"This void will never be filled": heartbreaking funeral of Laois GAA star in Stradbally

There is overwhelming grief across Laois this week following the sad passing of Stradbally GAA star Ciarán O'Neill.

Twenty-three year old Ciarán O'Neill of Kylebeg, Stradbally, Co. Laois, passed suddenly at his home on 23rd January 2026.

Dearly loved and only son of Brian and Claire, Ciarán will be sadly missed and forever loved by his heartbroken parents, his loving sisters Anna and Emma, his adored Nanny Carmel, his girlfriend Leah, aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family, teammates, kind neighbours and his large circle of friends.

The county has been left in shock at Ciarán's sudden passing, with hundreds of tributes made from his many friends, clubs, loved ones and the wider community.

Ciarán's requiem mass took place in the Sacred Heart Church, Stradbally at 12 noon on Tuesday, which saw a massive turnout of Laois locals paying their respects.

"At his core, Ciarán was gentle and soft hearted," Fr David Vard reflected during the mass.

"Ciaran loved working with his hands, he thrived when working alongside his father learning his trade, and giving his opinion freely, sometimes even claiming to know more than his dad," Fr Vard said.

"There was pride in Ciarán in being capable to do a job well, and claiming to do a job better his way, than doing what his father told him.

"On the surface, Ciarán could appear tough with a hard exterior, but those closest to him know the truth. At his core he was gentle and soft hearted. He loved nothing more than belting out a song in the van with his dad and his family, singing Amble or even Adele, and even if he didn't know the lyrics, he sang with gusto and delight," Fr Vard said.

"These are the small and beautiful details that stay close with us," he said.

Ciarán was remembered for his love of sport, where he applied himself with the same fierceness that he put into his work.

"He would come home shouting about his achievements on the pitch, about the goals or the points he scored, never making mention of the fact that five minutes later he was sent off. That never mattered.

"For Claire and Brian, losing a son leaves a wound that words cannot heal. For Anna and Emma, losing a brother changes your world forever. For Leah, losing Ciarán so suddenly means a future you imagined now looks very different," Fr Vard said.

Family and friends brought forward gifts, symbolising meaningful moments and passions in Ciarán's life.

His cousin Eamon and family friend Seán brought forward Ciarán's football and soccer jerseys, for his sports that meant so much to him.

His sister Emma brought forward a family photograph, for his family that meant the world to him.

His cousin Conor brought forward his carpet fitting knife. His cousin Brendan and darts teammate Peter brought forward his darts and darts shirt, bearing his and his father's 'Nelly' name.

His cousin Cara brought forward a microphone, representing Ciarán's love of music, a passion he had from a young age.

Ciarán's cousin Oisín brought forward his kickboxing gloves, a sport he had recently taken up and found great enjoyment in.

His girlfriend Leah brought forward a collage of photographs of their loving times together.

Ciarán's eldest sister Anna, with the support of middle sister Emma, gave a moving eulogy on Ciarán's life and legacy.

"Ciarán was someone who could make things lighter just by walking into a room," Anna said.

"Over the last few days, I've heard him described as a great tonic. He had a laugh you couldn't ignore, and you could not replace. He wasn't perfect, none of us are, but he was real.

"He loved so deeply, felt so strongly, and lived fully. We will miss the small ordinary moments the most. The chats, the laughs, the arguments, and the things you never think will end.

"When Ciarán wasn't at one training session or another, he was a grafter. He was the self proclaimed 'best carpet fitter in Ireland'. While that may have been up for debate, it wasn't up for debate that he learned from the real best carpet fitter in the world- our Daddy.

"He was so loved by our Daddy, and side by side they lived, laughed and worked, on much more than just staircases and landings. They were building memories and a bond that will last a lifetime," Anna said.

"Mam adored her only son, and didn't we all know it. She knew everything that mattered to him, there was nothing that a chat with Mammy couldn't fix. She knew how he liked his carbonara, his cup of tea, and where all of his kit was for training.

"He would try to be independent to the end, but we all knew it; Mammy would have him covered before he ever even knew he needed it. 

"A through and through Stradbally man, Ciarán found the love of a wonderful girl from Killeshin- Leah. He loved Leah with everything he had," Anna said.

"One of his many passions was the GAA. It wasn't something he did, it was who he was. When we picture him, we can see him down the pitch kicking balls with his cousins.

"He always said the best days of his life were Stradbally winning the county final, and it was his dream to win one. He was so talented, fast paced and hardy. There was never any doubt that he was the grandson of Teddy Delaney.

"To all the Stradbally boys here, you meant the world to him. Do it for him, he will be watching," Anna said.

The sisters said that for the family there is a hole in their hearts forever, a void that can't ever be filled.

Condolences to the O'Neill family and Ciarán's wide circle of friends following this tragic loss.