Con Donnelly is without a doubt one of the finest dual players ever to play with Clongeen. He was a “Machine” on two legs.

He must have covered an unlimited amount of ground in his playing days as he ran up and down grounds all over the County. His splendid physique enabled him to take and give knocks in the demanding arena of playing both codes. He always looked superbly fit, equal to all the demands of been a top-class dual player.

He was Clongeen’s pride and joy and had an amazing reserve of stamina and spirit. He was a vital force to his team, especially when the chips were down. Con’s immaculate skills, grace, and style was a delight to witness. He raised Junior games to artistic levels by his many brilliant performances in both Hurling and Football. He would have walked on to any Senior Football or Hurling club in any County at his ease. He proved this when he lined out with the New Ross District in the Championships.

He was born in 1945 and was educated at Little Cullenstown N.S.. His Boyhood Hero was – Bobby Rackard R.I.P..

He was great in Tom’s opinion. The greatest goalie he has seen in Hurling was – Ollie Walsh (Kilkenny) R.I.P.. He first played in the Junior Competition with Clongeen in 1961, when he was still a Juvenile.

The three most difficult opponents he encountered in Football were – Andy Merrigan (Castletown) R.I.P., Pat Rossiter (St. Fintan’s) and Joe Foley.

In Hurling, he selects – Phil Wilson, Mick Jacob and Joe O’Reilly (Adamstown).

The two best dual players he has seen outside of Wexford were – Des Foley (Dublin) R.I.P. and Michael “Bab’s” Keating (Tipperary).

In Wexford, he selects – Phil Wilson, Martin Quigley, George O’Connor, and Jack Berry R.I.P. – as the best he has seen. The greatest Hurlers he has seen were – Bobby Rackard R.I.P., Nickey Rackard R.I.P., Nick O’Donnell R.I.P, John Doyle R.I.P., Jimmy Doyle R.I.P. and Christy Ring R.I.P..

In the last 40 years, the one’s that stood out in Wexford were – Tony Doran, Martin Quigley, Mick Jacob Snr., George O’Connor and Damien Fitzhenry (Goalie).

The four greatest Footballers he has ever seen were – Des Foley (Dublin) R.I.P., Pat Spillane (Kerry), Matty McDonagh (Galway) R.I.P. and John Morley (Mayo) R.I.P.. In Wexford, he selects – Andy Merrigan R.I.P., Patrick Leacy (Ballyhogue), John O’Gorman (Taghmon-Camross) and Denis Asple (Ballyhogue).

The greatest Footballer he has seen was – Pat Spillane (Kerry). The greatest Hurler he has seen was – Christy Ring R.I.P..

The three best Footballers he has ever seen in Clongeen were – Fred Casey, Mick Miskella and Paddy Bennett R.I.P.. In Hurling, the three players he selects as the best he has seen were – Larry Colfer, Tom Chapman R.I.P. and John Colfer. Con got – 1 New Ross District Award in 2012.

The best club teams he has seen in Football in Wexford was the – Castletown Team – from 1965 to the end of the 70’s. In Hurling, he selects the – Rathnure Team – in the early 70’s, winning 4 Co. Titles in a row.

He played Football for Wexford in all grades – Minor, Junior, U’21 and Senior.

The best game of Hurling he has seen was the 1968 All Ireland Final between – Wexford vs Tipperary.

Mick Roche (Tipperary) R.I.P. – in the first half gave one of the finest exhibitions for defensive hurling he has ever seen. The best football game he has seen was the 1977 All Ireland Senior Football Semi-Final between – Dublin vs Kerry.

His brothers – Stephen Donnelly – in Hurling, and – Michael Donnelly R.I.P. – in both Hurling and Football, were star performers in their day with – Clongeen. The best full backs he has seen was – Nick O’Donnell R.I.P.. The best midfielder he has seen was – Ned Wheeler.