Latest news with #AllihiesHall
Irish Examiner
08-08-2025
- Sport
- Irish Examiner
Féile O'Sullivan's mother gives 'heartfelt thanks' for wave of community support
The mother of a sports-mad girl who lost her legs in a farm accident in West Cork has shared a emotional poem giving 'heartfelt thanks' to everyone who has supported the family in recent weeks. GAA clubs and well-known intercounty players are now calling on the public to 'Stand with Féile' to help look after the family during its difficult time. Féile O'Sullivan, 13, suffered a shocking farm accident in early July, suffering a double amputation of the legs. She has been receiving intensive medical care in Cork, and now in Dublin, since the incident took place. Her local community in Allihies and other parts of the country have rallied behind the devastated family. Féile O'Sullivan from Allihies in West Cork survived a devastating farm accident but lost both her legs. A fundraiser has already raised over €360,000 to help with future medical needs and home adaptations. Her mother Maureen, a teacher and Gaelic football coach, who played football with Cork minors and a number of club teams as well as Bantry Bay rugby club, has been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support. 'I want to express my endless gratitude for every single person who had donated, supported, shared or simply held us in your hearts,' she said. 'To those who gave money, time, energy, kind words, or prayers, you've helped build something far greater than a fundraiser. You've built a community of love and hope.' The Stand with Féile campaign is centered around a GoFundMe page titled Stand for Féile. In Maureen's poem, she said: You came like sunlight through a heavy haze, with open hearts and hands held wide, you've stood with us right by Féile's side. The fundraiser is organised by Garnish GAA along with Allihies Hall, Allihies Men's Shed, Beara LGFA, Beara Utd, Lehanmore Community Centre and Rory Doody. On Friday, Cork and Inniscarra hurler Sean O'Donoghue shared a video with his support, calling on other clubs to get behind the campaign. The support is no surprise for those who know Féile and the high regard in which she is held. Independent councillor Finbarr Harrington said: 'She is an unbelievably outgoing person, she was playing soccer, rugby, football, horse-riding, the whole thing. The poem posted on Facebook by Féile O'Sullivan's mother, Maureen O'Sullivan. 'She was very active, she's a great girl.' Speaking for the organising committee, he said they are thinking about long-term challenges including adapting the family home and specialised medical equipment. Maureen is now in Dublin with Féile at Crumlin Children's Hospital. It is expected to be a long stay due to the severe nature of her injuries. She is likely to also need care later at the National Rehabilitation Hospital, also based in Dublin. It means Maureen takes on the role of parenting in hospital. As she put it in her poem: I am her mother, I feel it all. The rise, the fear, the need not to fall. Crumlin provides for parents to stay overnight in wards. A medical social work team can advise on accommodation and other supports. Dedicated housing is available through the Ronald McDonald House and other charities. Similar wave of support for Joe Slattery Last November, a similar outpouring of support followed a life-changing injury to teenage Clare hurler Joe Slattery from Corafin. Over €740,000 was eventually raised before that fundraiser was closed. In April, the Clare minor hurling manager Ger O'Connell highlighted Joe's role during a post-match victory interview. 'Joe, if you're watching from your bed, this is for you,' he said. The boys are wearing red bands for Joe because he's part of this group. It seems clear the love and support offered to Féile and Maureen will also continue to flow in a similar fashion. Donations have come from Kerry, Leitrim, and Armagh for example as well as local donors in Allihies, Adrigole, Bantry, and other parts of Cork. Maureen's poem reflected this, when she said: "We'll carry your kindness every day. "In each small step along our way. For care like yours will always be, the strongest part of Féile's journey.' • You can donate to the Stand for Féile fundraiser by clicking here.
Irish Independent
08-08-2025
- Sport
- Irish Independent
Appeal for girl (13) who lost both legs after farm accident soars past €300,000
Féile O'Sullivan (13) was critically injured in an accident involving a tractor last month – and suffered severe lower abdominal injuries. She was rushed to Cork University Hospital (CUH) where doctors fought to save her. Ultimately, the Beara girl had to have both of her legs amputated. Special vigils were held across west Cork as people prayed for the recovery of the little girl as she remained in a critical condition. Féile has defied the odds and is now recovering thanks to the skill of doctors in Cork and Dublin. She is currently being treated in a specialist unit at a Dublin hospital – but is already determined to return to her Beara home. Her west Cork community launched a fundraiser to assist her and her family – and the reaction has stunned everyone involved. In just over a week, the appeal has raised €301,000 – with over €100,000 being donated in the first 48 hours alone. The fundraising campaign is supported by Garnish GAA, Allihies Hall, Allihies Men's Shed, Beara United and Beara LGFA. Appeal organisers said the community was determined to do something to assist the well-respected family after the shocking accident. Anyone lucky enough to know Féile will tell you how full of life, energy, fun, kindness and what a pure messer she is 'Just before her 13th birthday, our amazing Féile was in a serious farm accident, changing her life in ways no child should ever have to face,' an appeal organiser explained. 'She is currently hospitalised in critical condition, showing great strength and bravery. Our beautiful Féile has been involved in a life-changing farm accident, leaving her in critical condition in hospital. In a moment, her world was turned upside down – she suffered severe lower abdomen injuries and underwent a double leg amputation. '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 and 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.' The community wants to help her family with future medical costs, rehabilitation and home adaptations. 'The journey ahead will be long and challenging. Féile has had extensive surgeries and battled hard to still be with us. She will face many more surgeries to help her,' the organiser added. The appeal is now at 60pc of the €500,000 target.
