Community Profiles

Individual Profile:

Shaun O'Neill

New Zealand

(General Manager, Solid Gold FM NZ)

Comments:

• I've never seen a grown man cry so much

  Crowded House

  24 March 2004

  The house was crowded and it was time for my brother, 18 months my junior to go on his big overseas experience. As I drove him to the Airport I bawled like a baby. My brother, a typical Kiwi bloke looked at me in disgust. "What the hell are you crying about, you big sook?". Then I told him I Loved him, I'd miss him, and then I gave him my most prized possession, a signed copy of a Crowded House CD. A disc the two of us had sung along to on many occasions. I've never seen a grown man cry so much, especially a Rugby front row forward! That CD went with my brother all around Europe. A decade has passed and my brother has lost many things, but not our Crowded House CD.

• He stopped and gave me this funny look

  Heineken

  25 March 2004

  My best friend and I had been drinking, responsibly of course, for several hours in a packed bar. Several hours earlier he had phoned his wife to tell her he would be home at "10 past". At 10 past 4, in the morning, she turned up to the bar in her dressing gown...angry. "We're leaving. Follow me....NOW!" she said. He followed behind, a full bottle of Heineken in hand. The bouncer stopped him. "Excuse me mate, you can't take that Heineken with you". At that point, he stopped and gave me this funny look as if to say "Follow my angry wife home, or finish my full bottle of Heineken. Mmmmm" He's now divorced and lives in England.

• Laughing and crying at the same time

  Cricket

  25 March 2004

  As kids we weren't allowed to jump on the couch. The day New Zealand cricketing legend Lance Cairns hit a one handed six off Dennis Lillee (one of the best bowlers in the world), my father jumped up and down on the couch, laughing and crying at the same time. Mum was not happy, but Dad continued to laugh and cry. I'm terrified of flying, hate hot weather, and spicy food....but flew to India with my Indian mate to watch cricket, such is my love for the game. I love it with a passion. And the funny thing is....I can't play the game to save myself. Absolutely shocking. At best I'm a specialist fieldsman - but I can't even do that right. Gotta love it!

• Such is my respect for the man

  Peter Jackson

  25 March 2004

  Hairy, overweight, and no dress sense whatsoever. But without doubt, none whatsoever, at present, New Zealanders' favourite son. We respect him because he has achieved so much, and yet remained so down to earth. I can't stand Lord of the Rings, but felt almost obligated to go and see all three movies, such is my respect for the man. Everyone talks of Peter as if they know him intimately. He's a great mate that's done pretty well!