Family of jockey Michael O’Sullivan to raise funds for charity in Cork city marathon

The Cork jockey died 10 days after a racetrack fall in Thurles on February 6. Brú Columbanus gave his family free accommodation close to Michael in his final days

Michael O'Sullivan's brother Alan, left, and his cousin, David, who are running the Cork half marathon in his honour on Sunday to raise funds for Brú Columbanus.  

The family of tragic jockey Michael O’Sullivan, who died after a racetrack fall earlier this year, looks set to raise more than €60,000 by running the Cork city marathon for the centre that gave them precious time with him in his final days.

Michael’s brother, Alan, 22, and his cousins, David O’Sullivan, 24 and Sonny McCartan, 18, are lacing up their runners to take on the half marathon element of Sunday's event to raise funds for Brú Columbanus, the charity that offers free accommodation to families of seriously ill patients in Cork hospitals.

“When Michael was in intensive care in Cork University Hospital (CUH), Brú Columbanus became a haven for the O’Sullivan family,” Michael’s aunt, Marguerite, said.

“It provided a calm, compassionate space where they could be close to Michael, supporting him and each other during those critical days. It gave them precious time together — moments that can never be replaced.” 

Michael, 24, from Lombardstown, in Cork, had been riding Wee Charlie for Gerard O’Leary when he was one of three fallers at the final fence of a handicap chase in Thurles on February 6.

He was treated at the track and then airlifted in critical condition to CUH, where he was placed in an induced coma, and where he remained critically ill until his death 10 days later. His family stayed each of those difficult nights in Brú Columbanus’s home in Wilton, allowing them to remain close to Michael at all times.

Marguerite said the family has a deep appreciation for the care and support they received there during that very difficult period, and that they wanted to give back by doing something “impactful” in Michael’s memory to help ensure other families facing crisis can find the same comfort and support.

As of Friday, their half marathon fundraising effort was close to a phenomenal €60,000. Brú Columbanus chief executive, Anne Maria O’Connor, said it’s the largest amount raised by single fundraiser for them.

She said:

We rely solely on donations and fundraising. Our annual running costs are close to €500,000. So this incredible fundraiser will allow us to continue to support families like the O’Sullivans, to provide them with comfort and care, when they need it most.

Marguerite said a team of up 70 family, friends and supporters, all wearing t-shirts bearing a photo of Michael’s face, will be cheering on the three lads on Sunday. 

You can support their fundraiser here.

Michael's brother and cousin will be among thousands of amateur and elite runners taking part in the sold-out Cork City Council organised event, featuring a full and half marathon, and a 10k, with participants set to raise an estimated €250,000 for local and national charities.

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Race director Eamon Hayes encouraged every runner to make their miles matter, in a way that will have a positive impact well beyond race day.

“Whether it’s a cause that has touched your life or one that inspires you, now is the time to get behind it. Fundraising is part of what makes this event so meaningful," he said.

The full marathon starts on St Patrick’s St at 8.15am, followed by the 10k at the same location at 8.45am. The half marathon starts at Monahan Road at 10.15am. 

Details on bag drop, race number collection, road closures, and course details are available at the Cork city marathon website.