Yesterday evening, Drogheda United announced that veteran striker Gary O'Neill had been diagnosed with testicular cancer.
The statement read;
The board of Drogheda United is saddened to have to inform colleagues, friends and supporters that forward Gary O’Neill was yesterday diagnosed with testicular cancer. He had been experiencing relatively minor symptoms for a short of period time and thought it prudent to seek medical advice. As a result he was sent for tests which has resulted in yesterday’s diagnosis. He will undergo surgery in the next few days and is likely to require further treatment in the coming weeks and months.
It didn't take long for the League of Ireland community to show their support for the popular Dubliner.
There were tweets from former clubs;
Bohemian FC would like to wish @DroghedaUnited striker Gary O'Neill a speedy recovery from his battle with cancer. #loifamily #buzzoneill
— Bohemian FC (@bfcdublin) September 12, 2013
We send our best wishes to former player Gary O'Neill (now with @DroghedaUnited) in his battle against cancer. #OnceASaintAlwaysASaint
— St Patrick's Ath (@stpatsfc) September 12, 2013
Everyone at Shamrock Rovers sends their best wishes to Gary O'Neill in his fight against cancer. We are all behind you #OnceaHoopAlwaysaHoop
— Shamrock Rovers F.C. (@ShamrockRovers) September 12, 2013
Support from clubs he hasn't played with
Everyone at Limerick FC wishes Drogheda United striker Gary O'Neill well in his battle against cancer. Here's to a speedy and full recovery.
— Limerick FC (@LimerickFCie) September 12, 2013
The thoughts of everyone at @DundalkFC are with @DroghedaUnited's Gary O'Neill. We wish you a speedy recovery Gary!
— Dundalk FC (@DundalkFC) September 12, 2013
Of course, there was many, many tweets of support from players, many of whom would have played with O'Neill in his spells with Bohemians, Waterford United, Dublin City, Shelbourne, St Patrick's Athletic, Sporting Fingal, Shamrock Rovers and his current club, Drogheda United;
Terrible news about Gary O'Neil ... What an absolute gentleman he is... We're all behind you pal.. Prayers with you and your family x
— Ryan Brennan (@Ryanbrennan08) September 12, 2013
In shock, thoughts and prayers with Gary Oneil and his family tonight, we are all behind you pal. #topfella
— Gary Twigg (@twiggs67) September 12, 2013
Best wishes to nailler one of funniest n most positive team mates I've ever had the pleasure of playing with. #terriblenews #speedyrecovery
— kenny browne (@fletchb25) September 12, 2013
Thoughts with Gary o' Neil and his family. Wishing him all the best in his fight against testicular cancer.
— James Chambers (@jambochambers8) September 12, 2013
There were literally hundreds more from players at all clubs. Members of the media gave their support too;
Sending all my good wishes to Gary O Neill is his fight against testicular cancer, what a smashing lad and everyone behind you pal!!!
— Alan Cawley (@alancaw) September 12, 2013
Out thoughts are with @DroghedaUnited player Gary O'Neill and his family at this tough time,
— Monday Night Soccer (@RTEMNS) September 12, 2013
The PFAI are obviously playing their part too
Players in @stpatsfc v @ShamrockRovers game tomorrow will wear T-shirts supporting Gary and wishing him a speedy recovery #loifamily
— PFAI (@PFAIOfficial) September 12, 2013
The support wasn't confined to football either;
Best wishes to @DroghedaUnited player Gary O'Neill on his battle against cancer #sportunited
— leinsterrugby (@leinsterrugby) September 12, 2013
Everyone here in Balls Towers extends our best wishes to Gary and we all hope he's back playing soon!
