Cricket Leinster would like to record our heartfelt thanks and appreciation to Brian O’Sullivan for his brilliant contribution to youth cricket in the province over the past two decades.
Brian’s contribution has been immense and he is synonymous with the growth and development of our youth club cricket programme working tirelessly to ensure as much youth cricket was played as possible each season.
We asked his long-time friend and fellow underage administrator, Jim Bennett, to summarise Brian’s involvement over many years:
‘Brian O’Sullivan joined Clontarf CC in 1977 along with his great friend, Dermot Gunn. Brian played with the junior sides for some time, but it was an administrator that he came into his own. He served for a very lengthy period as youth representative for Clontarf, and he presided over an era of unprecedented success for Clontarf at youth level, with Leinster and All-Ireland trophies being won with great regularity, the highlight possibly being a win over Donemana at U15 level.
At the start of the 21st Century, Brian was asked to become Chairperson of the LCU Committee, but he was always uneasy with being in the limelight, and as a compromise, he agreed to take on the role of Results & Fixtures Co-Ordinator.
This role expanded out of all recognition mainly because the number of leagues and cup competitions increased, and it is now a huge administrative task which Brian has fulfilled with great efficiency, tact and at times, firmness. He has ensured that all competitions are completed on the due dates, and he has officiated at countless award ceremonies over the years.
If that wasn’t enough, he also agreed to assist with the administration of Cricket Ireland’s youth competitions. In this role, he co-ordinated the inter-provincial and inter-regional games at U11, U13, U15 and U17 levels. He was centrally involved in the All-Ireland Youth Club Cups at U11, U13 and U15 levels becoming very prestigious competitions, and he maintained a very efficient database of contacts so that cup finals were played before the end of each season.
Brian O’Sullivan is first and foremost a gentleman. He has always demonstrated his commitment to fair play and to enabling young people to enjoy the great game of cricket. He has enjoyed harmonious relationships with administrators, parents and players throughout the country, and he has always been a very welcome visitor to the many clubs which he has visited. As he steps down from his many roles in cricket, we take this opportunity to wish Brian and his family many years of health and happiness.’
We will appropriately recognise Brian’s contribution at our AGM (in November) and in the meantime, we wish him a well deserved retirement from his role in Cricket Leinster.
Thanks for everything Brian, it is very much appreciated.