Former GAA president Liam O'Neill dies aged 70

Tue, 04 Aug, 2026 - 15:37

Former GAA president Liam O’Neill, 70, has passed away following a recent illness.

The Laois native, a Trumera clubman, served as uachtarán from 2012 to 2015 during which time the black card was introduced to Gaelic football. He became the second man from Laois to hold the position after Robert O’Keeffe (1935-38).

O’Neill commissioned the late Eugene McGee to head up the initial Football Review Committee, which brought in a new layer of punishment for cynical play and laid the foundation for its implementation in hurling years later.

O’Neill also established the Liam Sheedy-led Hurling 2020 group that brought in the one-v-one penalty and the five-second advantage rule.

A graduate from St Patrick’s College in Drumcondra, he ran uncontested for the position to become the 37th president in 2011 and succeeded Christy Cooney of Cork the following year. He had challenged Cooney for the position in 2008.

GAA president Jarlath Burns paid tribute to O'Neill.

"It is with great sadness that we learnt of the passing of Liam after his recent battle with illness," said Burns.

"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."

Tánaiste and Fine Gael leader Simon Harris said he was 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.

“He displayed a warm and thoughtful manner and a deep knowledge of the games he loved so dearly.

Extending his condolences to the family, camogie president Brian Molloy said: "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."

Ladies Gaelic Football Association (LGFA) President Trina Murray said: "It is with great sadness that the Ladies Gaelic Football Association learned of the passing of Liam O'Neill. On behalf of everyone in our Association, I want to extend our heartfelt condolences to his wife Áine, his daughters Caoimhe and Cliodhna, his son Ciarán, and to his wider family and friends circle at this most difficult time."

O’Neill is survived by his wife Áine, daughters Caoimhe and Cliodhna and son Ciarán.