GAA Club hosts memorial match in memory of Dylan

A MEMORIAL match in memory of a 21-year-old player who passed away in 2018 was held in Thomas Davis GAA Club on New Year’s Day.

The young man underwent pioneering treatment in the Manchester Royal Infirmary for a rare genetic condition called adult metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD) but succumbed to his illness.

MLD typically has a slow progression and can present as progressive dementia, and Dylan passed away after undergoing a bone marrow transplant in a bid to slow the progression of the disease.

Dylan, who was from Ellensborough and was a past pupil of Coláiste de hÍde, was an avid sports fan and played for Thomas Davis GAA Club since he was a child.

His sister, Serena, also played for Thomas Davis and has MLD, while his younger sister Natasha, who doesn’t have the condition, also plays for the club.

On New Year’s Day, almost 50 players lined out for the event, comprising over 26s and under 26s competing against each other in a mixed hurling, football and camogie match.

The over 26s were victorious on the day, after winning the close and spirited match and they were presented with the Dylan O’Neill Memorial Cup by Dylan’s dad, Noel.

Members of Thomas Davis who played in the memorial match

Liam McGuigan, the chairman of Thomas Davis GAA Club, told The Echo: “There was a great atmosphere, it’s become an important event in the club and it’s great for Dylan’s family.

“Even though it’s a sad note, it’s a happy start to the year because a lot of people gather to remember one of their own.

“It gives everyone a chance to let the family know that there’s support there for them.

“No club likes to lose a young player, a young man, in his prime – Dylan was only 21 – so it means a lot to the club that we remember him.”

Dylan’s dad, Noel O’Neill, told The Echo that the memorial match meant a great deal to Dylan’s family, including his wife and Dylan’s mam Sandra, and was a positive day for all.

“It was a fantastic day, a lot of people came out even though it was a cold and wet day,” he said.

“It was fantastic for us as a family to see it, and we’re so delighted that Dylan’s memory continues on.

“I’d like to personally thank the club for everything they’ve done for us.”

He added that his daughter, Serena, who also has MLD, has stabilised and is undergoing physio to help with her mobility and strength.

“Serena’s doing really well,” he said.

“We know she’s not going to get better, but from where she was four years ago, she’s stabilised and she’s in really good form.

“She’s able to go out socialising and her friends are really good to her, we’ve seen a vast improvement in her.”

In a post on Facebook the day after the memorial match, a Thomas Davis spokesperson wrote: “Well done to everyone who took part in today’s memorial game for Dylan O’Neill.

“A great bit of craic for everyone on the day with Wafer leading the over 26s to victory over the Mick Byrne managed Under 26s.

“Noel O’Neill presented the cup to the winning manager after the game and Noel thanked the club on the family’s behalf for remembering Dylan every year with this annual event.

“Many thanks to Ciara McGuigan for organising.”