I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

THE funeral service of Michael O'Sullivan took place today at St. John the Baptist Church, Glantane today after which Michael was laid to rest in St. John's Cemetery, Glantane, Mallow.

In his tribute to his late son, his father William addressed the congregation, describing his son's life and achievements.

He told of Michael's desire from a young age to be a jockey, of how he achieved excellent results at school and of how, "we had it a good authority he read the Racing Post during lectures", but was awarded an honours degree in Agricultural Science, before he came back to his riding career.

William thanked all those who had helped take care of Michael since his Thurles fall on February 6th, and all the friends, neighbours and surrounding community who had given of their time since the news of his passing was made known.

"I would also like to express our gratitude for the overwhelming message of support and prayers wishing that Michael would recover. This week, we saw a true meaning of community."

He acknowledged all those who had supported Michael in his riding career, and that it ended doing something he loved and lived for.

"It gives us comfort to know that his last thoughts would have been of anticipation, determination and excitement."

Parish Priest Fr Gerard Coleman in his address said: "Michael had tremendous understanding. 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 everyone."

Acknowledging the support of the community, he also said: "The greater the sorrow, the greater the love."

William O'Sullivan concluded his eulogy, at the most difficult of times, "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 weigh-room colleagues."

There will be further tributes to the much respected rider in this weekend's The Irish Field.

Racing TV posted this fine tribute to all he had achieved in his too short life earlier today.