TRIBUTES have been paid to a highly-respected West of Ireland journalist who passed away suddenly at his home yesterday.
Neill O’Neill, 36, won several awards during his tenure as Managing Editor of The Mayo News since 2011.
The 36-year-old fell ill and died suddenly at his home in Rosbeg in Westport, Co. Mayo early on Monday morning.
He had been working on this week’s edition of the paper until the day before he passed away.
He was a popular figure in Co. Mayo and played a significant role in the Westport Chamber of Commerce along with the campaign to ensure that Westport House remained in local ownership.
Mr O’Neill is survived by his partner Emma Joyce, parents Colm and Mary, brothers Conor and Finbarr and sisters Aoife and Orla.
Death occurs of Neill O’Neill, Managing Editor of The Mayo News https://t.co/VJ286eSRij pic.twitter.com/gzVYFPaHho
— The Mayo News (@themayonews) October 10, 2017
In a statement from The Mayo News the owners Dermot and Natalie Berry along with other members of staff expressed their sincere condolences to the O’Neill family.
"There is just a complete sense of disbelief that our colleague and dear friend Neill has passed away," said colleague Michael Duffy.
"Neill has been the heart and soul of ‘The Mayo News’ since he took over as Managing Editor in 2011, having previously worked as a journalist with the paper from 2007 to 2009.
"We are all struggling to come to terms with the news that someone so energetic, enthusiastic and full of life has been taken from us at such a young age."
Funeral arrangements for Mr O’Neill will be released shortly.
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