Jimmy O'Neill

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James "Jimmy" Anthony O'Neill (October 13, 1931December 15, 2007) was an Irish former professional footballer.

He was born in Dublin and died in Ormskirk, England. At the time of his death he was living in Marians Drive, Ormskirk, Lancashire.

A goalkeeper, Jimmy O'Neill joined Everton from junior football in Ireland in 1949. He made his début, against Middlesbrough, in August 1950. O'Neill played in the 1953 FA Cup semi-final and shared the goalkeeping duties with Harry Leyland during the promotion campaign of 1953-54. He went on to play a total of 213 games for Everton.

He also won 17 caps for the Republic of Ireland national football team, making his début in a 6-0 defeat at the hands of Spain on 1st June 1952 in Madrid. O'Neill joined Stoke City for £5,000 in July 1960 and later had spells at Darlington and Port Vale.

Following his retirement from football, in his mid-30s, he ran a taxi firm in Ormskirk.

[edit] References

  • "Tributes as ex-Everton goalie dies, aged 76", Ormskirk Advertiser, Issue 13,698, 20 December 2007 page 12.