Ned O’Sullivan
Ned O’Sullivan is a Fianna Fail member of the Irish Parliament representing Kerry North and Limerick West. He is the spokesperson for Food and Horticulture, Health Promotion and Food Safety. He will represent the Republic of Ireland at the 2010 St. Patrick’s Celebration in Emmetsburg.

Mr. O’Sullivan was born in County Kerry and makes his home in Listowel. He is married to his wife, Madeleine and they have three sons: Sean Og, Stephen and Emmett.

He received his education at University College Dublin and St. Patrick’s College of Education, and he taught English Literature and History for a number of years. After his father retired, he took over the families’ menswear business in Listowel. At that time, he became very active in politics.

Mr. O’Sullivan served a number of terms as Mayor of Listowel (a town which has very strong links with Des Moines, IA through the Catholic priesthood in the early 20th century), and one term as Mayor of County Kerry. He was elected to the Senate in 2007.

He served as Chairman of the County Arts and Heritage Committee for many years, and his interests include: history and literature. He has published a number of volumes on local archaeology and folk history. Interestingly, he unveiled a commemorative plaque to Robert Emmett in Kerry during his last term.

The O’Sullivan Family has a long history in politics, and they were very involved in Ireland’s fight for independence. Senator O’Sullivan’s grandfather, also Ned succeeded in changing his street name from Market Street to Emmett Place way back in the days of British Rule!

Senator O’Sullivan’s wife, Madeleine was also born in Kerry. She has just taken early retirement from teaching. She stays active serving as the Director of a literary festival, and she sits as a government nominee on the board of the Chester Beatty Library in Dublin Castle.

The couple will be welcomed to Emmetsburg on Tuesday, March 16th.