The event, which was held at Eden Golf Club on Wednesday, August 25, was organised by Les’ brother Jimmy and close friends from Carlisle and the North East to celebrate the former Blues striker’s life and love of golf.
Les, who passed away last November, became a favourite among Carlisle United supporters after helping the club achieve some of the greatest success in its history.
Jimmy explained that golf became an important part of his brother’s later years after he returned to Carlisle following the death of his wife.
Lisa, Les’ daughter presenting the trophy. (Image: Jimmy O’Neill)
“He moved back up to Carlisle from Lytham and started joining us on golf trips,” Jimmy said.
“We’ve got a group of pals who go away once or twice a year, whether that’s Portugal, Spain, Scotland or Yorkshire, and Les and his mate Ian started coming along.
“They got to know all our lads and became part of the group. Even when he became poorly and couldn’t make the trips anymore, we kept in touch.”
Les O’Neill (Image: DAVID HOLLINS)
The idea for a memorial competition emerged following Les’ funeral, with friends keen to create a lasting tribute.
“We’d already talked about getting together once a year and having a game of golf to remember Les,” Jimmy said.
“So I’ve got a trophy that’s been engraved as the Les O’Neill Memorial Trophy and the first one was at Eden Golf Club on Wednesday.”
Sam mid swing (Image: Jimmy O’Neill)
The competition is intended to become an annual fixture, alternating between Eden and Hargate Hall Golf Club in Northumberland.
“We’ll keep it going,” Jimmy said. “It’s not a one-off.”
Despite his standing in Carlisle footballing history, Jimmy believes his brother would have been modest about the honour.
“He’d probably be embarrassed and think, ‘Why are you wasting your time?'” he said.
“He never liked any fuss.
“But it keeps his memory there and it’s a chance to meet some of the pals who were very good to him when he was over in Carlisle.”
Among those taking part will be Les’ grandson Sam, who Jimmy said was introduced to golf by his grandfather and has since gone on to enjoy success in junior competitions.
The day was an ode to Les (Image: Jimmy O’Neill)
Jimmy said Carlisle remained special to his brother right up until the end of his life.
“It was really his second home,” he said.
“He always said people don’t realise how much football takes you away from your family. He missed a lot of things when the kids were growing up because of the demands of football.
“He had a great career, particularly with Carlisle, but he always felt Carlisle was home.”