The late John O'Sullivan made a huge contribution to Canovee GAA
The late John O'Sullivan of Canovee accepting a cheque from Diarmuid O'Donovan of the Evening Echo at the Rochestown Park Hotel in 2008. Picture: Cillian Kelly
There was great sadness in the Canovee GAA Club and indeed the surrounding areas following the death of clubman John O’Sullivan recently.
He passed away on Friday, May 30 in the excellent care of the doctors and nurses in Cork University Hospital, surrounded by his family.
John was known as ‘Mr Canovee’ with all of his life dedicated to his beloved black and amber, serving in every role. He was vice-president of the club at the time of his passing.
While he was a successful player in his own right, winning two Muskerry JAFC medals, his impact on the sideline and in the administration side of the club will stand the test of time.
Despite moving to Togher and later Ballincollig, John never forgot his roots and always made the commute to Carrigadrohid. He served as chairman of Canovee on two occasions and was instrumental in the building of the current club grounds. He was the club's first underage chairman. John was a key driver of the underage section with many players under his watch progressing to the adult teams.
He was president of the Muskerry club when they won the All-Ireland JFC trophy at Croke Park back in 2008 as they completed the clean sweep in that 2007/08 campaign. Before clinching the All-Ireland, Canovee also won the Mid-Cork, county and Munster titles in what was a season to remember for all involved.
As well as having a massive impact both on and off the field with Canovee, John was also an influential figure with Muskerry GAA's underage teams over a number of years when they entered into a competition called the Liam Lyne Cup.
No doubt he was proud as punch last December when his son, Gerard, was officially appointed the new PRO of the Cork County Board.
The huge crowds that attended John's funeral was a testament to the high regard so many people held for him. He was a true Canovee legend.
John was in every sense of the word, a proper GAA man, who made a lasting impact on Canovee. He was a gentleman and will be sorely missed by those who knew him.
As well as being a sporting man, John was also a family man.
He was a loving husband to his wife Joan and father of Denis, John, Gerard, Kieran and Elizabeth.
May John Rest in Peace. He will never be forgotten.
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