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Irish Examiner
2 days ago
- 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
3 days ago
- 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.
Irish Examiner
3 days ago
- Sport
- Irish Examiner
'Brilliant people': Community rallies around Féile O'Sullivan after her devastating accident
A 13-year-old 'great girl' from Allihies on the Beara peninsula who lost both legs in a devastating farm accident is facing a changed life as her community rallies around in support. Féile O'Sullivan is a much-loved member of the West Cork community. The young girl had what's been described as a 'freak accident' on July 2. She was lucky to survive, with help from the local emergency services and Cork University Hospital (CUH). She is now being treated in Dublin, and her mother Maureen has been by her side every step of these terrifying weeks. A fundraiser set up with support from the family by a local committee through Garnish GAA has already raised over €333,000, but much more will be needed. Independent councillor Finbarr Harrington said: 'It was a freak accident, it happened in a split second. It's very tough on her.' Féile O'Sullivan from Allihies, Co Cork, before the freak accident on July 2. Picture via Garnish GAA He explained: 'She's lost both her legs. She is an unbelievably outgoing person, she was playing soccer, rugby, football, horse-riding, the whole thing.' The fundraising page says farming is in her blood, adding: 'This accident hasn't changed who she is, but has just changed what she now needs.' Mr Harrington praised local first responders, ambulance crew, fire brigade, and the air ambulance service, which flew her to CUH. He said: In the beginning, it was touch and go as to whether she was going to live or not. 'She's over that part of it now, which is great.' She was in CUH for a week before being moved to CHI at Crumlin. Féile is likely to be transferred later to the National Rehabilitation Hospital, also in Dublin. It will mean months away from home for Maureen, a teacher and children's officer with the club. 'Her whole life was turned upside down in one split second,' said Mr Harrington. "I was speaking to Maureen last night and Féile herself is overwhelmed by the support. 'She is so taken aback by what so many people are doing for her, giving her money and sending emails with messages of goodwill. 'She is so grateful, unbelievably grateful. She's a great girl, to be fair to her.' Féile O'Sullivan with her mother Maureen O'Sullivan before the Beara teenager lost both her legs in a devastating accident. Mr Harrington and Garnish GAA secretary Cormac MacMahon are calling on anyone who wants to help to contact them first. 'People are being brilliant. There's fundraisers running here now for the next few months,' he said. 'Anybody who wants to run a fundraiser — a coffee morning, cake sale, vintage tractor run — reach out to us and we'll link into the GoFundMe page.' The committee is already thinking about adapting the family home, specialist medical equipment, and other challenges. • You can donate to the Stand for Féile fundraiser by clicking here.
BreakingNews.ie
3 days ago
- Sport
- BreakingNews.ie
Over €300,000 raised for teen who lost legs in farming accident days before her 13th birthday
An appeal which was launched to raise funds for a girl who had to undergo a double leg amputation after a farming accident occurred just days before her 13th birthday has raised in excess of €300,000. Garnish GAA in west Cork set up a GoFundMe page in late July to pay for the medical expenses of Féile O'Sullivan. Advertisement Féile was hospitalised after she suffered serious injuries in an accident in the Beara area earlier this summer. The organisers of the fundraising drive said that the accident changed the life of Féile 'in ways no child should ever have to face". 'In a moment, her world was turned upside down — she has suffered severe lower abdomen injuries and undergone 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. Advertisement "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.' Monies raised will be given to the O'Sullivan family to pay for her medical care. Féile will require additional surgery and intensive rehabiliation, specialist care, physio therapy, emotional support and home adaptations. The youngster remains in hospital. The organisers are grateful for the outpouring of support for Féile who they describe as being 'a true warrior.' Donations can be made to the appeal here .
Wales Online
4 days ago
- Health
- Wales Online
13-year-old girl loses both legs in tragic farm accident
13-year-old girl loses both legs in tragic farm accident Féile O'Sullivan has been in hospital for over a month after the tragic accident, with a fundraiser launched to support her and her family after their lives were 'changed in a split second' Brave Féile was injured in a serious farm accident in the Beara area of West Cork days before her 13th birthday (Image: Go Fund Me) A young girl tragically lost both legs following a severe farming mishap. Féile O'Sullivan sustained injuries in the Beara area of West Cork, Ireland, over a month ago, just as she was about to celebrate her 13th birthday. A fundraising effort has been initiated as her life has changed in "ways no child should ever have to face". The courageous youngster's medical team concluded that she needed to travel to Dublin for advanced specialist care. However, her transfer was postponed for several weeks due to the uncertainty of her condition and health. Now in Dublin, Féile is demonstrating "great strength and bravery" as she embarks on an extensive rehabilitation journey. Stay informed on the latest health news by signing up to our newsletter here With a daunting path to recovery ahead, there has been a surge of support to assist with the substantial financial demands her family will encounter from hospital stays, specialist treatment, and physiotherapy. Speaking with CorkBeo, local Councillor Finbarr Harrington commented on the resilience shown by those close to Féile. Cllr Harrington said: "Féile is an incredibly strong girl, in every way. She might not have made it without that strength, and she has faced everything and is still fighting, she is just incredible. "She has already undergone around 15 surgeries. It's incredibly difficult for Feile and for her mother Maureen and everybody in the community here wants to support them and let them know they will be there for them now and in the years to come." The Independent Councillor is part of a committee that's been set up to raise crucial funds for the 13 year old and her family. He explained: "If you look at who is involved, it is just about every group and every organisation from Beara, Féile played football with Garnish GAA and Beara Ladies, her mother played for her club and for Cork, there's the GAA, there's the local soccer club, Beara United, nationally, we will have Macra na Feirme and the Men's Shed movement getting involved. "This is just the beginning of it. Féile is going to need her house altered for when she comes home, the family will need an adapted car, she will need support for the rest of her life and everybody here, the whole community, wants the family to know they will get that. "Her whole life changed in a split second. But she will have the support of the people here for the rest of her life. That is what we are all working for together, now." Cllr Harrington has urged anyone in Ireland or abroad to help, whether by making donations or offering practical assistance like builders who might be able to donate materials. He appealed: "Maybe there's a builder or a builders' supplier who can help us with expertise or materials. We'd like to hear from anybody who can help, whether it is by hosting a coffee morning or donating windows and doors." Her family are heartbroken after the 13-year-old lost both her legs in the horror farm accident (Image: Go Fund Me) The organising committee have set up a GoFundMe which has already raised €140,000 (£121,965) at the time of writing. A post on the GoFundMe reads: "Her entire family is heartbroken. So is her amazing community, determined to stay strong and support Féile. Article continues below "The emotional and financial toll is enormous. That's why we're reaching out - to ask you to support our incredible girl through her hardest times. "Every donation - big or small - will go directly towards Féile's care - medical treatment, specialist equipment, home adaptations, all support she'll need now and in the years to come. Even a supportive message or sharing this page can mean the world."
