THERE has been an overwhelming outpouring of support for horse-mad teenager Féile O’Sullivan from Allihies in West Cork who had both of her legs amputated following a farming accident on July 2nd.

Féile remains in hospital at CHI Crumlin in Dubin following the life-altering incident in which she suffered severe lower abdominal injuries. She has since undergone around 30 operations and procedures, including the double amputation.

Her resilience has been described by friends and neighbours as nothing short of inspirational.

Garnish GAA Development Officer and Cork County Councillor Finbarr Harrington said Féile was positive about her future and deeply grateful for the support despite already undergoing so many surgeries.

“Féile is in good spirits, pushing past milestones with a smile and miles ahead of what is expected of her,” Harrington said.

“It’s been six weeks since the accident and it is hard to believe it, but she has undergone more surgeries than any person should in a lifetime, yet she is still unbelievably positive.

“Anyone who knows her, knows she is horse and dog mad. She loved riding on the beach at Allihies and was into any sport going, soccer, rugby, GAA, you name it.

“Rural communities are very close knit, and everybody feels this - it’s very raw. In the farming community, we might not talk about it but we fully understand that it could have been me or my child - so from that perspective the support has been just phenomenal. We are all so grateful, especially her mother Maureen. Not just for the donations but even families who have been through something similar, reaching out with advice and wisdom, have been very helpful.”

Garnish GAA and other local organisations have organised the #StandforFéile GoFundMe campaign that has attracted more than 8,000 donations, amounting to more than €508,000. Whatever is raised as part of the campaign will go directly to the family to be used to cover hospital fees, recovery costs, and the adaptation of the O’Sullivan family home.

“She has a long road ahead of her. The funds won’t ease the pain of what has happened, but it will take away the financial worry for her mum,” Harrington said.

“She’s really strong-willed, a wonderful kid and has [a] very positive attitude. She’s strong, she’s full of life and she’s going to take this challenge on, big time.”

Separate to the GoFundMe campaign, community organisations have secured a new vehicle for the family that will help Féile when she returns home.

Irish sporting stars have also got behind the #StandforFéile campaign including Mick Galway, Dan Shanahan from Waterford, Kerry’s Colm Cooper, Anthony Daly from Clare, John Cleary, Cork senior football manager, Brid Stack former Cork LGFA and Aussie Rule player, Calum Lyons, Sean O’Donoghue, Alan Connolly, and Brian Hurley, from Castlehaven.

They, along with dozens of other sports stars and teams have posted videos sending good wishes to Féile.

Anyone who wishes to support the fundraising effort can do so via www.gofundme.com/f/fund-for-feile