Cork mourns as star jockey laid to rest

There are dark, heavy clouds over North Cork this morning following the funeral of local jockey Michael O’Sullivan yesterday.

Mourners at St John the Baptist Church in Glantane heard from Michael’s heartbroken father William how his son, an avid GAA fan and lover of music, would want them all to heal over time.

“Michael was a joy from the start. Despite having quiet parents, he was a very chatty toddler, always inquisitive,” said Mr O’Sullivan as he addressed the congregation.

“Michael was a smart boy, so school was no difficulty. It was there he made some great friends and developed an interest in sport,” he added.

With Micheal’s passion for racing, his father said that going to university was “never a given” but that he was willing to compromise. “He agreed to go as long as he could pursue his riding career,” said Mr O’Sullivan.

“We have it from good authority that he went to the racecourse during lectures, but despite this was awarded an honours degree in agricultural science.

“Michael was fixed on being a jockey from a young age. Many an evening I came home to find Michael and Alan riding the couch while watching videos of point-to-point rides.

“While we are broken hearted, we will now focus on what Michael would want for us,” added Michael’s father.

In a touching eulogy, a local parish priest said Michael’s parents couldn’t have asked for a better son and described him as a man with “maturity beyond his years”.

“Michael had tremendous understanding, he understood his horses, and that’s why he was such a great rider, but he also understood people and that’s why he made a lasting impression on everyone and won the hearts of the Irish people. Everyone loved him. He was an incredibly, talented, dedicated sportsman that will never be forgotten,” he said.

Michael O’Sullivan, a talented Cheltenham-winning jockey, died on Sunday morning at CUH having been in an induced coma since falling from Wee Charlie at Thurles on 6 February. His death came five days short of his 25th birthday.

He first turned heads after riding a double on the opening day of the 2023 Cheltenham Festival just a few months after turning professional. Overall, he rode 90 winners in Ireland in his short career, and five in Britain.

Paying tribute to Mr O’Sullivan, Suzanne Eade, CEO of Horse Racing Ireland, said: “Everyone’s thoughts are with Michael’s parents William and Bernadette, his brother Alan, his wider family and with his many friends and colleagues. To them all, we offer our sincerest condolences.

“Coming from a background steeped in racing, Michael made his start in the point-to-point field while a secondary school student and he made his name on the racecourse with a university degree under his belt. A champion under 21 point-to-point rider, Michael began the 2022/2023 season as a 7lbs claiming amateur and ended the term as our champion conditional jockey with three Grade 1 winners to his name.

“Michael was a gentleman. He was loved and respected by all who knew him, and everyone can be proud of his many achievements, both on and off the racecourse.

“Michael will be much missed, and he will be widely mourned. May he rest in peace,” added Ms Eade.

Micheal leaves behind parents Bernie and William, brother Alan, partner Charlotte, and extended family.

He was laid to rest in St John’s Cemetery, Glantane, Mallow.