The death has occurred of legendary Louth footballer and Castlebar native Dan O'Neill.

Dan was one of two Mayo men to line out for the Wee County in their 1957 All-Ireland final victory over Cork. He was joined on the team by Ballaghaderreen's Seamie O'Donnell, who he had also played alongside when Mayo won the National League title three years earlier. Both were Gardai and have the distinction of being the last two Mayo men to win All-Ireland senior medals.

Dan started the All-Ireland final at centre field and was joined in the engine room  for the second half by Seamie, who switched from the half forward line. He spent eight years living in the Wee County and played for Oliver Plunkett's as well as the now defunct St. Dominic's and Naomh Mhuire clubs.

Dan later played for Galway after retiring from the Gardai in 1962 to take up a job with Calor Gas. He subsequently became the Regional Tourism Manager for Donegal, Sligo and Leitrim.

Married to Meath woman Nancy Callan,  Dan launched his autobiography, Divided Loyalties, in 2009. Details of his funeral have yet to be released.

May he rest in peace.

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