Heartbreak at the passing of 'community orientated' Limerick man
DEEP sadness looms over Kilfinane and the wider Limerick community at the passing of "everyone's friend", Donie O'Sullivan Snr.
In his 85th year, and "a friend to all", Donie had a huge influence in his community of Kilfinane as a lifelong member of Blackrock GAA, while also founding the Kilfinane Photographic Society.
After he was made caretaker of the local school, Scoil Pól, in the 1980s, he retired and was afterwards succeeded by his son Thomas who currently fills the role.
Blackrock GAA club expressed their condolences on Facebook, saying: "Donie was a lifelong member of Blackrock GAA, a hurler, officer, caretaker of the field for many many years and Club President for many years.
"Donie never missed a meeting or a match and would be found in the middle of the field to celebrate our victories. We are heartbroken at his passing but he will join his beloved Kathleen.
"To the wide and extensive O’Sullivan and Kennedy families, especially Donie Jnr, Marie, Jose, Tommy and Brid, his beloved sons and daughters in law, grandchildren and great grand child, brothers and sisters, nephews, nieces, cousins and all relations and friends we extend our deepest sympathy.
"Many of the family are very active in the club and our thoughts are with you all."
A friend, through the GAA and photographic society, Hugh Murphy spoke highly of late Donie, saying: "He was very active in the community, including with the South GAA board.
"Kilfinane Photographic Society was formed in 2011 and Donie was a founding member. We publish books for Kilfinane every year and he was involved in all productions, and was still a member up until the time of his death."
"He died as he lived, he was everyone's friend," he stated. "He was community orientated, and very well known because he was very obliging to all he was concerned with."
Recently predeceased by his wife Kathleen, Donie is survived by his five children, Donie Jnr, Marie, Jose, Tommy, and Brid, his sons and daughters in law, brothers and sisters, nieces, nephews, cousins, grandchildren, and great grand child.
Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.