O'Neill is a nephew of another former sporting star - ex-Derry GAA and Irish League forward Eoin Bradley
13:03, 18 Sep 2025
Ceadach O’Neill of Arsenal is challenged by Jaydan Kamason of Manchester United during the FA Youth Cup quarter-final at Emirates Stadium
Ceadach O’Neill of Arsenal is challenged by Jaydan Kamason of Manchester United during the FA Youth Cup quarter-final at Emirates Stadium(Image: David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Former Linfield star and Arsenal prospect Ceadach O'Neill has described his move from Kilrea to London as “a big change” - but it hasn’t stopped him keeping up to date with all things Gaelic football in his native Derry. The 17-year-old moved from Linfield to the Gunners last year and five months ago signed his first professional contract with the Premier League club.
O’Neill, who hails from former Ireland manager Martin O'Neill's hometown, has made a flying start to the new season, with five goals in his first three games, and he recently earned his first Northern Ireland Under-21 call-up. He made his debut earlier this month, coming off the bench in a 1-1 draw with Georgia.
He is a nephew of Eoin 'Skinner' Bradley, who was also a talented County GAA footballer with Derry, had an impressive career in the Irish Premiership with Coleraine and Glenavon.
O’Neill told the Arsenal website: “I feel like my season has started really well. I scored five goals in our first three games and I’ve definitely hit the ground running. Moving to London has been a big change, but I’ve really enjoyed it. Growing up in Ireland was much quieter, so life here feels completely different but I like the new lifestyle and the chance to throw myself fully into full-time football.
“Outside of football, I’ve been playing a lot of golf. I went a few times in the off-season. I wouldn’t say I’m the best, but I’m definitely not far off!
“I still keep up with Gaelic football as well. My club has been competing in the championship recently, and my cousin plays, so I’ve been following that closely. I also support Derry (county side), so I was keeping up with their results over the summer.
Ceadach O'Neill representing St. Columbas PS, Kilrea, Derry in Dublin colours during the INTO Cumann na mBunscol GAA Respect Exhibition Go Games in 2019
Ceadach O'Neill representing St. Columbas PS, Kilrea, Derry in Dublin colours during the INTO Cumann na mBunscol GAA Respect Exhibition Go Games in 2019(Image: Getty Images)
“Whenever I was back home, I went to watch my local club, especially since my younger brother still plays and my dad coaches one of the U14s teams in Kilrea.”
O’Neill was thrilled to get his first Under-21 call at international level. He said: “On the pitch, I think I’ve developed a lot. I’ve improved technically, and my understanding of the game has grown massively.
“Getting called up to the Northern Ireland U21s has been a huge moment for me, especially since I’m still only 17.
“I’ve got a good relationship with the coach, Tommy Wright. Having my roommate Braiden Graham there as well, who’s also my age and plays for Everton, has made it even better.
“Everyone has been really welcoming and I’m enjoying every minute of it.”
Reflecting on his first year with the North London giants, he said: “I thought it was a strong one for me. The team did well, even if we were a bit unlucky in the league. We had a good FA Youth Cup run, I played a lot of games, and gained valuable minutes.
“One of the standout moments was playing at the Emirates in the Youth Cup in January.
“The whole day was surreal - from having breakfast with the team, to arriving early at the stadium, walking out onto the pitch, and just taking it all in. I had six family members there, which made it even more memorable.
“It's something you dream about as a kid and I feel blessed to be living it now.
“Signing my first professional contract in April was a really proud moment - especially with all my family there, including my Grandad.
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“He hadn’t been over much in recent years, but he came to a lot of my games growing up, so having him there made it extra special. It’s something you dream about as a kid and I feel blessed to be living it now.”