Féile’s fundraiser is Ireland’s top GoFundMe this year
A Cork fundraiser for a girl who lost both legs in a farming accident has become Ireland’s top GoFundMe campaign for 2025.
Just before her 13th birthday, Féile O’Sullivan from Allihies, West Cork, suffered a devastating tractor accident that resulted in a double leg amputation and months of critical care.
A GoFundMe page set up after Féile’s accident has so far raised more than €773,000.
The funds raised have helped to fund life-saving medical treatment, prosthetics, and long-term rehabilitation for Féile.
Féile, who is currently a patient in CHI in Crumlin, has undergone more than 60 operations since the accident and continues to inspire her community with her courage and determination. Her family say the generosity shown has been “transformational” and will ensure she receives the specialist care she needs for the years ahead.
A recent update from her family on the Stand for Féile GoFundMe page revealed the good news that Féile is now able to get out and about around the hospital in her motorised chair.
“Regaining that little bit of independence has lifted her spirits, and she’s truly enjoying feeling more like herself again,” the family said. “While she is progressing beautifully, the road home is still a long one. There is a lot of healing and hard work ahead, and she’s facing it with remarkable courage and determination. Knowing she’s not facing it alone makes all the difference,” they added.
The family has confirmed that Féile’s GoFundMe page will close on 24 December and said they are grateful “beyond words” for all the support.
Golf classic
Keeping the fundraising going, the organising committee of the Stand for Féile campaign has announced a two day golf classic on 17 and 18 April next year at Kenmare Golf Club, with all proceeds directly supporting Féile’s ongoing care and recovery.
The event aims to bring together more than 100 GAA teams across Cork and Kerry to support the cause.
Barry Coffey, Chair of the Organising Committee, said: “I reached out to the main organising committee following a conversation between a number of former inter-county GAA players from both Cork and Kerry. I then approached Cork GAA, who backed the initiative 100%, and fully embraced the opportunity to support it.”
Kevin O'Donovan, Cork GAA CEO, added: “The wider GAA family can always be depended on to show support and solidarity to those among us who need it most. Féile and the O'Sullivan family need our help now and this initiative, drawing on support from Cork and Kerry, will be a significant driver for raising much-needed funds to help them through the tough days ahead.”
Ireland is most generous in world
This year has again seen Ireland named as the Most Generous Country in the World, topping GoFundMe’s global charts for the seventh year in a row with over €50 million raised.
More than 28,000 fundraisers were launched across the country so far this year, with one in ten people donating and more than 560,000 donors supporting causes.
GoFundMe’s Global CEO Tim Cadogan said: “Ireland’s exceptional generosity continues to set a powerful example globally. Every donation, big or small, fuels hope and makes a real difference. What we see this year reflects a deep-rooted compassion that unites people across the country.”