Ciaran O’Neill

Ciaran O’Neill is a journalist with the Belfast-based Sunday World. Last summer, it emerged that a deadly batch of drugs had killed a number of young people in Derry. O’Neill first revealed details about the police investigation and the search for the killer drugs, before securing an exclusive interview with the mother of one of the young people who had died. The articles helped bring this terrifying situation into the public domain and highlight the need for urgent action - as Rosemary Boyle told the Sunday World: “If there was the proper help and resources available and those dealers were wiped off the streets, then maybe there could be some kind of hope.” These articles were followed up with an in-depth interview with a former addict who is leading a charity which helps those battling drug and alcohol addiction.

It is hard to underestimate the important role that the GAA (Gaelic Athletic Association) plays in Irish life. One of the best known figures in the GAA is Rory Gallagher, who was manager of the County Derry team. Earlier this year, his wife made a series of domestic abuse allegations against him, and following a huge public outcry, Gallagher stepped down from his high profile job. It was a huge story and led the news agenda for days. The GAA launched an investigation into the allegations and it was believed Gallagher would stay out of the public eye until it was completed. However, in September, an investigation by O’Neill and the Sunday World revealed that he was back coaching a GAA team in a small rural area. It was also revealed that female members of the club where he was coaching had raised concerns about his involvement with the club in light of the domestic abuse allegations. The Sunday World article was followed up by every media outlet in Ireland and led to the GAA banning Gallagher from any involvement with the organisation until the investigation into the allegations were completed.

The Northern Ireland Assembly has not sat since February 2022 but O’Neill and the Sunday World have kept a strong focus on what is happening at Stormont. The ongoing political crisis has led to many serious financial difficulties for all government departments. However, as O’Neill revealed in August, the money worries did not prevent £10,000 being found to send seven MLAs on a taxpayer-funding trip to the US for up to nine days. The story provoked a huge reaction, particularly on social media where people were quick to highlight their concerns about money being spent in such a way when the government in Northern Ireland is still locked in stalemate. The article came just a couple of weeks after O’Neill also revealed details of an investigation into alleged child sex offences involving a former Sinn Fein employee at the Assembly. Again, it was a story which was followed up by every media outlet in the country.