Laois LGFA mourns stellar footballer and mother

LAOIS LGFA has paid a heartfelt tribute following the death of Niamh O’Reilly (née Dobbs), a former talented footballer whose three daughters were part of the Laois Minor, U16 and U14 teams this year.

As a mark of respect, St Brigid’s games scheduled for this weekend have been postponed.

In a post on its Facebook page this evening, the association said: ‘Laois LGFA would like to extend our deepest sympathies to the O’Reilly and Dobbs families on the sad passing of Niamh O’Reilly (née Dobbs).

Niamh’s daughters Katie, Lucie and Molly were all part of our Laois Minor, U16 and U14 teams this year, where they played an integral role with their teams. Niamh was so proud watching her three daughters donning their county colours.

Niamh was an exceptional footballer, representing her club St Fortchern’s and her county, Carlow, where she won many club and inter-county medals.

LGFA President Trina Murray, said: “All of us at the Ladies Gaelic Football Association are deeply saddened to learn of Niamh’s passing.

“A stellar player for her club and county, Niamh graced the playing fields with class and distinction.

“She was an incredibly skilful player who had the capacity to turn a game in an instant with a flash of familiar magic.

“Many an opposition defence suffered at Niamh’s hands but she was also more than capable of turning her hand to defensive duties.

“Niamh also emerged as an outstanding coach who was incredibly invested in emerging young talent, and she was so proud of her daughters as they embarked on their playing careers.

“On behalf of all of us at the Ladies Gaelic Football Association, I wish to extend our sympathies to Niamh’s husband Brian, and her daughters Katie, Lucie and Molly.

Laois LGFA Chairperson Martina Phelan also extended her sympathies to the family, saying: ‘We are all deeply saddened by this news in Laois and extend our sympathies to Brian, Katie, Lucie and Molly and to all those who love Niamh.’ 

The death notice on RIP.ie states: ‘It is with immense sadness we announce the passing of Niamh O'Reilly (née Dobbs), Clonagh, Hollymount, Carlow and formerly of Ballywilliamroe, Bagenalstown, Co Carlow.

Peacefully, after a long illness borne with bravery, dignity and humour, in the loving arms of her family. Niamh, predeceased by her father Tom, father-in-law John.

Much loved wife and best friend of Brian, devoted mother of her adored daughters Katie, Lucie and Molly.

Cherished daughter of Maureen and dearly loved sister of Siobhan, Thomas, Veronica and Emma, sister-in-law of Siobhan's husband Phil, Veronica's husband Sean and much loved aunt to Tom.

Niamh will also be sadly missed by Brian's mother Statia, brother John and his wife Aíne and their children John, Nóra, Ned and Bríd, sisters Aíne and Helen, Helen's husband Vincent and their boys Cathal, Dan and god-child Peter, uncles Jim, Sean and Denis, aunts Olive, Jo, Chris and Molly, cousins, especially Aisling, Aoife, Shane, David, Eric, Ciara, Liam, Matt and Patrick and all her many relatives, her kind neighbours and many friends whom she considered family.

May Niamh's Gentle Soul Rest In Peace.

Reposing at her home (R93 N6E4) on Thursday from 6pm and Friday from 12 noon, concluding with prayers on Friday evening at 8pm.

Requiem Mass on Saturday at 12 noon in Saint Abban's Church, Killeen.

followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery.

Family flowers only please.

Donations if desired to Carlow Hospice and Éist.'