Story byBBCMon, January 12, 2026 at 8:35 PM UTC·2 min readBallymena United goalkeeper Sean O'Neill is to retire following Tuesday's Irish Premiership game against Cliftonville. The 37-year-old began his career with the Braidmen when moving from Glentoran's U18s in 2005 and initially made 18 appearances before a move to Dungannon Swifts in 2010. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementAfter one season with the Tyrone outfit, he then joined Crusaders where he spent the bulk of his career, winning three Premiership titles, plus Irish Cup, League Cup, County Antrim Shields and Setanta Cup medals during his 11 years at Seaview. An initial loan move to Ballymena United in 2022 became permanent as O'Neill's career came full circle."Tomorrow night v Cliftonville will be my last game for Ballymena United and will bring down the curtain on my playing career," O'Neill confirmed in a statement on social media."I've had 20-plus years of memories, friendships and battles that I am truly grateful for. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementI would like to thank Ballymena, Crusaders and Dungannon for giving me the opportunities to play in our league and to the managers who trusted me with playing."O'Neill, who also represented Antrim in Gaelic football, will seek to go out on a high in the final game of a career which has spanned over two decades. In statement, Ballymena United paid tribute to the shot-stopper who made a significant impact during his spells with the club."Tomorrow night marks the end of an era in the Irish League as Sean O'Neill plays the final game of his illustrious career at the Showgrounds against Cliftonville," they said. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement"During two spells at the Showgrounds, Sean has made 165 appearances, keeping 40 clean sheets for Ballymena United - the fifth highest in the history of the club."Everyone connected with the club wishes him well in his retirement from playing and his future career as a coach.".
