South Australian cricket legend Creagh O’Connor, 88, has died

Prominent businessman and former SA Cricket Association chair Creagh O’Connor has died, leaving behind a legacy of “leadership, vision, and integrity”.

Francis Creagh O'Connor, known as Creagh, was among those on the Australia Day honour roll in 2014. Picture: Roy VanDerVegt

An unsung legend of South Australia’s cricketing history and a prominent businessman, Francis Creagh O’Connor – known as Creagh – has died at 88, leaving behind a legacy of “leadership, vision, and integrity”.

In the summer of 1947, 10-year-old Creagh headed to Adelaide Oval with his father, Frank, to watch his first game of cricket – South Australia against Melbourne.

The game ignited a passion that would last a lifetime.

Though Creagh told The Advertiser in 2014 he wasn’t very good at cricket, he went on to dedicate his life to the game, becoming SA Cricket Association in 1991, a role he would hold for two decades.

Creagh shouldered the role of Cricket Australia chairman from 2005 to 2008, and was he was also on the board of SACA from 1991-2010. He was instrumental in redevelopments at Adelaide Oval, including the building of the Chappell and Clem Hill stands in 2003 and the rebuilding of the western grandstand in 2010.

In honour of his dedication to cricket in South Australia, Creagh was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in 2014.

Francis Creagh O’Connor, known as Creagh, was among those on the Australia Day honour roll in 2014. Picture: Roy VanDerVegt

SACA chair Will Rayner said Creagh’s contributions to cricket and SACA had been “immense by any measure”.

“His love for the game shone through his dedication and contribution across many cricket forums, most of which went unheralded,” he said.

“In addition to his numerous achievements, Creagh was a true gentleman who was calm, professional and respectful under even the most intense situations.”

Off the pitch, Creagh was a distinguished leader in the mining and resources sector, having served as chairman of American Rare Earths (formerly Broken Hill Prospecting) from 2004 until his retirement in 2023.

Creagh started with T. O’Connor & Sons in 1958 at just 21, and he served as managing director for 25 years until 1990.

He later became a founding director of O’Connors in 1999, retiring from the role in 2016.

Creagh also served as the Air Conditioning and Mechanical Contractors Association National President from 2007 to 2009.

David Brown from Langbank, Scotland (Clyde Cruising Club) and Creagh O'Connor of North Adelaide (Chairman, Clipper Ship City of Adelaide Limited) in 2015 with the bible from the City of Adelaide clipper ship, which was handed over to volunteers who were looking after the historic ship at Port Adelaide. Picture: Stephen Laffer

Founding director of American Rare Earths, Geoffrey Hill, said Creagh was a mentor and a “true friend”.

“He had a sharp mind, a steady hand, and a clear vision for what needed to be done,” he said.

“We worked closely together for years, and I had the utmost respect for his judgment and leadership.

“He was someone you could rely on — straightforward, no-nonsense, and always looking ahead.

“His impact on the company and those around him will be felt for a long time.”

Another passion of Creagh’s was Australia’s maritime history, chairing the Clipper Ship City of Adelaide project, leading efforts to restore one of the oldest surviving clipper ships.

Francis Creagh O’Connor, father of five, grandfather of 16, and great-grandfather of five, died peacefully on Wednesday, February 26.

Creagh’s funeral – for family and friends – will be held on March 7 at 10.30am in St Laurence’s Catholic Church, 134 Buxton Street, North Adelaide.

Originally published as South Australian cricket legend Creagh O’Connor, 88, has died