Michael O’Sullivan’s family said they have been left “broken hearted” by his tragic death at the age of 24.

Tributes were paid to the Cheltenham Festival-winning jockey as hundreds gathered for his funeral near his home in Glentane, Co Cork on Wednesday.

O’Sullivan, who had been labelled racing’s “next superstar” suffered serious injuries when his mount Wee Charlie was one of three fallers at the final fence of a chase at Thurles on February 6.

The rest of the meeting was abandoned as O’Sullivan was airlifted to Cork University Hospital and admitted to the intensive care unit where he died in the early hours of Sunday morning, a few days short of his 25th birthday.

Mourners gathered amid pouring rain at John the Baptist Church, a requiem mass after which he was to be laid to rest at St John’s Cemetery.

A message from his family ahead of the service said that he had attempted “a trojan battle” to recover from his injuries, and they spoke of their pride in an “extraordinary young man”.

O’Sullivan shot to prominence when riding a double on the opening day of the 2023 Cheltenham Festival, headlined by his Supreme Novices’ Hurdle success on Marine Nationale, just months after turning professional.

The unforgettable victory on Marine Nationale in the first race on the first day of the meeting was referenced by Michael O’Sullivan’s father William, when he read a eulogy at the service.

He said his son had wanted to be a jockey “from a young age” and had been excited about joining the stable of Barry Connell, owner and trainer of Marine Nationale

“They had many great days together,” he said. “The highlight was at Cheltenham as you all know on Marine Nationale in the Supreme Novice.”

William O’Sullivan described how Michael’s wish to seek further opportunities had led to a public split with Connell this season, resulting in him losing the mount on Marine Nationale.

“Michael wanted to be the very best,” he said. “He travelled the length and breadth of the country for a ride. When the opportunity arose to get a good book of rides he took it.

“This ultimately cost him his job under the glare of the public. This was hugely disappointing for Michael. We wish Marine Nationale and his team the very best as that horse meant so much to Michael.”

He said his son had loved riding for Ger O’Leary, trainer of the ill-fated Wee Charlie on his final ride at Thurles.

“He had great success with you and it gives us comfort to know that his last thought would be of anticipation, determination and excitement,” he said.

He concluded: “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 and his many weighing room colleagues. May you all stay safe. Michael will forever be in our hearts and minds.”

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