Standing ovation for retiring hero

May 6 2009 by Kieran Westbrook, Dumfries Standard Wednesday

THERE WERE emotional scenes at Palmerston on Saturday as the home support bid farewell to two of its star players.

Sean O’Connor was playing his last ever game of professional football — his knee injury forcing him into retirement at only 27 years of age.

And Stephen Dobbie is set to make a switch to Championship side Swansea City later this week.

Speaking to the Standard after Saturday’s game, Sean O’Connor spoke of his disappointment at having to retire so young.

He said: “I knew that it was inevitable.

“I was hoping it wouldn’t happen this quick but unfortunately the way things have happened over the last couple of months it’s turned out that I need to make the decision now and I think it’s the right one.

“It’s very disappointing.”

O’Connor came on for the last 20 minutes of Saturday’s match against Dunfermline and earned a standing ovation.

He added: “The fans have been brilliant both times I’ve been here and, even when I’ve had problems with my knee, they’ve been fantastic.

“They are probably one of the best groups of fans you could possibly get.

“They’re an amazing bunch of fans.

“It is humbling — it’s good to be recognised by them.

“Its just an enjoyment knowing you’ve done something right for the fans to acknowledge you like that.”

“I'm going to have to have another operation, not sure when that will be. Hopefully not for a couple of years but it might be sooner.

“I’m lucky in both spells of the club to have been successful with the second division and the challenge cup both in my first year.

“And then when I’ve returned, the cup run last year, scoring at Hampden in the semi and playing in the final.

“I'm lucky in that respect to have had a great time at the club.”

“I’ll still be coming to Palmerston, I'm still very welcome here. It’s a good thing about the club, I can still be involved in it if I choose to.”

And, with the news that his striking partner Dobbie is also on his way, O’Connor reflected on the end of their footballing relationship.

O’Connor said: “It’s the end of a great partnership.

“It’s funny how things work out.

“Stephen deserves to go onto better things.

“It’s been a total enjoyment playing with him over the last two years.

“I thought he might have got his move last year because he did so well, but he’s gone and bettered himself this year.

“He deserves his chance.”

Speaking after O’Connor’s last outing on the Palmerston pitch, Queens’ chairman paid tribute to the popular target man.

Rae said: “He’s been a real pro for Queens and he’s a cracking lad.

“He’s had some great moments for us and he’s a bit of a legend around the club.

“He’s only 27 and it’s a real shame for him, because he should really have another five years of playing.”