Michael C. O'Sullivan died surrounded by his family. It was as he would have wanted it. It was a peaceful death after a short illness borne with typical courage, determination and dignity. M. C. was, above all else, a family man. He was quiet, usually on family occasions, letting the hustle and chatter flow around him. His pride on those occasions was barely concealed in the presence of his family and beloved grandchildren. That side of him was not easily seen because he was a most private man with these emotions.
M. C. O'Sullivan was born in Cork in 1920. His early education with the Christian Brothers in Sullivan's Quay and the North Monastery left an impression on him that he acknowledged with gratitude throughout life. A Honan scholarship led him to UCC where he graduated in civil engineering in 1942. Thus began a lifelong passion for his work with a particular interest in hydrogeology. His work, initially with H. N. Walsh and after 1967 with the founding of his own firm, M. C. O'Sullivan & Co., involved an enduring association with local authorities in this country. He was involved particularly with the development of the engineering infrastructure of this country, most notably in the fields of water supply and waste water engineering. As a result, he and his firm designed such major water supply projects as those in Cork Harbour, Shannon Estuary, Mullingar and the Ballymore Eustace Treatment Plant for Dublin. In the process, his knowledge and expertise was freely acknowledged by his peers, both for his innovative and original approach to engineering design problems. He was particularly proud of the fact that his firm had been built into one of the largest wholly Irish owned engineering consultancy firms with offices in Cork and Dublin. Many of the most eminent and successful civil engineers in this country began their careers in his offices and developed their expertise under his guidance.
M. C. was at his most content at work searching for an engineering solution to a design problem that would be marked by integrity. That word "integrity" cropped up continually amongst his many colleagues and clients who attended his funeral. His sense of integrity could give rise to a certain volatility and bluntness at times, particularly when faced by bureaucracy. Anyone who worked with him could relate diverse and various stories as a result.
His early life left him with a clear appreciation of the needs of the poor or our world. However, his practical concern for them was known only to the recipients. It was again a private part of his life. Furthermore, it was a sign of his bedrock faith and religious belief. His faith was not an uncritical one but was again marked by integrity and truth. Michael's marriage to Kitty McTigue from Co Derry in 1946 was a defining moment for him. He was devoted to her and she was certainly a focal point for his life. He once said to me "I have been fortunate in many ways in life but most of all in Kitty". It is Kitty, their children and their families who will most miss Michael's presence. Ar dheis De go raibh a h-anam dilis.