KERRY PERSON OF THE YEAR DINNER DANCE 2010
Posted by Tara Cronin (tara) on Oct 21 2010 at 11:04 PM
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Killarney native Noel O’Sullivan has been selected as the Kerry Association London Person of the Year for 2010.

O’Sullivan, who hails from the townland of Ballaugh, just outside the town, was chosen for his varied contributions to Irish life in the British capital over the last 38 years.

He has played an instrumental role on the London Rose of Tralee committee and has helped the London centre achieve its unique double by winning the contest for the last two years. It was the first time in the Rose of Tralee’s International Festival’s 41-year history that the title was retained.

The building contractor has played a huge role in the development of Gaelic Games, not just in London but all over Britain and has served on the London County Board in some capacity, for the last 22 years. He served as GAA secretary for all of Britain between 2004 and 2006 and actively raises funds for the Kerry County Board at home by working tirelessly for the London’s division of the  Kerry Supporters club.

Ten years ago, when the Kerry Association London faced extinction, has was one of the driving forces behind its resurrection. And while not a current active member he did serve as the association’s chairman for two years until current chairman John Shea took over in 2006. 

He is one of the chief organisers of the annual Killarney Reunion in London and is a great supporter of the Guide Dogs for the Blind charity for over 20 years.

“I am overawed by this news, especially when I think of all the fine Kerry people that have got it before me,” said the 56-year-old Hendon-based man who has been in London since 1972.

 “I am very honoured and I will work closely with the association over the next year and assist in any charity events it is running. The Kerry Association London is very lucky because it is one of the most active and vibrant organisations in the city and this will become more and more important as more young people arrive from the homeland. They need to know that the association is there to help and that is why it is important to keep county associations alive.”

O’Sullivan will be presented with the Denis Reidy Memorial Shield on October 22 at the Crown Moran Hotel in Cricklewood, London.