Cobh and Cork soccer in mourning over the passing of local legend Frank Sniffer O'Neill

A dark cloud descended on Cobh on Sunday morning with the sad news that Frank “Sniffer” O’Neill had passed away. 

A wonderful footballer, Frank will be mourned by the thousands he entertained with his sublime skills and predatorial goal scoring instincts. 

He died peacefully surrounded by his loving family at Cobh Community Hospital.

In bygone years the town of Cobh, synonymous as a soccer stronghold, has produced internationals like Jackie O'Reilly, Tom Burke, Billy Harrington, Johnny McGowan, Pat Saward and Stephen Ireland. 

Those stars were all part of the folklore in the harbour town where Frank was as revered as those internationals in the soccer mad town.

Franko began with local side Springfield and before graduating to League of Ireland soccer with Cork Celtic in 1972 he played with the Cork AUL who represented Ireland in an International tournament in Coventry earlier that year. 

He was leading scorer with Celtic in 1973-'74 when his 12 goals eased them towards their historic League Championship victory. 

Despite his scoring exploits Frank, in terms of wages, trailed well behind some of his marquee teammates and when a meagre rise wasn't forthcoming he went back to Ramblers. 

Bobby Tambling, a great admirer of his, persuaded him to resign for Cork Celtic in 1975. However, as Sniffer said, “Nothing beats playing for your home town” and it was really a ‘no brainer’ when he decided to return again. 

His repatriation, along with the introduction of some exciting newcomers, helped Ramblers win four of the following five Senior League titles. Sniffer, as that nickname suggests, became a prolific scorer and regularly topped the 30 mark. 

Often, we can praise a striker who only needs a small chance to score: we say the player is so good that they only need a little sniff and they can score. Frank was that kind of player and the Sniffer title belonged to him.

He won his first national cup medal when Ramblers defeated Tramore in the FAI Intermediate Cup final in 1980. 

His and Ramblers annus mirabilis arrived in 1983; he won his second Intermediate Cup when they defeated Bluebell in Richmond Park, a triumph almost forgotten because of their sensational FAI Cup run which was then yet to reach a climax. 

They had already shocked the nation when beating champions Dundalk in the FAI Cup 4th round. 

Then in the quarter-final Frank's priceless goal, which later earned Ramblers a share of an £83,000 gate receipt windfall, was enough to send Finn Harps packing. 

Thanks to Ramblers Cup exploits Cork, "naked" as far as League soccer was concerned, was then once more cloaked resplendently in glory. Their marathon semi-final against Sligo required four matches before a winner could be declared. 

In a heart-breaking third replay Frank scored not once but twice as Ramblers raced into 2-0 lead. 

However, in a Cup tie that had everything, Sligo recovered to net three without reply to qualify for and then defeat Bohs in the final. Frank’s League of Ireland days were extended when a new division was added and in 1985 he showed he hadn’t lost that scoring knack and he netted twice as Ramblers defeated Monaghan 2-1 on their debut. 

After a brief spell in administration he turned to refereeing for a few years and then opted out to assist George Mellerick who managed Ramblers in ‘93. 

Frank was persuaded to resume again as a "Knight of the Whistle" at which he went on to become one of the most knowledgeable refs in the society and admired by players in all the Cork leagues. 

In a tribute to Franko renowned Cobh football fanatic Michael Geasley wrote, "his gift burned brightest of all on the football field, it consumed him as it did spectators alike, the power of manipulation to delight, always to delight, created Franko "Sniffer" O'Neill as the main focus of hero worship."

People have spoken eloquently in recent days of Frank’s prowess as a footballer, a sportsman, a trainer of teams. 

Whether playing for his beloved Ramblers, Springfield or Cork Celtic, refereeing in the Cork Leagues, or through his long association with Cobh Golf Club – we can say that sport was a hugely important and enriching part of his life and the friendships forged on the field of play were lifelong and enduring.