O'Reilly, Tom

January 16, 2008
The Late Tom O'Reilly Another link with the last Donard's last team to win a Senior football championship was severed with the death of Tom O'Reilly. Tom who passed away in Scotland was brother of Gerry O'Reilly, one of Wicklow's greatest ever footballers. Donard's victory over Kilcoole in the final of 1957, brought to an end the golden era of football in the Glenside club. It was their sixth county Senior title in twenty years and that was at a time when they had powerful rivals in teams like Rathnew, Ballinacor and finally Baltinglass to contend with. A team captained by Ned Doyle had other great players such as Jim Rogers, Paddy Lennon, the Medcalfe brothers, Tommy Tutty, The Moynihans, Paddy Whelan and a young Kerry lad called Tony Graham on board. It was also the last time their three Railway Cup players - Rogers, O'Reilly and Lennon were to play together in a in a competitive match. Tom's remains were brought home to his native village to the home of his sister Bridie and later interred in the local cemetery where many of his former team mates, and rivals gathered to say a last farewell. Out sympathy to his brothers, sisters and extended family. Courtesy of the Wicklow People 16 January 2008

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