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Irish Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Daily Mirror
Funeral mass hears photographer was 'solid bloke' who loved his family dearly
Irish Mirror photographer Mick O'Neill was a 'solid bloke' with a wicked sense of humour who loved his family deeply, his funeral Mass heard on Monday. Mick sadly died aged 62 on July 12 after a motorcycle accident on the Old Airport Road in north Dublin. The talented photographer worked for the Irish Mirror and Irish Daily Star for over 20 years, and is dearly missed by all his colleagues. His funeral mass took place at the Church of St Finian's in Swords on Monday morning, followed by burial in Dardistown Cemetery. A motorcycle helmet, press photographer awards and a photo of Mick and his beloved granddaughter Mya, 12, were brought to the altar as gifts. Mourners heard that Mick, who was from Artane but lived in Swords, was a 'proud Dubliner' who was happiest when on his bike or with his family. His granddaughter Mya told the funeral Mass that he would do anything to make her happy, and was immensely proud of her. She said: 'Grandad wasn't only my grandad, he was my best friend, we had such a strong bond. I'm not sure if he just liked breakfast or if it was an excuse to call me because every time he did it would be the same question- 'Do you want to go for breakfast?' 'Grandad always liked to keep his little princess happy, if I had a problem he would solve it. He was always so proud, he would make it out that whatever I did no one had ever done before. "He did everything to keep me happy, he went all over Ireland to find Uggs for me for Christmas. We loved to eat chocolate together so if he was to buy me a gift that's what he could get but sometimes all I got was a photo.' Mick O'Neill is carried to his final resting place following his funeral on Monday morning. (Image: Collins Photos) Photographers form a guard of honour at the funeral of Irish Mirror photographer, Mick O'Neill. (Image: Collins Photos) Mick is dearly missed by Mya, his son Karl, Karl's partner Vicky and mother Lorraine, brothers Terry and Owen and sisters Ann and Helena. On behalf of the family, Mick's close friend Noel Fay thanked everyone for their support, and the emergency service and hospital staff that helped him after the tragic accident. Paying tribute to his dear friend during the mass, Noel said: 'Mick was a solid bloke, when you became his friend, you stayed his friend. I never heard him say a bad word about anyone, he had a great respect for people. He was well-liked because of his modesty, subtle sense of humour and his professional approach to his work. 'Everybody here has some memorable and funny stories of Mick but he wasn't perfect and he had his flaws. Mick was always early, it was so annoying. He was never late and I hated that. As for his antique phone, iPhone 1 I think. Everybody pleaded with him to get a new one. 'When at any restaurant he would try and order the most obscure things that weren't on the menu. But he loved his sticky buns.' On behalf of Crime Correspondent Mick O'Toole and his colleagues, Noel told the mass that he was 'a mentor and friend to dozens of reporters over the years'. He added: '(Mick) would treat a homeless person with the same respect he would give to the president. He had a unique way of putting interviewees and people he was photographing at ease. His humour, energy, dedication and sense of decency all made a reporter's job easier. Pictured from left to right, Irish Mirror photographer, Mick O'Neill with Irish Mirror journalists Paul Healy and Michael O'Toole. Michael Kelley seen here on Michael Gaine's farm near Kenmare Co Kerry. (Image: Exclusive Image: Mick O'Neill/Daily Mirror) 'He travelled all over the world with his job, often on risky assignments. Some of the countries he went to included Peru, Lebanon, the Netherlands, Mauritius, India, Dubai and Spain. All of his colleagues are devastated by his loss, he is irreplaceable.' Mick was a renowned news photographer in Ireland and won multiple awards for his incredible photos that no one else managed to snap. Mourners heard that the Dubliner would wait for hours to get the perfect shot, and was always highly professional when it came to his work. Noel continued: 'With Mick, he was always the happiest when he was out on the bike with the lads. It was only when sharing a pint with Mick that you would get the full story about his work and his achievements. The problem was his modesty starved you of his news and you had to drag it out of him. Some of his stories were so outrageous but they were all true. 'I remember a few months ago I was trying to get Mick on the phone over the course of a few days, but each time I got no answer so I guessed that he was away or busy working. The next day I saw that famous dramatic photo on the front page of The Star of the guy with a big axe in his hands regarding the missing Kerry farmer Michael Gaine. 'It then made sense to me why I couldn't get him on the phone. The photograph was by Mick O'Neill, exclusive image for the Star and Mirror. There he was doing what he does best, making the news. But today my friends, in a sad way, Mick is the news.' Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here.
