General
- Tuesday April 23rd, 2024 @ 20:06
Christy O'Neill Celebrates 20 Years At St Pat's
The term 'Club Man' is often used to describe someone who shows impeccable dedication and unparalleled service to a group of people who have come together to build something greater than themselves.
This term should never be used lightly and in this circumstance, 'Club Man' may not go far enough to encapsulate the contribution of Christopher O'Neill to St Patrick's Athletic Football Club over the past 20 years.
'Christy' or 'Git' as he is known by many at the club joined the Super Saints in May 2004 with newly appointed First Team Manager John McDonnell.
When initially asked to come in as the Saints new physio by Johnny Mac, Christy replied "What are u bringing me over there for, I don't know anything about Pats", Johnny bounced back with "it's a special place, you will love it".
He loved it so much that he has now worked under Johnny Mac, Jeff Kenna, Pete Mahon, Liam Buckley, Harry Kenny, Stephen O'Donnell, Tim Clancy & Jon Daly.
It is a testament to his professionalism, character and caring friendship that all eight managers of the football club have swiftly chosen to keep the Coolock Man where he belongs.
Brendan Clarke was part of the Pats Under 21s and First Team when Chirsty first joined in 2004, he added "I was there for his first session with the club in 2004 and he has been a friend ever since. It says it all that he has been involved in so many different management teams over the 20 years, his importance to the changing room is incredibly understated."
We reached out to some of his other current and past colleagues from his time so far at the club and they responded with glowing reviews.
Pete Mahon was quick to say that "Christy was always a great help to me. He was always organised, available to do that job, no fuss and outstanding at his job. Well done to him and here's to another 20 years".
Pat Jennings quipped "Mr St Patrick's Athletic. He loves this Club. What a man…"
Killian Brennan remarked "A nicer man you couldn't meet, He used to cheer up everyone's day He's a super saint for sure"
Daryl Kavanagh added "A gentleman, that would do anything for you." Dil also shared a story from one of Chisty's many European trips with the club, "he put a knife in my bag when we were traveling away in Europe and I got pulled off to the side and searched, I nearly fainted that day, it was his mate working in the airport, Christy put him up to it".
Danny North expressed that "Christy is a great bloke, absolutely loves the club. Looked after me no end with rubs etc when I came over. Went out his way to help get my Mrs to the odd game when she came over to visit too. An all-round good bloke who deserves all the praise he gets."
Alan Mathews, who has known Christy for many years had to say "I've been lucky enough to know Christy since he entered the League many years ago with Dublin City.... since working with him for the past five years I can say without any doubt that Christy epitomises everything that this Club aspires to be, he's caring, trustworthy, honest and the ultimate team player. His attention to detail and professionalism in managing the well-being of players from the Academy to First Team has seen him form lifelong relationships with countless players who would have been under his care. Well done on achieving this terrific milestone in your career...enjoy your well-deserved celebration on this superb achievement."
General Manager, Anthony Delaney told us "Christy has been a pleasure to work with over my 16 seasons at the club. He is part of the fabric of St Patrick's Athletic and his loyalty is greatly appreciated."
In November 2021, a major honour was bestowed upon Christy when asked to lift the FAI Cup alongside Club Captain Ian Bermingham in the Aviva Stadium. When asked to comment Bermo said "I Love the Man. It would be hard to find a more honest, loyal and trustworthy person. 28th Nov 2021 we shared a special moment when both our dreams came true. A wonderful human being and a great friend. Go on the Git fella!!!"
Christy has been involved in a league title win in 2013, three FAI Cup winning sides, two League Cup wins, three Leinster Senior Cups wins and a number of underage Titles and achievements.
The only man that has a trophy haul close to Chirstopher O'Neill is the one and only Christopher Forrester, with the former collecting two more Leinster Senior Cups then Git Forrester.
Another man with an impressive trophy haul at the club is Current Director of Football and former Cup Winning Captain Ger O'Brien, who added "Git has been an integral part of this club since I arrived in 2012. His connection with staff and every player that comes to the club is incredible. He's more than a physio he's everyone's friend. Well done on 20 years many more to come."
On behalf of everyone at the club, we would like to give our sincere thanks and gratitude to Christy O'Neill for his service to St Patrick's Athletic Football Club. Your contribution to our successes over 20 years cannot be underestimated and we will look forward to continuing this journey with you.
We will leave the last word to the current Gaffer Jon Daly "I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with Christy. He is one of footballs and life's good guys, and someone that would do anything to help those around him. A true gent and Pats legend."
