Talented footballer Dean O’Neill died suddenly in his sleep
Dean O’Neill died in his sleep and was found in his home in Dungiven, Co Derry early on Thursday.
The cause of the 29-year-old’s death is not yet known.
From Drumsurn, he had played football for St Matthew’s GAC from under-8 level and was described as “different class” on the pitch.
He also played hurling for the Kevin Lynch’s club in Dungiven up to under-21 and was part of a successful Feile team in 2004.
A plasterboard dry liner by trade, he had been living with his girlfriend and was described last night as “a legend”.
His brother Justin (32) said his sudden death had “completely ripped” the family apart.
“There is total devastation,” he said.
The father-of-three said his brother had a “heart of gold” and was a skillful footballer.
“From he was under-14 he just excelled and then under-16, there were a few outstanding players and he was one of them,” he said.
“He just ran the show completely, I could not believe it. He was strong, he could shoot and catch. The talent was always, always there. He was a different class.
“He loved everything about football. He would have gone to watch all the championships in south Derry”.
Justin said Dean would be remembered as “a gentle giant”.
“He was bubbly and funny and kept the craic going,” he said.
“He was really easy to talk to. He was always there for you. He was approachable, he was loveable.
“He was a child at heart.”
He added: “The whole town of Dungiven and Drumsurn and the surrounding areas can’t get over it. Everyone in the town is messaging and texting and ringing. He was a complete legend.”
It is hoped a post mortem will establish what might have caused the death.
Reposing from his late residence, funeral from there on Monday, June 22, leaving at 11 am for 12n oon Requiem Mass in St Matthew’s Church, Drumsurn.
Interment immediately afterwards in the adjoining cemetery.
Funeral cortege will travel via New Street onto Main Street, then onto Garvagh Road Dungiven allowing neighbours and friends to pay their final respects.
The public are asked to maintain social distancing in the interest of your own health and others.
Due to the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic the funeral mass is private.
Justin said the family are asking anyone coming to pay their respects to bring a photograph of Dean and a memory about him, instead of a Mass card.
“He was the middle child and the glue in the middle,” he said.
“We are devastated.
“You can feel it in the air around the area. We are completely ripped apart.”
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