Niamh O'Sullivan died peacefully on July 29th, three years after her beloved husband, Toddy O'Sullivan, managing director of the Gresham Hotel for almost 30 years. They were a unique couple, a perfect team, the embodiment of Irish conviviality at its best. Together, they were the soul and spirit of the Gresham when the Gresham was the soul and heart of Dublin.
True nobility is not a question of titles and deeds: it is a matter of heart and style and Niamh had both in plenty. Owing to her strong Kerry roots - she was the youngest member of a distinguished Cahirciveen family - and to her natural generosity, she was full of kindness and concern for friends in sorrow and people in need. She had a warm personality and a sharp sense of humour which made her company most enjoyable.
To be invited to the penthouse of the Gresham or to Ballycarbery, the O'Sullivan's house in Killiney, was both a treat and a privilege. One found oneself immersed in passionate and erudite discussions on Irish art, culture and social life, on Irish silver and French wines (or which Toddy was a reputed expert), and on the famous hoteliers of the world who were an inspiration to him as well as he was an inspiration to them. The company was always relaxed and witty, even when the guests included such international celebrities as Prince Rainier and Princess Grace of Monaco, John Fitzgerald Kennedy, Ingrid Bergman, Robert Taylor, Bob Hope and Bing Crosby.
Niamh was not only a perfect hostess, she was also a marvellous cook at a time when, according to a French food critic, Irish cuisine was the last sorry remnant of English colonialism! Food was not only to be tasted, it was also endlessly discussed before, during and after meals. It was a feast of the mind as well as a delicacy for the palate. Tony O'Reilly has not forgotten Niamh's creme brulee and my mouth waters when I recall the corned beef and cabbage which she used to cook specially for me.
With Toddy, she had travelled the world, north, south, east and west. They were the best ambassadors Ireland could dream of and were treated as such whether in Europe or in the States. Less than three months before she passed away, Niamh attended a wedding in the south of France, as bright, good-humoured and generous as ever.
She will be remembered for her high spirits, her warm heart and her zest for life. It is true to say that there is nobody like Toddy and Niamh around any more. A page of Dublin social life is for ever turned.
To her son Conal, her daughter-in-law Vera, her grandson Pearse, her grand-daughter Fiona, to Bertie McGarry who was a wonderful friend and support to Toddy and Niamh during all these years, and to all her more distant relatives, we offer our very sincere condolences.
P.J.