There is widespread shock and sadness in Portarlington this week following the tragic passing of a father and husband.
Shane O’Neill died on Sunday following a drowning accident in Gran Canaria in Spain.
He is sadly missed by his loving wife Martina and sons Jack, Cian and Eimhin.
Shane is also missed by father Hugh, mother Trudy, sister Eimear, brother Darragh, parents-in-law Charlie and Louise, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, extended family, neighbours and friends.
Shane was extremely well known as he ran a catering business called Laois Catering and previously worked in Portarlington Golf Club.
Tributes have flooded in for Shane since his passing and Portarlington Lions Club, of which Shane was a member for a long time, led the way.
They said: “On behalf of Club President Noel Brennan, the Committee and members, it is with a very sad heart that we offer our deepest condolences to the family of our beloved club member and friend Shane O’Neill, on his tragic passing this weekend.
“Shane was a long time member of the Lions Club, a past secratery and PRO.
“He gave years of his time to The Lion’s Diabetic screening at the Ploughing championships and made lasting friendships throughout the Lion’s community in Ireland.
“Our thoughts are with his beloved Martina, his cherished boys, his family in Edenderry and many lifelong friends. Our hearts are broken.
“Because of this great loss, we won’t be continuing our Christmas Appeal as planned in Centra this coming weekend.
“We will however get vouchers out to those who contacted us as soon as possible. We know everyone will understand.”
Shane’s son Eimhin was the captain of the O’Dempsey’s team that reached the Minor ‘B’ championship final this year.
The Killenard club paid tribute to Mr O’Neill on their Facebook page.
They said: “All at O’Dempsey’s GFC were deeply saddened to hear the news of Shane O’Neill’s passing.
“We would like to extend our deepest sympathies to his wife Martina, his sons and all the O’Neill family.
“Our thoughts are with you all at this incredibly difficult time.
His son, Eimhín, our Club Young Player of the Year, captained our Minor team earlier this year in their County Final, with Shane on-hand afterwards, to feed the team and their supporters back at the Clubhouse.
“Shane will be a huge loss to his family, friends and the wider community in Portarlington.”
Shane’s funeral details will be announced later. May he Rest in Peace.
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