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MICHAEL O’SULLIVAN has died at the age of 25.
The National Hunt jockey passed away following a tragic fall at the Thurles Racecourse on February 6.
Sportsfile
PAO’Sullivan was airlifted to the Cork University Hospital after the incident, which involved five horses.
He remained in intensive care until it was announced that he died on Sunday morning.
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board released a statement sending condolences to his family.
It said: “On behalf of the O’Sullivan family, it is with profound sadness that the IHRB confirms the passing of Michael O’Sullivan.
“The directors and staff of the IHRB wish to extend their sincere condolences to Michael’s family, partner, friends, his colleagues, in the weighroom and the wider racing community at this time.”
Dr Jennifer Pugh, chief medical officer of the IHRB also released a statement in which she spoke highly of the jockey.
She 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.”
Tributes have flooded social media for the 2023 Cheltenham-winning jockey.
Horseracing pundit Kevin Blaker posted: “How utterly cruel life can be.
“It is hard to comprehend what Michael’s family, friends and colleagues are going through. RIP Michael O’Sullivan.”
A fan wrote: “The news about Michael O’Sullivan is truly heartbreaking, and our thoughts go out to his family and friends.”
A second commented: “Truly heartbreaking news.”
A third said: “Jockeys, especially Jump Jockeys, put their life on the line every day for our entertainment. RIP Michael O’Sullivan, a life ended far too early.”
Another added: “Absolutely heartbreaking. God speed Michael O’Sullivan. May you rest in peace young man.”
Fixtures at Punchestown and the point-to-point meets at Avondu (F) Knockanard, North Tipperary (F) Nenagh and Bray (H) Tinahely have all been cancelled as a showing of respect.
O’Sullivan showed plenty of promise in horseracing at an early age after participating in only club activities.
He became the champion novice point-to-point rider in 2019.
The jockey was also able to balance academics alongside his raiding as he graduated with a degree in Agricultural Science from the University of College Dublin in 2022.
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