The late Martin O'Neill Mr Martin O'Neill (82) of Booley, Ballymack, Co. Kilkenny who has died following a long illness, was a member of a highly respected family from Ballyda, Danesfort. Murt, as he was popularly known, was one of seven sons and two daughters born to Thomas and Brigid O'Neill from Ballyda. Mr O'Neill lived and worked in England for over 30 years. Much to his delight he was able to return to retire in his native parish, which he did in 1988 when he took up residence at Booley. He was a proud Kilkenny man, and although he spent three decades in England and appreciated the chance the country gave him in life, he never lost his Irishness. He was part of a large Irish community in East London, and he was active in a number of community groups there. In England he trained the St Finbarr's hurling team in Enfield for five or six years. Mr O'Neill was born in 1926. He played all sports with his native Danesfort, and throughout his life he retained an interest in everything in the parish and the people from it. He married the then Miss Kathleen Power from Ballybur in 1955 and they lived for a while in Rose Inn Street in the City before moving to Bennettsbridge. When there was no work in Ireland, he succeeded in getting a job as farm manager on a holding in Bury St Edmond's in England, while he took up in 1958. Later he moved into the building trade before setting up his own business fitting a then new product, double glaze windows, with his son Martin. They worked all over London during the course of their work. The family lived in the East End of London for 23 years before moving to Romfort in Essex. This was prior to the return of Mr O'Neill and his wife to Ireland. At Booley, Mr O'Neill indulged his passion of gardening and he took great delight in showing off the fruits of his labours to the always welcome visitors to his home. He loved having his extended family around him and he was know to those who came in contact with him as the gentle giant. He loved country and Irish music, and he had an extensive collection of old records and tapes of all the top Irish singers and bands. Although plagued by illness in his final years, he always remained positive and patient and he had a warm greeting smile for everyone. The members of the Carlow/Kilkenny Home Care Team were ever so kind to him in his final days, as were the staff at St Luke's general hospital. The remains were received at the Holy Cross church, Cuffesgrange by Fr Kieran Cantwell PP. The funeral mass was celebrated by Fr. Purcell CC and burial was in the local cemetery. He is survived by his wife, Kathleen; Nicholas, Martin, Anthony (sons); Catherine (daughter); Thomas O'Neill (brother); Bridie Gorey (sister); Herta O'Neill (sister-in-law); Lisa ONeill (daughter-in-law); Nicola, Michelle, Tracey, Joanne, Sean, Nicky, Ellie (grandchildren) and a host of other relatives and friends. The month's mind mass will be celebrated in Cuffesgrange church on January 31 (7.30pm) - Courtesy of the Kilkenny People, January 16 2009 Tweet

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