Sport legends fundraise for Cork girl who lost legs on farm
The 'Stand for Féile' fundraiser has been joined by a broad range of sports stars after Féile O'Sullivan suffered the life-altering incident in which she suffered severe lower abdominal injuries.
Féile, who is from Allihies on the Beara Peninsula, currently remains in hospital at CHI Crumlin in Dublin. Féile lost her legs in a farm accident. Pic: 'Stand for Féile' fundraiser.
She has undergone around 30 operations and procedures, including the amputation of both legs.
Former Kerry footballer and seasoned rugby player Mick Galwey is the latest sportsperson to support the fundraiser.
He has joined with a number of GAA stars, including Cork's Patrick Horgan, All-Ireland winning Tipperary hurler Darragh Stakelum and Clare legend Anthony Daly, in posting videos of their support online.
Féile's club, Garnish GAA, launched the appeal nine days ago with the permission of her family to help raise funds for her rehabilitation in the months and years ahead.
The fundraiser has raised over €468,000 so far.
The accident occurred just before Féile's 13th birthday and she has shown 'great strength and bravery' in the weeks since.
Féile will require intensive care for months, followed by intensive rehabilitation, and a complete adjustment to a new way of life.
The fundraiser states: 'Anyone lucky enough to know Féile will tell you how full of life, energy, fun, kindness and what a pure messer she is.
'She adores dogs and horses. Farming is in her blood, and she loves everything about nature, outdoors, staying active.
'She's also a true sports star – whether football, soccer, gymnastics, or anything involving movement and fun, Féile is always giving it her all, with a smile and a sparkle in her eyes.
'This accident hasn't changed who she is, but has just changed what she now needs.' Féile will require intensive care and rehabilitation. Pic: 'Stand for Féile' fundraiser
Féile's family, along with her community, are all 'heartbroken' and are preparing for the 'enormous' emotional and financial toll.
Garnish GAA Development Officer and Cork County Councillor Finbarr Harrington says they are overwhelmed by the response to their appeal saying it has been 'phenomenal'.
He remarked: '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.'
As well as the online challenge, fundraising events are also being organized locally from cakes sales to sea-kayaking.
Harrington added that Féile is a 'unbelievably outgoing girl' and that every donation 'no matter how big or small will go directly towards Féile's care'.
He said: '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.'
People can donate here.
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