A final goodbye to 'our gentle giant' - funeral takes place of popular Waterford motorbiker

A convoy of motorbike riders led the funeral procession from Thompson’s Funeral Home in Barrack Street to St. Mary’s Church, Ballygunner, on Wednesday last, August 13, as 48-year-old Mark O’Sullivan was laid to rest following his tragic death on August 9.

The married father of four was tragically killed when the motorbike that he was travelling on collided with a car on the Williamstown Road on the previous Saturday. Mark, who was a popular employee of CCS Manguard, was highly respected in the local community and was well-known for his love of motorbikes and keeping people safe.

Hundreds of mourners joined his heartbroken family inside the packed St. Mary’s Church, Ballygunner, as his wife Tanya, son Ryan, daughters Brooke, Amelia, and Chloe, and parents Nedzer and Mary, along with extended members of his family, said a heartfelt goodbye.

His funeral Mass was celebrated by Fr. Liam Power, PP, St. Mary’s, who said that it was a “great tribute to him” that so many people had come to pay their “final respects” to a man who lived “life to the full” where he’ll be missed in Williamstown, Grange Manor, Ballygunner or wherever he travelled.

In his homily, Fr. Power added: “We all experience suddenly when the electricity fails and everything goes off. Everything stops. The television is blank, the radio is silent, the cooker goes cold, and worst of al, the lights go out.

“For a while in that plunge of darkness, we feel lost and helpless. We are angry and want to know why this happened? A tragic death is just always that sudden, like that blackout. Within a minute, we are plunged into that darkness. Nothing can prepare us for the events of Mark’s death. The tragic circumstances of this awful darkness.

“What a wonderful light he shone in this life here in these short 48 years. So many people have spoken about the light that he shone on so many people. Mark has a great work ethic that was appreciated by so many here, and he was so valued and loved. He had some many management skills and people looked up to him. He was a valued manager and leader. Nothing was too trouble, and he was all obliging.

“He also had a good humour and kindness. He was a wonderful neighbour, always on hand to help out, and he was a loyal friend. He was a devoted family man, and he was a wonderful husband. What a loss he is to you, his parents, brother Keith and sisters Selena and Charlene. He was a man who gave so much and was idolised by you all.” His sister Charlene shared a communion reflection for her beloved brother, where she described him as a “gentle giant”. His son Ryan and his brother Keith delivered an eulogy where they thanked all those who sympathised with them and supported them, including the biking community.

“There was a lot to admire about Mark,” said his younger brother Keith. “He was intelligent and knew everything. You could ask his opinion or advice on any subject, and he would always have an answer for you. And usually “He was funny and loved having a laugh. He was a rock, strong and dependable, but beneath that was a sensitive soul whom he cared deeply for. He was friendly and skilled. There was nothing he couldn’t do. He was selfless and would always be there to lend a hand when needed. He worked on getting the house right for us.

“He was so generous with his time and never wanted anything in return. He was always happy to help and you don’t get that too often. He had a great skillset, positive attitude and great work ethic and he’ll be so sadly missed by us all. Goodbye to our gentle giant.” Mark was laid to rest in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Ballygunner.

Mark is survived by his loving wife Tanya, son Ryan, daughters Brooke, Amelia and Chloe, parents Edward (Nedzer) and Mary, parents-in law Des and Patricia (Cuddihy), brother Keith, sisters Selena and Charlene and their partners Brian and John, brother-in-law David, sisters-in-law Colette, Katie, Charlotte and Morgan, nephews, nieces, extended family, relatives, neighbours and friends. May he rest in peace.