The Cork rider suffered fatal head injuries after a final-fence fall from Wee Charlie in a handicap chase at the Tipperary track on February 6 with the remainder of the card abandoned before he was later airlifted to Cork University Hospital.

O’Sullivan, who was set to turn 25 next Friday, remained at CUH since then before sadly passing away in the early hours of this morning surrounded by his family.

The 24-year-old shot to prominence in 2023 and had since been regularly called up by Willie Mullins to partner some of his superstars, with the duo enjoying big-race success with Embassy Gardens at Tramore on New Year’s Day.

Mullins told the PA news agency: “It’s dreadful news which puts all our problems into context. He will be much missed here and there is a real sadness over the whole of Closutton today.

“He was here two mornings a week and was very much a part of the team at Closutton and his part here was only going to get bigger. He was such a natural rider who was very modest, friendly and understated.

“He had a great understanding of horses and racing and given the horse, he was the man.

“I think Closutton will be a much poorer place without him and we, as a family, will miss him. He will be much missed in the yard and we have his family in our thoughts and our prayers are for them now.”

Meanwhile, Taoiseach Micheal Martin paid tribute this morning and said he is “deeply saddened” by the death of Mr O’Sullivan.

“Deeply saddened to learn of the tragic death of jockey Michael O’Sullivan. A talented rider who inspired many,” said the Taoiseach.

“My sincere sympathies go to Michael’s family, his friends and colleagues in the racing world.”

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (IHRB) chief medical officer Jennifer Pugh 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.

“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.”

Tánaiste and Fine Gael leader Simon Harris also said: “Such sad news this morning. I know people across our country are thinking of the family of Michael O’Sullivan and of the wider racing family.

“An incredible talent taken so young.

“Keeping his family in my prayers at this extraordinarily painful time for them all.”

O’Sullivan shot to fame when steering the Barry Connell-trained Marine Nationale to success in the 2023 Supreme Novices’ Hurdle before quickly doubling his Festival tally later that same day when steering the Gordon Elliott-trained Jazzy Matty home in the Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle.

It was his association with Connell, which yielded three Grade One triumphs, that encouraged O’Sullivan to enter the professional ranks and they enjoyed a fruitful time together before parting ways last November.

Today’s News in 90 seconds – 16th February 2025

The charismatic O’Sullivan, who was crowned 2023 champion conditional rider, had been busy as a freelance in recent months and was fast becoming an important part of Willie Mullins’ star-studded team having steered Embassy Gardens to Grade Three success at Tramore on New Year’s Day.

The Lombardstown native was a relatively late arrival to the paid ranks having first bagged an Agricultural Science degree from UCD before following his father William, who won the 1991 Foxhunters’ Chase at the Cheltenham Festival, into the saddle.

His untimely death will hit the racing world hard and Sunday’s scheduled jumps meeting at Punchestown has been cancelled as a mark of respect along with point-to-point fixtures at Knockanard, Nenagh and Tinahely.

“Michael was an exceptionally talented young rider who was always popular in the weigh room,” IHRB CEO Darragh O’Loughlin said.

“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.”