Huge sadness at tragic death of John O’Sullivan
A sense of shock and sadness pervaded Enniscorthy last week as news spread of the sudden and tragic passing of John O’Sullivan (40) at his home at 52 Pearse Road. The father of three was sadly found by family members at his home on Tuesday afternoon.
A huge attendance gathered at St Aidan’s Cathedral on Thursday to bid a fond farewell to John, a true reflection of how highly thought of John was in the local community.
Born and reared at Pearse Road, John was the youngest of a large family of ten children. He attended Enniscorthy CBS and the Vocational College before going on to work at Reynaers Aluminium at The Still where he served for more than 20 years. John was said to have been extremely good at his job and was highly thought of, both by management and his colleagues. In recent years, he would’ve shared the workplace with his nephews and his eldest son Brandon who were also taken on.
John married his wife Sharon eight years ago and they lived happily on Pearse Road with their children. A loving father, John leaves behind three devastated children in Brandon (21), Lauren (7) and Nicole (4). He was devoted to his children and will be sorely missed as they attempt to cope with what is a tragic loss at such a tender age.
Apart from his family, John had a great love of fishing. He could regularly be seen heading off, fishing-rod in hand, to spend hours in contemplation on the banks of the River Slaney.
He also loved to watch soccer and, as a Chelsea fan, took great joy in seeing Antonio Conte take the league title back to Stamford Bridge last season. A really bubbly and social character, John loved nothing more than socialising with friends and could often be seen to strut his stuff on the dancefloor. He was also known to belt out a song or too, although family members recalled that he was more of a dancer than a singer!
John’s family were blown away by the level of support that they received and continue to receive in the difficult days following his passing. The Cathedral was packed to capacity as Fr Billy Swan led an emotionally charged service before John was laid to rest in St Mary’s Cemetery.
John is survived by his loving children Brandon, Lauren and Nicole; wife Sharon, siblings Patrick, Billy, Michael, Mary, Ann, Kathleen, Josephine, Trish and Janet; extended family and a large circle of friends gathered over the years. May he rest in peace.