There was widespread sadness throughout the town and district with the news of the death at his home Drumheel, Ballinagh at a comparatively early age but following a long illness of Mr Brian O'Reilly. Son of the late Peter and Mary O'Reilly, Brian was a good humoured friendly neighbour and friend. He had a great love for gaelic football in general but Ballinagh in particular. As a player he gave sterling service to the Ballinagh team on the field of play and when his playing career ended he remained an active club member and their most loyal supporter. Last month when Ballinagh won for the club their first ever senior county football championship the thoughts of both players and officials were very much with Brian and on the teams triumphant journey home complete with the coveted Plunkett Cup their first stop was at the O'Reilly family home and where in his sick bed Brian had his life's ambition realised as he held and admired this long sought after trophy. Brian O'Reilly was widely known and highly respected far beyond the boundary of his native county Cavan and in recent weeks the many distinguished visitors to his home included Eoin 'The Bomber' Liston famed Kerry All Ireland and all-star footballer. Brian's illness which saw both of his legs amputated was a cruel blow and it is a significant tribute to his family that despite the enormous undertaking involved they put their shoulder to the wheel and cared for their father and brother in the comforts of his own home until the Lord's calling, while to add further grief during the illness of Brian his loving wife Mary fell seriously ill but thank god continues to improve and on Thursday was chief mourner at the funeral of her husband in Saint Felims Church. Like his father Brian was involved in the haulage business and with his lorry would be observed conveying sand, gravel and ready mix to locations throughout Cavan and the adjoining counties. His passing is widely mourned. The removal of the remains took place from his home to St Felim's Church Ballinagh where they were received by Rev Sean McDermott PP Ballintemple and Rev Frank Grey PP Ballymachugh in the presence of an extremely large congregation and following con-celebrated requiem mass the funeral took place to the new cemetery. Predeceased by his parents and brother Alfi he is survived by his loving wife Mary, sons Benny, Stephen, Sean, Pauric and Dominick, daughter Mary, grandchildren, brothers Peter Robert (Bob), John Joe, Willie and George, sisters Mary, Nellie, Kathleen and Gene, nephews, nieces and a large family circle to whom I extend the deepest sympathy of our community. May his soul rest in peace.

Longford Leader, 29th November 2013 Tweet

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