James O’Neill, Castlehaven RIP

1936 – 2023

Vice President & Trustee of Castlehaven GAA Club  .

Cork GAA wish to be associated with expressions of sympathy on the passing of James O’Neill Castlehaven GAA.

James served as as Cultural Officer of Coiste Chontae Chorcai CLCG from 2007 to 2009. He also served as Cork GAA Board member representing his beloved Castlehaven for many years.

There was great sadness in Castlehaven when  the news broke of the passing of James O Neill, Myross.

James has given a life time service to the GAA  at Club,  Divisional and County Board level . He has served as an officer at  Club & Divisional and County board level.  He became the  Castlehaven Club secretary in 1975  and was hugely instrumental in the rise of the club during his tenure, from junior to senior grade.

 He served as Castlehaven Secretary for two terms 1975 to 81 and 1988 to 1992 .  The club won it’s first County Senior and Munster titles 1989 when he was serving as Secretary.  He also took on the role of  Club Chairman from 1997 to 2001 where his leadership skills were very much evident.

He was very involved in the purchase and development of the grounds at Moneyvollahane .

He was also the Castlehaven delegate to the County Board and also to the  Carbery Division.

 He served as an officer for the Carbery Board  ( President  2011, 12, 13 & Chairman  1998 & 99  & Treasurer  2000 to 2010 & Development Officer  1992 -97 )

 James had a great love of Irish culture  & Irish language and was great with the cúpla focail.He was also actively involved in his local church over the years.

He had great contacts all over Ireland especially in the wider GAA  circles.  If you wanted a  match ticket ,  or had a query about a GAA ruling, James was your man .

  He was currently a member of the committee and gave great guidance to the club . He was great man for attending GAA games from intercounty to club .  You could meet  him at Croke Park or the Blackfield or any venue.

  His wife Ann also gave great service to the club .She  was also an officer of the club.  His sons  Sean & Seamus and Micheàl played for the club and Sean has continued the family tradition and is presently the Club’s County Board Delegate .His daughter Mary never misses a match.

James also took great pride in all the club players who wore the Cork  Jersey   .

He  was a great community man and a loyal supporter of Myross Rowing Club.  He was a fountain of knowledge on local history and folklore in Myross and Union Hall.

He was in mighty form and delighted with the birth of his most recent grandchild Casey .

James greatest legacy is his family and the massive contribution he made to the GAA and the wider community.

Deepest sympathy to wife  Ann and family,   Sean,  Mary , Seamus,   Micheàl  and extended family  and friends  and to Castlehaven GAA.