There was great sadness in the Castlerea area, throughout the county and further afield at news of the death of Adrian O’Sullivan who was a legendary Gaelic footballer with Castlerea St Kevin’s, Roscommon and Connacht. His death occurred on Thursday, October 17th last.
A brilliant player, Adrian lined out either at centre half-back or in midfield, and is the only Roscommon player to have captained his county to Connacht titles at minor, U-21 and senior level.
He also won four senior championship medals with his club Castlerea St Kevin’s – in 1967, 1968, 1971 and 1973 – along with a host of underage county titles. Adrian also played for Connacht in 1969, 1970, 1971 and 1972.
Tributes have been paid from GAA figures in the county. Roscommon GAA County Board Chairperson Brian Carroll said: “On behalf of Roscommon GAA, I extend my deepest sympathy on the sad passing of Adrian to his brother Declan, sister Mary, and his extended family”.
Long-time friend Danny Burke told the Roscommon People: “Adrian was a fantastic footballer. Very talented, he was a natural leader for club and county”.
Adrian, who was in his mid-70s, passed away at the Abbey Haven Nursing Home after a short illness. He is survived by his brother Declan, sister Mary, sisters-in-law Anita and Karen, nieces Clare and Caroline, grandniece, grandnephews, cousins, relatives, neighbours and friends.
Following the removal from Gaynor’s Funeral Home, Castlerea to St Patrick’s Church on Monday, Funeral Mass followed on Tuesday, with burial afterwards in St Joseph’s Cemetery.
*A minute’s silence in memory of Adrian was observed before last Sunday’s county senior final in Dr Hyde Park. May he rest in peace.
