All roads leading to the small town of Hospital, County Limerick were festooned with green and white flags celebrating Limerick winning the All-Ireland Hurling Championship for the first time since 1973. This significant event saw the Limerick team emerge victorious in an intense and dramatic final against their neighbours Cork. However, our reason for being in the town was not to join in the festivities, but to call on O’Neills Heavy Haulage.

Since 1947 when O’Neill’s father and mother moved to Hospital the family has been involved in transport in one form or another. His Father’s first venture was transporting sand and gravel locally; this was followed by a move into livestock transport where the fleet quickly expanded to over 10 vehicles.

During this time O’Neill was working as an electronic engineer specialising in servicing marine radar and location devices, an occupation which demanded extensive travel. Deciding to return home, and given his interest in transport it was no surprise that O’Neill would lean towards that side of the family’s business. A family trait which has continued to the next generation, as O’Neill’s son and two daughters are also hands on in the O’Neill companies.