I was very lucky in life, to meet Bernie and to have two wonderful boys, Michael and Alan.

Michael was a joy from the start. Despite having quiet parents, he was a very chatty toddler, always inquisitive, always learning. Michael had a wonderful childhood. He went to National School in Glantane, which he enjoyed.

Michael was a smart boy, so school was no difficulty. It was there he made some great friends and developed an interest in sport, in GAA, and was a proud member of Kilshannig GAA and played for them at underage.

He attended secondary school in Patrician Academy, where Michael worked hard enough without killing himself. Despite this, he got a very good Leaving Cert.

However, going to university was never a given, as Michael had it in his head from a young age that he wanted to be a jockey. He needed encouragement, particularly from Bernie and Granny, and others. He agreed to go, as long as he could pursue his riding career after.

We had it from good authority that he read the Racing Post during lectures in UCD, but despite this, he was awarded an honours degree in Agricultural Science - another proud day for us all.

Michael has since told us he was very glad he went to college, where he made some great friends.

Michael was fixed on being a jockey from a young age. Many an evening I came home to find Michael and Alan riding the couch, as they watched videos of my point-to-point rides, and particularly the Foxhunters at Cheltenham.

Early grounding

As his interest in riding was unfaltered, we set about developing Michael’s skills and knowledge of horsemanship. He joined Duhallow Pony Club, participated in show jumping and hunting, and minimus, where he also learned to run and swim.

We had many journeys together to Ballyrafter and further afield. Looking back, these were precious times.

This wasn’t too long before he started riding racehorses. His career started with Eugene. He followed Maxine and his first point-to-point winner was on A Decent Excuse, beating legendary rider Jamie Codd. His first winner on the track was Wilcosdiana, at Cork.

His first Cheltenham ride was for Eugene, on a horse called Oighear Dubh - nearly a winner. He jumped the last with the race at his mercy, before ducking through a rail which has since been removed. Eugene wrapped his arms around a devastated 17-year-old.

Michael remained a big part of O’Sullivan racing team after he turned professional. He would use Eugene, Maxine, Alan and myself as his sounding-boards, as he reviewed his rides both in victory and defeat - often critical of himself, always learning.

During his college years, he continued to ride in point-to-points, working hard to get as many rides as he could. He was crowned novice champion point-to-point rider in 2019. As agreed, after college, he turned professional in 2022 and was champion conditional in his first year.

Michael worked hard and rode for many trainers and owners. He was grateful for all the opportunities he got. Michael rode his first graded winner for Barry Connell.

Unforgettable moment

He was excited at the prospect of joining the team and the opportunities it afforded him, and they had many great days together. The highlight was in Cheltenham, as you all know, on Marine Nationale in the Supreme Novices’.

To develop as a professional, Michael, together with his agent, had to seek opportunities outside Barry Connell’s yard, particularly in the summer months. He rode out for many trainers and worked hard to fill his book of rides.

He pursued opportunities in France and England, and had successes in both places, speaking fluent French when interviewed, delighting his mother.

Michael wanted to be the very best and take every opportunity. He travelled the length and breadth of the country for a ride. When the opportunity arose to get a full book of rides, he took it, and this ultimately cost him his job, under the glare of the public.

This was hugely disappointing for Michael, but we are proud he took the stand, and walked away on good terms, without closing any doors. We wish Marine Nationale and his team the very best, as that horse meant so much to Michael.

He started 2025 on a high, riding a double in Tramore on New Year’s Day: Be Fierce for Ted Walsh and Embassy Gardens for Willie Mullins’ team – a graded winner for a stable who were increasingly supporting him. He was delighted: a new year, a new start.

O’Leary tribute

The other trainer I would like to mention is Mr Gerard O’Leary. Michael loved riding for you. He had great success with you, and it gives us comfort to know that his last thoughts would have been of anticipation, determination and excitement. We wish you and your team well.

Apart from his riding, Michael had a full and active life, close to his cousins and many friends. He was an avid GAA follower, supported Kilshannig, celebrated their victories and the achievements of his cousins and friends on the team.

He loved watching rugby. He supported Munster and Ireland and went to many matches. He loved music and attended gigs and concerts. He enjoyed skiing and sun holidays with his family and friends. He had a wide group of friends from school to college to the racing community, many of whom travelled to be with us today from Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the UK, and Dubai.

Behind every good man is a good woman. Michael had Charlotte by his side for the last number of years. A good match, they shared many interests. We are grateful for the love they shared and the fun they had. You will always be dear to us, Charlotte.

Michael was much-loved and will be missed. While we are broken-hearted, we will now focus on what Michael would want for us. He would want us to mend over time; he would want us to support Alan in his life choices and find joy in his achievements; he would want us to find joy in the achievements of his cousins and friends, and his many weighing-room colleagues. May you all stay safe. Michael will forever be in our hearts and minds. Thank you.