Colm O'Neill (born 1988)
Encyclopedia
Colm O’Neill is an Irish
sportsperson. He plays Gaelic football
with his local club Ballyclough
and has been a member of the Cork senior inter-county team since 2009.
.
. Cork narrowly won that game and later qualified for a Munster final showdown with Kerry
. By that stage of the championship O’Neill had established himself as a key member of the starting fifteen. In an exciting game he ended up as Cork's top scorer with 2–3 and was a large factor in the 3–8 to 1–11 victory. It was also his first Munster
minor winners’ medal. Cork, however, were surprisingly defeated by Offaly
in the subsequent All-Ireland quarter-final. and a point, Cork's defence of their provincial minor title ended with a semi-final defeat by Tipperary
. That same year O’Neill was drafted onto the Cork under-21 football team. He came on as a substitute in the Munster semi-final victory over Clare
, however, he played no part in the subsequent Munster final triumph and All-Ireland semi-final defeat.
In 2006 O’Neill was still eligible for the Cork minor team. In spite of scoring a goal and a point, Cork's defence of their provincial minor title ended with a semi-final defeat by Tipperary
. Once again, O’Neill was drafted onto the Cork under-21 football team. He came on as a substitute in the Munster semi-final trouncing of Tipperary, however, his services were not required for the subsequent Munster final triumph and All-Ireland final defeat.
By 2007 O’Neill had established himself on the starting fifteen of the Cork under-21 team. He lined out in the provincial decider that year against Tipperary and a high-scoring and exciting game developed. O’Neill had an uncharacteristic quiet day and was held scoreless. In spite of that Cork still won by 3–19 to 3–12 and he added a Munster
under-21 winners’ medal to his collection. Cork later maneuvered through the All-Ireland series and reached the All-Ireland final against Laois
. Another close and exciting game of football developed as neither side took a decisive lead. O’Neill chipped in with a goal and a point, to help his side to a narrow 2–10 to 0–15 victory. It was his first All-Ireland
winners’ medal at under-21 level.
After surrendering their provincial under-21 crown in 2008, Cork bounced back in 2009 with O’Neill as captain. The Munster final that year pitted Cork against Tipperary and, once again, a close game was the result. At the full-time whistle ‘the Rebels’ did just about enough to secure a 1–9 to 2–5 victory. It was O’Neill's second Munster under-21 winners’ medal on the field of play. For the second time in three years Cork subsequently reached the All-Ireland final. Down
provided the opposition on that occasion and there was little to separate the two sides for much of the game. It took a late goal from Colm O'Driscoll to secure a 1–13 to 2–9 victory for Cork. Not only did O’Neill collect a second All-Ireland under-21 winners’ medal, but he also had the honour of collecting the cup on behalf of his county.
against Waterford
in the provincial quarter-final. O’Neill also came on as a substitute in Cork's next game against Kerry
and immediately scored a 45-metre free to give Cork a one-point lead. Kerry, however, equalized and forced a draw. The replay saw Cork defeat their old enemy; however, O’Neill played no part in the game. He was introduced as a substitute again in the subsequent Munster final against Limerick, closely followed by his club-mate Paul O'Flynn
. The game looked to be going away from Cork, however, ‘the Rebels’ fought back with O’Neill chipping in with a point. It was a vital score as Cork went on to win by a point on a score line of 2–6 to 0–11. It was O’Neill's first Munster
winners’ medal in the senior grade. Subsequent defeats of Donegal
and Tyrone
saw Cork qualify for an All-Ireland final showdown with Kerry. Cork were surprisingly named as favourites, however, this tag appeared to be justified when Cork led by 1–3 to 0–1 early in the opening half, courtesy of a goal and a point from O'Neill. The Kerry team stuck to their gameplan, helped in no small part by a Cork side that recorded fourteen wides. At the final whistle Kerry were the champions again by 0–16 to 1–9.
