RIP: Longford and Cavan communities saddened by death of 'great worker' Ita Reilly

The area was saddened when news emerged of the death of Mrs Ita Reilly, Drumhaldry, Moyne which occurred on Saturday, April 19 in Cavan General Hospital. 

She was a member of the very popular Donohoe family, Loughduff and was one of a family of 12 children. 

From a young age Ita helped out on the family farm and was a great worker. Like many of her time Ita went to work in England where she had family members but the pull of home was too strong and she came back to work in Drumlish.

After some time there she came to work in O’Hara’s Bar and Grocery in Arva before eventually moving to Murtaghs. 

Also read: RIP: Edgeworthstown and Longford GAA saddened by death of ‘true Gael’ Alan O’Hara

During those years she met and married Philip Reilly Drumhaldry and moved back to the farming life that she was so familiar with when growing up. 

A huge upset for Ita and her family was the death of her daughter Susan who took seriously ill and unfortunately passed away in 1981. 

The death of her husband Phil in 1999 was another hard blow for her but Ita had great faith which brought her through those difficult times. 

Also read: RIP: Longford mourns death of D.P. Finnegan - an institution in the parish of Mullinalaghta

Ita is survived by her son Cathal, daughter Mary, Ballymote, Co Sligo, son in law Joseph, grandchildren Deirdre, Niamh, Eimear, John, sisters Christina Biggins, Co Mayo, Annie Hoverkamp, in USA, Bridie Mc Dermott, Mullahoran sister and brothers in law, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and many friends to all of whom we extend sincere sympathy. 

Ita reposed at her home on Monday, April 21 and was removed to the Church of the Sacred Heart, Arva for Concelebrated Requiem Mass. Fr PJ Hughes, PP Dromard was the Chief Celebrant assisted by Fr Oliver O’Reilly, CC Arva and Fr James McDonagh, PP Ballymote, Co Sligo. Her remains were then taken to be interred in Legga Cemetery. 

PICTURES | Wonderful weekend in Longford as Lanesboro hosts Gaelforce Great River Swim Festival