Anyone who writes the history at the Centenary of one of his long-affiliated sailing clubs in 1984, and then writes the history of his other club at its 150th (Sesquicentennial) some 36 years later in 2020, is clearly someone profoundly committed to the legends and lore of our highly individualistic sport.
In those circumstances, you might expect that his interest is academic rather than active. But Donal O'Sullivan – longtime Honorary Secretary of Dublin Bay SC and its Centenary history writer in 1984, and more recently historian of the National Yacht Club with his new Chronicles of the NYC published three week ago - is very much a longtime 'actif' in the Dublin Bay racing scene afloat, as is revealed in the touching dedication to his new NYC book, which reads:
"In memory of my dear wife Maureen who, with perfect good humour, put up with her husband's sailing activities for over 53 years"
To all his books and writings, Donal O'Sullivan brings a depth and breadth of culture and erudition of which enables him to put our sometimes narrowly-focused sport into its larger context, thereby defining its proper role in the national narrative. It is an honour to make him "Sailor of the Month" for November.
The National Yacht Club in modern times. Donal O'Sullivan's erudite new Chronicles of the club have greatly increased our understanding of its significance and place in Irish and international life.
