The Late Danny O'Sullivan

A man ahead of his time is how one of Kerry's most extraordinary rural and sporting leaders was remembered when he was laid to rest.
Danny "The Colonel" O'Sullivan played a key role in the formation of numerous farming and GAA organisations during his 94 years.
Born in Lahard, Beafort, he inherited the family name " The Colonel" from his father Patrick. He lived and worked at his dairy farm at Drombrick, Lahard,all his life an from this base, he played a remarkable role in shaping the destiny of rural life in Kerry.
A founding member of Macra na Feirme and the IFA, Danny was given a guard of honour by both organisations at his removal from O'Shea's Funeral Home, Killarney with IFA members shouldering the coffin.
The requiem mass took place in the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Listry, followed by burial at Aghadoe cemetery.
Danny O'Sullivan was born on 15 September 1915 and was educated in Clonakilty Agricultural College before returning home to farm.
Passionate about sport, he was the last surviving founding member of Listry GAA Club which was established in 1932.
A talented footballer himself, Danny played county championship level with Listry was first secretary of the East Kerry Board.
The Beaufort man also donned his county colours, representing Kerry proudly when he played as a junior in 1937 and 1938.
Danny was a man who never retired, recalls one of his close friends and fellow Kerry IFA member Donal Counihan.
Danny spearheaded the formation of the Kerry branch of the community farming organisation Macra na Feirme in the mid-1940s.
Macra was, in turn, a catalyst for the founding of the IFA, in 1958 and again Danny was one of the main movers and shakers.
Danny was also closely involved in the formation of Mid Kerry Mart in Milltown, of which he was secretary for over 35 years. He was also instrumental in the formation of the FBD co-op.
"Danny was one of the first people to take out shareholding in it but more importantly was the first person to take out a pension with FBD and was the first person to draw down that pension," said Donal Counihan.
The last of a long line Danny had three brothers, all of whom pre-deceased him.
His wife Catherine Lenihan from Ballyhar, died 41 years ago and the couple did not gave any children, but raised Catherine's nephew John O'Keeffe who is Danny's successor on the farm.
"he was someone who gave a lifetime to various organisations and didn't demand anything in return. He didn't want to be national president, nor did he seek the limelight, he just wanted to get the job done," said Mr Counihan.
"Danny's philosophy was to get people to do something for themselves and he would be there in the background, prompting. He was a true leader."

Courtesy of The Kingdom
22nd December 2009 Tweet

Most Read Stories