Leading horseracing figures join mourners at funeral of...

Leading figures from the world of horseracing joined hundreds of mourners at the funeral of Irish jockey Michael O'Sullivan, who died after falling from his horse earlier this month. Racehorse trainer Willie Mullins and his son, jockey, Patrick Mullins, and former jockey Ruby Walsh, were among those at the service at John the Baptist Church in Glantane, in County Cork, on Wednesday.

Image Credit: Sky News [The hearse carrying the coffin of Michael O'Sullivan is lead by a horse away from the grounds following the funeral at St John the Baptist Church, Glantane. Jockey Michael O'Sullivan died as a result of the injuries he suffered in a fall at Thurles on February 6 at the age of 24. O'Sullivan started off his career on the point-to-point circuit and was crowned champion under-21 rider in 2019. Picture date: Wednesday February 19, 2025. PA Photo. See PA Story FUNERAL OSullivan. Photo credit should read: Brian Lawless/PA Wire...RESTRICTIONS: Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only, no commercial use without prior consent from rights holder.]

O'Sullivan, 24, died in hospital on Sunday from injuries he suffered in a fall at Thurles Racecourse in County Tipperary on 6 February. Priest Father Gerard Coleman said the jockey lived life to the full in a requiem mass, adding that he packed more into his 24 years than most people do in two lifetimes.

Image Credit: Sky News [Former jockey Ruby Walsh attends the funeral of Michael O'Sullivan at St John the Baptist Church, Glantane. Jockey Michael O'Sullivan died as a result of the injuries he suffered in a fall at Thurles on February 6 at the age of 24. O'Sullivan started off his career on the point-to-point circuit and was crowned champion under-21 rider in 2019. Picture date: Wednesday February 19, 2025. PA Photo. See PA Story FUNERAL OSullivan. Photo credit should read: Brian Lawless/PA Wire...RESTRICTIONS: Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only, no commercial use without prior consent from rights holder.]

O'Sullivan had maturity beyond his years, he said, and a "tremendous understanding". "He understood his horses and that's why he was such a great rider. But he also understood people and that is why he made a lasting impression on everyone and won the hearts of the Irish people," said Father Coleman.

Image Credit: Sky News [Jockey Patrick Mullins attends the funeral of Michael O'Sullivan at St John the Baptist Church, Glantane. Jockey Michael O'Sullivan died as a result of the injuries he suffered in a fall at Thurles on February 6 at the age of 24. O'Sullivan started off his career on the point-to-point circuit and was crowned champion under-21 rider in 2019. Picture date: Wednesday February 19, 2025. PA Photo. See PA Story FUNERAL OSullivan. Photo credit should read: Brian Lawless/PA Wire...RESTRICTIONS: Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only, no commercial use without prior consent from rights holder.]

"Everyone loved him. He was an incredibly talented and dedicated sportsman and will never be forgotten.". The jockey was riding the horse Wee Charlie, for trainer Gerard O'Leary, when he sustained the fatal injuries. He was one of three fallers at the final fence in a two-mile handicap chase at Thurles and the rest of the meeting was abandoned.

He was airlifted to the intensive care unit at Cork University Hospital, where he died surrounded by his family in the early hours of Sunday. O'Sullivan shot to prominence on the opening day of the 2023 Cheltenham Festival, headlined by his Supreme Novices' Hurdle win on Marine Nationale, just months after turning professional.

His coffin was brought to the church from his home in nearby Lombardstown. Young members of the Duhallow Pony Club formed a guard of honour as the cortege passed by in pouring rain. O'Sullivan's riding whip, and a jersey of his local GAA club Kilshannig were put at the front of the church, along with his university degree parchment and family photo albums.

The jockey's partner Charlotte spoke of her endless love for him in a poem she read to the church. Keep up with all the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News. Be the first to get Breaking News. Install the Sky News app for free.