skip to main content

Tributes paid following death of FF Cllr Damien O'Reilly

Updated / Saturday, 16 Sep 2023 21:37
Damien O'Reilly was first elected as a councillor in the Ratoath LEA, Co Meath, in 2014 (Pic: fiannafail.ie)
Damien O'Reilly was first elected as a councillor in the Ratoath LEA, Co Meath, in 2014 (Pic: fiannafail.ie)

Tánaiste and Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin has expressed his condolences on the death of Co Meath Cllr Damien O'Reilly.

Mr Martin said: "I am very sorry to learn of the death of my friend, fellow party member and councillor, Damien O’Reilly.

"Damien, a native of Dunboyne, County Meath, was first elected as a councillor in the Ratoath LEA, Co Meath in 2014.

"He was re-elected in 2019, taking the first seat, with nearly 2,200 votes. Damien was current Cathaoirleach of the Ratoath Municipal District.

He added: "I canvassed with Damien during the local election campaigns in 2014 and 2019 and also the Meath East byelection.

"Damien was deeply committed to his community and people, always seeking to improve their lives and continuously advocating for them. He had an extraordinary commitment to public life and his work ethic was phenomenal.

"On my own behalf, and on behalf of the Fianna Fáil organisation, I offer my deepest sympathy to Damien’s partner, Lisa and daughter Carly, stepson Kyle, mother Phil, family and community."

Fianna Fáil TD for Meath East Thomas Byrne said he is "absolutely shocked and saddened" by Cllr O'Reilly’s death.

He said Cllr O’Reilly "worked so hard for his community and never stopped trying to help people".

Mr Byrne added his loss will be "very keenly felt on Meath County Council, in Fianna Fáil and within his community".

In a joint statement, Cathaoirleach of Meath County Council Cllr Tommy Reilly and Chief Executive Fiona Lawless said Mr O'Reilly "was a highly respected and valued member" of the council.

They said said books of condolences will be opened in Navan, Dunshauglin and Dunboyne on Monday.

More stories on