The untimely death took place yesterday of former international hockey player Anthony O'Neill, who was 41. Anthony, or 'Wish' as he was known in Dublin circles, was one of the most enthusiastic players ever to put on an Irish shirt and as anyone who ever played in front of him or against him knew, he was also one of the most vocal and colourful goalkeepers in the game.
Anthony's ability to talk about hockey, hold opinions on it and generate arguments and debates, very often in the bar at Three Rock Rovers, at which club most of his 20-year career at the top of the game was spent, added greatly to his already high profile as a player.
Anthony went to Newtown School in Waterford where he won a Leinster Schools Cup medal in 1977. He also played cricket at Munster Schools level and it remained a sport in which he maintained an avid interest.
Starting out his hockey career with Corinthians, he moved to Three Rock Rovers, where he played in two Irish Senior Cup finals. He also kept goal with YMCA, where he contested another Irish Cup final, and also helped as a coach with Glenanne as they rose to all-Ireland success.
Married to Roly (nΘe Burke), a very successful player in her own right with Hermes, Anthony finally succumbed to cancer. The sport will miss him greatly. - JW
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