Image © Healy Racing
The IHRB have sadly confirmed that former under-21 champion point-to-point rider, and Grade 1-winning Cheltenham jockey Michael O'Sullivan passed away on Sunday morning following injuries that he sustained in a fall at Thurles.
The IHRB have sadly confirmed that former under-21 champion point-to-point rider, and Grade 1-winning Cheltenham jockey Michael O'Sullivan passed away on Sunday morning following injuries that he sustained in a fall at Thurles.
As a mark of respect, all three of Sunday’s point-to-point fixtures at Nenagh, Tinahely and Knockanard have been cancelled.
Dr Jennifer Pugh, Chief Medical Officer of the IHRB, said: “Michael sadly passed away in the early hours of Sunday morning surrounded by his loving family in Cork University Hospital. We extend our appreciation to the multidisciplinary teams who provided the best of medical care to Michael, both on the racecourse and in Cork University Hospital. Michael’s family took the decision to donate his organs at this incredibly difficult time, but in doing so made a choice that will make a real difference to the lives of other patients and their families.
“I have had the privilege of knowing Michael through his amateur and professional career and his dedication, modesty and kind nature always made him a pleasure to be around. Michael’s success and his humility will have inspired many and I share the feeling of loss today with all those who knew him.
"Michael’s family would like to reiterate their gratefulness for all the support they have received in the last couple of days and express their appreciation to the local community and racing family. The O’Sullivan family have asked for privacy at this time.”
Darragh O’Loughlin, CEO of the IHRB, said: “Michael was an exceptionally talented young rider who was always popular in the weighroom. Michael will be deeply missed by everyone in racing who had the pleasure of knowing him. Our hearts go out to Michael’s family, especially his parents Bernadette and William and his brother Alan, who will feel his loss most keenly.”
As a mark of respect to Michael, the fixture at Punchestown today (Sunday) and the Point to Point fixtures Avondu (F) Knockanard, North Tipperary (F) Nenagh and Bray (H) Tinahely have all been cancelled.
Michael will be reposing at Currabower, Glantane, Mallow (P51 HH93) on Tuesday afternoon from 2pm to 7pm, followed by prayers. His funeral mass will take place at St. John the Baptist Church, Glantane on Wednesday morning at 12 noon, after which he will be laid to rest in St. John's Cemetery, Glantane, Mallow.
We extend our deepest condolences to his father William, mother Bernie, brother Alan, partner Charlotte and all of his family and friends at this time.
Michael will be reposing at Currabower, Glantane, Mallow (P51 HH93) on Tuesday afternoon from 2pm to 7pm, followed by prayers. His funeral mass will take place at St. John the Baptist Church, Glantane on Wednesday morning at 12 noon, after which he will be laid to rest in St. John's Cemetery, Glantane, Mallow.
We extend our deepest condolences to his father William, mother Bernie, brother Alan, partner Charlotte and all of his family and friends at this time.
