Family devastated as Portarlington man dies tragically in Spanish accident

The death has taken place in Spain of a well known man from Portarlington

Shane O'Neill is understood to have lost his life accidentally on Sunday, December 11 while on a short holiday to the Costa del Sol.

While the cause of death is not confirmed it's understood that the man, who is aged in his 50s, may have lost his life in a drowning accident in the Spanish holiday resort.

The deceased, who lived at Church View in the town, is mourned by wife Martina and three sons. Mr O'Neill was well known locally through his work and community involvement.

He ran a catering business in the Laois Offaly town called Laois Catering. He had also previously worked at the town's golf club.

Alongside his business and family life, he was also heavily involved as a volunteer in the local community through the Portarlington Lions Club with which he has served in many positions. The Lions Club extended its sympathy to Mr O'Neill's family. 

"We offer our deepest condolences to the family of our beloved club member and friend Shane O Neill, on his tragic passing this weekend. Shane was a long time member of the Lions Club, a past Secretary and PRO.

"He gave years of his time to the Lion's diabetic screening at the Ploughing championships and made lasting friendships throughout the Lion's community in Ireland. Our thoughts are with his beloved Martina, his cherished boys, his family in Edenderry and many lifelong friends. Our hearts are broken," they said.

The club will not continuing its Christmas Appeal as planned in Centra this coming weekend. They will however get vouchers out to those who contacted us as soon as possible. 

Long serving Portarlington Lions Club member Willie Murphy also paid tribute. 

"Shane was a very decent fellow and a thorough gentleman and also very obliging. He was a wonderful servant to the Lions Club. He was highly involved in the community," said Mr Murphy.

"He was also well known from his work in the catering community. The town is devastated for him and his family. He was a most obliging man," he said.

Mr O'Neill was the son of Hugh O'Neill, a former bank manager in Abbeyleix. His parents now live in Edenderry where his mother is involved with the St Vincent De Paul.

Cllr Aidan Mullins also paid tribute to Mr O'Neill as a great community man.