'Brilliant people': Community rallies around Cork's Féile O'Sullivan after devastating accident
Féile O’Sullivan from Allihies, Co Cork, lost both legs in a devastating farm accident. Picture via Garnish GAA
A 13-year-old “great girl” from Allihies on the Beara peninsula who lost both legs in a devastating farm accident is facing a changed life as her community rallies around in support.
Féile O’Sullivan is a much-loved member of the West Cork community. The young girl had what’s been described as a “freak accident” on July 2.
She was lucky to survive, with help from the local emergency services and Cork University Hospital (CUH).
She is now being treated in Dublin, and her mother Maureen has been by her side every step of these terrifying weeks.
A fundraiser set up with support from the family by a local committee through Garnish GAA has already raised over €333,000, but much more will be needed.
Independent councillor Finbarr Harrington said: “It was a freak accident, it happened in a split second. It’s very tough on her.”
He explained: “She’s lost both her legs. She is an unbelievably outgoing person, she was playing soccer, rugby, football, horse-riding, the whole thing.”
The fundraising page says farming is in her blood, adding: “This accident hasn’t changed who she is, but has just changed what she now needs.”
Mr Harrington praised local first responders, ambulance crew, fire brigade, and the air ambulance service, which flew her to CUH. He said:
“She’s over that part of it now, which is great.”
She was in CUH for a week before being moved to CHI at Crumlin. Féile is likely to be transferred later to the National Rehabilitation Hospital, also in Dublin. It will mean months away from home for Maureen, a teacher and children’s officer with the club.
“Her whole life was turned upside down in one split second,” said Mr Harrington.
"I was speaking to Maureen last night and Féile herself is overwhelmed by the support.
“She is so taken aback by what so many people are doing for her, giving her money and sending emails with messages of goodwill.
“She is so grateful, unbelievably grateful. She’s a great girl, to be fair to her.”
Mr Harrington and Garnish GAA secretary Cormac MacMahon are calling on anyone who wants to help to contact them first.
“People are being brilliant. There’s fundraisers running here now for the next few months,” he said.
“Anybody who wants to run a fundraiser — a coffee morning, cake sale, vintage tractor run — reach out to us and we’ll link into the GoFundMe page.”
The committee is already thinking about adapting the family home, specialist medical equipment, and other challenges.
• You can donate to the Stand for Féile fundraiser by clicking here.
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