Lismore has lost a community leader and role model, Mr Paul O’Neill, who died suddenly of a heart attack on 12th March 2024, he was 64 years old.

Paul O'Neill was described as a champion, kind, generous and a high-profile businessman. Tributes for him are flowing in.

Paul is said to have two great passions - the first was family. 

Paul was the husband of Wendy and the proud father of 2 children Victoria and Paul Jnr who is married to Molly - expectant with their first child, who would have been Paul's first grandchild. 

“Paul did everything together with his family. If he had downtime he spent it watching his son Paul Jnr play first grade football. Victoria also played in the women's league as a driving force and one of the senior players. They won many premierships and Paul loved the ladies league team,” Ron Hughes, one of the Rams Old Boys reflected.

Paul’s second great passion was community. Whether it was Speedway, the Rams football club, his business - Lismore Nissan or the greater Lismore society, so many people felt they were treated like his family.

Paul O'Neill with Lismore Nissan Crew

Lismore’s Mayor, Steve Krieg spoke of Paul as a friend and mentor whose “legacy will live long in this city.” 

Paul would celebrate family occasions at La Baracca, where he always had his favourite meal. Steve laments the loss of someone “with so much wisdom, knowledge and level-headed advice,” to himself and the wider community.

A fellow business man, Steve Campbell, ex-player, president of the Lismore Marist Brothers Rams and friend since the early 90s said, “In my opinion, he was one of the best leaders the club has had in the time I have been involved and leaves a legacy he and his amazing family should be proud of.”

Mr Campbell spoke about how Paul became the President of the Marist Rams when it was struggling.

”By the end of his time at the club, it was financially secure and it had a strong team of players - he was highly respected.”

The roles of Paul and Wendy extended far beyond what was required of the president. Many people spoke of Paul’s dedication to whatever he put his mind to. At the club he was there to set up pregame as well as work the canteen with Wendy and the other ladies. Michael Woods, another Rams Old Boy, said Paul was affectionately called the “Chip man” at the canteen. “And then he was there to take things down, after.”

Paul’s formal education was not extensive, but he was people-smart and learned quickly when he worked at John Chant Motors, Mr Campbell recalls, “That was when he started his career as a speedway driver.” 

“When I retired, I tried to tempt him to join me,” Mr Campbell said, “ but he wouldn’t hear of it. He loves people and being amongst them and didn’t want to think about leaving his business.” Paul is a very successful and awarded owner of Lismore Nissan, where he recently shared the triumph of 11 years in a row of Elite Dealership Service with Wendy and the team.

Whatever Paul put his mind to, his ability to lead from a quiet place away from the limelight, supporting those around him to shine was something everyone that knew him well couldn’t stress enough. 

“It would take an hour to walk around the block with him, he would know someone every ten metres, and he would stop to chat,” Mr Campbell said.

Paul is very well known for his achievements, nationally and internationally with Speedway. Castrol Lismore Speedways story of Paul’s history in racing tells it best;

“The Lismore Speedway community is reeling following the sudden death of former driver and high profile local businessman Paul O'Neill on Tuesday, March 12.

Paul, 64, was Lismore Speedway through and through with not only his love of the sport but his incredibly generous sponsorship backing over many years via his Lismore Nissan automotive dealership.

His dealership was also a proud backer of Lismore Wingless Sprint star Jacob Jolley.

Paul had recently undergone medical treatment and therapy but continued his daily work routine from his office at his automotive dealership in down town Lismore.

He was a part of the Lismore Speedway scene going back to the days when his dad was one of the loyal workers who helped build the original safety fence at the venue while ten year-old Paul looked on proudly.

Paul started his career at Lismore Speedway aged 16 driving an FC Holden in sedan events in the mid-'seventies before he later sat behind the wheel of a Holden Torana in the days when Lismore sedans were categorised as A, B and C grade. He later travelled to Sydney to race on the pavement at the former Liverpool City Raceway.

He won his very first trophy in only his second appearance at Lismore Speedway when he took out a consolation race.

He rose through the Sedan ranks and then gained considerable momentum during the 'eighties after strong performances at the Liverpool venue. He enjoyed some wonderful Grand National Sedan years driving for local car dealer John Chant.

Paul became one of Australia’s biggest names on the Grand National Sedan scene at Australian Championship level of success.

He won the Australian Grand National Sedan Championship twice. His initial victory in the Grand National Sedan Australian title in 1986 was at Brisbane's Archerfield Speedway.

He repeated the performance two years later when the title was held over two rounds. The first leg was conducted at Sydney’s Liverpool City Raceway, while the second and deciding round was the next night at the former Newcastle Motordrome. 

It was during this part of his career he gained selection in the Australian Grand National Sedan Test team for the memorable clashes against the Americans not only at Sydney's Liverpool City Raceway, but also his Lismore home track. Victory in Lismore Speedway's East Coast Sedan Grand National ranks as one of his highest achievements at the venue.”

Condolences to Wendy, Paul Jr, Molly and Victoria as well as many other family, friends and fans holding his memory dear.

“Paul O’Neill basically put Lismore Speedway on the map.”

“He was about getting things done - never needed thanks”

“Thank you for so many great memories, you will be dearly missed. The true meaning of a champion…”

“His commitment to family was everything - and everything he touched, he treated like family”

“Watching Paul race was just awesome”

Vale Paul O’Neill.

Paul O'Neill's funeral will be held next Wednesday, March 20 at the Lismore Showgrounds from 10:30am.