'Pauly was the unofficial mayor of Lismore': Tribute to speedway legend

Mr O'Neill, 64, died suddenly after a heart attack on March 12.

He had recently undergone medical treatment and therapy but continued his daily work routine from his office at his automotive dealership.

A devastated Andrew Gordon said it is a huge loss for the community.

The Lismore City councillor has had a long association with O'Neill through their mutual love of speedway.

"Pauly was the unofficial mayor of Lismore and I'm not the first person to call him that," Mr Gordon said.

"He had that connection with people and he was the first person you would go to if you needed help with anything.

"When you think of legends of Lismore speedway, you go to Granville Anderson and Paul O'Neill.

"He had a passion and zest that was infectious and it drove you to be a better person."

Paul not only had a love for racing, but will be remembered for his incredibly generous sponsorship backing over many years via his Nissan automotive dealership.

He was a part of the Lismore Speedway scene. It went back to the days when his dad was one of the loyal workers who helped build the original safety fence at the venue while 10-year-old Paul looked on proudly.

Paul started his career aged 16 driving an FC Holden in sedan events in the mid-1970s. Later, sat behind the wheel of a Holden Torana in the days when Lismore sedans were categorised as A, B and C grade.

He later travelled to Sydney to race on the pavement at the former Liverpool City Raceway.

He won his very first trophy in only his second appearance at Lismore Speedway when he took out a consolation race.

He rose through the Sedan ranks and then gained considerable momentum during the 1980s after strong performances at the Liverpool venue.

He enjoyed some wonderful Grand National Sedan years driving for local car dealer John Chant.

Paul became one of Australia's biggest names on the Grand National Sedan scene at Australian Championship level of success.

He won the Australian Grand National Sedan Championship twice.

His initial victory in the Grand National Sedan Australian title in 1986 was at Brisbane's Archerfield Speedway.

He repeated the performance two years later when the title was held over two rounds.

It was during this part of his career he gained selection in the Australian Grand National Sedan Test team for the memorable clashes against the Americans not only at Sydney's Liverpool City Raceway, but also on his home track.

Victory in Lismore Speedway's East Coast Sedan Grand National ranks as one of his highest achievements at the venue.

"Every kid in town had a picture taken with Paul O'Neill and his car at the time," Mr Gordon said.

"He will be sorely missed for a long time to come."

In recent years, O'Neill was president of Marist Brothers rugby league club.

His son Paul junior has been first grade captain for a decade with daughter Victoria and wife Wendy also entrenched in the club.