Carnaross GFC is deeply saddened to report the passing of club stalwart and well known Gael Gene O’Reilly.
Gene was born in Clonfinnan in May 1956. He attended Carnaross NS and later Kells CBS. Gene started playing football with Carnaross GFC in the late 1960s at juvenile level and played until the early 1990s. Some of his highlights on the field of play included winning two tournaments in 1974 & 1975 when the Tully & Collins Cups were claimed. He lined out at corner forward and was known for possessing a sharp left foot.
Gene was an ever present committee member from the early 1980s to his very last day. He served many roles throughout the years including as club treasurer and most notably as county board delegate for over 10 years. He was well known throughout the county for attending county board meetings during this spell. While on the committee he was involved in purchase of the existing club grounds in 1984 and all developments since.
Gene was heavily involved in club fundraisers and was a fantastic ticket seller. His popularity in north Meath and further afield, and his number of contacts was unrivalled. He became well known from his butcher shop on Market Street, Kells where he worked tirelessly for many years. His fundraising was not limited to Carnaross and he was always a supporter of neighbouring club draws, golf classics and charity cycle events.
Gene officiated as an umpire on hundreds of occasions for local referees and was proud to represent Carnaross in the 2014 Meath SFC final when umpiring for referee Colm McManus.
Gene was a great supporter of Meath teams and rarely missed a match, regardless of location. From Ballybofey to Killarney, Gene was there - his inter county season ticket was well used down through the years. He got great enjoyment from the 80s and 90s in particular, when PJ Gillic & Ollie Murphy won All Ireland’s representing the club.
Gene was also a huge supporter of the Carnaross team. He was extremely proud every time Cormac represented Carnaross.
Our deepest sympathies to Liz, Fiona, Cormac and the wider O’Reilly family.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.
