Northern NSW Football congratulates a member of its football family who was acknowledged in the annual King’s Birthday Honours List for his service to the Australian football community.

Former Socceroo and cap number 113, Kevin O’Neill OAM, was named in the prestigious King’s Birthday Honours List on Monday, awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM). This honour recognises his outstanding contributions to Australian football and his significant impact on the sport domestically and internationally.

Born in Cessnock in 1925, Kevin’s illustrious football career began at Cessnock Primary School in the Hunter region. He went on to play for various clubs in the Northern NSW competition including Cessnock, Kurri Kurri, West Wallsend, Lake Macquarie, Awaba and Weston. With a remarkable 512 first grade appearances – 410 of which were for Cessnock – O’Neill’s career spanned almost two decades from the 1940s to the 1960s.

O’Neill made his NSW debut in 1946 and set a record by playing in 20 North against South matches up until 1962. His international career was equally impressive, with 26 full Internationals and 10 Tests for Australia. Notably, he participated in tours of South Africa in 1950 and New Zealand in 1958, demonstrating his prowess on the global stage.

A true leader, O’Neill captained Australia in two tests against Scotland’s Hearts of Midlothian and served as vice-captain on numerous occasions. His leadership qualities and dedication to the sport have left an indelible mark on Australian football.

O’Neill’s contributions have been widely recognised. He was inducted into the Hunter Region Sporting Hall of Fame in 1996 and the Football Australia Hall of Fame in 2000, solidifying his legacy as one of the sport’s greats.

Football Australia CEO James Johnson expressed his admiration for O’Neill.

“Kevin O’Neill’s dedication and passion for football have made him a true icon of the sport,” Johnson said.

“His contributions have not only advanced the game in Australia but have also inspired generations of players. This honour is a testament to his exceptional career and lasting impact on football.”

Northern NSW Football joins Football Australia in congratulating Kevin O’Neill on this well-deserved recognition and celebrates his remarkable achievements and enduring legacy in Australian football.

2024 KING’S BIRTHDAY HONOUR WITH A CONTRIBUTION TO AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL: 

• Mr. Kevin O’Neill OAM (NSW): For service to football as a player for the Australian men’s national team, the Socceroos, between 1949 and 1959 playing 26 full international matches of which he captained four. O’Neill also played for Lake Macquarie City Football Club (1961 – 1963), Sydney Football Club Prague (1959 – 1960), Cessnock City Hornets Football Club (1945 – 1958), West Wallsend Football Club (1944) and Kurri Kurri Football Club (1943). City of Cessnock Hall of Fame in the sport category 2007 inductee. Football Australia Hall of Fame 2000 inductee. Hunter Region Sporting Hall of Fame 1996 inductee.