O'Sullivan, James
July 23, 2010'The saddest day that Grange has seen for years.'
That was how a close friend described the sense of loss experienced by the close-knit community following the tragic death of local man James O'Sullivan.
Mr O'Sullivan lost his life in a tragic accident last Sunday night after he was struck by a car as he walked along the Fermoy to Glanworth road near his home at Grange East.
The 50 year old married father of four who worked at the nearby Grange Stud, was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident, which took place at approximately 11.30pm.
Mr O'Sullivan who is survived by his wife Martha and four daughters was laid to rest at Kilcrumper New Cemetery yesterday following requiem mass attended by hundreds of mourners at St Patricks Church in Fermoy.
Lifelong friend and neighbour John Roche described Mr O'Sullivan as a 'wonderful friend who always had a smile on his face.'
'From a very early age James, or 'Jockey' as his friends knew him, had a great love for horses so it was inevitable he would work with them. 'Jockey' worked as a barn foreman at Grange stud for more than 25 years,' said Mr Roche.
'He was also great footballer having played a almost every level for Grange and was a very loyal supporter of the local GAA club. He was a very popular man with a wide circle of friends. His death has shaken the whole community. Last Monday was the saddest day that Grange has seen for many years,' he added.
David Roche, honorary secretary of Grange GAA Club, described Mr O'Sullivan as a very likeable and popular man.
'He and indeed his whole family are very well respected within the local community who are deeply shocked at his tragic death. James was a great club man, a tenacious and fearless wingback who played with the club up until intermediate level,' said Mr Roche. 'He was also an expert in his profession and his opinion was highly regarded within the horse world. The fact that he was taken so suddenly and so close to his home has sent a ripple of stunned disbelief through the whole community,' he added.
The manager of Grange Stud, Albert Sherwood, also paid his own tribute to Mr O'Sullivan.
'James was a top class professional who was well liked and respected within the industry,' said Mr Sherwood.
Courtesy of the Corkman
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