Irish Independent
a day ago
- General
- Irish Independent
Funeral mass of Irish Daily Star and Irish Mirror photographer Mick O'Neill hears how he was ‘irreplaceable'
Mourners heard how the crowds gathered for his funeral were a 'testament to just how much Mick was loved and will be missed' as a colleague recalled how he "would treat a homeless person with the same respect as the President'. His granddaughter Mya told how Mr O'Neill was not just her grandfather, but someone with whom she shared a strong bond. 'He wasn't only my grandad, he was my best friend,' Mya said. 'We had such a strong bond. I'm not sure if he just liked breakfast or if it was an excuse to call me, but every time it was always the same question: 'Want to go for breakfast?' 'If I had a problem he could solve, he would do it. 'He was always so proud. He would make it out that whatever I did, no one has ever done it before. Reading all the comments, I see he would mention it to his friends too.' Mya said her grandfather would do 'everything' for her to be happy, including running 'all over Ireland' to get her the pair of Uggs she had mentioned for Christmas. 'We loved to eat chocolate together so it was easy to find a gift we could both enjoy, but sometimes all I got was a photo. He gave me so many memories that I'll never forget, probably because he always had the camera ready to snap,' she said. 'I love you Grandad Mick, I miss your calls already.' He was 'always happiest when he was out on the bike with the lads' A blue floral arrangement in the shape of the word 'Dad' was laid in front of his coffin at the Church of St Finian's, River Valley in Swords this morning, where his funeral took place. Mr O'Neill died after his motorbike crashed with a tractor and trailer on the Old Airport Road (Collinstown Lane) in north Dublin at around 11am on July 12. ADVERTISEMENT His close friend, Noel, who he grew up just minutes from him in Artane, worked with Mr O'Neill throughout his life – starting at Independent Newspapers – and shared a close bond with over their love of motorbikes. He told how Mr O'Neill 'was always happiest when he was out on the bike with the lads'. He thanked the large crowd that attended the mass, as well as the emergency services and the staff at the Mater Hospital who 'worked courageously during what was a very traumatic time'. 'Mick was a solid bloke. When you became his friend, you stayed his friend. I never heard him say a bad word about anyone,' Noel said. 'Mick had a great effect on people. He was just well liked because of his modesty, his subtle sense of humour – which we all know – and his professional approach to his work.' He said he will never forget how Mr O'Neill became part of the 'rock' that supported him when they were both made redundant in 2004. "He always had a positive vibe and said things will get better. And he was right, because they did.' 'A mentor and friend to dozens of reporters over the years' Mr O'Neill pursued a career in press photography, later becoming the chief press photographer with Reach Ireland, which comprises the Irish Daily Star and Mirror newspapers. Earlier this year, one of Mr O'Neill's images was named in the top 50 photos at the World Press Awards. 'The message I have to the person who hired Mick as their man at the Star. You not only knew that he was the best man for the job, but he was the right man. Mick was always the right man,' Noel added. In a message read on behalf of Mr O'Neill's colleagues, Irish Mirror and Irish Star crime and defence editor Mick O'Toole wrote that the photographer was 'a mentor and friend to dozens of reporters over the years'. 'He loved the variety of the work and would treat a homeless person with the same respect as the President,' he said. Mr O'Toole told how the photographer had a 'unique way of putting interviewees at ease' and was a support to reporters throughout their work with his ideas, humour, energy, dedication and advice. 'He was always motivated, always cheerful and could be depended on even in the toughest of spots. He travelled all over the world with his job – often on risky assignments,' Mr O'Toole said. 'Some of the countries that he went to included Peru, Lebanon, the Netherlands, Mauritius, India, Dubai, Spain. But whenever he went, he never forgot that he was a proud Dubliner.' Mr O'Neill worked on many high-profile jobs and stories throughout his career, with Mr O'Toole adding: 'All his colleagues are devastated by his loss. He is irreplaceable.' In his death notice, Mr O'Neill was described as the 'loving father of Karl', who was predeceased by his parents Mick and Angela. 'Very sadly missed by his son, grandchildren Mya and Kai, Karl's partner Vicky, Karl's mother Lorraine, brothers Terry and Owen, sisters Ann and Helena, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, extended family, friends and neighbours.' The funeral mass was followed by burial in Dardistown Cemetery.