In 2010 O'Neill was used as an impact sub rather than as a member of the starting fifteen. A defeat by Kerry in a replay of the provincial semi-final resulted in Cork being exiled to the All-Ireland qualifiers. After negotiating their way through a difficult series of games, Cork defeated Dublin
to qualify for their third All-Ireland final in four years. Down
provided the opposition on that occasion in the first meeting between these two teams since 1994. Cork got off to a lightning start, however, they eased off and trailed by three points at the interval. O'Neill didn't start, however, when he came on as a substitute he immediately caused problems in the full-forward line. Paul Kerrigan
got his sole point of the match to put 'the Rebels' ahead for the first time in fifty minutes after surrendering the lead in the fifth minute. Cork stretched the lead to three points, however, Down fought back. At the full-time whistle Cork were the champions by 0–16 to 0–15 and O'Neill picked up a coveted All-Ireland
winners' medal.
Irish people
The Irish people are an ethnic group who originate in Ireland, an island in northwestern Europe. Ireland has been populated for around 9,000 years , with the Irish people's earliest ancestors recorded having legends of being descended from groups such as the Nemedians, Fomorians, Fir Bolg, Tuatha...
sportsperson. He plays Gaelic football
Gaelic football
Gaelic football , commonly referred to as "football" or "Gaelic", or "Gah" is a form of football played mainly in Ireland...
with his local club Ballyclough
Ballyclough GAA
Ballyclough GAA is a Gaelic Athletic Association club based in the parish of Ballyclough, County Cork, Ireland. The club fields teams in competitions organized by the Cork GAA county board and the Avondhu GAA divisional board.-Achievements:...
and has been a member of the Cork senior inter-county team since 2009.
Club
O’Neill plays his club football with his local club called BallycloughBallyclough GAA
Ballyclough GAA is a Gaelic Athletic Association club based in the parish of Ballyclough, County Cork, Ireland. The club fields teams in competitions organized by the Cork GAA county board and the Avondhu GAA divisional board.-Achievements:...
.
Minor & under-21
O’Neill first came to prominence on the inter-county scene as a member of the Cork minor football team in 2005. He made his debut as a substitute in the first round of the provincial championship against LimerickLimerick GAA
The Limerick County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Limerick GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Limerick...
. Cork narrowly won that game and later qualified for a Munster final showdown with Kerry
Kerry GAA
The Kerry County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Kerry...
. By that stage of the championship O’Neill had established himself as a key member of the starting fifteen. In an exciting game he ended up as Cork's top scorer with 2–3 and was a large factor in the 3–8 to 1–11 victory. It was also his first Munster
Munster Minor Football Championship
The Munster Minor Football Championship is the Minor "knockout" competition in the game of Gaelic football played in the province of Munster in Ireland. The series of games are organised by the Munster Council. The current Munster Minor football champions are Tipperary. Clare won the inaugural...
minor winners’ medal. Cork, however, were surprisingly defeated by Offaly
Offaly GAA
The Offaly County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Offaly GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Offaly...
in the subsequent All-Ireland quarter-final. and a point, Cork's defence of their provincial minor title ended with a semi-final defeat by Tipperary
Tipperary GAA
The Tipperary County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or C is one of over 30 regional executive boards throughout the world. These executive boards are known as County Boards even though some no longer correspond to the area under the jurisdiction of the counties from which their names...
. That same year O’Neill was drafted onto the Cork under-21 football team. He came on as a substitute in the Munster semi-final victory over Clare
Clare GAA
The Clare County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Clare GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Clare. The county board is also responsible for the Clare inter-county teams....
, however, he played no part in the subsequent Munster final triumph and All-Ireland semi-final defeat.
In 2006 O’Neill was still eligible for the Cork minor team. In spite of scoring a goal and a point, Cork's defence of their provincial minor title ended with a semi-final defeat by Tipperary
Tipperary GAA
The Tipperary County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or C is one of over 30 regional executive boards throughout the world. These executive boards are known as County Boards even though some no longer correspond to the area under the jurisdiction of the counties from which their names...
