Cork to see world record attempt for largest gathering of O'Sullivans

Eva Osborne

O'Sullivans and Sullivans are trying to make history this weekend by organising the largest gathering of people with the same surname.

3,000 people who share the surname are heading to Castletownbere in Cork for a world record attempt on Saturday between 2pm and 5pm.

If achieved, the O'Sullivans and Sullivans would knock the Gallaghers of Donegal off the top spot. They set the record in 2007.

People with the surname are coming from as far away as the US and Argentina. Some will even travel from Kerry.

Any O'Sullivan or Sullivan taking part will need actual proof of their name.

Organisers said the event will be hosted by the chieftain of the O’Sullivan clan, Kelly Sullivan, who was presented with the chain of office by the Cork and Kerry County Mayors on the steps of City Hall in Boston in 2023.

On September 9th, 2007, the Gallaghers set the Guinness World Record for the largest same last name gathering.

1,488 participants with the surname Gallagher attended an event held in Letterkenny, Co Donegal.