Minister Heydon offers condolences after death of young jockey
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon has offered his condolences following the tragic death of talented young jockey, Michael O’Sullivan.
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (IHRB) confirmed today (Sunday, February 16) that Michael had died as a result of the injuries he suffered in a fall during a race at Thurles last week.
The 24-year-old from Lombardstown near Mallow in Co. Cork was riding Wee Charlie for trainer Gerard O'Leary when he was one of three fallers at the final fence.
He was airlifted from the racecourse to Cork University Hospital where he was placed in intensive care.
Michael's family has a strong background in farming and racing. He previously graduated from University College Dublin (UCD) with a degree in agriculture science.
Jockey
Dr Jennifer Pugh, chief medical officer of the IHRB, confirmed that Michael passed away in the early hours of Sunday morning surrounded by his 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," she said.
“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," Dr Pugh added.
Darragh O’Loughlin, IHRB chief executive, described Michael as "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," he said.
As a mark of respect, the racing fixture at Punchestown and several point to point fixtures today were all cancelled.
Tributes
Taoiseach Micheál Martin said that he was "deeply saddened to learn of the tragic death of jockey Michael O’Sullivan".
"A talented rider who inspired many. My sincere sympathies go to Michael’s family, his friends and colleagues in the racing world," he said in a post on X.
Tánaiste Simon Harris said that Michael was "an incredible talent taken so young".
"Keeping his family in my prayers at this extraordinarily painful time for them all," he said.
Minister Martin Heydon also extended his sympathies to Michael O'Sullivan's family, colleagues, friends and wider horse racing community.
“Michael was a hugely respected and talented young jockey with a bright future who had already achieved some notable successes since turning professional in 2022. This included Grade One successes at both Fairyhouse and Cheltenham.
“Michael was not only an immensely talented young rider but was also extremely popular amongst his colleagues.
"His untimely death has devastated the horse racing community in Ireland and beyond," he said.
The minister said that his "thoughts and prayers are with the O’Sullivan family, especially his parents Bernadette and William, his brother Alan and his wide circle of friends at this very sad time".
