Féile O’Sullivan (13) has been hailed as “an inspiration” for the courage and determination she has shown in recovering from the accident last summer that almost cost her her life.
She has undergone over 60 surgeries since the accident on July 2, 2025.
Both her legs were so badly damaged in the accident that doctors were left with no option but to conduct a double amputation to save her.
Féile defied predictions in being able to make a temporary trip home to Allihies to spend Christmas with her family.
She was airlifted to Cork University Hospital (CUH) in the aftermath of the accident. Days later she was transferred to Crumlin Children’s Hospital in Dublin. Féile has remained there except for a brief trip home at Christmas.
Now, the sports-obsessed teen will be the focus of a special jersey day across primary and secondary schools in Cork and Kerry – with the event aimed at showing local solidarity with her and her family.
Organised by Cork and Kerry GAA players, the March 20 event will see students swap their uniforms for their favourite team jerseys for the price of a small donation to a fund for Féile.
The GAA said that every jersey worn “sends a message of solidarity to Féile.”
“Every donation makes a real difference. Together, we can help Feile focus on her recovery and show her the power of a caring community,” one organiser explained.
Féile O’Sullivan.
News in 90 seconds – Wednesday, March 4
Participating schools will be entered into a special draw for new team jerseys sponsored by O’Neill’s sportswear.
The GoFundMe page for Féile O’Sullivan officially closed before Christmas having raised a remarkable €784,008.
Monies raised at the spring fundraiser will go into a trust which has been set up for the teenager.
Over the coming years Féile will require additional surgery and intensive rehabilitation, specialist care, physiotherapy, emotional support as well as special home adaptations.
Councillor Finbarr Harrington, who is a spokesperson for the family, said Féile is now very much looking at what she can do as opposed to what she cannot do heading into the future.
“She is a 13-year-old kid and the way she reacts and deals with things is unbelievably positive,” he said.
“The staff (at the hospital) cannot get over the mindset and positivity she has.”
Councillor Harrington said Féile has inspired everyone by her courage and spirit.
Féile made the 400km journey from Crumlin Hospital by Bumbleance to Allihies last Christmas week so that she could spend time with family and friends over the festive season.
Locals lit bonfires, held banners aloft and cheered as she made her way down the country roads towards her home.
The trip home was hailed as “a beautiful surprise” for her family.
Schools can register for the upcoming jersey day at https://gaacork.ie/stand4feile/