Ballymena Utd keeper Sean O'Neill hangs up his gloves

BALLYMENA United ‘keeper Sean O’Neill has called time on his playing career following Tuesday night's 2-2 draw with Cliftonville.

United have moved swiftly to line-up a replacement for the 37-year-old, reportedly signing Linfield stopper David Walsh on a pre-contact deal.

Ballymena have known for some time that O’Neill was planning to quit playing - but he is expected to stay in football.

O’Neill admits his mind had been set on finishing playing, after a most happy and fruitful career.

He said he still loves the game, but in different ways.

The ‘keeper made it clear he has no issue with the new Ballymena manager Oran Kearney 'who understands where I am coming from.'

At United O’Neill played under Tommy Wright and Roy Walker in the late-2000s before leaving for Dungannon Swifts in 2010.

He signed for Crusaders in 2011 and went on to make 365 appearances for the north Belfast club, where he won three Premiership titles, a Setanta Cup, Irish Cup, League Cup and two County Antrim Shields.

After a loan spell at David Jeffrey's Sky Blues, he made the switch permanent in 2022.

During more than a decade at Crusaders, former Antrim GAA keeper O'Neill enjoyed many special moments.

“I have loved every bit of my career,” he said.

“I had a great year at Dungannon and the 11 at Crusaders were amazing, I won everything I could have and never thought I would. I am so glad I came back to Ballymena where you will find good people.”

He said it is time to move onto a new chapter and 'maybe see a different side of the game. I feel like it's the right time.'

“I wish Ballymena all the best, they have been brilliant with me and I have loved my time there,” he added.

By early 2024, O'Neill had hit the 500th appearance milestone in the Irish League.

Among the many highlights were European battles with English Premier League opponents Fulham and Wolves as well as winning the league at Cliftonville.

He felt proud to play for some of the great Crusaders teams alongside team-mates of the calibre of Colin Coates, current manager Declan Caddell, Paul Heatley and Jordan Owens.

“I am still contributing to the team and no-one is saying to me your time is up,” said O’Neill.

“Oran can do well at Ballymena, there will be a turnover of players and I felt sorry for Jim.

“People expect results and trophies when you spend money but sometimes football doesn't work like that. It takes time for things to come together.

“Oran has got a reaction from the players and it's up to the boys to keep that going.”