Galway community mourns death of local auctioneer and rugby hero – ‘A giant of a man'
Tributes have been paid to local Galway auctioneer, teacher and Connemara rugby hero Matt O'Sullivan, who passed away on Tuesday, August 19.
A proud representative and former president of Connemara RFC, the Clifden native has been remembered for being a 'giant of a man' both on and off the pitch and 'one of Connemara's greatest characters', with many paying tributes to the love he possessed for his family and the local area.
Matthias, better known as Matt, passed away peacefully at his home in Ardbear Clifden, surrounded by his heartbroken wife Eileen and his much-adored children, Aveline, Damian, Ronan, Sinéad, Sorcha and John.
A condolence left on Mr O'Sullivan's death notice said: 'Sincere condolences to Eileen, all the O'Sullivan family and extended families on the sad passing of Matt.
'A giant of a man on and off the rugby pitch. One of Connemara RFC's finest players and ambassadors. Always enjoyed meeting Matt on his many visits to Corinthians RFC over the years. May his gentle soul rest in peace.'
Another paid tribute to Mr O'Sullivan's time as a teacher in Clifden, saying: 'My deepest sympathy to Eileen and all the family on the death of Matt. One of Connemara's greatest characters.
'Memories of him as our Latin [and] Irish teacher in Clifden Community School and later working for him in his real estate business. Many stories I could tell...all good. Rest in Peace.'
The players and management of Connemara RFC's first team also paid tribute to the local rugby hero.
'Our sincere condolences to Eileen and family on the sad loss of Matt, he did so much for the club over the years, he was president when we won the league in 2014/15, and he was a proud man the day we won it. Matt you were a gent and a character, may you rest in peace, God Bless and thank you for everything,' they said.
Mr O'Sullivan is remembered by his twelve grandchildren, Isabelle, Finn, Juliette, Ashlynn, Matthew, Jack, Luke, Róise, Sorcha, Patrick, Thomas, and Caelan, his sons-in-law Denis, John P and Alan and daughters-in-laws Cliodhna, and Robynn. He is also remembered by his siblings John, Michael, Sr. Anne and Sheila, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, extended family, neighbours and a large circle of friends.
He will repose in the funeral home of the Church of the Holy Family, Ballyconneely on Thursday, August 21, from 4pm until 8pm.
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The funeral Mass for Matt O'Sullivan will take place at St Joseph's Church, Clifden on Friday, August 22, at 11am followed by burial to Ardbear Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, Mr Kelly's family have requested donations, if desired, to be sent to Galway Hospice or the Irish Cancer Society.
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