The late John O'Neill The community of Glenealy and surrounding areas is still in shock after the sudden death of the well loved John O'Neill. Born and bred in Glenealy, John is perhaps best known for his hurling ability having represented both his local side and the county team. He attended Glenealy National School, before going on to attend De La Salle College in Wicklow town. During his younger days he played football for Ashford but it was his hurling ability that really got him recognised. He had the capability to score long range points from both open play and frees from his position as wing back for Glenealy. In 1971 he was part of the Glenealy junior side that managed to go the whole year undefeated, winning both county championships and league. His brothers Seamus and Michael were also on the side, ensuring it was very much a family affair. The following year, 1972, he was chosen to represent the Wicklow minor team that defeated Meath at Croke Park in the first round of the Leinster championship. His hurling career continued to go from strength to strength and he was part of the unfortunate Glenealy team of 1974 who were narrowly defeated by Carnew in the senior final. However, the following year he helped to make up for that loss with a county hurling championship win over a very good Arklow Rocks side. 1977 and 1980 saw John playing on the losing sides in the championship finals but did manage two senior league medals in 1979 and 1981. He retired from hurling in the early 90s but not before landing a senior championship as his beloved Glenealy defeated Carnew in an epic battle. Even in retirement, John still regularly went to nearly all the Glenealy matches and remained their biggest supporter. He also proved to have the same drive for golf as he did for hurling in his playing days. Showing considerable determination he took the game up upon his retirement and soon became a very valued member of Glenmalure Golf Club, playing in all of their competitions. He won the captains prize on two separate occasions, 2002 and 2004. Indeed in 2002 just a couple of days prior to his win, he also ended up winning the All-Ireland longest drive competition for a senior. By trade John was an electrician and would have been a regular visitor to many homes around Glenealy. In keeping with the family tradition, his two sons, Paul and Jonathan, both play for Glenealy and are two of the highest regarded hurling players in Wicklow. Glenealy Cemetery was full to the brim with people wishing to pay a final farewell to someone they held in such high esteem. Deepest sympathies are passed on to his sons Jonathan and Paul, brothers Seamus and Michael and sisters Anna, Marie and Sheila, as well as to all his extended family and friends. Courtesy of the Wicklow People 11 January 2007 Tweet

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