KILDARE: Tributes paid after passing of 'one of nature's great gentlemen'

Feelings of shock and sadness and genuine regret were felt in Longford when the news became known that Michael Reilly, formerly of Ballinamuck had passed to his eternal reward suddenly at his home in Staplestown, Donadea, County Kildare.

Beloved husband of the former Mary Farley of Rathcor, Granard, Michael was predeceased by his son Michael last year and also by his brother Peter.

Following his marriage to Mary, Michael played football with Ballymore and many will have very fond memories of him lining out in the Black and Amber and of his many great performances especially when they won the Junior title in 1980.

Michael was one of nature's great gentlemen and he loved visiting the Farley family home in Rathcor and meeting with his former Ballymore teammates and he will be sorely missed by all.

As a mark of respect to the Reilly family, the Ballymore Flag was flown at half mast at the clubs grounds in Ballybrien and many club members travelled to Kildare to attend Michael's reposing in the family home and also his funeral Mass in St Benignus Church in Staplestown.

Sincere and heartfelt sympathy is offered to his wife Mary, sons Philip and Damian, daughters Aisling and Niamh, sisters Maisie and Evelyn, grandchildren and to the extended Farley and Reilly families. May he rest in peace.