Cork teen who lost legs in farm accident honoured at Garda awards ceremony

Kinsale’s Joey Hurley’s resilience facing the loss of his uncle and best friend in a fishing accident in December 2023 was also highlighted at the ceremony

Eileen Ferguson and Elaine Stuart accept a Special Achievement Award on behalf of Féile O’Sullivan from Assistant Commissioner Eileen Foster, Kevin O’Shea, regional manager of SuperValu, and Chief Superintendent Vincent O’Sullivan, Bandon, at the 30th annual West Cork Garda Youth Awards at the Kinsale Hotel & Spa, in association with SuperValu and media partner the Irish Examiner. Pictures: Chani Anderson

A teenager who lost both legs in a tractor accident in West Cork last summer was among a host of young people honoured at a prestigious garda awards ceremony.

Féile O’Sullivan suffered catastrophic injuries in the accident in Allihies last July. Since then, she has undergone more than 60 surgeries at Crumlin children's hospital. 

She is currently in the National Rehabilitation Centre in Dun Laoghaire.

She was among 17 award winners honoured at the 30th West Cork Garda Youth Awards in Kinsale, with her accident leading to an enormous public fundraising campaign that captured the hearts of people across Ireland and further afield.

She was honoured with one of four special achievement awards.

“Since the accident, every report about Féile has highlighted her incredible positivity and determination," the judges said.

"At just 13 years old she has shown a level of courage and resilience most adults would struggle to find. 

Despite the life-altering situation she is now in, Féile is not letting the loss of her legs deter her from living her life to the full. 

"While Féile’s life has changed in ways few can imagine, those who know her will tell you that at her core, she hasn’t changed — her spirit, her mindset, and her way of lifting those around her remain exactly the same.” 

Also honoured with a special achievement award was Siún de Brún from Ballineen and Kinsale’s Joey Hurley, who both showed incredible resilience in the face of tragedy. 

Joey Hurley's Overall Award was accepted by Ger Rice, who received it from Chief Superintendent Vincent O’Sullivan and SuperValu’s Graham Smyth.

The judges' citation read: “He transformed his grief into positive action, organising a major charity event, volunteering his time, and committing himself fully to supporting RNLI Kinsale. 

"Joey undertook an extraordinary challenge — kayaking from the Bulman Bar to James Fort, running 10km to Charles Fort and back, before completing a final 1km crossing to the Bulman. 

'Remarkable courage and resilience'

"Despite the recent loss of his beloved nana, Joey showed remarkable courage and resilience, pressing on in her honour. Joey’s extraordinary fundraising of €24,800 will fund 15 additional volunteer crew members for RNLI Kinsale, directly strengthening frontline lifesaving services in our community.” 

Siblings Hannah and Patrick O’Driscoll from Ballydehob were honoured for their volunteer work at Schull Community Hospital, where they have been visiting residents regularly for the past eight years. The visits on days including Christmas Day and St Patrick’s Day.

“They have never sought any recognition for their visits, but it’s clear from the relationship that they developed with the residents that their selfless actions have truly made a difference," judges said.