Joseph E. O'Connell

Joseph Edward O'Connell Sr. (October 26, 1891 – July 7, 1960) was an American businessman and racehorse owner. Two of his horses, Cavan and Celtic Ash, won the Belmont Stakes.

Early business career O'Connell was born in Lowell, Massachusetts on October 26, 1891 to Edward J. and Josephine (Lynch) O'Connell. He graduated from the College of the Holy Cross in 1910 and went to work for the bond department of Lee, Higginson & Co. He remained with the company for five years before leaving to become the assistant to the president at the International Trust Company.

Military service O'Connell, a member of the 9th Regiment of the Massachusetts National Guard, was sent to the Mexican border in 1916. After this, he returned to the International Trust Company. When war was declared on Germany in 1917, O'Connell enlisted in the United States Navy, where he remained until after World War I ended.

Philanthropy O'Connell served as the treasurer of numerous Catholic charities, including St. Vincent's Orphan Asylum. In 1960, O'Connell and Barry returned to the Belmont with the British-bred, Irish-raised Celtic Ash. Celtic Ash came from last place to win the race by 5 1/2 lengths, giving O'Connell a perfect 2–0 record in the race. Due to an illness, O'Connell was forced to watch the race from St. Elizabeth's Hospital.

On July 7, 1960, O'Connell died at St. Elizabeth's Hospital following a four-week illness.

On June 6, 1917, O'Connell married Mary McGaffee at a private chapel at the residence of Cardinal O'Connell. They had one son and three daughters. Mary O'Connell died in 1950. On August 4, 1951, O'Connell married Dorothy Wielich at the lady chapel of St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City. Jeremiah Francis Minihan of Boston performed the ceremony. They had one son.