Patrick O’Connor, remembered to many as the “Tipperary Giant,” was a man whose extraordinary stature set him apart, yet whose life was defined as much by quiet endurance and service as by his remarkable height.
Born in Tipperary, Ireland, in 1872, he grew to seven feet four inches tall—some newspapers later claiming an even more dramatic eight feet three. In good health he weighed up to 24 stone. Wherever he went, he was an imposing and unforgettable figure, but those who knew him spoke of a gentle and unassuming nature that belied his size.
Before coming to Australia, O’Connor had already lived a life of soldiering. He served with the 28th Infantry Regiment in Ireland and the 61st Infantry Regiment in India, spending more than six years in the British Army. Newspaper accounts credited him with service in the Soudan and South African campaigns, experiences that would have hardened many men. Yet O’Connor carried his immense frame with quiet dignity rather than bravado.
By the time the Great War engulfed Europe, he was in Sydney, working as a railway employee. On 20 Mar 1916, at the age of 44, he enlisted in the AIF at Goulburn, NSW. Allocated to the 6th Reinforcements of the 56th Battalion, he was given the regimental number 2721 and the rank of Private.
His service record officially recorded his height at over seven feet—an astonishing measurement in any era.
He embarked from Sydney aboard HMAT Ceramic on 7 Oct 1916, arriving in England in Nov. At Salisbury Plain and Hurdcott Camp he trained and marched with his battalion, quickly becoming a familiar sight on route marches. Outfitting him proved a constant challenge: he required tailor-made uniforms and size 18 boots, and was the only man in the AIF so clothed.
The cold English winter and the strain placed on his joints by his great weight caused him persistent pain. Though willing, he was deemed unsuitable for front-line service—too conspicuous a target in the trenches, yet ironically too tall for certain observation posts. Instead, he served in England, including duties in London associated with Administrative Headquarters and Australia House.
In April 1917 he was diagnosed with rheumatism and synovitis in his left knee. A Medical Board found him unfit for active service. He embarked for Australia in Aug 1917 and was discharged medically unfit in Sydney on 30 Nov 1917. For his service he received the British War Medal and the Victory Medal.
In civilian life he was sometimes exhibited during tours, curious crowds eager to see the “world’s tallest man.” Yet behind the spectacle was a husband and father. He was married to Annie O’Connor, and together they had two young daughters. The family later resided at Bronte.
Patrick O’Connor died at Lidcombe Hospital on 28 July 1922 from cancer of the liver. Newspaper reports noted that even in death his great size posed practical difficulties; the railings inside the hearse had to be removed to accommodate his coffin. He was buried in the Rookwood Catholic Cemetery, Mortuary 2 Section 10, Grave 211, Father Murphy officiating, as his widow and daughters mourned their loss.
Though remembered for his towering height,
Patrick O’Connor’s true measure lay in his steadfast service across continents and wars. A striking figure in any battalion, he remains an enduring symbol of loyalty, resilience, and the quiet humanity of a gentle giant.
Read lessPatrick O’Connor, remembered to many as the “Tipperary Giant,” was a man whose extraordinary stature set him apart, yet whose life was defined as much by quiet endurance and service as by his remarkable height.
Born in Tipperary, Ireland, in 1872, he grew to seven feet four inches tall—some newspapers later claiming an even more dramatic eight feet three. In good health he weighed up to 24 stone. Wherever he went, he was an imposing and unforgettable figure, but those who knew him spoke of a gentle and unassuming nature that belied his size.
Before coming to Australia, O’Connor had already lived a life of soldiering. He served with the 28th Infantry Regiment in Ireland and the 61st Infantry Regiment in India, spending more than six years in the British Army. Newspaper accounts credited him with service in the Soudan and South African campaigns, experiences that would have hardened many men. Yet O’Connor carried his immense frame with quiet dignity rather than bravado.
By the time the Great War engulfed Europe, he was in Sydney, working as a railway employee. On 20 Mar 1916, at the age of 44, he enlisted in the AIF at Goulburn, NSW. Allocated to the 6th Reinforcements of the 56th Battalion, he was given the regimental number 2721 and the rank of Private.
His service record officially recorded his height at over seven feet—an astonishing measurement in any era.
He embarked from Sydney aboard HMAT Ceramic on 7 Oct 1916, ar... More
