Prof. Luke O Neill, Breda O’Sullivan and Cllr. Gillian Coughlan County Mayor Pictured at the Professor Gerry O’Sullivan Memorial Park in Caheragh, West Cork . hool and continued to spend free time in later life. For more see www.caheraghmemorialpark.com/
Photography Gerard McCarthy Photography 087 8537228
Survivors Day, Sunday June 5, a West Cork community came together to honour the late Professor Gerry O’Sullivan, a pioneer in the field of cancer research, and founder of Cork Cancer Research Centre and the national charity Breakthrough Cancer Research.
A life-sized statue was unveiled in the Professor Gerry O’Sullivan Memorial Park, Caheragh, by the Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr. Gillian Coughlan and Professor of Sullivan’s widow Breda and family. They were be joined by friends, family and colleagues from all over country and as far as the US, along with neighbours and the wider West Cork community, as they celebrated an extraordinary life dedicated to helping others.
The keynote speaker at the event was leading immunologist, author and broadcast personality, Prof. Luke O’Neill. As one of the world’s most influential scientists, O’Neill is a regular contributor to discussions on science and research on TV and radio in Ireland and around the world. Like many said of Prof. O’Sullivan, he has an infectious enthusiasm and belief in the power of science to help us live better lives, so those attending were inspired.
Professor O’Sullivan was a highly acclaimed surgeon, scientist and cancer researcher. His world-renowned clinical expertise was matched by his belief in the power of research to mould a better future for people with cancer.
Gerry was deeply rooted in the West Cork community. He grew up on a farm in Milleenahorna, Caheragh, Co. Cork, went to Gurrane National School, and then to St. Fachtna’s De La Salle High School in Skibbereen. He spent as much of his free time as possible ‘down West’ and religiously attended the Threshing Festival in the community every year until he passed in 2012.
In 2014, the local Caheragh community, who are immensely proud of Gerry and his accomplishments, created a ‘Science Through Nature’ themed recreational park, which was named in his honour to preserve his memory and inspire future generations.
The Kirby Family in Killeenleigh donated the 4-acre plot, which links the school and churches to the rest of the village, and the development was funded by generous private donations, Cork County Council and other voluntary groups, It is an ongoing project to create a vibrant, creative and educational space for families in the area, with plans for themed gardens denoting significant periods of Prof. Gerry’s life. There will also be a pollinator corner for a hive and honeybees, another passion of O’Sullivan.
Eight years later, the same community have come together again to commission a life size statue of the late professor, which will take centre place in the Professor Gerry O’Sullivan Memorial Park. The statue was created by sculptor Don Cronin.
