The late Adrian O'Neill People of Wicklow and the surrounding areas were shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the death on Monday, January 16, of local man Adrian O'Neill of 115 Wicklow Heights. Adrian had been ill for short period and was a patient at St. Vincent's Hospital at the time of his death. He was 56 years of age and a member of the well-known and popular O'Neill family who are highly regarded in the town. In his school days Adrian won many trophies for running. He won the Brother Gregory cup for overall best athlete at school sports. In his youth he played Gaelic for St. Patrick's GAA Club and was a prominent member of the 1969 Senior Championship winning team. He played soccer for Wicklow United and also for Wicklow Rovers until a serious leg injury forced him to finish his playing career. He continued to support to Wicklow Rovers by managing underage teams and he served as a Committee Member and as Club Treasurer. In recent years Adrian enjoyed walking, gardening and a game of golf. He was often heard to say that he would like to have more time on the golf course to improve his game. Adrian is predeceased by his brother Aurbrey, and his father Hughie, who for many years had a barbers shop in the town. His mother Annie, a member of the Wynne family from the Murrough, sadly passed away on January 10 following a long illness, bravely borne. Condolences are extended to her family on their sad loss. During this working life Adrian spent 19 years with S.V Delahunts Hardware of Wicklow. He was skilled at plumbing, building works, painting and decorating. He was known as a man who could turn his hand to anything. He worked for about 12 years at the local Veha plant until the closure of the factory last year. In recent days he had been described by many as a quiet man, a good neighbour and a loyal friend, who could be depended on to help out or assist in any way when needed. Above all else Adrian O'Neill was a family man. He was married to his wife Margaret for over 31 years and was devoted to her. Together they reared four children, Sandie, Tracey, Vicki and Aidan and he was a wonderful father. His grandsons Fionn and Tiernan were his pride and joy. On New Year's day Adrian was delighted by the birth of another grandson, Jack Michael Morgan, born to his daughter Sandie and her husband Michael Morgan, who reside in Boston. Jack's safe arrival was much celebrated by the O'Neill family and friends. Adrian's remains were taken from his home and were accepted in to St. Patrick's Church by Fr P. J. Breen, cousin of Adrian's wife Margaret. An enormous crowd of mourners, who filled the church to capacity and spilled outside, supported the family. At the Requiem Mass, celebrated by Fr Peter O'Reilly and at the burial at Rathnew Cemetery, an exceptional turn out again showed the high esteem in which Adrian and his family were held. Deepest sympathy on their sad loss is extended to Adrian's immediate family, to his brothers Michael, Eddie, Frannie and Eugene and to his sisters, Anita Quinn, Dorothy Nolan and Mary Smullen and to the extended family. Adrian was a devoted husband and an exceptional father, grandfather, brother and friend. He was greatly loved and he will be sadly missed by all who knew him. May he rest in peace. Courtesy of the Wicklow People 02 February 2006 Tweet

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