Patrick ‘Pat’ Francis Connelly: Clarence Valley OAM, citizen of the year dies before District Court child abuse trial
A North Coast OAM recipient once named citizen of the year has died while preparing to fight child abuse charges, it can be revealed. Here’s what we know.
Grafton
Don't miss out on the headlines from Grafton. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A North Coast OAM recipient once named Clarence Valley Citizen of the Year has died while preparing to fight charges of indecently assaulting a child and inciting aggravated indecency.
Patrick ‘Pat’ Francis Connelly (OAM) died on April 12 at 84-years-old.
In 2019, Mr Connelly was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) after years of volunteering for the Jacaranda Festival, Grafton Hockey, Midnight Basketball, U3A and Red Rock and Woolgoolga Surf Life Saving,
He was also a Youth of the Streets mentor and Youth Suicide Prevention program mentor, among other roles.
Mr Connelly co-founded the Royals Hockey Club at his Grafton apartment in 1980.
But it’s come to light Mr Connelly was hit with allegations of inciting aggravated indecency against a child and indecently assaulting someone under his authority shortly before his death.
Mr Connelly, a larger-than-life figure with ties across the North Coast, seemed set to fight the charges, however, and had entered not guilty pleas in a bid to clear his name.
The recent allegations against the former Casino and Bangalow resident appeared to have gone largely unnoticed online.
Clarence Valley residents and friends flooded Facebook with tributes.
He was described as a “good sportsman” who had “a heart of gold” and a “warm smile”,
One wellwisher wrote: “The day Pat scored a goal in his 80s (sic) will remain one of my favourite hockey moments of all time. Rest easy Pat.”
Another local added: “You will be sadly missed Pat, you inspired me and so many other hockey players to take up the game through your passion and enthusiasm.”
“Your legacy of ‘ we welcome everyone to play with our club’ is why it is so successful to this day,” they wrote.
While another chimed in: “Rest in Peace Pat (sic). Such a beautiful soul. I wouldn’t of made it through high school it wasn’t for you.”
Mr Connelly was known for his Dame Edna impersonations on Jacaranda Thursday.
“Jacaranda is supposed to be about fun, and it’s just fun,” Mr Connelly said of his role as the famous lilac-haired Dame in a 2020 interview.
“It’s a great honour. I’m a proud Graftonian and this is wonderful.”
Mr Connelly was named Clarence Valley’s Citizen of the Year in 2020.
Man charged with mum’s murder after she succumbs to injuries
A man has faced court charged with murdering his mother at a Mid-North Coast holiday park. Police will allege he was subject to orders for her protection when the tragedy unfolded.
Read more
Police taser alleged knife-wielding DV offender
A man has been tasered by police and slapped with a raft of charges after he allegedly came at officers with a knife following a pursuit in the state’s north. Here’s the latest.
Read more