With profound sadness, I have just learned of the passing of former Meath GAA underage football mentor John (Johnny) Sullivan. May he rest in peace.
A bastion of the St Patrick’s club in Stamullen, Johnny Sullivan was a legend when I was growing up, if you know what I mean. As a mentor with numerous county underage teams, he along several other departed Gaels, paved the way for the glories which followed at the highest level.
In their annexation of All Ireland MFC titles in 1990 and 1992 and a Final appearance in 1993. Teams managed by Paul Kenny and Christy Moore respectively and alongside whom Johnny would’ve with people such as Benny Gartland and Tommy Mahon and Patsy Duff and Oliver Harding, Lord rest them all. I cannot forget, either, my own clubman and late friend Brian Reilly, who would’ve worked alongside Johnny and the others during the leaner years which followed.
They say kindness begins at home, though, and the Sullivan family have certainly been kind to Meath GAA. The three lads – John Jnr, Peter and Cormac – having represented the county – and in Cormac’s case the country – with distinction.
Peter Captained Meath to All Ireland MFC glory in 1992 while his two brothers donned the yellow jersey between the posts for the Royal County. Peter was one player I always felt got something of a raw deal in the years after that Minor win, but his dad and, cough, little brother did the Royal County and beyond some service.
In the aftermath of that Minor win of ’92, I recall being introduced to, as I saw it, The Johnny Sullivan. The man was Meath GAA royalty, and his legacy will live on for years and generations to come.
Undoubtedly nowhere more than in Stamullen. For outside of his own lads, you can be sure the likes of Mickey McQuillan, Martin Kirk, Noel Collier, ‘Spud’ Murphy, Daithi Whyte, Barry Campbell, Paddy Muldowney and Donal Landy – to name only a handful – came under the Sullivan influence.
We all did, and were better for it. Rest in peace Johnny.