24/09/2026
For more than 25 years, Andrew O'Neill and Andrew Mills have exhibited excellent comradery, good nature and great intentions for all umpires in the NUA which has enabled them to earn the respect of their peers.
With slightly varying pathways of success, although still giving their all to the game and the NUA community, their journeys in umpiring have been littered with excellence, and their achievements are exemplary.
Both have umpired senior grand finals during their time - O'Neill is currently the record holder for most Division One Grand Finals as a field umpire - and other highlights include both reaching the ‘300 club’ or 300 senior games milestone in 2024, an achievement that meant a lot to them.
Off the field, both have made significant contributions by rotating between all roles of the association: General Committee, Secretary, Treasurer and Vice President, while Millsy was the President in 2024-25. They have invested several hours into social activities and events that promote inclusion and are the perfect illustration of selfless volunteers who are willing to put their hand up and continually help the association become a better place.
O'Neill continues to set a high standard in umpiring, having just officiated his seventh Division One Senior Grand Final, while Millsy's role in umpiring has transitioned in recent years by stepping into field umpire coaching to help with the tuition of the next crop of young umpires coming through the ranks.
For their services to umpiring over an extended period, they were inducted as life members of the Northern Umpires Association at the recent NUA Gala. It was a special moment shared together too, considering their close friendship.
Congratulations lads 👏
📸 Speedy Pedro Photography
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