Mark Francis O?Sullivan

Mark Francis O’Sullivan was born and raised in Coventry to Irish parents from Waterford and County Down. After losing his mother at a young age, he spent all his childhood summers in Comber County Down. In his own words, despite losing his mother at a young age, he had a wonderful childhood - because of his family in Comber. He struggled through his late teens, dropping out of school and drifted aimlessly. Alcohol played a large part in his late teens and early 20’s and it wasn’t long before it had a negative impact on his life. At 23, he made the life-changing decision to move to Comber, County Down, where he began his recovery journey and has now been sober for 35 years.

Over the years, Mark worked his way up in the fire protection industry before becoming a driving instructor. His memoir, Staying Sober: What 35 Years Without a Drink Has Taught Me, shares the honest lessons, setbacks, and hard-won insights from a life rebuilt without alcohol.