A GAA club in Laois has been left shocked and saddened at the passing of one of its most talented players.

Ciarán O’Neill passed away suddenly at his home in Stradbally last Friday. Only in his early twenties, he played both junior and senior football for Stradbally and represented Laois at all levels up to minor. He also played soccer for T&S United and Stradbally Town.

In a heartfelt tribute, the club said: “Stradbally GAA is numb with sadness at the news of the passing of Ciarán ‘Nelly’ O’Neill, who passed away yesterday.

“A current player with our club, representing Stradbally at both Senior and Junior level, Ciarán’s loss is deeply felt throughout the entire club and community.

“Ciarán was a Stradbally man through and through. He played juvenile football with the club all the way up, winning an U13 Championship at just 11 years of age, and later lining out on the U17 team that reached the Championship Final in 2017, when he was only 15.

“He also played juvenile football with Laois. More recently, he was part of the Stradbally team that won the Division 5 League in 2024. The passing of a young man in his early 20s has left the entire community numb with shock and sadness.

“While he continued to play with the club, Ciarán was also a great supporter, always present at matches, backing and encouraging teams he couldn’t tog out for and showing his commitment to Stradbally at every opportunity.

“His dedication, talent and presence will never be forgotten.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with his parents Claire and Brian, his sisters Emma and Anna, his grandmother Carmel and his extended family, friends and teammates at this incredibly difficult time.”

Laois football manager Justin McNulty also extended his sympathy to the O'Neill family following his side's Allianz League draw with Limerick on Saturday night. 

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