Brother and cousin of tragic jockey Michael O'Sullivan to run half marathon in his memory

Sunday World

09-05-2025

The 24-year-old Cork man had been riding the Gerard O'Leary-trained Wee Charlie in a two-mile handicap chase when he suffered a fall at Thurles Racecourse in Co Tipperary on February 6
The younger brother of tragic jockey Michael O'Sullivan and his cousin are to run a half marathon next month in his memory.
The 24-year-old Cork man had been riding the Gerard O'Leary-trained Wee Charlie in a two-mile handicap chase when he suffered a fall at Thurles Racecourse in Co Tipperary on February 6.
Michael was severely injured in the fall and was rushed to hospital, where he was placed in an induced coma.
Michael remained in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Cork University Hospital (CUH) where he died in the early hours of Sunday, February 16, just days before his 25th birthday.
His brother Alan who is also a jockey, and cousin David will be running the Cork City Half Marathon, which takes place on June 1 this year, as part of a fundraiser launched in Michael's memory.
Cork jockey Michael O'Sullivan
News in 90 Seconds - May 9th
All funds raised will go to charity Brú Columbanus, who offer free accommodation to families of patients in hospitals in Cork.
The iDonate page for the fundraiser that has raised almost €30,000 raised so far, states that when Michael was in ICU in CUH, 'Brú Columbanus became a haven for the O'Sullivan family'.
'It gave them precious time together — moments that can never be replaced.
'It provided a calm, compassionate space where they could be close to Michael, supporting him and each other during those critical days,' the page reads.
It adds that Alan and David O'Sullivan are taking on the Cork City Half Marathon to raise vital funds for Brú Columbanis, 'a charity close to their hearts'.
'This run is in honour of their beloved brother and cousin, jockey Michael O'Sullivan, and in deep appreciation for the care and support their family received during a time of unimaginable difficulty,' the fundraiser states.
The charity, which offers free accommodations, survives solely on donations.
'That's why Alan and David are lacing up their runners — to give back and help ensure other families facing crisis can find the same comfort and support,' the fundraiser adds.
In March, several members of O'Sullivan's family flew to England to attend a prestigious race in honour of the young sportsman at the Cheltenham Festival.
Back in 2023 Michael O'Sullivan had his first winners at the Cheltenham Festival, including the Supreme Novices' Hurdle win on Marine Nationale, just months after turning professional.
That race has now been renamed in honour of the tragic jockey.
Leading figures from the world of horseracing joined hundreds of mourners at Michael's funeral the previous month.
Trainer Willie Mullins, his son Patrick Mullins, and former jockey Ruby Walsh were among those at the service at John the Baptist Church in Glantane, in County Cork.
Father Gerard Coleman said the jockey lived life to the full in a requiem Mass, adding that he packed more into his 24 young years than most people do in two lifetimes.
He said he had maturity beyond his years and had 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.'
His coffin was brought to the church from his home in nearby Lombardstown and young members of the Duhallow Pony Club formed a guard of honour as the cortege passed by in pouring rain.