. Once again, O’Neill was drafted onto the Cork under-21 football team. He came on as a substitute in the Munster semi-final trouncing of Tipperary, however, his services were not required for the subsequent Munster final triumph and All-Ireland final defeat.
By 2007 O’Neill had established himself on the starting fifteen of the Cork under-21 team. He lined out in the provincial decider that year against Tipperary and a high-scoring and exciting game developed. O’Neill had an uncharacteristic quiet day and was held scoreless. In spite of that Cork still won by 3–19 to 3–12 and he added a Munster
Munster Under-21 Football Championship
The Munster Under-21 Football Championship is the premier "knockout" competition for players aged between 18 and 21 in the game of Gaelic football played in the province of Munster, in Ireland....
under-21 winners’ medal to his collection. Cork later maneuvered through the All-Ireland series and reached the All-Ireland final against Laois
Laois GAA
The Laois County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Laois GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Laois and the Laois inter-county teams.-History:...
. Another close and exciting game of football developed as neither side took a decisive lead. O’Neill chipped in with a goal and a point, to help his side to a narrow 2–10 to 0–15 victory. It was his first All-Ireland
All-Ireland Under-21 Football Championship
The All-Ireland Under-21 Football Championship is the premier "knockout" competition for players aged between 18 and 21 in the game of Gaelic football played in Ireland. The series of games are organised by the Gaelic Athletic Association and are played during the summer months...
winners’ medal at under-21 level.
After surrendering their provincial under-21 crown in 2008, Cork bounced back in 2009 with O’Neill as captain. The Munster final that year pitted Cork against Tipperary and, once again, a close game was the result. At the full-time whistle ‘the Rebels’ did just about enough to secure a 1–9 to 2–5 victory. It was O’Neill's second Munster under-21 winners’ medal on the field of play. For the second time in three years Cork subsequently reached the All-Ireland final. Down
Down GAA
The Down County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Down GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Down...
provided the opposition on that occasion and there was little to separate the two sides for much of the game. It took a late goal from Colm O'Driscoll to secure a 1–13 to 2–9 victory for Cork. Not only did O’Neill collect a second All-Ireland under-21 winners’ medal, but he also had the honour of collecting the cup on behalf of his county.
Senior
In 2009 O’Neill joined the Cork senior football panel in time for the start of the championship. He made his senior debut as a substitute for James MastersJames Masters (Gaelic footballer)
James Masters is an Irish sportsperson. He plays Gaelic football with his local club Nemo Rangers and was a member of the Cork senior inter-county team from 2005 until 2010.-Biography:...
against Waterford
Waterford GAA
The Waterford County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Waterford GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for all levels of Gaelic games in County Waterford. The County Board is also responsible for the Waterford inter-county teams. The county...
in the provincial quarter-final. O’Neill also came on as a substitute in Cork's next game against Kerry
Kerry GAA
The Kerry County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Kerry...
and immediately scored a 45-metre free to give Cork a one-point lead. Kerry, however, equalized and forced a draw. The replay saw Cork defeat their old enemy; however, O’Neill played no part in the game. He was introduced as a substitute again in the subsequent Munster final against Limerick, closely followed by his club-mate Paul O'Flynn
Paul O'Flynn
Paul O'Flynn is an Irish sportsperson. He plays Gaelic football with his local club Ballyclough and has been a member of the Cork senior inter-county team since 2009. He captained the CIT victorious Sigerson winning side to their first title.-References:...
