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The late Liam O’Connor and his wife Joan, pictured with the late Bridget Tobin (left).

A young mother and her 3 three and a half year old child go into 10am Mass in Mortlake, South West London, about two years ago. They take a seat near the front to keep the child entertained during the service.

While awaiting the beginning of proceedings, the child swivels and faces down the Church, scanning the faces of the other Mass goers. She catches the eye of an elderly couple seated directly behind. “Beautiful child” says the man to the child’s Mum. “What age is she?” and they begin a brief conversation. “You’re Irish,” the younger lady says to the couple on noticing their broad accent. “Yes”, they replied. “Me too. From where abouts?”

“Cork.” “What part?” The tempo of the questions and responses is increasing now! “Fermoy”. “So are we”, the couple exclaim together incredulously. “What’s your name?” - “Mairead Murray,” the young mum replies.

Quick as a flash the man inquires, “Anything to Mick Murray who had a boot shop in Patrick St and was married to Hannah Bermingham?”

“I’m their grand-daughter and this is their great grand-daughter, Amelia,” she responds.

“We knew them both well 50 years ago before we emigrated. Your grandfather was a fine singer. ‘Come back Paddy Reilly to Ballyjamesduff’ was a favourite song of his in the forties and early fifties,” the man volunteers.

Mass begins. Talk ceases, but continues afterwards as they emerge from the church. The couple swap addresses and anecdotes of Fermoy with their fellow Cork emigrant and remain in touch in the following months.

Kilworth native, Liam O’Connor - brother of the late Son, Chappie, Sheila, Pad, Fr Jack, Reenie, Margaret, Nora and Tom - and his wife Joan, nee Byrne of Conna, sister of Ned, Sheila, Molly, John, Tom and Mick who worked in Moorepark, were the couple who were at that Mass on that Sunday. They had left a very economically depressed Fermoy in the early sixties and took the boat train like many others, to Rosslare for departure to Fishguard and onwards.

They settled eventually in the Mortlake/ Barnes area of London, raising a family of one girl and six boys. They maintained strong links with Fermoy and the surrounding area and regularly visited their many relatives here. Liam had a phenomenal memory and could recall events and dates with remarkable clarity, while Joan is a sprightly 87 and cycled regularly up until quite recently.

Sadly, Liam suffered a stroke a few months ago and following his recent death at the age of 91, his funeral Mass was said three weeks ago in the same chapel where he and Joan lined out for 10am Mass each Sunday and in which they had and unlikely encounter with another Fermoy native, now living in Barnes, London.

So, what are the chances of a meeting like this occurring in a city where 8 million people live in an area covering some 600 square miles? Pretty slim - very unlikely, you might say. But, following this incident, I now say, not impossible. I’m definitely going to do the Lotto next weekend!

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