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Statement by President Michael D. Higgins on the death of Toddy O’Sullivan

Date: Sun 12th Dec, 2021 | 13:41

“Toddy O’Sullivan will be remembered as one of the most warm-hearted members of the Oireachtas. Having had the privilege of being a colleague of his for decades, I can attest to that.

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.

All of us who were members of the Federated Workers’ Union of Ireland (F.W.U.I.) can recall what a principled trade unionist he was.

As a T.D., as a Minister of State he made a fine contribution. He did so also as Lord Mayor of Cork – a personal highlight for him during a lifetime in local representation.

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