. The game looked to be going away from Cork, however, ‘the Rebels’ fought back with O’Neill chipping in with a point. It was a vital score as Cork went on to win by a point on a score line of 2–6 to 0–11. It was O’Neill's first Munster
Munster Senior Football Championship
The Munster Senior Football Championship is the premier "knockout" competition in the game of football played in the province of Munster in Ireland. The series of games are organised by the Munster Council and are played during the summer months...
winners’ medal in the senior grade. Subsequent defeats of Donegal
Donegal GAA
The Donegal County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Donegal GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Donegal. The county board is also responsible for the Donegal inter-county teams.Gaelic football is strongest in the...
and Tyrone
Tyrone GAA
The Tyrone County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Tyrone GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Tyrone. The county board is also responsible for the Tyrone inter-county teams....
saw Cork qualify for an All-Ireland final showdown with Kerry. Cork were surprisingly named as favourites, however, this tag appeared to be justified when Cork led by 1–3 to 0–1 early in the opening half, courtesy of a goal and a point from O'Neill. The Kerry team stuck to their gameplan, helped in no small part by a Cork side that recorded fourteen wides. At the final whistle Kerry were the champions again by 0–16 to 1–9.
In 2010 O'Neill was used as an impact sub rather than as a member of the starting fifteen. A defeat by Kerry in a replay of the provincial semi-final resulted in Cork being exiled to the All-Ireland qualifiers. After negotiating their way through a difficult series of games, Cork defeated Dublin
Dublin GAA
Dublin County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association , or Dublin GAA, is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Dublin. The county board is also responsible for the Dublin inter-county teams...
to qualify for their third All-Ireland final in four years. Down
Down GAA
The Down County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Down GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Down...
provided the opposition on that occasion in the first meeting between these two teams since 1994. Cork got off to a lightning start, however, they eased off and trailed by three points at the interval. O'Neill didn't start, however, when he came on as a substitute he immediately caused problems in the full-forward line. Paul Kerrigan
Paul Kerrigan
Paul Kerrigan is an Irish sportsperson. He plays Gaelic football with his local club Nemo Rangers and has been a member of the Cork senior inter-county team since 2008. He is the son of Jimmy Kerrigan, a footballer of note in the 1980s.-Club:Kerrigan plays his club football with the famous Nemo...
got his sole point of the match to put 'the Rebels' ahead for the first time in fifty minutes after surrendering the lead in the fifth minute. Cork stretched the lead to three points, however, Down fought back. At the full-time whistle Cork were the champions by 0–16 to 0–15 and O'Neill picked up a coveted All-Ireland
All-Ireland Senior Football Championship
The All-Ireland Senior Football Championship, the premier competition in Gaelic football, is a series of games organised by the Gaelic Athletic Association and played during the summer and early autumn...
winners' medal.
Cork
- All-Ireland Senior Football ChampionshipAll-Ireland Senior Football ChampionshipThe All-Ireland Senior Football Championship, the premier competition in Gaelic football, is a series of games organised by the Gaelic Athletic Association and played during the summer and early autumn...
:- Winner (1): 2010
- Runner-up (1): 2009
- Munster Senior Football ChampionshipMunster Senior Football ChampionshipThe Munster Senior Football Championship is the premier "knockout" competition in the game of football played in the province of Munster in Ireland. The series of games are organised by the Munster Council and are played during the summer months...
:- Winner (1): 2009
- All-Ireland Under-21 Football ChampionshipAll-Ireland Under-21 Football ChampionshipThe All-Ireland Under-21 Football Championship is the premier "knockout" competition for players aged between 18 and 21 in the game of Gaelic football played in Ireland. The series of games are organised by the Gaelic Athletic Association and are played during the summer months...
:- Winner (2): 2007, 2009 (c)
- Runner-up (1): 2006 (sub)
- Munster Under-21 Football ChampionshipMunster Under-21 Football ChampionshipThe Munster Under-21 Football Championship is the premier "knockout" competition for players aged between 18 and 21 in the game of Gaelic football played in the province of Munster, in Ireland....
:- Winner (2): 2005 (sub), 2006 (sub), 2007, 2009 (c)
- Munster Minor Football ChampionshipMunster Minor Football ChampionshipThe Munster Minor Football Championship is the Minor "knockout" competition in the game of Gaelic football played in the province of Munster in Ireland. The series of games are organised by the Munster Council. The current Munster Minor football champions are Tipperary. Clare won the inaugural...
:- Winner (1): 2005