Leading figures from the world of horseracing joined hundreds of mourners at the funeral of Irish jockey Michael O’Sullivan, who died after falling from his horse earlier this month.
Racehorse trainer Willie Mullins and his son, jockey, Patrick Mullins, and former jockey Ruby Walsh, were among those at the service at John the Baptist Church in Glantane, in County Cork, on Wednesday.
O’Sullivan, 24, died in hospital on Sunday from injuries he suffered in a fall at Thurles Racecourse in County Tipperary on 6 February.
Priest Father Gerard Coleman said the jockey lived life to the full in a requiem mass, adding that he packed more into his 24 years than most people do in two lifetimes.
O’Sullivan had maturity beyond his years, he said, and a “tremendous understanding”.
“He understood his horses and that’s why he was such a great rider. But he also understood people and that is why he made a lasting impression on everyone and won the hearts of the Irish people,” said Father Coleman.
“Everyone loved him. He was an incredibly talented and dedicated sportsman and will never be forgotten.”
The jockey was riding the horse Wee Charlie, for trainer Gerard O’Leary, when he sustained the fatal injuries.
He was one of three fallers at the final fence in a two-mile handicap chase at Thurles and the rest of the meeting was abandoned.
He was airlifted to the intensive care unit at Cork University Hospital, where he died surrounded by his family in the early hours of Sunday.
O’Sullivan shot to prominence on the opening day of the 2023 Cheltenham Festival, headlined by his Supreme Novices’ Hurdle win on Marine Nationale, just months after turning professional.
His coffin was brought to the church from his home in nearby Lombardstown.
Young members of the Duhallow Pony Club formed a guard of honour as the cortege passed by in pouring rain.
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O’Sullivan’s riding whip, and a jersey of his local GAA club Kilshannig were put at the front of the church, along with his university degree parchment and family photo albums.
The jockey’s partner Charlotte spoke of her endless love for him in a poem she read to the church.
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After the funeral, a horse led the procession to St John’s Cemetery for the burial.
A minute’s silence was held at the afternoon meetings at Ludlow and Doncaster.
