Under heavy skies, the racing world gathered today in Glantane, County Cork, to say a final farewell to Michael O’Sullivan. The 24-year-old jockey, whose talent, kindness, and dedication touched so many, was honoured by family, friends, and an industry still struggling to process the weight of his loss.

The funeral at St John the Baptist Church was both heartbreaking and deeply personal. Leading the procession was Barr na Sraide, a racehorse trained by Michael’s uncle, Eugene O’Sullivan. More than just a symbol, the deep family bonds that shaped Michael’s life in racing. It was a tribute that spoke louder than words—a final journey taken alongside what he loved most.

The Duhallow Pony Club, where Michael’s journey began, formed a guard of honour, a gesture that spoke volumes about the legacy he leaves behind. An idol to so many of them.

Father Gerard Coleman captured the essence of his character: “He understood his horses, and that’s why he was such a great rider. But he also understood people, and that is why he made a lasting impression on everyone and won the hearts of the Irish people.” Those who knew him best would say the same—Michael had time for everyone, and he made everyone feel seen.

His father, William, spoke with unimaginable strength, thanking the racing community for their overwhelming support: “While we are broken-hearted, we will now focus on what Michael would want for us… to find joy in the achievements of his cousins and friends and his many weighing room colleagues. May you all stay safe.” Even in grief, the O’Sullivans are thinking of others—a reflection of the values that shaped Michael’s life.

Michael’s partner, Charlotte, gave a deeply personal tribute, sharing a poem that spoke of love, dreams, and the heartbreaking reality of a future cut short. Her words, raw and beautiful, reminded everyone that this tragedy is not just a loss for racing but a loss of love, family, and an irreplaceable presence.

Zoe Smalley, Head of Racing at Grassroots Gazette, put it poignantly: “As a new mother, I look at my six-month-old son and hope that in 24 years, a man like Michael O’Sullivan looks back at me. All the tributes and nice things that have been said about Michael are true, and I think that’s what makes this so hard to digest. Racing has given the O’Sullivans so much, but it’s taken everything from them too. In a perfect world, they could hand back all the trophies and Mikey would walk in the door—but if we didn’t realise it before, it’s far from a perfect world. As an industry, we are tight. Michael was one of us, and we will hold the O’Sullivans as tightly as they need, for as long as they need.”

Some people leave a gap that can’t be filled. Michael O’Sullivan was one of them. He left this world to soon doing something he truly loved. Something he was so good at. The turn out today, the comments and posts online, the videos… a legacy that won’t be forgotten and a name that will be said with fondness, admiration and sorrow…

His talent, his heart, and his love for racing will live on in the stories the racing community will tell about a young jockey that would had achieved so much and would have been one of the greats.

Our hearts go out to his family and friends. Michael O’Sullivan’s name and the magical memories will never be forgotten.

Gone too soon.

Rest easy, Michael.