Le Cómhbhrón
The death of Declan O’Neill takes from Gaelic Tyrone another of those significant people who over more than half-a-century did so much to bring the GAA here from ‘beyond the wings to centre stage’.
Declan more than played his part with Omagh St Enda’s, with Tyrone, and with Ulster, on and off the field. A Tyrone Senior Champion with St Enda’s in 1963, he was also part of Tyrone’s mould-breaking 1968 All-Ireland Junior Championship-winning team. From 1993 to 1995 he served as our Tyrone County Chair, and over time held all the key offices within his St Enda’s Club.
What’s currently in place across Gaelic Tyrone owes him a great deal.
‘Na caoin deor ar m’imeacht, ach cuimhnigh mar a bhí mé | Do not mourn my departure, but remember me as I was.’
Our deepest sympathy goes to Damian, Siobhan, Deirdre, and Nuala, to his wide family circle, to his many friends and colleagues, and to the Gaels of Omagh.
‘In Áras na bhFlaitheas go raibh sé | May he reside in the Mansion of Heaven’
https://www.funeraltimes.com/declanoneill919996000
Further from Naomh Éanna an Ómaigh CLG –
Declan O’Neill passed away on July 11th surrounded by his loving family in South West Acute Hospital, Enniskillen after a short illness. A Beloved husband of the recently deceased Agnes and Father of Damian, Siobhan, Deirdre and Nuala, he and his family were steeped in the GAA.
From an early age Declan showed his football skill and administrative ability. In 1962 shortly after a stint with the Tyrone minors he lined out and won a St Enda cup medal while club secretary. The talented forward would go on to collect an O’Neill cup the following year another St Enda cup in 1964 as well as an intermediate reserve title in 1977. Indeed such was Declan’s love of the sport he occasionally lined out for the reserves through the 1980s.
His County career also saw success. In 1968 he played for the Tyrone juniors that claimed an all Ireland title alongside the likes of Frankie Donnelly and Art Mc Crory at a time when Tyrone success was scarce.
His ability around the committee table was indeed recognised early on at Club and County. Several stints as club secretary followed through the 60s before after being vice Chairman for three years he took the Chairman’s role in 1976 until 1979. Declan returned to the role in 1981 and remained at the helm for sixteen years.
Through that period Declan oversaw the fiftieth anniversary of the club and the development of the Healy Park clubrooms alongside Jackie Martin in 1984. All that while running a business and rearing his family who were all involved in aspects of club life.
Away from the club Declan was a key member of the Ulster Council and was elected Tyrone Chairman in 1993, the first St Enda’s man to take the role .One of his most memorable occasions was the 1995 all Ireland final. Despite the loss to Dublin Declan was so proud of the players and Tyrone as a County.
A regular at the Omagh club, at AGM’s and events sadly in the recent past he wasn’t able to be out as much but always kept a close eye on club and County affairs. The loss of his Wife Agnes was a heart-breaking blow to Declan and his family. With the help of God he is with her again.
Declan’s contribution to Omagh St Enda’s to Tyrone and the wider GAA family can not be underestimated. Throughout his life he worked hard for the association, a player and administrator with a wonderful ability to get things done. His contribution was marked by a Presidential Award from Nicky Brennan in 2008.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.
By Gerard Sat 13th Jul
