Sadness in Athlone over passing of talented sporting figure

There was sadness over the recent passing of Athlone man Eoin O'Neill, who was a supremely talented sporting figure in his youth.

Eoin was one of the star players on the Marist College team which reached the 1983 Leinster senior football final, losing out to St Mary's CBS, Mullingar. And in a strange quirk of fate, Eoin's death came a few months after the same two schools contested this year's Leinster final, with the Marist again denied by the Mullingar side (now known as Coláiste Mhuire).

Athlone GAA player O'Neill lined out at midfield on that 1983 Marist team alongside Joe Cunningham of Pádraig Pearses, with Eoin scoring a point for the Athlone school. The team was captained by Seamus Kenny of St Dominic's, with Aidan Collins (Athlone), Tom O'Brien (St Brigid's) and Brendan Kenny (Athlone) also among the well-known players on the team.

Eoin was part of the Athlone team which defeated Moate All Whites in the 1984 Westmeath senior football final, the centenary year of the Gaelic Athletic Association's foundation. He also represented Westmeath at minor level and played in the 1982 Leinster final against Dublin.

Athlone GAA said: "We note with sadness the passing of former player Eoin O'Neill. We extend our sincere condolences to his family and friends at this difficult time. Ned, or Red Ned as he was known, had health difficulties in recent years, but we remember him as a talented athlete and footballer in his youth. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”

Eoin was also an accomplished rugby and soccer player, with Buccaneers RFC stating that the club learned of his untimely death with "deep regret".

Buccaneers described 'Red Ned' (a nickname by which he was widely known) as "a wonderfully talented footballer, be it Gaelic, soccer or rugby".

"A free spirited, off the cuff character in life and on the rugby paddock, he was often mesmerising and hugely entertaining. Eoin played on the wing for Athlone in the 1988 Connacht Senior Cup final. Heartfelt condolences are extended to his family. May he rest in eternal peace," said Buccaneers.

In later years, Eoin was a very familiar figure around Athlone whether on a bike or on foot, often accompanied by his dog.

There were also several tributes to Eoin on the rip.ie website. In paying tribute, Mickey Sheehan described Eoin as "probably the fittest sports man I ever played with" adding "anything with a ball, you excelled".

Terry O'Neill of Crannaghmore, Athlone said "rarely has anyone mastered the three codes of rugby, Gaelic and soccer but Ned did it and did it so well. He was an engaging person that befriended many".

James Tobin said Eoin was "a great character and very good to me in my early years on the Athlone GAA senior team". Charlie Mitchell fondly remembered kickabouts with Eoin in the Retreat area during which the windows of neighbours' houses would often be broken! "That same intensity carried us through the Marist, Páirc Chiaráin, Iona Park, Mel's Park, Cusack Park, Croke Park and Dalymount Park".

Eoin O’Neill of Bloomfield Drive, Athlone, Co. Westmeath died on April 28, unexpectedly. Predeceased by his parents Kitty and Seamus, Eoin was father of Isobel and Ella, and brother of Brendan, Rory, Clodagh and Caitriona, and uncle of Caitlin, Darragh and Roisin.

Eoin’s cremation took place in Shannon Crematorium on Monday last, May 4. May Eoin rest in peace.