Dermot O’Neill is an Irish gardener who isn’t just known for his dexterity on the field but also for the publications he has authored. He is more popular as an actor who appeared in the comic sitcom Mrs. Brown Boys as a grandpa.
The 69 years old was raised by his grandmother in Dublin who inspired his passion for gardening. Dermot is happily married to his wife, Chickie O’Neil who has been a shoulder to lean on during his battle with the dreadful disease, cancer..
Here are 10 Interesting Facts about Dermot O’Neill
1. How Old is He?
Dermot O’Neill was raised by his maternal grandmother in Blackrock Dublin. His date of birth has remained a mystery just like the identity of his parents and other members of his family. However, judging by his looks which though not always reliable, one may suggest that he is 69 years old which means he was born sometime in 1955.
As regards his education. the gardener is said to have been a student of Christain Brothers College, Monkstown Park.
2. He Learned the Art of Gardening From His Grandmother
As you would easily find, Dermot is a gardener and editor of Garden Heaven magazine and gardening correspondent for the Sunday Independent. His passion for growing flowers and caring for each petal can be traced back to his childhood days being in the company of his grandmother who was a known gardener in Blackrock Dublin.
He made his first gardening talk at the age of 16 to the Mother’s Union in Dublin lecturing them about flower arrangement. Subsequently, he was employed at the Marlfield Garden Centre in Cabnteely, Dublin, and thereafter worked at the horticultural unit of the University College in Dublin.
In 1982, he made an appearance on RTE children’s programs, a gardening segment on Live at Three, and The Garden Show. Dermot has moved on to write and broadcast about his gardening for over 3 decades.
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3. How Many Publications Does Dermot O’Neill Have?
As stated, Dermot is an author who is known to have written at least five publications including;
- Roses Revealed (2007)
- Discover Gardening (2004)
- Dermot Gardens (2003)
- Gardening Tips (2002)
- Creative Gardening with Dermot O’Neill (1990)
4. He Starred in the Movie Mrs. Brown’s Boys
While many are familiar with the 69 years old as a gardener and editor, only a number know he is also an actor. Following his role as grandpa in the Irish comic series Mrs. Brown’s Boys, Dermot has become a more likable personality and popular as well.
The movie was directed by Ben Kellett and starred the likes of Brendan O’Carroll, Jennifer Gibney, Eilish O’Carroll, and many others.
5. Dermot O’Neill is a Cancer Survivor
Dermot was diagnosed with cancer and non-Hodgkin Lymphoma in the summer of 2009, even though he thought it was a stomach ulcer since he had suffered the disease initially.
His new diagnoses subjected him to treatment at different hospitals including Beacon Hospital, Beaumont Hospital, and then St. Vincent’s Private Hospital.
After a series of treatments, he opted for chemotherapy which saw him become cancer-free in 2011. However, in 2019 he was rushed to the hospital following an abnormal swelling around his neck which was said to be the adverse side effect of his cancer treatment. Fortunately, the actor made it known that he has fully recovered after repeated chemo and radiotherapy sessions.
6. Is He Married?
Yes, he is happily married to Patricia who is most known as Chickie. The pair were first introduced by Rory Cowan at the Brendan O’Carroll gig in Ballymun. They soon got carried away by the atmosphere of friendship and soon settled for a date proposed by Gerry Browne at the Barge pub in Dublin which she accepted.
Interestingly, the date turned out to be all loved up and ended with a kiss which marked the beginning of their relationship. After dating for over 2 decades, Dermot asked Patricia to be his wife in the most unconventional way ever.
Rather than bending a knee, the Mrs. Brown’s Boys actor sent her a text asking if she wanted to be Mrs. O’Neill just after they had ended an argument.
Patricia who can be said to be both surprised and happy responded with a ‘yes’ and they have remained inseparable since then.
7. He is Well Travelled
Dermot’s career as a gardener has seen him travel to a lot of countries to give lectures. He has been to at least 6 countries including the United States of America, South Africa, China, Paris, and Madeira.
8. How Rich Is Dermot O’Neill
Dermot’s primary source of income is linked to his career as an actor as well as a gardener and editor which affords him a comfortable livelihood. He has been a gardener for over 3 decades and has been invited to take lectures in several countries. His net worth is yet to be calculated at the moment.
9. He Shares the Same Name With An Irish Football Player
Mrs. Brown Boy’s actor, Dermot O’Neill, and famous Irish footballer share the exact same name, same spelling, and all. Interestingly both of them grew up in Dublin. Nonetheless, as you would easily find, the former is a gardener while the latter as stated is a footballer who was born on 27 November 1960 and played in the league of Ireland in the mid-80s and early 90s. Although there is limited information about him Jukebugs.com unravel that he is still alive just confined to a life of privacy.
10. Is Dermot O’Neill Still Alive?
Following the news that Dermot was rushed to the hospital after his cancer treatment, fans have been showing concerns as regards his health status since there hasn’t been much information about him of late. However, his family members shared photos of him on their social media handles to not only clear the air but also ask for their prayers and support. At the moment, Dermot is still alive and kicking.
