Michael (Mick) O'Neill, retired Superintendent An Garda Siochana, whose unexpected and untimely death occurred on Sunday, May 25, came as a great shock to his wife, family, friends and colleagues. In a career that spanned 38 years, Mick distinguished himself as an outstanding and respected member of the force. Mick retired in January, 2000, having achieved the rank of Superintendent. After joining the gardai in the Phoenix Park in 1962, Mick who was born in the parish of Eyeries, Faunkhill, Castletownbere, got his first posting to Pearse Street, Dublin. Following a brief spell in the capital, Mick came south when he was transferred to Waterville. His stay in Waterville was brief as he was moved to Tralee where he worked with the detective branch until 1970. His first promotion came in 1970 when he gained the rank of Sergeant. He served for 1O months in Ballyheigue before coming back to Tralee. Promoted to the rank of Inspector in 1980 he was transferred yet again to Sundrive Road in Crumlin. From there he went to Tipperary town from 1981 to 1985. Coming back to Tralee in 1989 he was promoted to the rank of Superintendent. A brief tenure in Bruff, Co Limerick saw him moved to Newcastle West, until October, 1993. His final posting was in Killarney until his retirement. Mick was a down to earth man who brought many great qualities while a serving member of An Garda Siochana. He was awarded a Scott Silver Medal for Valour following a tragic house fire in Tralee in 1976. A fire broke out in a building occupied by a number of elderly men in Dominic Street. Not thinking of the danger to himself, Mick ran into the burning building and rescued a number of men taking them out one by one. Unfortunately, one man perished in the blaze, as Mick could not reach the man in time. During his time with the gardai Mick witnessed huge changes in the force and society in general. There was very little serious crime when he started out, but the respect for authority and people waned over the years. The rank that Mick enjoyed best was that of sergeant because he was out and about on the beat. He would have regarded himself as a street garda as opposed to a desk one. Over the years Mick had the pleasure of encountering three American Presidents - John F Kennedy, Ronald Regan and his wife Nancy and Bill Clinton. The VIP who impressed him most though was French President Charles de Gaulle, whom he met in Sneem. Outside of work Mick's other great loves were his family and sport. The youngest of six children born in Castletownbere, Mick started his football career when donning the blue and white of his beloved parish club St Mary's. Receiving his secondary education at St Joseph's in Fairview, he represented the school along with his classmate Des Foley. Mick was an accomplished footballer who played minor and senior football for his native Cork. He also played county championship with Beara and Waterville when stationed in south Kerry. He played in three county finals with Waterville in 1968, '69 and '70, unfortunately losing all three against East Kerry How fitting it was that his colleagues from that team came to the family home to pay their respects to Mick and his family. Kerry maestro Mick O'Connell spoke on behalf of all who had played with Mick. Michael's greatest love was his family - wife Mary and daughters Orla, Anne, Aoife and Michelle. His daughters feel blessed to have had such a kind, compassionate, loving and adoring father. He had a deep and unique bond with each of his girls and they have many glorious memories of halcyon days with their dad full of fun, banter and laughter. He was a fantastic husband to his beloved Mary whom he cherished and adored through their 44 year marriage. He was a champion neighbour in Liosdara, always ready to help others in any way he could. His untimely loss is felt widely in the Oakpark area. Michael was a big man, big in stature and bounteous of nature and his loss is immense to all the lives that he touched with his special magic and love. Requiem Mass was celebrated on Wednesday morning, May 25, following which interment took place in Rath Cemetery. A life that touched so many will never be forgotten. Ni bheidh a leitheid ann aris. Courtesy of The Kerryman 11 June 2008 Tweet

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