Irish golf lost two major figures in 2016 with the passing of Christy O’Connor Jnr and his uncle, Christy O’Connor.

To mark the first anniversary of the passing of Junior today, January 6, his family wishes to thank those who have supported them over the past 12 months and say that all are welcome to attend Christy's First Anniversary Mass, which will take place in Galway Cathedral at 9am on Sunday next, January 8.

The following notice appeared in today's national and Galway newspapers:

O'CONNOR Jnr, Christy (Died suddenly on January 6, 2016) - On the occasion of his First Anniversary, Christy's wife Ann, children Ann and Nigel and extended family would like to express their deepest gratitude and appreciation to all of those who supported them during those very difficult days. To our families, dear friends, neighbours and clergy. To those who conveyed messages of sympathy, sent Mass cards and gave their time to be with us and those who attended his removal and funeral.

We would like to express a very special thank you to the following people: Uachtarán na hÉireann President Michael D. Higgins, An Taoiseach Enda Kenny, members of Dáil Éireann and Seanad Éireann. Mayor of Galway. Members of Galway City and County Council. The people of Galway City and County. Members of the Clergy. Canon Peter Rabbitte. Fr. Michael Kelly of Clarinbridge for the beautiful Requiem Mass. Fr. Tadhg Quinn PP Knocknacarra Parish. Fr. James Grace PP Killaloe Parish. Fr. Ted O'Rahilly PP Ballina Parish. The many kind volunteers and stewards at Galway Cathedral and Knocknacarra Church.

The members of An Garda Síochána in Galway City and County. Superintendent Bob Noonan and the members of Nenagh and Killaloe Gardaí. The Irish Army Air Corps. Musical Director Sean Healy and the many talented musicians including Frankie Gavin, Mairtin O'Connor, Seán Keane, Michael English, Joe Burke and accompaniments. Ambassador David Cooney, Alvaro de la Barcena Argany Honorary Consul Tenerife, Denise Quigley Honorary Consulate Assistant, Eillis O'Neill, Consular Manager and Donna Gill, Department of Foreign Affairs.

George O'Grady, Richard Hills, Eamonn Darcy, Paul McGinley, Sam Torrance, John O'Leary, Des Smyth, James Finnigan and members of the European Tour and Ryder Cup. Presidents, Captains, Lady Captains and Officers of the many Irish golf clubs who attended from across the island of Ireland.

Dr. Richard Joyce and family. Brian Cowen, John Fitzpatrick, Brian Merrigan, Ronnie O'Leary and John Mulholland. Mike and Mairead O Donavan. Willie Conneely and all at O'Flaherty's Funeral Directors. Our heartfelt thanks to Denis O'Brien for his incredible support, our dear friends Bill and Laura Carey and the Carey family, Pat O'Grady and to Syl and Patsy Addley for their unbelievable care.

The Management and Staff at Shannon Airport. Members of the Press and Media for their wonderful tributes. Ronan and Lillian Stanley and the Management and Staff at Galway Bay Golf Resort. Michael McCummiskey PGA in Ireland and Members of the PGA in Great Britain and Ireland. President, Chief Executive and Officers of the Golfing Union of Ireland and Irish Ladies Golfing Union. Linton Walsh and the team at Golf Digest Ireland. A special thanks to Stacey Williams.

Please accept this acknowledgement as an expression of our heartfelt thanks.

The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass will be offered for all your intentions.

Christy’s First Anniversary Mass will take place in Galway Cathedral at 9am on Sunday, January 8, 2017.

Family friend Jennifer Joyce penned a poem about the golfer, which was read at his funeral.

Christy O’Connor Junior

A friend so dear, now a star so bright.

To his loved ones in tears, he will shine his light.

A man filled with such love and tremendous fun,

A new journey with Darren he has now begun.

Had we known his last day would be truly his last,

There’d have been such a party, an absolute blast.

The piano, the accordion, the guitar and the spoons,

‘Til the early wee hours he’d be playing the tunes.

A true sporting legend, a hero they say,

He mastered each hole on that wild Galway Bay.

A Ryder Cup winner with his two iron shot,

He stunned the entire world, and we never forgot.

Dear Christy, you are loved, and will be terribly missed

By your wife, your children, your friends and grandkids.

Look down on us always and show us the way,

For life, is a game of golf, we’ll continue to play.

Jennifer Joyce

6th January 2016