Conor O'Sullivan loving life on and off the basketball courts of Australia

Former Neptune basketball star Conor O'Sullivan is living the dream playing basketball at a high level in Australia. 

O'Sullivan, whose father Tom was one of the best players in the country back in the 1980s, is now playing with the North Gold Coast Seahawks, however, he is also working with a company called Just Digital People, while his girlfriend, Ciara, is working as a podiatrist at a clinic in Brisbane.

His brother Darragh, also a great basketball player is also abroad playing professional basketball in Denmark with BMS Herlev.

Conor brings a strong international background with him to Oz, having also played in the USA  with Birmingham Southern College, who are based in Alabama.

He has a reputation for toughness, composure, and leadership and he brings those qualities to the Seahawks. 

Developing his game in Ireland’s competitive basketball system, he has built a well-rounded skillset that allows him to impact games on both ends of the floor.

As a dynamic guard, O’Sullivan is well known for his ability to control the tempo, make smart decisions under pressure, and create opportunities for teammates. 

His defensive intensity and willingness to compete in every possession align perfectly with the Seahawk’s identity and style of their play. 

Whether attacking the rim, knocking down perimeter shots, or locking in defensively, he plays with a presence that elevates those around him.

Beyond his on-court ability, Conor brings a professionalism and a team-first mentality. 

His experience competing at a high level adds valuable perspective and maturity to the Seahawks roster as they continue building a group of players capable of challenging deep into their season.

The addition of O’Sullivan’s talent reflects the ambition of the Seahawk’s program, and their commitment to strengthening the squad across all positions.

Conor’s hunger to compete and embrace a new challenge in Australia makes him an exciting addition to the Seahawks family.

“I moved out to Australia last March and my girlfriend Ciara came out in January and we then met up in March and we are ready enjoying the experience so far,” Conor said.

“I’m working for a recruitment company called Just Digital People (fun fact: the founder, Ciaran O’Donnell's mother, is actually from Skibbereen and still living there), and Ciara is working as a podiatrist in a clinic. 

"After six months, my company decided to sponsor me, which means I don’t have to do the farm work.

“We were lucky that Ciara was able to be included on my visa, which also frees her from farm work and lets her work anywhere she wants. "Basically, it means we can both work here for the next two years without any restrictions and after that, we’ll have the option to apply for permanent residency if we want."

O’Sullivan soon got the itch to get back on the hardwood when he sighed with the North Gold Coast Seahawks that play in the professional NBL 1 North League.

“I’ve just played my first game in the NBL1 North League with the North Gold Coast Seahawks, which is about 35–40 minutes from where I’m living in Brisbane. 

"It’s a young group overall, so I’d probably be one of the older lads. 

"We had a good pre-season, which went really well and we played our first game two weeks ago.

“The level that I’m playing here is very similar to the Super League back home. 

"A lot of American players who play in Ireland come straight out to Australia afterwards because the seasons are opposite, so the standard and physicality are pretty comparable.

“I was lucky enough to train with another club as soon as I arrived last March, which helped me settle in quickly. 

"Now playing with the Seahawks, it’s nice to be properly preparing for new season and getting back into games.

“Outside of basketball, life here has been brilliant. 

"The weather is amazing, and we’re only about 45 minutes to an hour from the beach, which is perfect. 

"Work is going well, and we’ve been lucky to have friends visit from the States over Christmas. 

"In the last few weeks, Ciara’s parents and cousin, along with my own parents, came out to visit, which was something we both really enjoyed."

Although being away from home Conor still has aspirations to play for the Irish national team again, as he always thinks it’s a massive honour to play for your country.

“Being involved with the national team is always special, it’s a massive honour. 

"I’m not sure when I’ll be home next as I’m currently being sponsored through work and our season here runs during the Irish summer, so it could be tricky. 

"But if the chance came up, I’d absolutely love to put on the green jersey again.

“For now, we’re just taking things day by day. 

"With the sponsorship, I can see us staying here for a while and we both really love life in Australia. 

"At the same time, I don’t think we could stay away from Ireland forever, it’ll always be home,” O’Sullivan added.