The 24-year-old Cheltenham Festival-winning rider died as a result of injuries he suffered in a fall at Thurles on February 6.

Huge crowds gathered in St John the Baptist Church, Glantane where mourners heard how Michael packed more into 24 years than anyone with two lifetimes.

The funeral mass was attended by Commandant Claire Mortimer, aide-de-camp to Taoiseach Micheál Martin.

Before the funeral service began, Michael’s father William addressed the packed church.

Mr O’Sullivan thanked the emergency services who attended to Michael at the scene as well as the nurses, medical and support staff who looked after his son in the ICU at Cork University Hospital (CUH).

“This week we saw a true meaning of community,” said the heartbroken father. “We wanted Michael at home and our community made that possible. It was a huge task to manage the traffic yet they succeeded. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts to all the people who volunteered in anyway.”

Mr O’Sullivan said Michael was a ‘joy’ from the start. “I was very lucky in life to meet Bernie and have two wonderful boys. Michael was a joy from the start. He was a chatty toddler and always inquisitive. Michael had a wonderful childhood. Michael was a smart boy and he made some great friends. He was a proud member of Kilshannig GAA Club.”

Mr O’Sullivan continued: “He attended secondary school in Patrician Academy where he worked hard enough without killing himself. Michael had it in his head from a young age that he wanted to be a jockey. He agreed to go to college as long as he could pursue his riding career after. We had it on good authority that he read the Racing Post during lectures. Despite this he was awarded an honours degree in Agricultural Science.”

The proud father said Michael was always focused on becoming a jockey from a young age. “He joined Duhallow Pony Club, participated in showjumping and hunting. We had many journeys together. Looking back these were precious times. It wasn’t too long before he started riding racehorses. Michael remained a big part of the O’Sullivan racing team after he turned professional. Often critical of himself, always learning.

“During his college years he continued to ride point-to-points. He turned professional in 2022 and was champion conditional in his first year. He was grateful for all the opportunities he got. He rode out for many trainers and worked hard. The highlight was Cheltenham,” he added.

The grief-stricken father recalled how Michael had a wide group of friends, loved watching rugby and attending concerts.

Mr O’Sullivan said Michael’s partner Charlotte will always remain ‘dear’ to the family. “Behind every good man is a good woman. Michael had Charlotte by his side for the last number of years. We are grateful for the love they shared and the fun they had. You will always be dear to us Charlotte.”

“Michael was much loved and will be missed,” said William O’Sullivan. “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. Michael will forever be in our hearts and minds.”

A plethora of mementos were brought up to the altar which symbolised important items in Mr O’Sullivan’s life.

The gifts included his whip, Kilshannig GAA jersey, his granddad’s colours, his UCD parchment, sunglasses, headphones, car keys and photo albums .

In his homily Parish Priest Fr Gerard Coleman said Mr O’Sullivan lived life to the full. “We come to say farewell to Michael and to thank him for his goodness. He packed more into 24 years than anyone with two lifetimes. His parents couldn’t have asked for a better son. He brought so much joy and made them so proud of the person he turned out to be.”

“Michael had a maturity beyond his years,” said Fr Coleman. “Michael understood his horses and that is why he was such a great rider. He also understood people. That is why he made a lasting impression on everyone. Everyone loved him. He was an incredible, talented and dedicated sportsman.”

Fr Coleman reserved great praise for Michael’s family for their love and support. “When he became a professional you supported him and helped him to do what he truly loved. Then in the last ten days of his life you sat by his bedside, keeping vigil, watching and praying hope in your heart until Sunday morning when hope was slipping away.”

Following the funeral mass, Mr O’Sullivan was laid to rest at St John’s Cemetery, Glantane.