O’Neill offers views on life

FORMER Celtic manager Martin O’Neill yesterday said his wife’s illness has made him realise sporting success is not the most important thing in life.

The former Northern Ireland and Nottingham Forest midfielder also had a simple piece of advice for nursing graduates at Queen's University in Belfast "Go for it."

O'Neill, 53, collected an honorary doctorate for services to sport, at the university where he briefly studied law in 1971 before becoming a professional footballer.

After receiving his award, O'Neill told a 1,000-strong audience: "I was always focused on my career and my life.

"I would think great things were like Spain in 1982 (Northern Ireland's World Cup campaign) or the defeat by Motherwell recently (which cost Celtic the league title).

"But when I got the news about my wife's illness those things did not really matter.

"Life and health are more important than anything."

O'Neill was joined at the ceremony by his wife Geraldine, who is battling cancer, his daughters Aisling and Alana and his four sisters.

He said: "I am absolutely honoured to be here and I just want you give you this message have a great life and go for it.

"I wish I was your age again."