Micheál Martin leads tributes to Fianna Fáil councillor after sudden death

By David Young, PA

Fianna Fáil leader and Tánaiste Micheál Martin has led tributes to party councillor Damien O’Reilly after his sudden death.

Mr O’Reilly was a representative on Meath County Council and had been elected chair of the Ratoath Municipal District in June.

Originally from Dunboyne in Co Meath, he was first elected as a councillor in 2014. He was re-elected in 2019, topping the poll in the Ratoath local electoral area.

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

Damien was deeply committed to his community and people, continuously advocated for them. He had an extraordinary commitment to public life and his work ethic was phenomenal.

— Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD) September 16, 2023

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

“I canvassed with Damien during the local election campaigns in 2014 and 2019 and also the Meath East by-election.

“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.”

The Meath County Council is to open books of condolences at a number of locations in the county on Monday.

In a joint statement, the chair of Meath County Council Tommy Reilly and its chief executive Fiona Lawless said: “It is with deep regret and profound sadness that we have learned of the untimely death of our dear friend and colleague, Fianna Fáil councillor Damien O’Reilly, who passed away earlier today.

“Damien was a highly respected and valued member of Meath County Council. He was very committed in his role as a councillor and provided an outstanding service to the citizens of County Meath.

“Damien was deeply honoured in June of this year, when he was again elected Cathaoirleach of Ratoath Municipal District.”

Fianna Fáil TD for Meath East Thomas Byrne said he was shocked and saddened by the “incredibly untimely death” of Mr O’Reilly.

“Damien worked so hard for his community and never stopped trying to help people,” he said.

“While a proud Dunboyne man, Damien diligently represented people in areas like Moynalvey, Kilcloon and right across south Meath and the Ratoath Municipal District.

“Damien was held in such high regard by his community, and it is devastating to see a young life and a bright political career cut so short.

“His loss will be very keenly felt on Meath County Council, in Fianna Fáil and within his community.”

Fianna Fáil minister of state Jack Chambers said: “Devastating and terribly sad to hear about the passing of our friend and colleague Cllr Damien O’Reilly.

“A committed, decent and hardworking public representative who was so dedicated representing his community. Sincere condolences to all his family. May he rest in peace.”