John O'Connor Blog - foreman

George Hook has an amazing memory. I met him a few days ago and introduced myself, now when I see him he says, “John O’Connor from Kiseam, how are you”. Let’s see if he remembers me when I’m looking for tickets to go support Munster in the Heineken Cup Final next year.

I got two good pictures today. I actually caught Hugh and Declan working on site. I had to be quick to catch it mind.

Tues 10:15 – bedtime
I had a few beers tonight with my UN buddies camped outside my door. I enjoyed that. Deirdre Grant met me tonight, having read my blog and encouraged me to keep going. Now I think I’m suffering from writer’s block…. Or maybe it is the beer!
Goodnight all at home, please keep texting me

Wed 28th 4:30 am

Leslie Buckley came up trumps last night and delivered what I asked him for. 6 bottles of whiskey. I need them, not for myself, but as rewards for all the favours. I’ve received from people.

First bottle went to Marcel, the Haitian main contractor. He is just so obliging. He says he will come to Ireland some time to visit. I hope so. I’m sorry to hear that Leslie wasn’t feeling well last night. Exhaustion I think. He’s a nice man.
Thurs 29th Oct
I woke up this morning at 3:30 eager to get started. There is just so much to do. I really do love my job here. Though I do miss my wife and kids. I hope ye are doing what yer mommy tells ye to do. When people say to my wife Theresa, “How do you manage when he’s gone?” She jokingly replies, “It’s much easier when he’s gone, one less child to mind!” At least I think she’s joking.

Declan announced about the fundraising appeal for the school toilets last night and it was received very well. Within minutes about $6,000 had been pledged. These volunteers are just amazing.

We will raise well above the required amount and this is from people who have already burst a gut fundraising and working on this charity. It really was John Henry’s idea. He knew what he was doing when he took us to see them, we couldn’t possibly leave them in the condition they were in.

By the way, I found a tarantula in my room this morning. I think that’s a good luck omen. When I leave this site I hope that I can say I have made a whole bunch of new friends and not a single enemy. Life is short and we’re all here for the same cause.

Before I forgot I want to mention Maria – the Spanish Doctor – and Sarah – in charge of water. Both of whom are such nice and polite people, so obliging all the time.

It makes it easier that I have my ‘other family’ here – Mike Curran, Sean Horkan, Fifi O’Sullivan, Susan Doyle Kelly & Rosie Dawson. This is not our first overseas charity venture together and we look out for each other, so Theresa, Jack Luke, Adam & Kate, while I miss ye, I am not on my own.


People ask me on site what my bandana is about! John Henry, security, met me one day and the sweat was flowing down my face and into my eyes. He felt sorry for me and gave me the bandana.

It’s a great job. It’s breathable and absorbs the sweat. It’s also kind of intimidating looking. People are more in awe of me when I wear it! I left home (?) last night to go out, I forgot it and had to double back to put it on!