A KILLARNEY man is back at the helm of the GAA in Kerry.
Dr Crokes clubman Patrick O’Sullivan defeated Eamon Whelan of St Senans on a 127-112 vote in a two-candidate contest at the county convention in Tralee tonight.
One of the most popular personalities in the GAA, not only in Kerry but throughout much of the country, O’Sullivan – affectionately known as ‘The Bag’ – was previously chairman of the board from 2012 to 2016.
In a county in which All-Ireland titles are deemed the only real barometer of success, he was in the hotseat when Kerry last won the senior All-Ireland title in 2014 and he appointed Peter Keane as minor manager which led to the addition of three-in-a-row All-Ireland success to the two already won in a record breaking run while playing an eye-catching brand of football.
O’Sullivan, 54, who was a goalkeeper in his playing days with the black and amber, also previously served as development officer and vice chairman with the Kerry County Board and, as a dynamic fundraiser both at home and overseas, he was largely credited with being the main driving force behind the development of the new state-of-the-art centre of excellence in Currans.
When he decided to contest the position as chairman at this year’s convention, O’Sullivan declared that he had unfinished business to take care of.
The son of well-known GAA stalwart Eddie ‘Tatler’ O’Sullivan and the late Bridie, Patrick runs the busy family pub, restaurant and B+B business, the Tatler Jack, on Plunkett Street.
He is married to Frances and they have three grown-up children, Zoe, Laura and TJ.
O’Sullivan takes over from Tim Murphy, from Brosna, whose term ends due to the five-year rule.
In other contests at tonight’s convention, Liam Lynch (Austin Stacks) narrowly defeated Dermot Weeshie Lynch (Annascaul) for the position of vice chairman while Joe Costello (Blennerville) overcame a strong challenge from Rathmore’s Bernie Reen to become the new coaching officer, winning on a 124-115 vote.
All other officers were returned unopposed.
