Latest news with #StandforFéile
Irish Examiner
11-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Examiner
GAA legends back 'Stand for Féile' fundraiser for West Cork girl who lost both legs in farm accident
A number of prominent GAA stars, including All-Ireland-winning Tipp hurler Darragh Stakelum, Cork corner-back Seán O'Donoghue, and Clare legend Anthony Daly, have joined a fundraiser for a young girl from West Cork who lost both legs in a devastating farm accident. Thirteen-year-old Féile O'Sullivan, from Allihies on the Beara Peninsula, remains in hospital following the life-altering accident in early July. She suffered severe lower abdominal injuries and has undergone several operations, including the amputation of both legs. At the start of this month, with her family's support, a local committee led by Garnish GAA set up a GoFundMe page to raise funds for Féile's rehabilitation in the weeks and months ahead. Remarkably, at the time of writing, the "Stand for Féile" page has raised €421,000 from more than 6,500 donations. A number of GAA stars have also supported the cause, including Cork senior hurlers Alan Connolly, Rob Downey, Patrick Horgan, and Seán O'Donoghue, as well as All-Ireland winner with Tipp, Darragh Stakelum. Some legends of the game have recorded videos of support, including Clare's Anthony Daly and Waterford's John Mullane. Dozens of GAA clubs across Cork, Munster, and beyond have also shared messages of solidarity. You can watch some of the messages of support from GAA stars, past and present, below: The Stand for Féile organisers said anyone lucky enough to know her 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." They said the accident hasn't changed who she is — only what she now needs. "Her entire family is heartbroken. So is her amazing community, determined to stay strong and support Féile. 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," the campaign team wrote on the fundraising page. "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." • You can donate to the Stand for Féile fundraiser by clicking here/url].
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 Examiner
07-08-2025
- 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.
