TRIBUTE TO TED O’SULLIVAN
The Story About Ted O’Sullivan, Written By His Son Sean O’Sullivan
Now Auckland hung in there for a time in the semi final, but a Vicorian team replete with superstars (and much younger ones at that) got the better of the contest and won their way into the final and the dream run of Auckland was over.
To say Ted played his role in Auckland's success was an understatement and modesty would prevent him from ever saying so, but was rarely if ever beaten all week and was universally recognised as the best No.6 in the tournament. Not bad for a 38yo in semi retirement who was looking forward to catching up with mates and watching some football
This is but one of countless examples of Ted's undying love for the GAA and its people. He would do whatever was required to ensure Gaelic Games were played and the people that played them were encouraged and looked after when times were tough.
Ted passed away in October 2020 after almost 50 years of contribution to Garryowen, Victoria and GAA in Australasia. He is missed greatly by players past and present and his memory lives on through the Ted O'Sullivan 7's tournament that Garryowen run every year. For him to know that the club is in as strong a position as it finds itself today with so many participants, male & female, irish & local would make him very pleased indeed.
Written by Ted O’Sullivans son, Sean O’Sullivan.
Ted at the tender age of 38 was well and truly passed the days of playing at the state level and easing off at club level although he never did 100% pull the pin on that ever and I do recall him saying in the build up to this carnival that he was looking forward to playing with former team mates and against former adversaries in the, then, traditional Over 35's game that was played as a pre cursor to the finals, early on the Sunday.
But fate would ensure he (and a few others who were roped in to assist) would play a much larger on field impact on that carnival than he had anticipated.
The Auckland team had troubles getting players to Melbourne for reasons long since forgotten now and arrived with no more than 11 or so players. Now Ted wasn't going to let them just forfeit there games so the rubber arm was twisted and Ted alongside a couple of "more mature" locals pulled on the boots to ensure the games got played and that the Auckland lads that did travel, got some football.
Now this was a terrific gesture appreciated by all and sundry but there was one thing the organisers didn;t take into consideration. This Auckland team made up of Kiwi's and former Vic greats were not only competing....but winning. So much so that they knocked out many other states and actually qualified for the semi finals where they would play.....VICTORIA.
Ted's impact was also felt off the field in the many and varied roles he played. From football coach for many years, including coaching (and playing alongside) his 2 children Sean & Kieran to being a massive supporter of the inaugural Garryowen Ladies team some 20 odd years ago which is now going as strong as ever. And in his last few years helping out his dear friend and fellow Garryowen legend Francie Collins with the Garryowen hurling squad, building relationships with a whole new generation of Garryowen people.
Also his work in the very construction of where games are played in Melbourne, Gaelic Park cannot be left out. In the early 80's the GAA purchased land in Keysborough and built what we have today and his role in that construction was formally recognised by Gaelic Park many years ago.
All the above show his great love for not just Garryowen but GAA in general. And his ability on field as an outstanding footballer and his love for the game overall was wonderfully displayed at the 1989 Australasian Games which was hosted in Melbourne.
n 1971 a fresh faced 19yo Kerryman, newly arrived in Australia was recruited by Paddy O'Gorman to play for the fledgling Garryowen GAA club. Throughout the 70's and 80's he played a massive role in ensuring Garryowen became a football powerhouse, winning many a league & knockout trophy along the way. Also in that time he proudly wore the No3 for Victoria on countless occasions, over that time being a regular face at many an interstate carnival as a player and later as a coach of the Victorian minor team for a few years.
