Sadness at sudden passing of Aodh (50)
ANNACURRA NATIVE WAS A DEVOTED FAMILY MAN AND LOCAL GAA STALWART
THE community of Annacurra was devastated to learn of the death of local man Aodh O’Neill yesterday (Tuesday) afternoon.
A devoted family man and dedicated Annacurra GAA Club member, Aodh collapsed at his home suddenly and passed away shortly after noon. He was 50 years old.
Married to Pauline and father to four daughters – Sammie, Kellie, Sarah and Noelle – Aodh was a stalwart in the local GAA community and the night before his death, was in attendance at the weekly club lotto draw at The Saltee.
He was also present at the Wicklow match in Bray the previous Saturday where he was in great spirits.
A native of Annacurra, Aodh was involved in GAA throughout his lifetime, and volunteered as a gateman and lotto organiser.
He was also a steward at the Wicklow County Grounds in Aughrim and was a familiar face to GAA fans from all over the county.
‘Whatever needed to be done, Aodh was a willing club member,’ said Wicklow GAA chairman and Annacurra GAA member, Martin Fitzgerald.
‘Our sympathies go to Aodh’s family at this very sad time. He will be greatly missed in the club and the wider community. Aodh was a very outgoing man and wouldn’t be happy unless he was having the craic with you,’ he said.
Aodh was employed at Kerry Foods, Shillelagh, a job he had held for much of his working life, and in his spare time, enjoyed dog and horse racing, often travelling to Shelbourne Park and Enniscorthy Dog Track for outings.
Aodh is survived by his wife Pauline and daughters Sammie, Kellie, Sarah and Noelle, mother Marie and sisters Sinéad and Siobhán. He was predeceased by his father Hughie. May he rest in peace.