The loved ones of a doting father have banded together to create a permanent tribute at his beloved Anfield ground.
Ronan Connor, nicknamed 'Bones' for his slim frame growing up, died suddenly on March 28 2021 aged 39 of sudden adult death syndrome, or unexplained heart attack. For the upcoming anniversary of his death, his childhood friend Oliver Smyth launched a petition to raise enough money for a memorial stone as part of the Anfield Road extension.
Oliver, 40, who had known Ronan for 20 years through playing in bands together around Drogheda, Ireland said: "One of Bones' passions in life was football and supporting Liverpool! Bones was knowledgeable, loyal and sometimes grumpy red.
"He was very loyal, easy going, laid back. He was a great dad to his two daughters now aged 11 and 15.
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"It would be nice for his daughters to go to Liverpool and see the stone. I shared the idea [of the memorial stone] and his brother said he was thinking the same thing."
He set up a GoFundMe with a target of 600 euros, which in just one hour had exceeded the target. Oliver said: "I only shared the link once. He was a really popular guy."
The stone will read: "Ronan 'Bones' Connor. Always in our hearts. YNWA."
Ronan's wife Louise Scanlan-Connor told The ECHO: "Myself and our two girls miss him every second of every day. He was the most loving, caring, amazing husband and dad, we were lucky to have had him in our lives. Life will never be the same without him."
Ronan's brother Eoghan Connor told the ECHO: "Ronan integrated me into supporting Liverpool and Ireland football. We were mad for every game and trying to get over as much as we can.
"He was big into music, heavy metal. He was the nicest guy ever, always there for you and always had a kind word to say, always looked out for me.
"As a father his girls Sophia and Mia were his whole world. Since he’s passed they’ve been trying to get into stuff he’s been into, like Sophia for Christmas she wanted everything Liverpool themed.
"So this is part of the reason we wanted the stone so we can bring them over when the stone is it and show them 'there’s your dad.' He was cremated in a Liverpool jersey and you’ll never walk alone on his gravestone.
"We posted the link [to the fundraiser] and it was paid for within the hour."
"He had loads of friends. Everyone had time for Ronan."
On the anniversary of his death his old band will be hosting a gig in his memory. Eoghan said: "We never really had a proper get together for him because of COVID. He was only 39. I was going to bring him over to Anfield for his 40th but now i’m going to bring his girls instead."
You can donate to the fundraiser here. Extra proceeds will be donated to the Irish Heart Foundation.
