Billy O’Sullivan works with Heartbeat Killarney, a voluntary cardiac support group for those with heart disease. It is run by heart patients and carers, and is aimed at helping people to return to a normal life afterwards. Billy is encouraging men to monitor their health by attending regular check-ups. Every week in the month of January, we will share articles from Heartbeat Killarney which will provide more information on how to look after yourself. This week, Billy shares his story with us.
Billy first noticed mobility issues in 1999. While walking, he would plan deliberate stops along his route to make it seem normal, he assumed it was down to being overweight. He said: “I blamed the tightness in my chest to tension and stress. An odd time I would have a tightness in my wrists, but I put that down to lifting things too heavy for me. I muddled along this way for a year or so until I started to get severe indigestion after a bout of tension in my chest.”
Billy went to the pharmacy to obtain medication for his indigestion, and she saw his condition first-hand. The pharmacist advised him to go straight to the doctor. Billy described that moment as a wake-up call.
The pharmacist rang his doctor who saw him immediately, and Billy believes that phone call saved his life. He said: “An ECG was done, an anomaly spotted, and an appointment was booked with a Cardiologist who told me I had blockages in my veins and that an angiogram was needed.”
Billy described his experience with the doctor as very positive, saying he did not feel any anxiety waiting for his appointment. He explained: “I had the Angiogram and was referred to a heart surgeon who told me I needed surgery and would get an appointment in three months. In the meantime, I was to follow his instructions on how to keep my heart safe and got an emergency number to call if needed.”
This happened around the end of November; Billy wanted a family Christmas before his stay in hospital. In early December, he got a phone call asking if he would like his operation earlier due to a cancellation. He accepted it! Billy had his triple heart bypass and was home in time for Christmas.
Heartbeat Killarney is planning a special meeting and clinic on Tuesday, January 27. Billy is inviting men from 30 plus to attend on the night and learn more about how to look after their health.

Killarney transport firm O’Callaghan Coaches honoured long-serving staff member Kevin O’Sullivan at their annual Christmas party held at the Fáilte Hotel last week.

O’Sullivan was officially inducted into the O’Callaghan Coaches Hall of Fame, joining company founders James and Lena O’Callaghan, as well as Denis Lynch and Mike Moynihan, in recognition of his service.

Kevin O’Sullivan joined the business over 30 years ago. His early career involved driving taxis around Killarney town at night, while operating school buses and private hire coaches during the day.

“Kevin began his journey with us over 30 years ago, working at the very foundations of the modern company we know today,” said Philip O’Callaghan. “It was this level of commitment and work ethic in those early years that helped shape the company’s growth and success.”

The evening also saw Michael O’Keeffe named ‘Person of the Year’.

The award is decided by a vote among company employees, and O’Keeffe is the second person to receive the title.

The event capped off a significant year for the Killarney-based operator.

O’Callaghan Coaches was recently named Ireland’s Best Small Workplace for 2025 and received Fáilte Ireland’s Outstanding Employer Award for both 2024 and 2025.