Taoiseach and Tánaiste pay tribute to Liam O'Neill

Dermot Earley junior with Fianna Fail leader Michael Martin, left, and Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael Liam Ó Néill, right, at the launch of the authorised biography of the late Dermot Earley, entitled "Dermot Earley, An Officer And A Gentleman" by John Scally in September 2014 in Croke Park. Picture credit: David Maher / SPORTSFILE | SPORTSFILE

placeholder image — Dermot Earley junior with Fianna Fail leader Michael Martin, left, and Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael Liam Ó Néill, right, at the launch of the authorised biography of the late Dermot Earley, entitled "Dermot Earley, An Officer And A Gentleman" by John Scally in September 2014 in Croke Park. Picture credit: David Maher / SPORTSFILE | SPORTSFILE

Micheál Martin praises ‘lasting’ impact of Trumera GAA man who Simon Harris says led the GAA with ‘integrity, decency’

Ireland’s most senior politicians Micheál Martin and Simon Harris have paid glowing tributes to the late GAA President Liam O’Neill, who has passed away peacefully in his native Laois.

An Taoiseach Micheál Martin said he is deeply saddened to learn of the passing Mr O’Neill and praised his contribution to sport, community and Laois.

The Fianna Fáil leader paid tribute on social media.

“Liam was hugely passionate about the development of Gaelic Games, his community and Laois. He has left a lasting impact on Irish sport. My sympathies to all his family and friends,” he said.

“I am deeply saddened by the news of the loss of former GAA President, Liam O’Neill.

Meanwhile, the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance, Simon Harris, also extended his condolences.

“Liam dedicated his life to GAA, to education, to public service and his beloved county of Laois.

“As President of the GAA, he led with integrity, decency and a deep love for the Association, always recognising that its greatest strength lies in the volunteers, clubs and communities that underpin it.

“I always enjoyed meeting and chatting with Liam in Croke Park. He displayed a warm and thoughtful manner and a deep knowledge of the games he loved so dearly. MORE BELOW.

“At this sad time, my thoughts are with Liam’s wife Áine, his children, his wider family, his friends, his club in Trumera, the people of Laois and the entire GAA family.

“May they find comfort in the enormous respect and affection in which Liam was held,” concluded Mr Harris.

During his years after serving as GAA President, Mr O’Neill made two attempts to win a seat on Laois County Council as a Fianna Fáil candidate. He unsuccessfully contested the 2019 local elections in the Borris-in-Ossory Mountmellick Municipal District.

Rural depopulation, affordable housing, roads, village and town regeneration and a voice for young people in democracy were among his policy planks in the campaign.

While he would later describe his experience in 2019 as ‘humbling’, he was among the candidates to go before the 2024 FF local election selection convention. He failed to make it onto the ticket.

Mr O’Neill died peacefully at home, surrounded by his family.

Much-loved husband of Áine, and father of Caoimhe, Ciaran, and Clíodhna, the former school principal was a devoted grandfather of Éanan, Orla, Aobh, and Alva. He is also sadly missed by his sons-in-law Kieran and Patrick, daughter-in-law Maija, sisters Maria, Gráinne, Mairéad, Gertrude, Suzette, brothers Diarmuid, Colm, and Killian.

The Trumera native is predeceased by his parents Billy and Brigid; sisters Brenda, Barbara and Siobhán; and brothers An t-Athair Caoimhín and Aengus.