Tributes paid to former Carlow ladies footballer Niamh O'Reilly
September 11, 2025
Geraldine Giles, President of the Ladies Football Association, and Pol O'Gallchoir, TG4 Chief Executive, with Carlow captain Niamh Dobbs at the launch of the TG4 2004 Ladies Football Championship ©David Maher / SPORTSFILE
Ladies Gaelic Football Association President Trina Murray has led tributes to former Carlow star Niamh O’Reilly (née Dobbs), who has sadly passed away following a battle with illness.
Niamh represented her club St Fortchern’s and Carlow county teams with distinction, winning numerous medals at local and inter-county levels.
A highly-versatile player, Niamh was renowned as a brilliant attacker but she could also turn her hand to defensive duties at club level with St Fortchern’s.
Niamh also inspired many young players in coaching roles, where her status as a role model was clearly evident.
Niamh also participated in the inaugural ‘Leading Provincial Females programme’ in 2021, a programme designed for females aged 18+ interested in developing personally and also potentially leading teams through their role in the LGFA or the GAA.
In this regard, Niamh was a former Carlow Junior team selector who also watched on with pride as her daughters, playing for the St Brigid’s club in Laois, represented Laois at underage level.
During her own playing days, Niamh was a multiple Carlow club championship medallist, while she also experienced the glory of Leinster success at club and inter-county levels. Niamh also represented Leinster at inter-provincial level – making several appearances and proudly flying the flag for Carlow.
LGFA President, Trina Murray, said: “All of us at the Ladies Gaelic Football Association are deeply saddened to learn of Niamh’s passing.
“A stellar player for her club and county, Niamh graced the playing fields with class and distinction.
“She was an incredibly skilful player who had the capacity to turn a game in an instant with a flash of familiar magic.
“Many an opposition defence suffered at Niamh’s hands but she was also more than capable of turning her hand to defensive duties.
“Niamh also emerged as an outstanding coach who was incredibly invested in emerging young talent, and she was so proud of her daughters as they embarked on their playing careers.
“On behalf of all of us at the Ladies Gaelic Football Association, I wish to extend our sympathies to Niamh’s husband Brian, and her daughters Katie, Lucie and Molly.
“Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam dílis.”
Funeral details: https://rip.ie/death-notice/niamh-oreilly-carlow-carlow-town-604916
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