Former GAA President Liam O'Neill Dies At 70

The Trumera club man has passed away after a short illness.

Former GAA President and Laois man Liam O'Neill has passed away.

The Trumera club man was the 37th president of the association and died at the age of 70 after a short illness.

He was chairperson at UCD, Trumera, and Leinster, while he held multiple roles in Laois GAA before becoming national president in 2013.

His presidency will be remembered as a time when the sport entered the pay per view world through Sky Sports, as well as significant work he did in updating the GAA's disciplinary system.

In 2024 Mr O'Neill told Midlands 103 he was proud of the legacy he left for his club:

Treasurer of Trumera GAA and Vice Chair of Laois GAA Brian Allen says the clubs Junior B county title success in 1991 was a moment to remember fondly:

Midlands 103 Commentator Pat O'Sullivan says he was a complete gentleman:

Statement from the GAA on the Passing of Liam O'Neill:

Uachtarán CLG Iarlaith Ó Broin has offered his condolences and those of the Association to the family of former President Liam O'Neill who has passed away today.  

As the 37th Uachtarán, the Laois native led the organisation between 2012 and 2015 after serving club, county and province with distinction over the course of a long administrative GAA career.  

The current GAA President said: "It is with great sadness that we learnt of the passing of Liam after his recent battle with illness.  "His wit and wisdom were hallmarks of his Presidency, which in many ways was a precursor to the conversations which are commonplace today around integration and inclusion.  

"At county level, Liam had been a pioneering figure in the adoption of technology to enhance the governance and organisation of our games and it was on his watch that the Association first embraced the use of Hawkeye and the deployment of the black card, via the Football Review Committee, which he established.  

"His grá for education, especially through the medium of Irish in Trumera, complemented his passion for our games and culture and his contribution to the GAA in so many guises was hugely significant.

 "At this time, we think of his wife Áine, children Caoimhe, Ciarán and Clíodhna and extend our sympathies to his wider family and circle of friends and admirers."  

Solas na bhFlaitheas ar a anam uasal. 

President of the Camogie Association Brian Molloy has paid tribute to Liam O'Neill:

"On behalf of the Camogie Association, I wish to express my deepest sympathies to Liam's wife, Áine, his daughters Caoimhe and Cliodhna, and son Ciarán, his extended family, friends and the entire Gaelic games community following his passing.

"Liam O'Neill devoted a lifetime to the service of Gaelic games. As Uachtarán of the GAA, he provided outstanding leadership to our games, and in more recent years he continued to give generously of his time and wisdom as a Trustee and member of Ard Chomhairle of the Camogie Association. His counsel and unwavering commitment to our game were deeply valued.

"Liam was a true Gael who believed passionately in the power of our games to strengthen communities and enrich lives.

"Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam."

Statement by Tánaiste and Fine Gael leader Simon Harris on the passing of Liam O’Neill

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

“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.

“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.

“At dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”