MICHAEL O’SULLIVAN’S devastated girlfriend Charlotte ended his funeral with a poem to “my endless love”.
The Irish jockey, 24, was laid to rest on Wednesday after his tragic death last Sunday morning following a fall at Thurles on February 6.
For Michael, read by Charlotte Giles
Around the home bend, he came, so proud,
A jockey, strong, with heart unbowed.
The cheers of Cheltenham rose to the sky,
As he galloped past, swift as a sigh.
In the saddle, he knew no fear,
Chasing victory, his purpose clear.
The crowd erupted with each swift stride,
But it was his love that burned inside.
With the reins in his hands and the wind at his back,
He’d race through life, never looking back.
A man of grit, of courage, and grace,
Whose smile could light up the darkest space.
His spirit runs free, beyond the track,
And in my heart, he’s forever mine.
My love, my life, my endless love.
Hundreds of heartbroken mourners attended the service which took place at the St John the Baptist Church in his native of Cork.
Amongst those who paid their respects were Willie Mullins, his son Patrick, and legendary former jockey Ruby Walsh.
At the end of the service, O’Sullivan’s girlfriend Charlotte stood behind the altar to tearfully express how much he meant to her.
And she capped it all off with a reading of a poem that had been specially written in his memory.
In the poem, which was shared online after the funeral, she said:: “Around the home bend, he came, so proud, a jockey, strong, with heart unbowed.
“The cheers of Cheltenham rose to the sky, as he galloped past, swift as a sigh.
“In the saddle, he knew no fear, chasing victory, his purpose clear.
“The crowd erupted with each swift stride, but it was his love that burned inside.
“With the reins in his hands and the wind at his back, he’d race through life, never looking back.
“A man of grit, of courage, and grace, whose smile could light up the darkest space.
“His spirit runs free, beyond the track, and in my heart, he’s forever mine.
“My love, my life, my endless love.”
Between tributes to Michael from his beloved girlfriend and his grief-stricken father William, there was not a dry eye in sight.
His dad said: “Behind every good man is a good woman.
“Michael had Charlotte by his side for the last number of years, a good match, shared many interests.
“We are grateful for the love they shared and the fun they had. You will always be dear to us.
“Michael was much loved and will be dearly 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.”
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