The Late Kieran O'Sullivan The Durrus area was plunged into shock and sadness by news of the death in a road accident of 17 year old Kieran O'Sullivan of Ballycomane, Durrus. The throngs of people who attended the funeral ceremonies were testament to the massive outpouring of grief. This was especially demonstrated at the removal when huge numbers queued for hours in atrocious weather conditions to pay their respects to his heartbroken family. The many numbers of the local football teams showed their respects when they lined out to form a guard of honour and stood shivering under the pouring rain in the Muintir Bhaire colours for an extended period of time. Everyone felt the need to express their sympathy to his parents, James and Carmel; his brothers Martin and Michael; sisters Teresa, Caroline, Carmel and Maire; grandmother Neillie, and extended family. Jack McNulty, Muintir Bhaire GAA Club PRO, has written the following tribute to the late Kieran. "The mourning for one of its favourite sons, Kieran O'Sullivan, who was tragically killed last Sunday morning in a traffic accident. "The impish grin and mischievous smile will no longer grace the playing fields of West Cork. From an early age Kieran showed great promise and, together with his partner Gearoid McCarthy, they terrorised defenders at under age level with Dummanus Rovers. Not very fast on his feet, he still possessed the knack of always being in the right place at the right time when the ball came his way. "After he progressed through the under age system he pulled on the goalkeeper's jersey. When in possession, there was no sidestepping the forwards just straight through, to the delight of the crowd I think he performed this on purpose and played to the gallery! "While small in height, he was large in heart. Strong as an ox, the harder it was, the better for Kieran. His left leg was accurate and he will leave many memories of his scoring deeds. "In times of trouble he would be moved from the goalkeeping spot to the full forward spot and his great friend, Fionn Doonan would take his place in goal. He loved sport and displayed his skills with the local under-age soccer team. "He liked nothing better than playing against Brendan O'Dwyer's over 35 team. I suspect his pace and fitness were more suitable at this level! " A great little worker, he worked with Fionn in Seanie Barry's Garage every Saturday. How many times did we come across him in Durrus village waiting to go to the mussel lines. He loved the digger work with his father, Jim and someone remarked that, when he was hunting the cattle, he ran faster after the cattle than he ever did playing football! "He will be missed by all who knew him, none more so than his family. We will miss his quick wit, his abrasiveness, his cheeky smile and his presence. Rest peacefully, son of Muintir Bhaire may the Lord above smile kindly on you." Courtesy of the Southern Star 28th May 2005 Tweet

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