James (Jockey) O'Sullivan R.I.P

The Grange Club, the community and surrounding parishes were stunned and shocked to hear of the death of James O'Sullivan. Jockey as he was more affectionately known was very enjoyable company. A very knowledgeable and witty character he was a pleasure to know. In his playing days he epitomised all that was required for a successful player. He had determination never shirking in the physical stakes and indeed left many bigger opponents wonder what had hit them such was his ferocity on the playing field. He won several North Cork medals during his playing career, 1977,78,79,80 and 94 he also won a county medal in 1979, league medals in 1988 and 1991 and numerous tournament trophies. He also played underage with St. Patrick's Fermoy up to minor level.

Those admirable qualities he also displayed as a jockey with Jimmy Flynn of Gurrane and he rode many winners at point to point and racecourses throughout the country. Employed as a stud foreman for Grange Stud he was an expert in his profession. His popularity was proven by the huge numbers who attended his removal and funeral last week. A guard of honour was bestowed as a mark of respect at the funeral by the Grange GAA Club and Fermoy Ladies Football Club with his daughter Mary one of their star players and the horsey fraternity. A number of ex-players and former work colleagues from up the country travelled long distances to be there to pay their respects to a wonderful man. This lament is a tribute to his untimely passing.

Of a youthful footballer in
his prime and dashing
ore the sward;
Going for to make a score
Then back to help rearguard;
Urging all his team mates
for that extra spurt;
And he always advised
Encouragement
He was never mean or curt;
As the clouds fall on his
coffin they remember
his great joy;
To always turn out
for his club since
he was just a boy;
Though his body is gone
back to earth his spirit
will always stay;
To life the Grangeplayers
for many a long day;
And when the field out
loyally from passing
year to year;
They'll always give their
utmost supporters
they will cheer;
And when the going gets tough
they hear above the fray;
A voice recast from
footballing past bring home
that cup someday;
His family will miss him most
With them we sympathise;
Consoling them to know that he
Got heaven's greatest prize;
But time's the great healer;
To contemplate and then review
For at its best our lives are short
We're only passing through ;
We pay homage to this
humble man;
Well known by everyone
This grief was shared by all
With sadness on each face;
Then northward slowly
Wends its way
To his last resting place;
We mourn the loss of this great man.
From Grange and beyond.

On behalf of the club we offer our deepest condolences to his adored wife Martha and his adored daughters Mary, Jennifer, Sinead and Siobhan his brother Davy, sisters Kathleen, Ann and Mary, Noelle and relatives and large circle of friends. Ar dheis De go raibh a anam dilis.

Courtesy of the Avondhu Tweet

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