There is widespread shock and sadness this weekend following the passing of a young Stradbally man.
Ciaran ‘Nelly’ O’Neill, who is just 23-years-old, passed away on Friday, January 23.
A past pupil of Portlaoise CBS and St Colman’s NS, Ciaran was a very talented sports person.
He played soccer at juvenile level with T&S United where he won leagues and cups before moving on to play at adult level with Stradbally Town.
In football, he represented Laois at all levels up to and including minor.
He also played both junior and senior for Stradbally GAA club and they paid a heartfelt tribute to him.
They 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.”
Funeral details are yet to be announced. May Ciaran rest in peace.
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