By Irishexaminer.com,Niamh Griffin Health Correspondent
Copyright irishexaminer
Féile O’Sullivan suffered serious injuries in a farm accident involving a tractor on July 2. She was given emergency treatment in Allihies, before being transferred to Cork University Hospital for a week. From there, she was moved to CHI at Crumlin in Dublin.
Féile has undergone two recent operations, lasting over 12 hours each, with each milestone surgery bringing her a little closer to her aim of returning home next year.
Money has poured in through events held by GAA clubs and other sports clubs as well as artists, singers, farmers, and many others.
Her mother Maureen has repeatedly thanked everyone who donated and helped them, especially the small local community around Allihies.
The spokesman for the family and the fundraising committee, Independent councillor Finbarr Harrington, said: “Féile has an extremely difficult time ahead of her, but her mindset defies us all. She is always so positive herself.”
He said: “The other day, she said to her mother: ‘a hard life is better than no life’. That’s the quote from herself to her mother, she really appreciates what she’s been through and what the doctors and nurses and everyone has done for her.”
Huge health challenges
The family are aware of the huge health challenges she will face.
“She’s looking at that, and she’s also looking at the different sports she could possibly play later,” he said.
“She was a very sporty teenager, she played all sports. She played football, she played rugby, soccer, she was into horse riding, so I suppose she still has that love of sport. She’s looking at all the different options, but she would have to wait another few months to think about that.”
Some of the fundraisers have met people from the world of paralympic sport who indicated they could help Féile with advice when that time comes.
Mr Harrington said just 300 adults live in the parish of Allihies, with less than 50 students in Féile’s school.
“It’s unbelievable what people have done with the fundraiser, and most of them wouldn’t know her at all,” he said.
Another event takes place on October 1 with the All-Ireland GAA Golf Challenge. Funds raised through this have been dedicated towards a specially adapted and wheelchair accessible car for the family.
Other events to come include a group of about 20 cyclists who will cycle from Dublin to Allihies later this week.
A yoga day, hosted by Allihies Community Hall, raised €2,820 last weekend. Many young athletes of Féile’s age have also sold bracelets or cakes and have taken part in sports events to raise money.
