The Rev. Arthur S. Harvey, C.S.C., Award - 2025: Tim O'Neill '94 & Ryan O'Neill '97

Tim O'Neill '94 & Ryan O'Neill '97

In recognition of their enduring impact on global audiences through their musical innovation and talent, the Notre Dame Alumni Association honors Tim O’Neill ’94 and Ryan O’Neill ’97 with the Rev. Arthur S. Harvey, C.S.C., Award. 

Showstopping siblings Tim and Ryan got their start as “The O’Neill Brothers” at the Keenan Revue in 1994, playing two pianos on stage and singing original Billy Joel parodies about campus life at Notre Dame. Since then, over the past 30 years, their music has been streamed more than five billion times and sold more than 10 million copies. They’ve toured with ’80s pop star Debbie Gibson and Katie McMahon of Riverdance, and provided music for movies, NBC, CBS, and HBO. The O’Neill Brothers’ PBS special, “Piano for Someone You Love,” was nominated for an Emmy in 1997.

While the brothers have kept a low profile as a Minnesota success story, fans worldwide have embraced their 50+ albums of original compositions, holiday favorites, Irish songs, lullabies, movie themes, inspirational songs, wedding music, and more.

Along the way, the New Prague natives hit the Billboard charts multiple times. While Tim and Ryan first found success selling CDs—and originally, cassettes—in stores, at craft shows across the country, and at concerts, fans now find their music on Spotify, Pandora, and Apple Music. Their success has landed them at No. 4 on Spotify’s list of the most-streamed Minnesota acts of all time. The O’Neill Brothers were inducted into the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame in 2019.

The duo is most excited about launching their non-profit, The O’Neill Foundation of Hope, to improve the lives of people in need. Over the past four years, all concert proceeds have gone to benefit the foundation’s mission. To learn more, visit www.ONeillHope.org.

Now both settled back in their home state of Minnesota, Tim resides with his wife, Annie, and their four children: Gabrielle, Owen, Grace and Lucy. Ryan lives with his wife, Kathy, and their dog, Minnie. 

“It has brought us so much joy to share our peaceful piano music with Notre Dame. We thank the Notre Dame Alumni Association for this award and the entire Notre Dame family for all of your support of our music over so many years. Thank you!”