Cork businessman pays tribute to popular Mizen publican Billy O'Sullivan
Billy ran the famed O'Sullivan's Bar in Crookhaven on Mizen Head.
A glowing tribute has been paid to “legendary” 88-year-old West Cork publican Billy O’Sullivan, who passed away this week following a long-term illness.
Mr O’Sullivan, of O’Sullivans Bar in Crookhaven, died peacefully in the Bon Secours Hospital in Cork city while surrounded by family on Monday.
The Mizen native was the second generation of his family to run the famed establishment, known fondly as the spot for the most southerly pint in Ireland, spectacularly located on the pier in the West Cork village.
Speaking to , Cork businessman and Win Happy podcast host Greg Canty, who lives in Crookhaven, said “a piece of old Ireland” died alongside Mr O’Sullivan.
“The thing I would say is that Billy, and what he created down in O’Sullivan's, is absolutely at the heart of the community,” said Mr Canty.
“In terms of his practical role down there, he made a decision with his team a long time ago, when most seasonal places throughout the length and breadth of the country decided to shut up shop from September/October, that they wanted to provide the exact same service on a bleak Tuesday in February as they do in the peak of summer.
“We bought a summer house down in Crookhaven about three years ago, and it very quickly became an all-year-round house because it’s such a lovely place – we wouldn't stay there if places like O’Sullivan’s weren’t open.
“It's not about profit, it’s about public service and being a leading light in the local business community.
“What a man – he was legendary down there,” he added.
“From going in and out of the place, I’ve gotten to know him a little bit – I had him on my podcast two years ago, and he is clearly the lifeblood of the place.
“Whoever you are, if you’re a French traveller wandering from village to village, you’d have someplace to go.”
Mr O’Sullivan, while being an established publican and fan-favourite local of the Crookhaven area, was also well-known for being the last person to speak with French artist, Sophie Toscan Du Plantier, the night before her murder in December, 1996.
“Back in the day, there was a very popular lobster factory down there that was owned by a French company, so there were a lot of French people in and out of the locality,” said Mr Canty.
“I 100% understand why Sophie went there, she liked the banter and the back and forth – she used to practise her English on him and he’d practise his French on her.
“The minute he’d get talking to anyone, he’d light up the room with his stories – he was a born publican and a born storyteller.
“My heart does go out to each and every one of his friends and family, I know how much they adored him.
“He will be deeply missed,” he added.
“He was part of that older generation of hospitality that Ireland is so famous for – if you could wrap it all up in one person, that was him.
“In a way, a piece of old Ireland is disappearing with him, but I know O’Sullivan’s is in safe hands with the crew behind him.
“He was a gorgeous man who needs to be celebrated.”
Mr O’Sullivan was reposed at McCarthy’s Garden in Crookhaven on Tuesday, with a Requiem Mass held at 12pm today in the Church of Our Lady, Star of the Sea and St Patrick, in Goleen.
A cremation service in the Island Crematorium in Ringaskiddy took place at 4pm.
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