There is a tremendous sense of shock and sadness in Portlaoise and the wider community following the passing of well-known figure Emyln O’Reilly.
Mr O’Reilly, who passed away at just 50 years of age after a short illness, was an avid golfer and is a former Captain of The Heath Golf Club in 2021, as well as serving as the club President.
He was heavily involved in a number of sporting organisations across the county and was groundsman for Portlaoise AFC for a number of years.
The club was a big part of Mr O’Reilly’s life and they paid tribute to him following the news of his passing, saying: “Everyone at the club sends heartfelt condolences to the O’Reilly family on the passing of Emlyn.
“Emlyn was ever present at the club, as a player in years gone by and more recently as a key member of the pitch maintenance team. Emlyn also helped the club with fundraising initiatives.
“Emlyn was a true gentleman and clubman and we are all very sad to hear of his passing.”
Portlaoise GAA, for whom Mr O’Reilly’s father, Mick, played for in the 1960s, also paid tribute to the deceased, describing Mr O’Reilly as “a young Portlaoise man gone way too soon.”
In his work life, Mr O’Reilly was a talented pastry chef and spent a number of years working in Dublin’s five-star boutique hotel, The Westbury.
He left the kitchen to work in Powerpoint Engineering, Portlaoise, for the best part of a decade, with the local company also paying tribute to Mr O’Reilly, saying:
“We are heartbroken to share the news of the very sad and untimely passing of our dear friend and colleague, Emlyn O’Reilly.
“Emlyn was an exceptional person, not only a fantastic work colleague but he was a true friend and a real gentleman to all of us.
“He had incredible energy and positivity; a great sense of humour combined with a strong faith.
“Emlyn was always happiest going out of his way to help others, that included our customers but also many a home baked birthday cake for us at work.”
Reposing at his home in Liogard, Portlaoise on Tuesday, July 29, from 2pm until rosary at 8pm.
Removal on Wednesday morning at 10pm to arrive at SS Peter and Paul’s Church for 11am Requiem Mass.
Interment will follow in SS Peter and Paul’s Cemetery, Portlaoise.
