Ultan (18) ‘faced his illness with courage’

THE Templeogue community paid tribute to the “clever” and “quiet” 18-year-old Ultan O’Neill who passed away on Friday after a battle with cancer.

Ultan was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer called Rhabdomyosarcoma in March 2025 and had been battling the soft tissue sarcoma since.

His football club, Templeogue United FC, as well as other clubs remembered him with 18-second applauses in memory of the 18-year-old.

A statement from the team reads: “From young to old, boys and girls, Templeogue and opposition – this weekend, football came together for Ultan.

“We are incredibly grateful for the support shown across our football community and for the beautiful celebration of Ultan’s life on pitches throughout the weekend, with 18 seconds of applause in his memory.”

In July 2025, the club’s Over-35s side had launched a commemorative jersey to help raise funds in aid of Ultan, inspired by the collaboration between Bohemians FC and Oasis.

A month later, a fundraiser concert was held at the National Basketball Arena with performances from Abbaesque and The High Kings among other musical acts, with Al Porter and more also on stage throughout the night.

Other clubs in the local community, St Jude’s GAA and Kilnamanagh AFC also paid tribute to a former player of theirs over the years.

Ultan’s secondary school, Templeogue College noted that he “faced his illness with courage” and made an impression on those around him that they will not forget.

“The Templeogue College community received the heartbreaking news that Ultan O’Neill, Class of 2026, had sadly passed away.

“A clever, quiet and unassuming young man, Ultan faced his illness with courage and grace and made a lasting impression on those around him.

“May Ultan’s light continue to inspire us, and may his family and friends find strength in the days, weeks and months ahead.”