Death of former Olympic Council President The death occurred at the Mater Hospital on Sunday January 27th of Des O Sullivan who held the position of President of the Olympic Council of Ireland for over a decade up to his retirement in 1989. Des joined Neptune Rowing Club in 1942 and in 1957 was elected Olympic Council of Ireland delegate by the Irish Amateur Rowing Union. Soon afterwards he became Honorary Treasurer of the Council whose President was Lord Killanin and Honorary Secretary Chief Superintendent Paddy Carroll. He served in this position for the Games in Rome (1960), Tokyo (1964), Mexico (1968) and Munich (1972). At the Munich Games Lord Killanin became President of the International Olympic Committee and was succeeded as OCI President by Paddy Carroll. Des O Sullivan then became Honorary General Secretary but following the death of Paddy Carroll in 1975 he succeeded to the Presidency which position he held until his retirement at the Annual General Meeting in 1989 when he was succeeded by the current President Patrick Hickey. Des who was proprietor of a retail business O Sullivan Shoes on Dublin’s Thomas St for many years was a highly respected figure in Irish Sport and along with Michael Killanin, Paddy Carroll, Dr Kevin O Flanagan, our own Brendan Foreman and others, many of whom are now also deceased, laid the strong foundations for the Olympic Movement which we have in Ireland today. His wisdom, diplomacy and enlightened leadership in May 1980 when Ireland came under pressure to support the boycott of the Moscow Olympic Games ensured that despite differing views on the issue among the Irish Olympic fraternity unanimity in the Irish Olympic Movement was maintained and the strong Team which went to Moscow took home two medals. Des was a great supporter of all sports and was kindly and helpful to athletes of all disciplines. One of his greatest strengths was his ability to understand people and thereby react appropriately to any situation which might require a diplomatic approach. He was predeceased by his wife Gertie. He was laid to rest in Glasnevin Cemetery on Wednesday January 30th. May he rest in peace! PADRAIG GRIFFIN