O’Neill, who is originally from Enniscorthy, retired from professional refereeing earlier this year. A FIFA assistant referee, she had a long and decorated career. In 2019, she became the first Irish person to officiate at a FIFA World Cup Final, being named as assistant referee for the the United States’ 2-0 victory against the Netherlands. O’Neill says that the party’s investment in female sport was a key aspect in her decision to run.