Liam O’Neill: former GAA President dies after short illness

Liam O'Neill dies after a lifetime of dedication to Gaelic sports

Liam O'Neill's legacy

Born in August 1955, O'Neill became Uachtarán-Tofa in 2011 at Congress in Mullingar and was the first GAA President elected unopposed.

As RTÉ Sport noted, he was the first person from Leinster to hold the office since Robert O'Keeffe (1935-38).

A former chairperson of Leinster GAA and Laois county secretary, he was principal of Gaelscoil Throiméra until retiring from education in 2018, and had earlier been secretary and chairperson of the UCD hurling club.

His presidency is best remembered for the Sky Sports broadcast deal that ran for nine years before ending in 2022.

As well for establishing a hurling forum in 2014, chaired by Liam Sheedy, to revitalise the game in weaker counties.

Described by the Irish Independent as “an innovator and straight-talker”, O'Neill had in 2018 considered running for the Irish Presidency before deciding against it.

Tributes are expected across the association in the coming days. Follow more GAA coverage for reaction.