The late Oliver O'Reilly The death took place of Mr Oliver O'Reilly formerly of Avondale, Portarlington on Monday, November 18, 2006 following a long illness. He is survived by his wife Frances, and his three sons Oliver, Tomas and Conor. Mr O'Reilly was a devoted family man and a distinguished member of the community. During his 62 years Mr O'Reilly touched many lives and was beloved by all. His life was one of great achievement and selfless acts. Among his numerous community roles, Mr O'Reilly served on both the Parents Council and the Board of Management of St Joseph's CBS, Portarlington. He was a member of both the Parish Pastoral Council and the Deanery Pastoral Council. Mr O'Reilly was also a Supervisor and Director of Portarlington Credit Union, and was a Reader and Eucharistic Minister within the parish. Committed to helping others, Mr O'Reilly organised the Parish Invalids' Pilgrimage to Knock every year, until his failing health made it no longer possible to do to. Mr O'Reilly was also an accomplished sportsman and a keen participant in rugby and GAA. He won a Leinster Amateur Boxing Champion title and participated in the 1992 and 1994 European Heart Transplant Games, where he won a bronze medal in the shot putt in the 1994 games in Helsinki. In addition, he won 4 All-Ireland First Aid titles and subsequently taught classes throughout the Midlands in First Aid and CPR. As if this weren't enough, Mr O'Reilly was an active member of both the FCA and The Order of Malta, and was very much involved in numerous local dramatic and choral productions. In recognition of his sterling devotion to the community, Mr O'Reilly received the 1998 Laois Person of the Year Award. Mr O'Reilly was interred on Saturday, November 23 at a moving ceremony in St Michael's Church, Portarlington. The homily was delivered by Mr O'Reilly's son, Fr Connor O'Reilly. Fr O'Reilly described his father as 'a man who radiated love' and said his life was an example of how to live life to the full despite all trials and tribulations. In conclusion, Fr O'Reilly said: "As a family we are broken-hearted to have let him go, but we are consoled by the reality that this truly wonderful man has gone to a place where illness and suffering are no more." Courtesy of the Leinster Express 29th November 2006 Tweet

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