Eamon O'Sullivan and the Gaelic Athletic Assocation (GAA): occupational therapy influences on Gaelic football

Dr. Eamon O’Sullivan (1897-1966) was a psychiatrist, the Resident Medical Superintendent in the Killarney Psychiatric Hospital and a pioneer of Occupational Therapy in Ireland (Fogarty 2007; Pettigrew et al 2013). On retirement, he published ‘Textbook of Occupational Therapy with Chief Reference to Psychological Medicine’ in 1955 (O’Sullivan 1955), one of the first psychosocial Occupational Therapy books in Europe (Pettigrew et al 2013). O’Sullivan’s contribution to Irish Occupational Therapy was unrecognized until the discovery of the textbook by the research team in the University of Limerick in 2012 (Dunne et al, 2014). However, his involvement with the Gaelic Athletic Association has been widely acknowledged. He was the trainer of the Kerry Senior Gaelic football team from 1925-1962, winning eight All-Ireland Finals (Fogarty 2007). This paper examines if the concepts of Occupational Therapy influenced O’Sullivan as a football trainer. Methods: This study used historical documentary analysis of secondary sources including his textbook on Occupational Therapy. Data was analysed using Braun and Clarke’s (2006) framework for thematic analysis. Findings: The influence of Occupational Therapy can be seen through O’Sullivan’s use of concepts such as roles, routines and habits and his endorsement of the idea of balance. Conclusion: Through the promotion of Occupational Therapy concepts and his advocacy for balance, the influence of the profession on Dr. O’Sullivan’s work as a football trainer can be clearly seen. Application to Practice: This study highlights the importance of taking a historical perspective to explore the influence of Occupational Therapy concepts beyond the discipline.