Extra.ie
14-07-2025
- Extra.ie
Three killed on roads in weekend of carnage
Three men were killed and two others seriously injured in collisions on the country's roads over the past three days. On Saturday, father-of-one and award-winning photojournalist Michael 'Mick' O'Neill, died when the motorcycle he was driving was involved in a collision with a tractor/trailer at 10.50am along the Old Airport Road, known as Collistown Lane, in Co. Dublin. The 62-year-old was rushed to the Mater Hospital where he was pronounced dead. No one else was injured in the collision Mr O'Neill is survived by his wife Lorraine, son Karl and grandchildren Mya and Kai, as well as a wide circle of family members and friends. The Mater Hospital. Pic: KarlM Photography/Shutterstock Neil Leslie, editor of the Irish Daily Star and Irish Daily Mirror, said all of Mr O'Neill's colleagues at the two papers he worked as a photographer for, and also the wider group of Reach Ireland, are devastated at his untimely loss. Mr Leslie said: 'On behalf of Reach, I would like to extend our deepest sympathies and offer our support to his family and all his many friends and colleagues. 'Mick was a truly outstanding journalist and photographer. Pic: Damien Storan/Shutterstock Moreover, he was a great friend and a wise mentor to the other journalists who worked alongside him over many years.' Mr O'Neill had worked for the Irish Daily Star for 25 years. Also, on Friday, a pedestrian in his 30s died after he was struck by a truck on Ballyboden Way, Dublin 16, at around 8.30am. He was pronounced deceased at the scene. No one else was injured in the incident. On the same day, father-of-four Michael O'Sullivan, 55, from Cullencastle, Tramore, Co. Waterford, died at University Hospital Waterford as a result of injuries he sustained when the motorbike he was travelling on collided with a jeep last Wednesday. Road closed by Gardai. Pic: Shutterstock The collision occurred at 7.35pm in the Cullencastle area of Tramore. Mr O'Sullivan is survived by his wife Lillian, son Nicholas and daughters Fiona, Heather and Rebecca. A 67-year-old man has been remanded on bail charged with alleged dangerous driving causing death in relation to last Wednesday's crash. John Fitzgibbon, with an address in New York City, appeared before a special sitting of Waterford District Court on Friday night. Judge John Cheatle set bail at €10,000 cash to be presented to the court tomorrow. Bail was granted on the guarantee that Mr Fitzgibbon's Irish and American passports be handed into the court. Mr Fitzgibbon was also ordered to reside in Co. Waterford until the conclusion of court proceedings. Tallaght University Hospital. Sasko Lazarov / Elsewhere, a man in his 20s was seriously injured in a collision involving the electric motorbike he was driving and a car in Tallaght, Dublin. The collision took place at Brookfield Road at around 8.15pm last Friday. He was taken to Tallaght University Hospital and subsequently transferred to Beaumont Hospital, where his condition is described as critical. Meanwhile, in Co. Armagh, a man is in a critical condition following an incident involving a vehicle on Saturday. Inspector Cherith Adair said of incident on the Coolmillish Road, Markethil: 'A male passenger sustained serious injuries following an incident involving a vehicle shortly after 4.30pm.' Inspector Adair said one man had been cautioned. news@daily
Sunday World
13-07-2025
- Sunday World
Tributes flood in for photojournalist who died in road crash
Michael O'Neill (62), was taken to the Mater hospital after his moterbike crashed with a tractor and trailer and he was later pronounced dead Tributes have been paid to press photographer Michael O'Neill, who died in a road crash on Saturday in Dublin. Known as Mick to friends and colleagues in the Irish Daily Star and Irish Mirror, Mr O'Neill died after his motorbike crashed with a tractor and trailer on the Old Airport Road (Collinstown Lane) in North Dublin at around 11am. Mr O'Neill (62), was taken to the Mater hospital but was later pronounced dead. He was a hugely respected and award-winning photojournalist and had a passion for motorbikes, travelling annually to the Isle of Man with friends to watch the TT Races there. Mr O'Neill is survived by his wife Lorraine, son Karl and two grandchildren, Mya and Kai, as well as a wide circle of family members and friends. Star and Mirror photographer Mick O'Neill News in 90 Seconds - Sunday July 13 In a moving tribute, his close friend and colleague of many years, Michael O'Toole, the crime and defence editor of the Irish Daily Star and Irish Mirror, posted online: 'Mick was the snapper's snapper. There was nobody who came close to him. He travelled all over Ireland and the world doing a job he loved and excelled at, one which came naturally to him'. The papers' crime correspondent Paul Healy said Mr O'Neill was everything you would want in a mentor and colleague, but most importantly, a friend. 