Michael John Connell passed away on September 25, aged just 37 years.

Michael is survived by wife Carmen, two beautiful daughters Madison and Dakota, parents John and Margaret and siblings Darren, Mark, Sharon and Maria. 

His tragic passing has left the community reeling, as they prepare to say goodbye. 

Michael, known to most as Mick, did his schooling from kindergarten to year 10 at Sacred Heart Central School before completing his senior years at Cootamundra High School. 

Always a popular member of the school community, Mick held the honour of being school captain of Sacred Heart in his final year in 1993. 

From school, he moved to Wagga to fulfill his dream of becoming a teacher, studying a Bachelor of Education at Charles Sturt University. 

He held teaching positions in a number of towns, beginning his career at Sacred Heart Primary School in Tocumwal, and also teaching at Mater Dei College in Wagga, before he began climbing the career ladder, eventually gaining the position of assistant principal at Junee Public School.

He spent the past two years as principal of St Columba’s Primary School in Berrigan; a job he loved. 

It was through his teaching post in Tocumwal, he met his lovely wife. 

Carmen was the sister of a mate of Micks, Donavan, and the two hit it off, never looking back. 

In Cootamundra, the Connell name is synonymous with cricket through Mick and his brothers.

Mick was a keen cricketer from a young age. 

The brothers grew up with a bat and ball in hand, always keen to have a hit or a bowl. 

In his junior years, Mick was part of back-to-back Bradman Letter wins, a rare feat and one he could always be proud of. 

The annual Bradman Letter challenge between Cootamundra and Bowral is considered one of the premier events for any young, local cricketer to partake in.

In 1993, as one of the younger members of the side, Mick was part of an 11-run victory over Bowral, with Cootamundra defending their title in 1994 by 22 runs that year. 

Mick was also part of a successful Fife Shield (under 16s) team.

As he got older, entering the senior cricket ranks, he played in the Merrin Cup, and together with brothers Darren and Mark was part of the O’Farrell Cup side. 

While at university in Wagga, he played for the Kooringal Colts, mostly in second grade with a sprinkling of first grade games. 

His love of the gentleman’s game never waned and he remained a keen cricket fan for life. 

Mick was also interested in golf and fishing in his leisure time and barracked for the Parramatta Eels. 

He loved his family and will be remembered by all of Cootamundra; missed by many. 

A Requiem Mass will be held in the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Cootamundra on Saturday, October 10, commencing at 3pm. 

Following the Mass, the cortege will leave for the Cootamundra Lawn Cemetery. 

Condolences to the Connell family on the sad passing of Michael.

Please leave your own tribute to Mick below.