The Late Michael O'Sullivan A learned gentleman of great integrity It was a life that began and ended on Chapel Street, Tarbert and on October 31, the bells of St. Mary's tolled for the late Michael O'Sullivan. Born in 1927 in the shadow of the church, Michael was the youngest of a family of 12. Under the experienced eye of his father, Gerald, Michael learned carpentry. A family with a reputation for excellence, he and his brothers, Paul and John, acquired a skill passed on by previous generations. In addition to celebrating the joyous occasions in life, Michael lent great dignity to sadder times. In his role as local undertaker he organised the burial of the dead with great reverence. Along with his father and brother Paul, Michael progressed the family business from horse hearse to motor hearse, a tradition upheld today by his son and grandson. Until recent years, it was with pride that Michael continued the tradition of coffin making, a task completed with great skill. A keen sportsman, he wore the No. 8 for Tarbert. His own father was one of the founding members of Tarbert GAA and, earlier this year, Michael raised the flag to herald the beginning of the club's centenary year. Himself a member of the winning team of 1948, Michael proudly watched his son, Gerald, also achieve North Kerry Championship victory. In 1954, Michael married his wife, Margaret, who sadly predeceased him seven years ago. Dedicated parents, they strived to provide their six children with the best start in life. In the early 1960s, the couple emigrated to Rochester, New York with their then five children but the pull of their native place proved too strong and, in 1968, they returned to Chapel Street for good. Michael diversifield his talents from carpenter to painter when he joined the ESB in 1978. True to his character all work was completed diligently and all his past colleagues, who paid their final respects to him earlier this month, held him in high esteem. Micheal was learned man who encouraged in his family a love of reading and a sense of history. He could easily recite the Latin matins and also many " favourite poems we learned in school". His knowledge of local and national history showed a sense of pride in place and in country. His collection of humourous anecdotes to link past with present times, the likes of which we will not hear again. The respect with which the community held him was evident in the volumes of people who marked his passing. A gentleman of great integrity he will be sadly missed by his family and those who had the privilege of making his acquaintance. "Now that his work is done, May the Lord grant him a safe lodging, a holy rest and peace at last." Ni beidh a leitheid ann aris Courtesy of the Kerryman November 2003 Tweet

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