GAA clubs and well-known intercounty players are now calling on the public to ‘Stand with Féile’ to help look after the family during its difficult time.
Féile O’Sullivan, 13, suffered a shocking farm accident in early July, suffering a double amputation of the legs.
She has been receiving intensive medical care in Cork, and now in Dublin, since the incident took place.
Her local community in Allihies and other parts of the country have rallied behind the devastated family.
Féile O’Sullivan from Allihies in West Cork survived a devastating farm accident but lost both her legs.
A fundraiser has already raised over €360,000 to help with future medical needs and home adaptations.
Her mother Maureen, a teacher and Gaelic football coach, who played football with Cork minors and a number of club teams as well as Bantry Bay rugby club, has been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support.
“I want to express my endless gratitude for every single person who had donated, supported, shared or simply held us in your hearts,” she said.
“To those who gave money, time, energy, kind words, or prayers, you’ve helped build something far greater than a fundraiser. You’ve built a community of love and hope.”
The Stand with Féile campaign is centered around a GoFundMe page titled Stand for Féile.
In Maureen’s poem, she said:
You came like sunlight through a heavy haze, with open hearts and hands held wide, you’ve stood with us right by Féile’s side.
The fundraiser is organised by Garnish GAA along with Allihies Hall, Allihies Men’s Shed, Beara LGFA, Beara Utd, Lehanmore Community Centre and Rory Doody.
On Friday, Cork and Inniscarra hurler Sean O’Donoghue shared a video with his support, calling on other clubs to get behind the campaign.
The support is no surprise for those who know Féile and the high regard in which she is held.
Independent councillor Finbarr Harrington said: “She is an unbelievably outgoing person, she was playing soccer, rugby, football, horse-riding, the whole thing.
The poem posted on Facebook by Féile O’Sullivan’s mother, Maureen O’Sullivan.
“She was very active, she’s a great girl.”
Speaking for the organising committee, he said they are thinking about long-term challenges including adapting the family home and specialised medical equipment.
Maureen is now in Dublin with Féile at Crumlin Children’s Hospital.
It is expected to be a long stay due to the severe nature of her injuries. She is likely to also need care later at the National Rehabilitation Hospital, also based in Dublin.
It means Maureen takes on the role of parenting in hospital. As she put it in her poem:
I am her mother, I feel it all. The rise, the fear, the need not to fall.
Crumlin provides for parents to stay overnight in wards. A medical social work team can advise on accommodation and other supports. Dedicated housing is available through the Ronald McDonald House and other charities.
Last November, a similar outpouring of support followed a life-changing injury to teenage Clare hurler Joe Slattery from Corafin. Over €740,000 was eventually raised before that fundraiser was closed.
In April, the Clare minor hurling manager Ger O’Connell highlighted Joe’s role during a post-match victory interview.
“Joe, if you’re watching from your bed, this is for you,” he said.
The boys are wearing red bands for Joe because he’s part of this group.
It seems clear the love and support offered to Féile and Maureen will also continue to flow in a similar fashion.
Donations have come from Kerry, Leitrim, and Armagh for example as well as local donors in Allihies, Adrigole, Bantry, and other parts of Cork.
Maureen’s poem reflected this, when she said: “We’ll carry your kindness every day.
“In each small step along our way. For care like yours will always be, the strongest part of Féile’s journey.”
• You can donate to the Stand for Féile fundraiser by clicking here.