Jockey Michael O'Sullivan packed more into his lifetime than others would in two lifetimes, mourners at his funeral in Cork heard.
In his homily at St John the Baptist Church in Glantane, Parish Priest Fr Gerard Coleman said Mr O'Sullivan lived life to the full.
His parents said they could not have had a better son, he brought them so much joy and made them so proud of the person he turned out to be, Fr Coleman said.
Mr O'Sullivan, he said, had maturity beyond his years.
"Michael had tremendous understanding.
"He understood his horses and that is why he was such a great rider but he also understood people and that his why he made a lasting impression on everyone and won he hearts of the Irish people.
"Everyone loved him.
"He was an incredibly, talented, dedicated sportsman who will never be forgotten."
Death was not the end for Jesus, and it will not be for "your beloved Michael", Fr Coleman told his family.
Before the funeral service began, Mr O'Sullivan's father William addressed the packed church.
He said the young man had been a joy from the start and had made them all so very proud.
He thanked the emergency services and the community for all their support in these difficult days.
Mr O'Sullivan said his son had always wanted to be a jockey and going to university was never a given.
"Michael had it in his head from a young age that he wanted to be a jockey.
"He agreed to go (to university) as long as he could pursue his riding career. We have it on good authority that he read the Racing Post during lectures in UCD but despite this he was awarded an honours degree in Agricultural Science.
"It was another proud day for us all".
The young jockey turned professional in 2022 but "remained a big part of the O'Sullivan racing team".
O'Sullivan 'wanted to be the very best'
He would use us as his sounding boards," added Mr O'Sullivan.
"Often critical of himself. Always learning.
"He pursued opportunities in France and England and had successes in both places.
"Speaking fluent French when interviewed and delighting his mother.
"Michael wanted to be the very best and would take every opportunity".
Mr O'Sullivan said his son had a full life apart from his riding.
"He was an avid GAA follower. He loved music and attended many concerts.
"He loved watching rugby. He enjoyed skiing and sun holidays.
"He had a wide group of friends - from school to college to the racing community. Many of whom travelled to be here with us today from Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the UK and Dubai".
Mr O'Sullivan also paid tribute to his son's partner.
"Behind every good man is a good woman," he said.
"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."
'May you all stay safe' - O'Sullivan's father
"Michael was much loved and will be dearly missed," his father added.
"While we are brokenhearted, 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 [his brother] 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.
"Mike will forever be in our hearts and minds, thank you".
Among the mementos brought to the altar was Mr O'Sullivan's whip, his Kilshannig jersey, his granddad's colours, his UCD parchment, his sunglasses as a symbol of the love of a good life, his car keys because as a jockey he spent so much time in his car travelling, and family photo albums from home as a reminder of his love of the farm, and the plans he had for his future.
The Cheltenham Festival-winning jockey died in the early hours of Sunday morning at Cork University Hospital.
He had been in an induced coma since his last-fence fall from Wee Charlie at Thurles on 6 February.
Mr O'Sullivan shot to prominence when riding a double on the opening day of the 2023 Cheltenham Festival, headlined by his Supreme Novices' Hurdle success on Marine Nationale, just months after turning professional.
Led by racehorse Barr na Sraide, who is trained by his uncle Eugene, the young jockey's funeral cortège made its way from St John the Baptist Church to St John's Cemetery.
Forming a guard of honour, jockeys from across the country and members of his GAA Club Kilshannig lined the roadway from the church.
Walking behind the hearse, his parents William and Bernie, and his partner Charlotte, followed by his brother Alan, his grandmother Mary, his aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, neighbours and members of the wider racing community, including horse trainer Willie Mullins, and retired champion jockey Ruby Walsh.
The Taoiseach Micheál Martin was represented by his Aide-de-Camp.
The 24-year-old, one of the most in-demand jockeys of his generation, was then laid to rest in St John's Cemetery just two days before his 25th birthday.
