Community shocked after tragic death of Mark O’Sullivan

An air of profound sadness, shock, and devastation gripped the local community on Saturday evening last when news filtered through that 45-year-old local man Mark O’Sullivan succumbed to his injuries after a motorcycle accident on the Williamstown Road.

Mark, who was well-known in the Waterford area for his work in security with CCS Manguard, where he was a popular employee for over 25 years, lost his life when the motorbike that he was travelling on collided with a car on the outskirts of Waterford City.

The married father of four was rushed to nearby University Hospital Waterford, where he later died. Since news broke of his death, there has been a widespread outpouring of grief for the lovable Ballygunner native, who will be remembered for his “unwavering work ethic” and “professionalism”.

In a statement, his place of work, CCS Manguard, said: “It is with profound sadness that we share the news of the passing of our friend and colleague, Mark O’Sullivan, Senior Security and Facilities Manager with Manguard Plus Limited.

“Mark gave 25 years of dedicated service to Manguard Plus. His professionalism, unwavering work ethic, and can-do attitude inspired all who had the privilege to work alongside him. He was known not just for his skill and commitment but for his kindness, generosity, and willingness to help anyone, at any time.

“Mark will be deeply missed by his colleagues across the company, and our thoughts and heartfelt sympathies are with his wife Tanya, his children Ryan, Brooke, Amelia, and Chloe, his wider family, friends, and all who knew him.” 

Mark’s funeral Mass will be celebrated in St. Mary’s Church, Ballygunner, tomorrow (Wednesday) at 11.30am, having reposed at Thompson’s Funeral Home on Tuesday, from 7pm-8.30pm, with rosary at 8pm.

Déise bikers, of which Mark was a proud member, have asked a family request that “as many bikes turn up as possible to give Mark a send-off he’d be proud of”.

They added: “Anyone who knew Mark knows he absolutely loved bikes, so it would be a fitting tribute. Hope to see as many bikes as possible there on the day.” 

Mark will be laid to rest in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Ballygunner, following his funeral Mass.

He 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.