Olympic hero Kellie Harrington remembers the late Ollie O'Neill - Kilkenny Live

Kilkenny sport was united in grief on Friday after the passing of Ollie O'Neill was announced.

Mr O'Neill was a founding member of the Paulstown Boxing Club and coached many fighters of national and international acclaim from their base at the Community Centre. His eldest son Darren captained the Irish Boxing Team at the London Olympics in 2012, the same year his native Paulstown Boxing Club celebrated 40 years in existence.

Mr O'Neill was also a well-respected GAA referee since the early 1990s.

Since the news emerged yesterday, people from across the Kilkenny community and beyond have been paying tribute to Mr O'Neill. 

Amongst those to pay tribute was former Olympic Gold Medalist, Kellie Harrington, who said: "Ollie was a gent of a man, always had a smile on his face anytime ye met him at the national boxing stadium, and always had a joke or two to tell. Would make anyone feel welcome in his company. Thinking of all the O'Neill family at this sad time. Rest Well Ollie."

Chairperson of Paulstown 06 soccer club, Gregory O'Hare, stated: On behalf of all associated with Paulstown 06 Football Club, Coaches, Players and Volunteers I would like to extend our profound sympathies to the O'Neill family at this darkest of moments.

Ollie's contribution to sport within the village through the decades has been simply immense. His generosity of spirit and willingness to serve the community will be sorely missed."

The GAA community has also remembered Mr O'Neill for his contribution to GAA down through the years.

Michael Walsh, Referee Administrator, commented: "Sincere condolences to all of Ollie’s family and friends, may his soul rest in eternal peace."

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Kilkenny Camogie praised the Paulstown man's love for various sports and his wish to see as many people involved as possible.

"Ollie was a great supporter and servant of sport in Kilkenny but boxing, Camogie and hurling were top of the list. He loved seeing people involved in sport and would drop everything , at short notice sometimes , to go referee a match always leaving the pitch with a smile and word for everyone. You will be missed Ollie rest well."

Funeral arrangements:

Ollie's Funeral cortege will depart from Paulstown Boxing Club at 1.30pm on Sunday (walking) to the Church of the Assumption, Paulstown for 2pm Mass. Interment afterwards in the New Cemetery, Paulstown. Family flowers only please, donations, if desired, to the Motor Neuron Disease Association https://www.Imnda.ie