The disappearance of Patsy O'Sullivan: 'He was gay...we all knew, but it was never said'

Patrick 'Patsy' O'Sullivan went missing 34 years ago. Earlier this week, it was revealed that he had been located deceased in England 

Jerry O'Sullivan recalls the "physical and mental" abuse his brother Patsy received due to his sexuality. 

'Flamboyant' Mallow chef Patsy O'Sullivan vanished in 1992 at the age of 35.

His family learned recently after three decades of searching, that he had been living with his husband in London since 1994, having taken his husband's name, Aldridge. 

Patsy died in 2024, leaving their questions unanswered, but thanks to his carer Tina, they have been united with the Aldridge family, who can fill in the missing pieces of his life.

Before his disappearance Patsy had been hospitalised with mental health issues, but his brother Jerry's biggest fear was always that somebody else had harmed his soft, gentle brother.

Patsy's family were aware of his sexuality, but it was never acknowledged or discussed. 

In today's episode, Jerry recalls the "physical and mental" abuse Patsy received due to his sexuality — and remembers avoiding his brother's company in public for fear of the abuse that would be directed at him.

Declan Flynn had been murdered because of his sexuality in Fairview Park in 1982, and it was a crime in Ireland to be gay until 1993.

Jerry O'Sullivan is Deirdre's guest on today's episode of the Deirdre O'Shaughnessy Podcast.