Mourners at the funeral of Michael O’Sullivan heard that the Irish jockey “made a lasting impression on everyone and won the hearts of the Irish people”. The 24-year-old from Co Cork died in hospital from injuries suffered in a fall at Thurles Racecourse in Co Tipperary earlier this month.

The Cheltenham Festival-winner jockey was being treated in the intensive care unit at Cork University Hospital, before passing in the early hours of Sunday surrounded by his parents Bernie and William, brother Alan, partner Charlotte and extended family.

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.

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READ MORE: Michael O’Sullivan: Tributes paid as Irish jockey passes away, aged 24, one week after fall at Thurles

Hundreds of mourners gathered amid pouring rain at John the Baptist Church in Glantane, in Co Cork, on Wednesday for Michael’s Requiem Mass ahead of his burial, reports the Irish Mirror.

Former jockey Ruby Walsh was among the mourners present (Image: Brian Lawless/PA Wire)

Michael’s funeral began with a eulogy from his father, William, who thanked all the emergency services that had treated his son and also praised the community for the support offered to the family.

“This week, we saw the true meaning of community,” William told the church as he spoke of his son’s life. “Thank you from the bottom of our hearts to everyone who volunteered in any way,” he added.

“Michael was a joy from the start, despite having quiet parents, he was a very chatty toddler, always inquisitive.

“Michael had a wonderful childhood, he went to National School in Glantane, which he enjoyed. Michael was a smart boy, so school was no difficulty.

“When he was there, he made some great friends and developed an interest in sport, in GAA.”

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. (Image: Brian Lawless/PA Wire.)

Although he completed a degree in UCD, William said that college was “never a given” as the young man was always focused on becoming a jockey.

“Going to university was never a given, as Michael adamantly said from a young age that he wanted to be a jockey.

“He needed encouragement, particularly from Bernie and granny and others. He agreed to go as long as he could pursue his riding career”.

Michael went on to achieve a first class honours degree in Agricultural Science from UCD, which his father said was a “proud” day for all of his family and friends, continuing to develop his riding skills as he left college.

“We had many journeys together…. Looking back, these were precious times. It wasn't too long before he started riding race horses.”

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. (Image: Brian Lawless/PA Wire.)

As well as riding horses, Michael had many interests, including going to concerts and heading on holidays with friends and family.

“Apart from his riding, Michael had a full and active life, close to his cousins and many friends. He was an avid GAA supporter,” William told mourners.

“He loved watching rugby. He supported Munster and Ireland, and went to many matches. He loved music and attended gigs and concerts. He enjoyed sun holidays with his family and friends.

“He had a wide group of friends, from school, to college to the racing community, many of whom travel to be with us today, from Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the UK and Dubai."

The loving father also praised Michael’s partner Charlotte, sharing he was “grateful for the love” the two had when they were together.

“Behind every good man is a good woman. Michael had Charlotte by his side for the last number of years. A good match, shared many interests. We are grateful for the love they shared and the fun they had. You will always be dear to us Charlotte."

O'Sullivan started off his career on the point-to-point circuit and was crowned champion under-21 rider in 2019 (Image: Brian Lawless/PA Wire.)

William also shared that his adored son was “much loved” and while the family are broken hearted, they will focus on “what Michael would want”.

“Michael was much loved and will be missed, while we are broken hearted, we will now focus on what Michael would want for us.

“He would want us to mend over time. He would want us to support Alan in his life choices and find joy in his achievements. He would want us to find joy in the achievements of his cousins and friends…. May you all stay safe. Michael will forever be in our hearts and our minds.

Gifts were also brought to the altar to celebrate the young jockey's life, including a whip to show his love for horses, his UCD degree parchment, a pair of sunglasses, a GAA jersey and his car keys.

The hearse carrying the coffin of Michael O'Sullivan passes members of the Duhallow Pony Club on the way to the grounds ahead of the funeral at St John the Baptist Church (Image: Brian Lawless/PA Wire.)

Priest Fr Gerard Coleman told the service that O’Sullivan packed more into his 24 years than most people do in two lifetimes, sharing that he had maturity beyond his years, and a “tremendous understanding” of people.

“He brought so much joy and made us so proud…. Michael had maturity beyond his years,” the priest said.

“Michael had tremendous understanding. He understood his horses, and that's why he was such a great rider.

“But he also understood people, and that’s why he made a lasting impression on everyone and won the hearts of the Irish people.

“Everyone loved him. He was an incredibly talented and dedicated sportsman and will never be forgotten.”

After the funeral, Michael's coffin was taken onward for burial at St John’s Cemetery.

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