The Late Gerard O'Sullivan June 22nd was a black day for the GAA in Beara and Cork. On that Sunday came the dire news that Genial Ger. 'Bat" O'Sullivan had slipped suddenly and quietly away to that bourne from which no one returns. It was with a profound sense of shock almost disbelief the tragic news was circulated through the area and then to the clubs he had served so well. That sense of disbelieving shock was followed by a depressing sense of loss, the harsh consciousness that a huge void was created in lives accustomed to the warmth and charm so courteously exuded by that rugged personality Ger 'Batt' dead! It seemed incredible. The happy warrior had laid down his arms, had departed to a better land. FThose of us privileged to know him will miss him keenly in the weeks and years ahead. At the matchs, at the committee meeting that jocular voice, that hearty laugh, that humorous cut and parry, that attractive cheer, that outgoing and vigorous personality will be sadly missed. His great courage made Ger seem indestructible. No task too big, no challenge too difficult, no distance too long. He was eldest son of the late Jim and Anna ('Batt') O'Sullivan, East End, Castletownbere and was on the staff of Cork County Council in the County Hall Cork where he was held in high esteem. An outstanding Gaelic footballer he won All-lreland medals in minor, junior grades with his native county. In 1969 at the age of eighteen he was on the Cork team that won the Munster Minor Football Championship by defeating Kerry by 3-11 to 0-12 and on the team that beat Derry by 2-7 to 0-11 in the All-Ireland final. Quickly promoted to senior status, he captained the Castletownbere team that won the Beara Championship in the late '60s and was on the Beara senior team in the 1970s. A versatile player who was equally at home in attack or defence he even lined out in the goal. Ger was also an able administrator and served as treasurer of the Beara Board from 1972 to 1975, and was secretary in 1976. He was also trainer of the Beara senior footballers. He was for a long number of years Beara's County Board Delegate. As well as these duties he found time to be an active member of the Beara Association in Cork. Testifying to the integrity and high esteem in which Ger and his family are held there was an extremely large and representative from many parts of Beara, the county and abroad at the removal of the remains to the Church of the Holy Spirit, Dennehy's Cross on Tuesday evening. Ger's great friend Pat Dwyer of the Boston Beara Society also travelled from Boston for the funeral. Again on Wednesday morning for Requiem Mass at 11 a.m. with burial afterwards in St. Oliver's Cemetery, Model Farm Road there was another huge and representative attendance. dHis long time friend and neighbour, John Murphy, secretary of the Beara Divisional Board GAA gave the following eulogy at the graveside: "Today we come to say farewell and pay our final respects to Gerard Batt O'Sullivans. No words of mine are adequate to express in full how much he touched all our lives and how much he meant to each and everyone of us. Very often in life we fail to express our gratitude to people for all they have done for us and to tell them of the high esteem in which we hold them. It is said that it is far better to give one rose to someone while they are alive than a whole bouquet when they are dead. I feel this is very true of Gerard his sudden departure from this life has robbed us of this opportunity. "On Sunday morning the news of his death was like a hammer blow and left everyone dumb with disbelief. His departure has left a void which will not be easily filled "Without any shadow of doubt Gerard Batt was a legend and a household name not only in Beara but all over the county. He was a true Gael in every sense of the word and his love of CLCG was second to none. He lived life to the full and much of it in the fast lane. "He managed to pack an extraordinary amount into a relatively short life. He left his mark on this life and he will be fondly remembered for same. "As a neighbour and friend growing up with him I got to know him better than most. Gerard would give you the shirt off his back and wouldn't count the cost. It was not easy for Gerard growing up, his father Jim, died when he was three leaving Anna his mother a widow with three youg children under the age of three. @"In GAA circles Gerard Batt had few equals, he lived and breathed GAA, a GAA man to the core, as a player, mentor, Board officer and County Board Delegate. "To him the GAA meant everything. He excelled at under age level and developed into one of the finest full backs in the game. He made the number 3 jersey his own. "He was full back on the Cork minor team that defeated Derry in the All-Ireland final in 1969. He became one of the youngest Beara Divisional Board secretaries at the age of 18 and held the position for seven years. When he left to live in Cork some 30 years ago, he took up the position of Beara Board delegate and when he had something to say he said it, but their was never any malice. He liked nothing better than coming down to Castletownbere and meeting up with all the clan. "It has been a particularly bad year for the Beara GAA with three stalwarts going to their eternal reward; John L. O'Sullivan, Tony Carey and Gerard Batt O'Sullivan. One thing for sure Gerard Batt has passed to his eternal reward, but his legacy will last. 0"As we say farewell to Gerard we are mindful of the day when we will meet again in the next life and, if they play Gaelic football in Heaven we are sure to recognise him for he will be wearing the number 3 jersey, and if St. Peter turns his back he will be the fellow taking the kick out from his hands. To his wife Phyl, son Ronan, brothers Barry and David all his relations and many friends I extend my deepest sympathy." Both at the removal and funeral a guard of honour from members of Cork County Board, Beara Board and the Castletownbere Club was formed. The coffin was draped with the Cork and Beara colours and had Ger's No 3 jersey on it. Ger lived the good life he fought the good fight and then in the words of the bard went like the river 'foaming over the precipice' to his eternal reward. As was said of the noblest Roman of them all Brutus, "his life was gentle and the elements so mixed in him that nature might stand up and say to all the world "This was a man." To his wife Phyl, son Ronan brother's David and Barry and other reiatives, we extend sincere sympathy. Courtesy of the Southern Star 05/07/2008 Tweet

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