Hibs pay tribute to former director Martin O’Neill

Ex-Labour MP who served on Easter Road board has died at 75

Former Hibs director and Labour MP Martin O'Neill who has died at the age of 75. Picture: Neil Hanna

Hibs have paid tribute to former director Martin O’Neill, who has died at the age of 75 after a long illness.

A member of the House of Lords until his death, O’Neill also served as a Labour MP for over quarter of a century.

He sat on the Hibs board for a three year-term between 2004 and 2007. The period encompassed the exciting Tony Mowbray era and the opening months of John Collins’ spell in charge of the Easter Road club. He stepped down in August 2007 but continued to offer help to the club from the sidelines, specifically with the setting up of fans’ group Hibernian Supporters Limited. He enjoyed the confusion on the occasions in the early 2000s when his team faced Celtic, led by “the other Martin O’Neill.”

Although it was in politics where he distinguished himself, O’Neill never lost his love for Hibs, who he started supporting when a boy growing up in Edinburgh. The club hailed a “lifelong supporter” .

“Hibernian FC was saddened to hear of the passing of former director Martin O’Neill,” a statement said. “The Lord O’Neill of Clackmannan, a lifelong supporter of the club, was a Scottish Labour politician and was a Member of Parliament from 1979 to 2005, then becoming a member of the House of Lords until his death on 26 August.

“A staunch supporter all his life, he brought his considerable political skills and influence to the club. Latterly, he assisted quietly, in the background, in setting up Hibernian Supporters Limited.”

Stephen Dunn, who served on the Hibs board alongside O’Neill, hailed his friend’s passion for the Easter Road cause.

“As a supporter Martin wore his heart on his sleeve and sitting next to him at games was a joy, if noisy,” said Dunn.

“As a director, his quiet but effective manner, gained over many years in politics, brought a new perspective and determination to the work of the board. He will be sadly missed.”

O’Neill was an economics teacher at Boroughmuir and Craigmount high schools before entering politics. Then Labour leader Neil Kinnock made him defence spokesman. He was appointed chairman of the trade and industry select committee in 1995.

In 1979, when Margaret Thatcher came to power, he took Clackmannan and Eastern Stirlingshire from George Reid of the SNP. The constituency became Clackmannan in 1983 and then Ochil 14 years later, with O’Neill still the sitting MP. He stepped down in 2005 and was made a life peer. He is survived by his wife, Elaine, and their two sons, Michael and Peter.

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