Life Story for Maurice O'Neill OBE

Maurice O’Neill was the former editor of the Ballymena Guardian newspaper.

Mr. O’Neill, who was 71, was regarded by many as a legend in the local newspaper industry.

He had started out as a compositor in the 1950s, learning the type-setting trade with the Ballymena Observer.

A move into journalism was to follow.

During his long career he was to play an important role in the setting-up of two newspapers in Ballymena.  After the Ballymena Observer was closed down he helped set-up an edition of the Coleraine Constitution to cover Ballymena. 

He went on to become the founding editor of the Ballymena Guardian in 1975, a post he was to hold until his retirement last year.

Mr. O’Neill had the reputation of being a tough, but fair, taskmaster. He was always willing to help young journalists and many benefited from his advice and guidance over the years.

He was a true character who enjoyed life to the full.

Recognition for his contribution to local journalism included an O.B.E. and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Chartered Institute of Public Relations.

Among those to pay tribute to him was the former MP for North Antrim, Ian Paisley, now Lord Bannside.  He said Mr. O’Neill was “a real Ballymena man who was an example to everyone in the newspaper world”.

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