Sadness at death of one of Tullamore's most prominent sons
The death has taken place of one of Tullamore’s most prominent and well-loved sons, Phil O’Reilly.
In his 93rd year, Phil O’Reilly, Harbour Street, Tullamore, passed away peacefully today, Sunday, in the care of the staff at the Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore.
A legendary footballer from the early 1960s, the late Mr O’Reilly was also a leading business figure in Tullamore, initially as a shopkeeper, before establishing an undertaker and funeral parlour business, which continues in operation to this day.
As a footballer, he will be forever remembered for his role in the Offaly breakthrough team of the early 1960s, featuring in both the Leinster Championship winning sides of 1960 and 1961. He made his inter-county debut for Offaly against Laois in a league game in 1955. He also lined out at right half-back in the All-Ireland final against Down in 1961. In 1950, he was an Offaly minor hurling medal with Tullamore and the following year added minor medals in both hurling and football. In 1954 and 1956, he helped Tullamore to win the senior football championship.
He was also an official driver for the Offaly All-Ireland winning teams of 1971 and 72.,
He was educated at St Joseph’s NS, Tullamore; St Columba’s CBS, Tullamore (now Coláiste Choilm) and Belcamp College, Dublin.
His first job was with P & H Egan before going into business on his own.
A trailblazer in the business world, he set up one of the first funeral homes in the Midlands in the late 1970s, having began his undertaking business in 1970.
He also ran successful newsagents and gift shops for various years at Harbour Street and Arden Road.
For decades, he was the key organiser of the annual Meath Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes and driving force of the Lourdes Invalid Fund.
He will be sadly missed by his loving wife Céline and his family Monica, Fiona, Phil Jnr and Frankie, sons-in-law Tadgh and Steve, Phil's partner Lynne, daughter-in-law Sinéad, his much adored grandchildren David, Mark, Ciara, Darren, Niamh, Ronan, Lauryn, Robyn, Eve and Priya, his cherished great-granddaughters Mariah and Sybil, his sisters Patsy (RIP), Maire, Nuala and Nora, his nieces, nephews, cousins and his wide circle of friends
Reposing at his Funeral Home, Harbour St, Tullamore (R35 FC84) on Wednesday, September 2, from 2pm until 7pm. Removal from the funeral home on Thursday morning, September 3, to The Church of the Assumption, Tullamore arriving for Funeral Mass at 10am. Burial after Mass in Clonminch Cemetery, Tullamore.