THE death has taken place in Dublin of Prof Thomas P. O'Neill, aged 74, who wrote Eamon de Valera's official biography with Lord Longford.
Born in Co Carlow, Tom O'Neill was educated at Knockbeg College and UCD. While assistant keeper of the National Library, he was asked to undertake the work on de Valera. Frank Gallagher, head of the Government Information Services and later a member of the library's staff had been working on a biography for several years but died in 1962 without completing the work.
De Valera knew of Mr O'Neill's reputation as a historian and asked him to undertake the project. A contract was signed with the publishers in 1963, and Mr O'Neill moved to Aras an Uachtarain to work on the book. He was later joined by Lord Longford as co author.
Prof O Neill's other works include a biography in Irish of James Fintan Lalor and a major study of the Great Famine, which established his reputation as a historian.
After the completion of the de Valera work, he was appointed lecturer and later professor of history in University College, Galway. On retirement, he returned to live in Dublin, where he renewed his association with the National Library, becoming a strong supporter of its expansion.
Prof O'Neill continued historical research until shortly before his death. He discovered evidence that the 1916 Proclamation was signed by the seven signatories at the home of the president of Cumann na mBan, Jennie Wyse Power, in Henry Street, Dublin, before the Rising - and not merely printed in Liberty Hall from an unsigned manuscript on Easter Sunday.
Prof O'Neill is survived by his wife, Marie, and six children. His body will be removed this evening from Quinn's funeral home, Glasthule, to St Joseph's Church, arriving at 6 p.m., and the funeral takes place tomorrow to Shanganagh cemetery after 10 a.m. Mass.