'He loved Cork in all its dimensions': President leads tributes to Toddy O'Sullivan

The President led the tributes to Toddy O'Sullivan describing him as "one of the most warm-hearted members of the Oireachtas".

File picture: Denis Minihane

Former Labour TD, Minister of State and Lord Mayor of Cork, Toddy O’Sullivan, died this morning at the age of 87.

A major political figure in Cork city in the 1980s and 90s, his passing has been described as a huge loss for the county.

The President led the tributes to Mr O'Sullivan describing him as "one of the most warm-hearted members of the Oireachtas".

President Higgins said it was a privilege to be a colleague of his for decades.

"He loved Cork in all its dimensions, be it history, politics, sport or personality.

"He was a great friend of the late Frank Cluskey, and during Frank’s final illness, Toddy never went back to Cork without visiting him."

He said Mr O'Sullivan considered his time as Lord Mayor of Cork to be a highlight in his career.

His friends will remember him, as will I, for his warm humour, and a volatility fuelled from his sense of decency and needed reform."

Taoiseach Micheál Martin, who was first elected to Cork City Council in 1985, worked alongside Mr O’Sullivan on council for many years.

He also worked with him as part of the Fianna Fáil/Labour coalition in the early 90s.

“When I was elected to the city council in 1985, Toddy was a mentor and a friend in politics,” Mr Martin said.

“He was a real powerful force on the council and he crossed the aisle a lot because he knew it had to be done for the betterment of the city.

“He always put the city first.

“We served on the VEC together and we also worked to keep Irish Steel open - we managed to secure a stay of execution at least.

“Toddy was a man of great honesty and great integrity. He was one of nature’s gentlemen and he will be missed.”

Deeply saddened by the passing of Toddy O’Sullivan.

He served his city and country with passion, integrity, dignity and total commitment throughout his life.

We will miss him.https://t.co/D9AXZhITVz

— Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD) December 12, 2021

Labour leader Alan Kelly recalled getting to know Mr O'Sullivan as a student in UCC and said he often visited him at his home in the Lough over the years.

Mr Kelly had last visited him early last year at the outset of the Labour leadership contest as he regularly sought Mr O'Sullivan's counsel.

"Cork has lost a true gentleman, and someone who always worked hard for his city," Mr Kelly said.

"Starting from a low electoral base, Toddy worked assiduously to build the Labour Party in Cork and between the local elections of 1974 and 1979 he more than doubled his first preference vote to 1,199 in the South West ward of Cork Corporation. He went on to serve as a very successful Lord Mayor of the city he loved in 1980.

“A staunch trade unionist, he was always on hand to support his colleagues in the Post Office Workers Union and was rooted in his community in the Barrack Street area in the south inner city."

A stalwart of the Labour Party in Cork, Mr O'Sullivan first stood for the Dáil in the 1979 Cork City by-election after the death of Patrick Kerrigan.

He topped the poll in 1981 and was returned to the Dáil a further five times.

During his time in the Dáil, Mr O'Sullivan served twice as a Minister of State, first in the Department of the Environment, and during the Rainbow Government in the Department of Tourism and Trade.

"Toddy leaves behind a distinguished record of service, nationally and locally, and will continue to be an inspiration to future generations of Labour activists in Cork," said Mr Kelly.

Labour TD Sean Sherlock said that Mr O'Sullivan was highly respected across the city and county.

"There are not many public representatives in Irish politics who are known ubiquitously by their first name. Toddy was one," said Mr Sherlock.

He represented his people to the best of his ability. Our hearts go out to his family."

Another former Lord Mayor, Independent councillor, Mick Finn, has also paid his respects and said he received plenty of advice from Mr O'Sullivan when he stepped into the role.

"Toddy was an icon of Cork public life who served his city - and particularly Cork South Central - so well as a councillor, Lord Mayor, TD and junior minister.

"Despite his ‘red politics’ he was also a ‘true Blue’ when it came to his love and passion for the Barrs where he served as Club President and I know he delighted in the recent senior football county win.

"Cork has lost a giant of Cork politics, community and trade unionism."