30/05/2026
The O’Sullivan Clan made history in Castletownbere by setting a Guinness World Record for the largest gathering of people with the same surname, with 1,848 O’Sullivans coming together for the remarkable achievement.
Among those celebrating the occasion were Minister of State Christopher O’Sullivan and O’Sullivan Clan Chieftain Kelly Sullivan, whose grandfather was one of the famous five Sullivan brothers who served aboard the same U.S. Navy ship and tragically lost their lives when it was sunk during World War II.
As I am only one-eighth O’Sullivan, I was not included among the 1,848 official record holders. My great-grandmother was Lucy O’Sullivan, and through that family line I am descended from Major General John Sullivan, who played a significant role alongside General George Washington during the historic 1776 crossing of the Delaware River—an event that helped turn the tide in the fight for American independence.