There is deep sadness in the Killeen and Graiguecullen areas in Laois this week, as well as her native Carlow, with the sad passing of Niamh O’Reilly (nee Dobbs).
Originally from near Fenagh, Niamh was the staunchest and proudest of Carlow people – and a ladies football legend in her native county. She moved across the Laois border almost 20 years ago after marrying Brian O’Reilly from Graiguecullen.
Her three daughters have all played underage ladies football with Laois with the eldest, Katie, on the Laois minor team that won Leinster honours earlier this year.
Niamh passed away this week after “a long illness borne with bravery, dignity and humour”.
Tributes have been paid to her Trina Murray, president of the Ladies Gaelic Football Association.
A star player who played with her club St Fortchern’s for years as well as with Carlow and at inter-provincial level with Leinster.
“A stellar player for her club and county, Niamh graced the playing fields with class and distinction,” said Murray in a statement issued by the LGFA.
“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 us all at the Ladies Gaelic Football Association, I wish to extend our sympathies to Niamh’s husband Brian and her daughters Katie, Lucie and Molly.”
Niamh initially worked in the famed Royal Hotel in Carlow before later moving to work in the family business Dobbs Oil, where she was highly-regarded for her decency and hard work among their customer base.
Niamh is predeceased by her father Tom and father-in-law John.
Much loved wife and best friend of Brian, devoted mother of her adored daughters Katie, Lucie and Molly.
Cherished daughter of Maureen and dearly loved sister of Siobhan, Thomas, Veronica and Emma, sister-in-law of Siobhan’s husband Phil, Veronica’s husband Sean and much loved Aunt to Tom.
Niamh will also be sadly missed by Brian’s mother Statia, brother John and his wife Aíne and their children John, Nóra, Ned and Bríd, sisters Aíne and Helen, Helen’s husband Vincent and their boys Cathal, Dan and god-child Peter, uncles Jim, Sean and Denis, aunts Olive, Jo, Chris and Molly, cousins, especially Aisling, Aoife, Shane, David, Eric, Ciara, Liam, Matt and Patrick and all her many relatives, her kind neighbours and many friends whom she considered family.
Reposing at her home in Clonagh, Hollymount, (Eircode R93 N6E4) on Thursday from 6pm and Friday from 12 noon concluding with prayers on Friday evening at 8pm.
Requiem Mass on Saturday at 12 noon in Saint Abban’s Church, Killeen, followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery.
Family flowers only please. Donations if desired to Carlow Hospice and Éist.
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