EVEN the Guinness World Record adjudicator​, Mr Pravin Patel, had to agree that the O'Sullivan and Sullivan gathering in Castletownbere on Sunday was fantastic fun.

Meeting a Mexican Sullivan, or visitors from Oz, and even one O'Sullivan, Emily, who was just eight-days-old, all went into the mix that saw a Guinness World Record set for the largest gathering of people with the same surname.

The number to beat was established at a Gallagher gathering in Letterkenny in September 2007 (1,488), but Beara beat them with a final score of 1,848.

Anyone who attended the event on Sunday would be forgiven for thinking there was twice that number present, but lots of people turned up just to witness the event from the side​lines, overlooking the pitch at Scoil Phobail Bhéara.

The well-organised line-up followed the production of formal proof of identity, registration and an initial body count as people went through the turnstile leading to the pitch.

There was even a Guinness World Record drone giving the proceedings the once over as everyone held the line for a full five minutes, which is part of the​ criteria for setting a world record like this.

When the numbers were added and Mr Patel came back with the official tally – 1,848 lest we forget – a huge cheer went up from the crowd.

It was a proud day for everyone in the O'Sullivan stronghold, and for the organisers, Beara Tourism, who brought joy to the region.

Mr Patel thanked everyone who took part in the event, whether they were involved in planning, co-ordination, stewarding, herding the O'Sullivans, or simply being a part of the challenge, saying: 'You have all been essential to this record attempt. Guinness World Record is about celebrating extraordinary human achievement and the power of coming together.’