Sporting legends fundraise for girl who lost both legs
Thirteen-year-old Féile O'Sullivan from Allihies on the Beara Peninsula remains in hospital at CHI Crumlin following the life-altering farm accident in which she suffered severe lower abdominal injuries, undergoing some 30 operations & procedures, including the amputation of both legs.
Former Kerry footballer and Munster, Ireland and Lions rugby player Mick Galwey is the latest sportsperson to support the fundraiser.
He joins GAA stars, including All Ireland winning Tipperary hurler Darragh Stakelum, Cork Senior hurler Patrick Horgan and Clare legend Anthony Daly to post videos of their support online.
Féile's club Garnish GAA launched the appeal 9 days ago with the permission of her family to help raise funds for her rehabilitation in the months and years ahead.
So far, the 'Stand for Féila' challenge has raised almost €447,000.
Garnish GAA Development Officer and Cork County Councillor Councillor Finbarr Harrington says they are overwhelmed by the response to their appeal saying it has been "phenomenal".
"We are a very small club, in a small rural parish of Allihies on the Beara Peninsula, 100 miles from Cork and probably the furthermost pitch from Croke Park.
"The family are so grateful for this. We reached out to other GAA clubs in the Beara Division and further afield and to GAA stars, and they've really rowed in behind the challenge."
A first year student at Beara Community School, Councillor Harrington says the 13 year old was "an unbelievably outgoing girl, loved sports of all kinds from football to horse riding, loved the outdoors.
"This makes it (what has happened) even more difficult for her".
"She is going to face the challenge, but she has a long road ahead of her. The funds won't ease the pain of what has happened but it will take away the financial worry for her mum, Maureen".
As well as the online challenge, fundraising events are also being organized locally from cakes sales to sea-kayaking.
Councillor Harrington says every donation "no matter how big or small will go directly towards Féile's care".
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