Teenager waiting for double lung transplant to have starring role in Cork Christmas parade

Daniel O'Sullivan will join members of the Cork City Fire Brigade as they tow Santa's sleigh through the city for the Corkmas parade

Daniel O'Sullivan with Cork City firemen Ryan O'Mahony, Tom McKenzie, Josh Beecher, Colin O'Brien and John Looney of Cork City Hospital children's club. Daniel has been chosen to ride in a fire truck which will be leading Santa's sleigh in the Corkmas Christmas Parade. Picture: Eddie O'Hare

A teenage boy who is awaiting a double lung transplant is refusing to let anything get in his way as he prepares for a starring role in Cork's first ever Christmas parade.

Daniel O'Sullivan will join members of the Cork City Fire Brigade as they tow Santa's sleigh through the city.

Organised by Cork City Council, the inaugural Corkmas parade will start at 6.30pm, travelling down North Main Street, Washingston Street, and Grand Parade, before finishing up on Patrick Street, where the city's lights will be switched on to officially mark the start of Christmas in Cork.

Daniel’s appearance is testament to how far he has come in life. The Scoil Bernadette pupil’s battle with health issues began shortly after birth when his lungs were attacked with a killer virus known as Adenovirus. A specialist team from Sweden flew to Ireland and were able to successfully connect him to a heart and lung machine. 

Daniel O'Sullivan has been chosen to ride in the fire truck, which will be leading Santa's sleigh in the Corkmas Christmas Parade. Picture: Eddie O'Hare

Daniel was subsequently flown back to Stockholm where he was connected to the device for 56 days. Ever since, he has been unable to breathe independently and he requires oxygen tanks and machines to live. 

Daniel also faced other challenges growing up including a diagnosis of autism, ADHD, and an intellectual disability.

'His life is not easy'

Proud mum Deirdre said Daniel was honoured to be recognised. 

“Since he was born he has taught us so much," she said. 

"He is the happiest child. You will never see him sad or crying. At first, we used to worry so much about what was coming next, but he has shown us not only how to live life but how to enjoy every minute of it. His life is not easy. 

"Between the lungs and the bottle of oxygen he has to carry around every day he has a lot to contend with. This is not a light bottle of oxygen. He is used to it but that doesn’t make it any easier on his little back. He’s quite frail so it’s a challenge. We are lucky he goes to a wonderful school called Scoil Bernadette in Montenotte which he adores. We don’t wrap him up in cotton wool just because he has disabilities. He is treated just like any other child.”

Daniel has to bring a suitcase to school every day to facilitate his medical equipment.

“We have to be really prepared,” Deirdre explained. “We’ve often run out of oxygen which meant we were stuck at home for a few days. He is also PEG fed so we have to be sure that everything is taken into consideration.” 

Daniel O'Sullivan with Cork City firemen Ryan O'Mahony, Tom McKenzie, Josh Beecher, Colin O'Brien and John Looney, Cork City Hospital children's club. Picture: Eddie O'Hare

Daniel is excited about the parade following several weeks dominated by medical appointments.

“He was struggling for a while and the oxygen levels were dropping. Daniel has undergone a good few tests and we are now waiting to hear back from Great Ormond Street Hospital about whether they want to go ahead with the transplant or they are happy to allow Daniel continue as he is for another while. It’s a delicate call when it comes to deciding the time for getting a transplant as lung transplants only last about 10 or 15 years so we are hoping to push these lungs out a bit more.” 

The family is glad Daniel’s role in the parade incorporates his love for Cork City Fire Brigade.

“He wants to be a firefighter when he grows up so he comes prepared with his own bottle of oxygen,” she joked. “If he’s with his dad and they see a fire truck they always have to follow it. Other days he wants to be a DJ after being inspired by Stevie G from Red FM who played at a party he was at.” 

Daniel expressed his pride at being involved in such an important night for Cork city.

“It was a great opportunity to be picked by the Lord Mayor to do this. The hospital appointments are scary and annoying but this is really exciting.” 

Parade highlights

Other expected highlights of the parade include the Cork Barrack Street Band who are leading festivities.

The event will also feature the Montfort College of Performing Arts, Joan Denise Moriarty School of Dance, and the Cork Butter Exchange Band, among other performers. Students from Strawberry Hill National School will don lanterns made in conjunction with Cork Community Artlink.

Meanwhile, Cork’s Lord Mayor, Cllr Dan Boyle (Green Party) is calling on people to support the event.

“The Corkmas Parade and the turning on of the Christmas Lights marks the start of six weeks of festive activities as the countdown to Christmas in Cork officially begins,” he said. “Christmas is such a magical time for children and families and a special time to catch up with old friends. I encourage you to come to Cork City and experience all that Corkmas has on offer and be sure to shop local and support local businesses in Cork this Christmas.”