Dr Pat O’Neill, born in Keady, Armagh, in 1929, died peacefully at his home in Omagh. He captained St Patrick’s College, Armagh, to MacRory Cup victories in 1944, 1945 and 1946. In 1946, the team won the first Hogan Cup by defeating St Jarlath’s College, Tuam.

He served as the oldest living MacRory Cup-winning captain. At age 21, O’Neill captained Armagh to the Ulster Senior Championship in 1950. He played centre half back for Armagh in the 1953 All-Ireland Senior Football Championship final, lost to Kerry 0-13 to 1-6. He was the last surviving member of that Armagh team.

After qualifying as a doctor, O’Neill practised as a GP in Omagh. With St Enda’s, Omagh, he secured three Tyrone senior championship medals. He won two Ulster senior titles with Tyrone in 1956 and 1957.

In 2024, he attended the MacRory Cup centenary final as an honoured guest. He presented the match ball to the referee.

On March 15, O’Neill attended Mass in Drumragh and watched the Roscommon v Donegal game. He fell unwell that evening.

His funeral takes place from the family home in Omagh on March 18 at 12.30pm, with Requiem Mass at 1pm in Sacred Heart Church. Interment follows in St Mary’s Cemetery, Drumragh.