CHELTENHAM Festival-winning jockey Michael O’Sullivan died from a “severe, traumatic brain injury” due to a horse riding accident, his inquest has heard.
Cork Coroner’s Court heard brief evidence this morning from Assistant State Pathologist Dr Margaret Bolster as to the cause of the death of the 24-year-old on February 16.
Michael O’Sullivan fell from his horse while racing at Thurles earlier this year[/caption]
He suffered a ‘severe, traumatic brain injury’[/caption]
Dr Bolster carried out a post-mortem on the rider at Cork city mortuary the day after his tragic death, following a fatal fall at Thurles racecourse on February 6.
Mr O’Sullivan, from Currabower, Lombardstown, Co Cork died at Cork University Hospital after what his family previously described as a “trojan battle” to recover from his injuries.
The jockey was airlifted to hospital following the serious last fence fall in Thurles, Co Tipperary.
He was just days short of his 25th birthday when he passed away ten days later.
Sergeant Aisling Murphy requested an adjournment of the inquest into the death of the champion jockey to facilitate “preparatory work”.
Cork City Coroner Philip Comyn said the inquest was being opened for the purpose of hearing medical evidence on the cause of death so that a death certificate could be issued to the family of the deceased.
Inspector Justin Walsh, from the Health and Safety Authority, confirmed that their investigation in to the death is yet to be completed.
Solicitor Denis Linehan, who represents the O’Sullivan family, was also in attendance at the inquest.
A full hearing of the case will take place at a later date.
Michael is survived by his parents William and Bernie, his brother Alan, his partner Charlotte and his grandmother Mary.
Michael shot to public attention in 2023 when he won the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham aboard Marine Nationale before going on to win the Fred Winter with Jazzy Matty.
In an incredible twist of fate, both horses also won at the Festival this year, just under a month after he was laid to rest.
Huge crowds attended his funeral at St John the Baptist Church in Glantane, Co Cork on February 19.
LIFELONG DREAM
His father William told mourners that Michael would want his loved ones to find joy in life in spite of his passing.
He said that he had his heart set on being a jockey from an early age.
Meanwhile, Michael’s brother Alan and his cousins, David O’Sullivan and Sonny McCartan, recently took part in the Cork City Marathon to raise funds for Bru Columbanus, a charity that offers free accommodation to families of seriously ill patients in hospitals throughout the county.
They decided to raise funds for the site in Wilton in Cork as it was a “safe haven” for the O’Sullivan family when Michael was in intensive care.
Over €94,000 has been raised for the charity so far.
- Donations can still be made online at www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/MichaelOSullivanFamily.
Huge crowds attended his funeral at St John the Baptist Church in Glantane, Co Cork on February 19[/caption]
