James de C O’Sullivan

James O’Sullivan was prominent in bridge organization in Queensland and Australia over some decades. He was a member of the Council of the QBA from 1967 to 1971, and during that time was Association Secretary for three years and President in 1971.

As a player, he was twice a member of successful teams at the Queensland Championships, and was a non-playing captain of two Queensland teams at the National Championships. In later years, though, his heavy involvement in bridge administration and business allowed him little time for playing at the table.

In 1972, he was elected as President of the Australian Bridge Federation, and continued in that position until his death in 1982 – the longest serving President of the Federation to that time. During his period as President, a number of important changes were instituted. Among these were the alterations to the constitution, which gave the federal executive increased power in relation to the states, the institution of the first National Open Teams Championship, and the opening up of the Australian Team Trials. It was certainly fitting that the ABF later established the O’Sullivan Foundation in his memory to assist affiliated clubs with loans.

Altogether, a great contributor to the game of bridge in Queensland, and one of the game’s most distinguished administrators at the national and international level. In his honour, the QBA has included in its trophy list the James O’Sullivan Trophy. Further details on his career may be found in Mind Games – A Biographical History of Bridge in Queensland.