As the Poc Fada approaches tomorrow, we remember former Chairman Jim O’Sullivan who had a vital role in the promotion of the Poc Fada and always volunteered.

Big thanks to The Echo, Denis Hurley, and the contributors to this brilliant piece on Jim and his involvement in the club. ⚫️🟠

Extract from the article on the echo:

While 2023 was the year that Na Piarsaigh said goodbye to former chairperson Jim O’Sullivan, the man affectionately known ‘the Taoiseach’ will be remembered with fondness and pride.

Jim died in August, surrounded by his family at Bon Secours Hospital, where the staff had provided such magnificent care. He has left a legacy of dedication and devotion to his beloved Na Piarsaigh and his spirit will live on through those who continue to fly the club’s flag.

Jim was an ordinary man with extraordinary talents. His skills and talent in both hurling and football were obvious from the start. Then, after he finished his playing career, Jim took to repaying the care and dedication given to him and his team mates by returning the compliment by giving the rest of his life helping everyone in all sections of the club.

Jim’s enthusiasm was obvious from the word go and as a mentor or coach, manager or chairperson, he was always approachable.

His organisational skills were shown by his summer camps for both boys and girls and his charming personality was infectious, on and off the pitch. He was a beautiful singer, a great story-teller and was great company along with his one true love, Merdette.

Jim’s association with the club’s poc fada each Christmas was legendary and this was a great social occasion where both young and old, present and past players came together.

Jim’s strength of character and strong belief in his faith were evident in the last few years of his life. When faced with a terrible illness, he, along with his beloved wife Merdette and his three sons, Ken, Shane and Alan and other family members and friends, fought the good fight for as long as he could.

In 2022, Na Piarsaigh held a fundraiser for Jim and his family and one of the committee members involved, Denis O’Neill, outlined the extent of his involvement in the club.

“He was a mentor to our first Féile team in 1972, we were beaten by Old Christians in Limerick,” he said.

“He later became involved with the senior section, filling a number of roles on the committee, and he became chairman in 2009.

“He gave great service to the club and he was an accomplished hurler and footballer at senior level. His sons played with us as well, Ken and Shane. His brother Jerome was a senior selector when we won our second county senior title in 1995, so the family would always have been heavily involved.”

O’Neill also outlined the key role played by Jim during his tenure as chairperson.

“We had some difficult times with numbers dropping in the underage section as we had no houses being built in the area,” he said.

“The population was falling but Jim worked very hard to keep the show on the road and great credit is due to him for that.”

The outpouring of grief and sadness at his passing was incredible but so richly deserved. His funeral was a show of love and thanks from all who knew him and it was the least Na Piarsaigh could do to honour one of the greatest clubmen the club has ever seen.

Ní fheicfimid a leithéid aís.