungiven for many years. He lived in Limavady for many years and he and his wife Margaret had four children. He died in August 2003 and is buried in Limavady.
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