The 18-year-old Dubliner has been remembered as “a wonderful young man” who showed “bravery, immense heart and character over the last year”
12:58, 04 Oct 2026Updated 14:08, 04 Oct 2026
Ultan O’Neill
Heartbreaking tributes have poured in for a brave Dublin teen who “will be remembered for the love, kindness and happiness he brought into the lives of everyone who had the privilege of knowing him”.
18-year-old Ultan O’Neill, from Templeogue, sadly passed away on Friday, October 2, following a brave battle with cancer. Ultan was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer called Rhabdomyosarcoma in March of last year at the age of just 17.
Following the devastating diagnosis, the local community in Templeogue rallied around Ultan and his family. Templeogue United’s Over-35s team launched a commemorative jersey to raise urgent funds for the O’Neill family, lifelong Templeogue United members who have dedicated over 30 years of service, passion, and heart to the club.
The specially designed jersey was both a tribute to the O’Neills’ strength and a rallying cry for support from the Templeogue community. Every cent raised went directly to the family to help ease financial and emotional burdens during Ultan’s battle, Irish Mirror reports.
The specially designed jersey is a tribute to the O’Neill family
Tragedy has touched the lives of the O’Neill family not once, but twice .In 2006, the O’Neill family tragically lost their son, Tiernan, to a brain tumour at just 15 years old. Following Ultan’s tragic death on Friday, his family paid a poignant tribute to the ‘much-loved’ teen as they shared his death notice on RIP.ie
They described Ultan as the “beloved and cherished son of Anne and Paul, devoted brother of Sean, Lorcan and the late Tiernan, and dearly loved boyfriend of Katelyn. A much-loved grandson, nephew, cousin and friend, Ultan will be deeply missed by his heartbroken family, extended family, relatives, neighbours and his many dear friends.
Last June, Ultan had the opportunity to meet Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrímsson and the squad at their training base in Abbotstown
“He was also the devoted companion of his beloved dog, Coco, who was so very precious to him.” The family added: “Ultan will be remembered for the love, kindness and happiness he brought into the lives of everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. His memory will live on forever in the hearts of all who loved him.”
Friends and neighbour have shared their own tributes to Ultan, who has been remembered as “a wonderful young man” who showed “bravery, immense heart and character over the last year”.
A classmate of Ultan’s said: “My sincerest condolences on the loss of your beloved Ultan. He was such a wonderful young man and I remember him very fondly from 4th class. He had such a good sense of humour and was so kind and hard working. Thinking and praying for you all at this very sad time. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam. Le gach dea ghuí.”
While another mourner added: “Sending my love and thoughts to Anne, Paul, Sean, Lorcan, Katelyn, Coco, all of Ultans friends and family. His bravery, immense heart and character over the last year and a half will guide you all through this incredibly hard time. There is not enough space here to describe how special a person Ultan was. He was a credit to his amazing parents and brothers, and Ultans memory will live on in everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.”
Ultan will lie in repose at his family home on Sunday, October 4, from 4pm-5pm. His Funeral Mass will be held at St. Jude the Apostle Church, Templeogue (D6W YH51), on Monday, October 5, at 10am, followed by burial in Kilmashogue Cemetery.
Want to see more of the stories you love from Dublin Live? Making us your preferred source on Google means you’ll get more of our exclusives, top stories and must-read content straight away. To add Dublin Live as a preferred source, simply click here.
Join our Dublin Live breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive your daily dose of Dublin Live content.
We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.