Former GAA president Liam O'Neill dies aged 70
Former GAA president Liam O'Neill has passed away at the age of 70 following an illness. O'Neill is remembered for his significant contributions to Gaelic games, including the introduction of the 'black card' and the expansion of media partnerships.
Why it matters
O'Neill was a pivotal figure in the modernization of the Gaelic Athletic Association, influencing both the rules of the game and its commercial structure.
Liam O'Neill served as GAA president from 2012 to 2015. Pic: Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile
Former GAA president Liam O’Neill, 70, has passed away following a recent illness.
The Laois native, a Trumera clubman, served as uachtarán from 2012 to ’15 during which time the black card was introduced to Gaelic football. He became the second man from Laois to hold the position after Robert O’Keeffe (1935-38).
O’Neill commissioned the late Eugene McGee to head up the initial Football Review Committee, which brought in a new layer of punishment for cynical play and laid the foundation for its implementation in hurling years later.
O’Neill also established the Liam Sheedy-led Hurling 2020 group that brought in the one-v-one penalty and the five-second advantage rule.
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