Colm O'Neill

Colm O'Neill (born 22 September 1988) is an Irish Gaelic footballer who plays as a right corner-forward for the Cork senior team.

O'Neill first came to prominence on the inter-county scene as a member of the Cork minor football team in 2005.

He made his debut as a substitute in the first round of the provincial championship against Limerick.

Cork narrowly won that game and later qualified for a Munster final showdown with Kerry.

By that stage of the championship O'Neill had established himself as a key member of the starting fifteen.

In an exciting game he ended up as Cork's top scorer with 2–3 and was a large factor in the 3–8 to 1–11 victory.

It was also his first Munster minor winners' medal.

Cork, however, were surprisingly defeated by Offaly in the subsequent All-Ireland quarter-final.

and a point, Cork's defence of their provincial minor title ended with a semi-final defeat by Tipperary.

That same year O'Neill was drafted onto the Cork under-21 football team.

He came on as a substitute in the Munster semi-final victory over Clare, however, he played no part in the subsequent Munster final triumph and All-Ireland semi-final defeat.

In 2006 O'Neill was still eligible for the Cork minor team.

In spite of scoring a goal and a point, Cork's defence of their provincial minor title ended with a semi-final defeat by Tipperary.

Once again, O'Neill was drafted onto the Cork under-21 football team.

He came on as a substitute in the Munster semi-final trouncing of Tipperary, however, his services were not required for the subsequent Munster final triumph and All-Ireland final defeat.

By 2007 O'Neill had established himself on the starting fifteen of the Cork under-21 team.

He lined out in the provincial decider that year against Tipperary and a high-scoring and exciting game developed.

O'Neill had an uncharacteristic quiet day and was held scoreless.

In spite of that Cork still won by 3–19 to 3–12 and he added a Munster under-21 winners' medal to his collection.

Cork later manoeuvred through the All-Ireland series and reached the All-Ireland final against Laois.

Another close and exciting game of football developed as neither side took a decisive lead.

O'Neill chipped in with a goal and a point, to help his side to a narrow 2–10 to 0–15 victory.

It was his first All-Ireland winners' medal at under-21 level.

After surrendering their provincial under-21 crown in 2008, Cork bounced back in 2009 with O'Neill as captain.

The Munster final that year pitted Cork against Tipperary and, once again, a close game was the result.

At the full-time whistle 'the Rebels' did just about enough to secure a 1–9 to 2–5 victory.

It was O'Neill's second Munster under-21 winners' medal on the field of play.

For the second time in three years Cork subsequently reached the All-Ireland final.

Down provided the opposition on that occasion and there was little to separate the two sides for much of the game.

It took a late goal from Colm O'Driscoll to secure a 1–13 to 2–9 victory for Cork.

Not only did O'Neill collect a second All-Ireland under-21 winners' medal, but he also had the honour of collecting the cup on behalf of his county.

O'Neill made his first appearance for the team during the 2009 championship and quickly became a regular member of the starting fifteen.

Since then he has won one All-Ireland medals, two Munster medals, two National League medals and one All-Star award.

O'Neill has been an All-Ireland runner-up on one occasion.

At club level O'Neill has won divisional football medals with Ballyclough.

O'Neill plays his club football with his local club called Ballyclough.

In 2009 O'Neill joined the Cork senior football panel in time for the start of the championship.

He made his senior debut as a substitute for James Masters against Waterford in the provincial quarter-final.

O'Neill also came on as a substitute in Cork's next game against Kerry and immediately scored a 45-metre free to give Cork a one-point lead.

Kerry, however, equalised and forced a draw.