North Longford saddened by death of hard working farmer and accomplished footballer

There was deep regret in the area at the news of the death of Jimmy Reilly, Dring, who passed away peacefully last Monday, October 7 in the Regional Hospital, Mullingar, after a short illness at the age of eighty-five.

Jimmy was the son of the late Tommy and Annie Reilly and worked as a farmer all his life and had a great love for the land and care for his livestock.

He also had a great interest in sport and was a member of the Senior Championship-winning Colmcille team of 1958 and the Colmcille club provided a guard of honour at his funeral.

Also read: Longford SFC Final: Robbie Smyth the Abbeylara saviour as Colmcille let victory slip in a dramatic draw

He was a friendly and sociable individual who greatly enjoyed conversations with his neighbours and friends in Keogh’s and he will be much missed by all.

Also read: Longford mourns death of Jimmy Reilly who dedicated much of his time to Colmcille GFC

He was married to Róisín (née Kiernan) for sixty-five years and they raised their family in Dring, enjoying many years of happiness although enduring the loss of their son Noel and the more recent loss of their daughter Áine.

Jimmy was predeceased by his parents Tommy and Annie, his children Noel and Áine, his brothers-in-law Seán and Ned, and his sister-in-law Catherine.

PICTURES | High drama and lots of excitement for supporters as nailing biting Longford county final goes to a replay

He is survived by his loving wife Róisín, his sons Thomas and Kevin, his daughter Sinéad, his daughter-in-law Laura, his son-in-law Paraic, his sisters Éilis and Anna, his grandchildren, his neighbours and a large circle of friends to whom we offer our deepest condolences.

Also read: Longford to face Wicklow in opening round of the 2025 Leinster Senior Football Championship

The esteem in which Jimmy was held was reflected in the large attendances at his repose and at his Funeral Mass in St Joseph’s Church, Purth, which took place last Thursday morning, October 10 celebrated by Fr Séamus McKeon and assisted by Fr Brian Brennan and Fr Tom Murray, after which his interment took place in the adjoining cemetery. May he rest in peace.