'We worked closely with one another almost every day for the past ten years, and in that time confided in one another and often sought each other's advice. But it was usually Mick's advice that I needed,' Mr Healy said. 'He also had an incredible way with people, and even though it would be me doing the interview he was often the one that had gotten the best lines out of someone. He had a keen news sense, incredible contacts, and after over 30 years in the business still had an incredible appetite to work. 'I know he loved his family and his two young grandchildren especially. He also adored his bike and if he wasn't working, he was usually out on it, down the country enjoying himself. He never sat still. He lived his life to the fullest. We will be lost without him.' Editor of the Irish Star and the Irish Daily Mirror, Neil Leslie, said all of Mr O'Neill's colleagues on the Irish Daily Star and Irish Mirror and in the wider Reach Ireland family are devastated at his tragic and untimely loss. 'Mick was a truly outstanding journalist and photographer. Moreover, he was a great friend and a wise mentor to the other journalists who worked alongside him over many years. 'While his loss will be felt deepest by family and friends, his passing is also a heartbreaking blow for his colleagues.' Group picture editor Zoe Watson said that earlier this year one of Mr O'Neill's images was named in the top 50 photos at the World Press Awards ahead of tens of thousands of others. "Over the last 24 hours it has become apparent just what Mick meant to those who knew him. I've answered dozens of calls and messages from photographers across Ireland. Everyone had a tale to tell and spoke of their genuine love and care towards a man who to many was not just a colleague but a friend,' Ms Watson said. Gardaí have issued an appeal for anyone who may have witnessed the collision to make contact with them.
Irish Independent
13-07-2025
- Irish Independent
Tributes for photojournalist who died in road crash
Known as Mick to friends and colleagues in the Irish Daily Star and Irish Mirror, Mr O'Neill died after his motorbike crashed with a tractor and trailer on the Old Airport Road (Collinstown Lane) in North Dublin at around 11am. Mr O'Neill (62), was taken to the Mater hospital but was later pronounced dead. He was a hugely respected and award-winning photojournalist and had a passion for motorbikes, travelling annually to the Isle of Man with friends to watch the TT Races there. Mr O'Neill is survived by his wife Lorraine, son Karl and two grandchildren, Mya and Kai, as well as a wide circle of family members and friends. In a moving tribute, his close friend and colleague of many years, Michael O'Toole, the crime and defence editor of the Irish Daily Star and Irish Mirror, posted online: 'Mick was the snapper's snapper. There was nobody who came close to him. He travelled all over Ireland and the world doing a job he loved and excelled at, one which came naturally to him'. The papers' crime correspondent Paul Healy said Mr O'Neill was everything you would want in a mentor and colleague, but most importantly, a friend. 'We worked closely with one another almost every day for the past ten years, and in that time confided in one another and often sought each other's advice. But it was usually Mick's advice that I needed,' Mr Healy said. 'He also had an incredible way with people, and even though it would be me doing the interview he was often the one that had gotten the best lines out of someone. He had a keen news sense, incredible contacts, and after over 30 years in the business still had an incredible appetite to work. 'I know he loved his family and his two young grandchildren especially. He also adored his bike and if he wasn't working, he was usually out on it, down the country enjoying himself. He never sat still. He lived his life to the fullest. We will be lost without him.' Editor of the Irish Star and the Irish Daily Mirror, Neil Leslie, said all of Mr O'Neill's colleagues on the Irish Daily Star and Irish Mirror and in the wider Reach Ireland family are devastated at his tragic and untimely loss. ADVERTISEMENT 'Mick was a truly outstanding journalist and photographer. Moreover, he was a great friend and a wise mentor to the other journalists who worked alongside him over many years. 'While his loss will be felt deepest by family and friends, his passing is also a heartbreaking blow for his colleagues.' Group picture editor Zoe Watson said that earlier this year one of Mr O'Neill's images was named in the top 50 photos at the World Press Awards ahead of tens of thousands of others. "Over the last 24 hours it has become apparent just what Mick meant to those who knew him. I've answered dozens of calls and messages from photographers across Ireland. Everyone had a tale to tell and spoke of their genuine love and care towards a man who to many was not just a colleague but a friend,' Ms Watson said. Gardaí have issued an appeal for anyone who may have witnessed the collision to make contact with them.
