Irish jockey Michael O'Sullivan's cause of death confirmed as inquest hears rider died from ‘traumatic brain injury'
CHELTENHAM Festival-winning jockey Michael O'Sullivan died from a 'severe, traumatic brain injury' due to a horse riding accident, his inquest has heard.
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Michael O'Sullivan fell from his horse while racing at Thurles earlier this year
Credit: PA
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He suffered a 'severe, traumatic brain injury'
Credit: PA
Dr Bolster carried out a
Mr O'Sullivan, from Currabower, Lombardstown, Co Cork died at Cork University
The jockey was airlifted to hospital following the serious last fence fall in Thurles, Co
He was just days short of his 25th birthday when he passed away ten days later.
READ MORE IN HORSE RACING
Sergeant Aisling Murphy requested an adjournment of the inquest into the death of the champion jockey to facilitate 'preparatory work'.
Cork City Coroner Philip Comyn said the inquest was being opened for the purpose of hearing medical evidence on the cause of death so that a death certificate could be issued to the
Inspector Justin Walsh, from the Health and Safety Authority, confirmed that their
Solicitor Denis Linehan, who represents the O'Sullivan family, was also in attendance at the inquest.
Most read in The Irish Sun
A full hearing of the case will take place at a later date.
Michael is survived by his parents William and Bernie, his brother Alan, his partner Charlotte and his grandmother Mary.
Michael O'Sullivan's girlfriend hugs jockey Seán Flanagan after Marine Nationale wins at Cheltenham
Michael shot to public attention in 2023 when he won the Supreme Novices' Hurdle at
In an incredible twist of fate, both horses also won at the Festival this year, just under a month after he was laid to rest.
LIFELONG DREAM
His father William told mourners that
He said that he had his heart set on being a jockey from an early age.
Meanwhile, Michael's brother Alan and his cousins, David O'Sullivan and Sonny McCartan, recently took part in the Cork City Marathon to raise funds for Bru Columbanus, a
throughout the county.
They decided to raise funds for the site in Wilton in Cork as it was a 'safe haven' for the O'Sullivan family when Michael was in intensive care.
Over €94,000 has been raised for the charity so far.
Donations can still be made online at
www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/MichaelOSullivanFamily.
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Huge crowds attended his funeral at St John the Baptist Church in Glantane, Co Cork on February 19
Credit: PA
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Michael shot to public attention in 2023 when he won the Supreme Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham
Credit: PA
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