He represented a number of Irish constituencies in the House of Commons in London. First Westmeath from 1880 to 1885. He then became the first MP from Dublin College Green until he was defeated in 1892 election. Only four days later he was returned unopposed for West Donegal which he represented until he retired in 1900. He was one of the politicians from the Bantry / Beara area informally knows as the "Bantry Band".
He composed the the rebel song "God Save Ireland" which was published on 7th December 1867 and for about 40 years it served as the unofficial Irish National Anthem.
Brothers Timothy Daniel Sullivan and Alexander Martin Sullivan were MP's. Their sister, Eliza, was the mother of Thomas Joseph Healy, Timothy Healy and Maurice Healy and remarkably the three of these were Members of Parliament too. James Gilhooly, Bantry was also an MP. Castletownbere born Timothy C. Harrington, his brother Edward Harrington and William Martin Murphy were MP's also, so hence the nickname of "Bantry Band".
A plaque on the Fáilte Ireland Tourist Office (former Courthouse) on Bantry Square reads:-
THIS PLAQUE HAS BEEN ERECTED IN COMMEMORATION OF
THE BANTRY BAND
THE SULLIVANS, HEALYS, HARRINGTONS, MURPHY AND GILHOOLY,
WHOSE BRILLIANT DEFENCE OF IRELAND'S CAUSE
IN THE BRITISH HOUSE OF PARLIAMENT
WAS ACCLAIMED BY ALL IRISHMEN.
He was Lord Mayor of Dublin in 1886 and 1887. He owned and edited a number of publications, viz: The Nation, Dublin Weekly News, and Young Ireland. In December 1887 he published reports of meetings by the National League. And as a result he was convicted and imprisoned for two months.
Children baptised in Dublin on dates below were:-
Daniel Xavier (b. 6 Dec 1858). Sponsor: Marianna Healy
Alexander Maurice (b. 21 Oct 1860). Sponsors: John Healy, Catherine Sullivan
Elizabeth (b. 20 Apr 1866). Sponsors: Thomas Joseph Healy, Kate Mary Sullivan
Frances (11 Dec 1867). Sponsors: Patrick Joseph Fogarty & Anne Sullivan
Catherine Mary (b. 21 Aug 1869). Sponsors: Revd Michael O'Hea, Anna Maria Foley
Timothy (17 June 1872). Sponsors: Daniel O'Sullivan, Margaret Healy
John Joseph (b. 24 June 1873). Sponsors: Alexandra O'Sullivan, Maria O'Sullivan
Timothy (b. 1 Sept 1874). Sponsors: Timothy Canty, Helena M J O'Connor
Josephine
Alice Margaret (b. 3 Sept 1881). Sponsors: Thomas Sullivan, Julia Gill
Census 1901:
Census 1911:
Address of welcome presented by Bantry Town Commissioners in 1911
"Dear Mr Sullivan,
We the Town Commissioners of your native town, Bantry, beg to present you with an address of welcome on behalf of its people, who feel that the opportunity, which your presence amongst us affords, must not be allowed to pass, without giving some expression of the feelings of pride and admiration in which you are held by them for your long and glorious career of devotion to our countrys cause.
Only a few of our fellow townsmen now remain who are old enough to remember you as a schoolboy and playmate but all of us are well aware of your noble efforts in battling for Irelands rights, by your voice and pen, in prose and verse, in song and story; on the Platform, on the Editorial Chair, the Political Dock and Prison Cell; as Chief Magistrate of Irelands Capital City, and in the British Parliament, which has endeared your name to Irishmen the world over; and we know that the freedom and prosperity which Ireland enjoys today, as compared with what existed when as a young and ardent man, you fearlessly joined in her rescue from the ‘dissecting table’ are in a great measure due to the dauntless courage, the unpurchasable and indomitable patriotism of the heroic and gifted Irishman – T.D. Sullivan, his family and associates.
We are proud to welcome you back amongst us, to the scenes and lovely retreats of your boyhood; and we pray that you may long continue to enjoy the peaceful retirement you so well deserve, with affectionate friends and enthusiastic admirers grouped around you; and telling them in your own charming way all you felt and saw in your life long struggle for the emancipation, regeneration and happiness of our native land.
Signed on behalf of the Town Commissioners
Michael Driscoll Chairman
John O’Callaghan Town Clerk"
Timothy Daniel composed the song:
"God Save Ireland"
High upon the gallows tree, swung the noble-hearted three,
By the vengeful tyrant, stricken in their bloom.
But they met him face to face with the courage of their race,
And they went with souls undaunted to their doom.
God save Ireland said the heroes
God save Ireland said them all
"Whether on the scaffold high, or the battlefield we die
No matter when, for Ireland dear we fall!
Grit around with cruel foes, sure their courage proudly rose,
For they thought of hearts that loved them far and near.
Of the millions true and brave, o'er the ocean's swelling wave,
And the friends in Holy Ireland ever dear!
"God save Ireland said the heroes
"God save Ireland said them all.
"Whether on the scaffold high, or the battlefield we die,
No matter when, for Ireland dear we fall!
Climbed they up the rugged stair, rang their voices out in prayer,
Then with England's fatal cord about them cast.
Close beside the gallows tree, kissed like brothers lovingly,
True to home and faith, and freedom to the last!
"God save Ireland said the heroes."
"God save Ireland said them all."
"Whether on the scaffold high, or the battlefield we die,
No matter when, for Ireland dear we fall!"
Never 'til the latest day shall the memory pass away,
Of those gallant lives thus given for our land.
And on the cause must go, amidst joy and weal and woe,
'Til me make our isle a nation, free and grand!
"God save Ireland said the heroes.
"God save Ireland said them all".
"Whether on the scaffold high, or the battlefield we die,
No matter when, for Ireland dear we fall!"
