The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
‘He squeezed lots into his short life’
THE parish of Beaufort is in mourning this week following news of the death of 31-year old Jamie O’Sullivan following a battle with cancer.
A much-loved son of Simon and Patricia and brother to Diarmuid, the Gearha native passed away last Friday after an almost-two-year battle against bowel cancer.
He was diagnosed with the disease in February 2019 and underwent intensive treatment at St Vincent’s Hospital in Dublin.
Jamie was living and working in Dublin in the IT Department of Bank of Ireland. He returned home as his condition worsened, and he sadly passed away at home surrounded by his family last week.
The news of the tragic death has saddened the parish and all that knew him, and tributes have flowed in for a young man who always ‘had a smile on his face’.
The parish came to a standstill for his Funeral on Monday but, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many were unable to attend.
However, a guard of honour, in keeping with social distancing, was held along the road from the family home to the church in Beaufort and outside Cullina National School, where Jamie attended. Friends and former class-mates released white balloons in his honour.
His brother, Diarmuid, paid tribute to Jamie this week.
“He was a lovable rogue. He was full of devilment... He was a joy to everyone he met and always had a smile on his face.”
Symbols of his life at his requiem Mass on Monday illustrated clearly that Jamie had lived his life to the full.
Among the symbols was a signed album by ‘Jungle’, his favourite band, presented to mark his love of music and music festivals. He attended Glastonbury every year.
Another symbol of his life was a children’s book penned by Jamie while he underwent treatment.
‘The Powerful Nan Nee’ written under a pen name, J A Hall, is available on Amazon. It is one of his last projects and one that the family are immensely proud to have in his memory.
“He was so talented,” said Diarmuid.
Jamie had travelled extensively in his 31 years, including to South America and southeast Asia, and he loved socialising. Puck Fair was among the highlights for him every year, and a shirt to symbolise his love of a night out was also presented at the Mass as a symbol of his life.
Mass was said by Fr Danny Broderick.
Diarmuid has thanked the community for all their support during this difficult time.
“We would like to thank everyone for the support we received from our own family and friends and from all of Jamie’s friends,” said Diarmuid.