Sean O'Neill - The ‘Heart and Soul’ of St. Mary’s Faughanvale

​As GAA volunteers know, this theory means absolutely nothing when it comes to club, or county.

Working on the family farm, and a father to a young family, Sean O’Neill’s time was always at a premium but whether or not he had time, Sean made it. First and foremost for his family, but a close second for his beloved St. Mary’s, Faughanvale.

At a time when most clubs were depending on the generosity of their local farming community for use of a field, the O’Neills were not found wanting. Just like the Bradleys, Brysons, McKinneys and McNicholls had done, the O’Neill’s gave up their land in support of their community. It was just the done thing but along with others, Sean had the vision to know it was not sustainable,

Momentum, which came on the back of Junior (1975) and Intermediate (1978) Championship victories allowed a key decision to be made. If the GAA was to flourish in Faughanvale, it needed a permanent home.

A group including Sean identified land, negotiated a deal and developed what is known today as John McLaughlin Park. When the grounds opened in July 1983, Sean was Chairman despite having not yet celebrated his 30th birthday, something almost unimaginable today.

Fast forward 20 years to 2003, when the club were looking to further expand and a new committee was formed, tasked with transforming the grounds. Despite his senior status within the club, Sean opted to sit on the committee as a member, paving the way for others. He would take a supporting but active role and his contribution was immeasurable.

Another delegation was tasked with securing adjoining lands and it was without question that it would include Sean. Again, another successful deal was completed. In the six years that followed, and with over £1 million raised by way of many fundraising initiatives, the refurbished grounds at John McLaughlin Park were re-dedicated in June 2009.

During the redevelopment, the club welcomed many dignitaries and no one was more proud to share many tales of events in Faughanvale than Sean. When it came to talking football, many found it as difficult to escape conversation with Sean as his opponents had found it trying to escape his tackles!

In the years between the two pitch dedications, Sean had led the club’s senior men to an Intermediate Championship Final, a Division 2 title, and promotion to senior football.

As a player Sean also captained the club to Junior and Intermediate Championships. He also held the roles of Chairman, Treasurer and Trustee and was Vice-Chairman at the time of his passing.

He even played a leading role in the formation of a hugely successful accordion band within the club, so it’s safe to say Sean’s fingerprints are imprinted throughout the fabric of Faughanvale.

In April 2022, when the club added its latest addition in the form of a ball wall, an official opening was organised and members were unanimous there was only one man who would cut the ribbon!

Last year also marked 60 years of the John McLaughlin Cup as the Derry Senior Football Championship trophy, so named after Faughanvale founding member and former County Chairman, the late Master John McLaughlin.

Conor Glass brought the cup to mark the occasion, but the trophy had to play second fiddle to the man of the moment. Despite ill-health, there was no way Sean wouldn’t be there and the huge crowd that congregated, whilst proud of the club’s historical connection to the trophy, gathered more to show Sean he had the support of the community that he had supported his entire life.

In his welcome address for the club’s programme to mark the opening of John McLaughlin Park in 1983, Sean commented: “I would not let this occasion go by without thanking you, the people, for the excellent support you have given us in the past, and would very much like to see you making full use of these facilities.”

During his requiem Mass, it was said that Sean put his “heart and soul” in to every facet of life. Before his players took to the field, Sean demanded they put their “heart and soul” into their performance. Possibly prophetic, but true, absolutely.

The people of Faughanvale will be forever grateful to Sean. He made a positive contribution to changing lives for the better. He believed in community and making the best of the present to shape the future.

Loved and respected by all, Sean’s loss will be sorely felt no more so than by those he cherished; Gillian, Seana, Shane, Cathal, Eunan, Dawn, Johnny, his grandchildren, siblings, and many, many friends.

We thank them all for sharing Sean with us because will never see his like again.

Go raibh maith agat Sean. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam

CN