Funeral announced for young Laois sportsman

FUNERAL arrangements have been announced for a young Laois sportsman, whose death has caused deep shock and sadness throughout the county.

Ciarán ‘Nelly’ O’Neill from Stradbally passed away suddenly at his home in Kylebeg last Friday, aged in his early 20s.

Dearly loved and only son of Brian and Claire, he will be laid to rest in Stradbally this Tuesday.

His death notice on RIP.ie states that he will be sadly missed and forever loved by his heartbroken parents, his loving sisters Anna and Emma, his adored Nanny Carmel, his girlfriend Leah, aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family, teammates, kind neighbours and his large circle of friends.

Ciarán will repose at the Presentation Chapel, Stradbally on Monday 26 January from 3pm, with the recital of the Rosary at 8pm. Requiem Mass will take place in the Sacred Heart Church, Stradbally at 12 noon on Tuesday, followed by interment in Oakvale Cemetery.

A past pupil of St Colman’s NS in Stradbally and Portlaoise CBS, he played soccer at juvenile level with T&S United and went on to play with Stradbally Town, where he was an extremely popular teammate and friend.

He also played both junior and senior football with Stradbally GAA club and represented Laois at all levels, up to and including minor.

In a heartfelt tribute on Saturday, 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.

‘ Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.’ 

Stradbally Town AFC said: 'Everyone at Stradbally Town has been left truly devastated at the news of Ciaran O’Neill's passing yesterday evening. Ciarán was part of this season's squad and his loss will be felt deeply by his teammates, management, all our club members and our community as a whole.

'Having started off in schoolboys' football with T&S United, playing up through all the age levels, he then progressed to youth team football with Stradbally Town, where his goalscoring ability made him stand out immediately and it was only a matter of time before progression to senior football.

'Ciarán had been playing senior football with us on both A and B teams for near on eight years now.

'He was always a great bet for a long range goal, he didn’t do tap ins and could win you a game in a second. Earlier this season, Ciarán grabbed a last-minute winner against Lusk United to set us off on our current run into Leinster in this season's LFA Shield.

'We will sorely miss and never forget Nelly’s talent, dedication and love for this club.

'At this time, we can’t even imagine the pain Ciarán’s family are suffering. To his parents Claire and Brian, his sisters Emma and Anna, his granny Carmel, uncles, aunts, cousins and the extended O’Neill and Delaney families and Ciarán’s many friends, both on and off the pitch, we extend our deepest condolences at this testing time.

'Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Rest easy Ciarán, Forever Young. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.'

Condolences for Ciarán's family may be left on the online book on RIP.ie.