‘IT was the biggest gift for Féile, nothing could compare to that,’ Maureen O’Sullivan said of their six-day return trip back to Beara for Christmas after six months at the national children’s hospital in Crumlin.

‘We had a lovely Christmas. My parents, Martin and Mary, couldn’t get over it. It was a total surprise for them to have Féile home for the holidays. It was fabulous,’ she said.

The mother and daughter made the return trip by Bumbleance to Crumlin on Monday, after spending six full days enjoying being back home in Allihies.

Féile, who has had 61 operations including the amputation of her legs following a farming accident, was transferred from Cork University Hospital to Crumlin on July 9th, one hour shy of her 13th birthday.

All of Féile’s friends travelled to Dublin to see her over the last six months, but seeing them back in Beara was something that the teenager had set as an objective in her recovery plan.

‘Having time with her friends was lovely,’ Maureen told The Southern Star, ‘but being home was the highlight.

‘We got to speak to most people over the Christmas,’ said Maureen, who expressed their appreciation for all of the love, care and support the family continues to receive.

Christmas Day itself was, Maureen said: ‘A lovely family Christmas at home. it was quiet and calm. Isn’t that what everyone wants?’

People the world over have shown their support by donating to the StandForFéile GoFundMe campaign which reached €783,592 and set a world record before it was closed on Christmas Eve.

Four members of the Garnish GAA Club, who initially set up the fund last August, namely Finbarr Harrington, Cormac McMahon, Liz O’Leary and Ollie Rue O’Sullivan, saw the exponential growth of the GoFundMe campaign and sourced the best tax and financial advice and it was then decided that a trust fund, registered with Revenue, would be established.

‘The money from the GoFundMe will transfer into the trust account, which has its own IBAN, and all of the donations that are still coming through will go directly into that account,’ said Finbarr.

‘There are a couple of big fundraisers planned for the year ahead, which will bring the final amount raised to more than €1 million.’

They include the upcoming GAA Golf Classic in Kenmare, an event that is expected to raise €50,000, and the €40,000 raised at a recent auction organised by Goleen GAA.

Another €50,000 – an anonymous donation that was made at Christmas time – is also about to be added to the trust fund.

‘People have donated generously because Féile’s bravery and indominable spirt, following her accident, continues to be a source of inspiration,’ said Finbarr.

‘We are hoping that this €1 million trust fund will give Féile and her mother Maureen the means to take charge of her ongoing medical care and comfort.

‘Of course, there is more to this than money,’ he added, ‘because we, as a community, will always be there for Féile.’