Former Guardian sports editor Shaun scoops special civic honour
“I thank him for his years of dedicated service and wish him a long and happy retirement.”
A CIVIC reception has been held to recognise the long service to Mid and East Antrim of Shaun O’Neill, through both his career at the Ballymena Guardian and his support for local charities.
Mr O’Neill was welcomed to the Braid in Ballymena, along with his family, friends and former colleagues, by Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Alderman Thomas Gordon.
It follows his recent retirement after an impressive 47 years with the Ballymena Guardian, where he rose through the ranks to become both Deputy Editor and Sports Editor.
Mr O’Neill started out at the local paper under its legendary founding editor, his uncle Maurice O’Neill.
Now comes the end of an era - for the first time in the Guardian’s history, there will not be an O’Neill contributing to its pages.
“I am very pleased that we have been able to gather to recognise and celebrate the remarkable career and contribution to this Borough of Shaun O’Neill,” the Mayor said.
“Through his passion for sport, Shaun has raised the profiles of many of our young athletes, sports clubs, coaches and volunteers who may have otherwise gone unnoticed by the wider public.
“He has also been a keen supporter of local charities, such as the Northern Ireland Hospice and Children’s Hospice.
“I thank him for his years of dedicated service and wish him a long and happy retirement.”
Shaun had newspaper ink in his veins. He could turn his hand to every job - attending courts, councils and major local events for decades, earning respect for his diligent reporting and easy manner - celebrating the highs and commiserating the lows.
But it was editing the sport section where he really thrived.
There wasn’t a sport he didn’t enjoy and he was often on the sidelines watching the action unfold. He also promoted clubs that previously may not have been given column inches, generating contacts that ensured The Guardian always stayed ahead of the game.
An unassuming man who preferred to celebrate the successes of others, he often shunned the spotlight - but this week’s civic honour was a fitting tribute to a writer who made an indelible mark on the community he served.