Laois locals mourn sad passing of Portlaoise sports man

Portlaoise is in mourning following the sad death of a vibrant community member and sports man.

Emlyn O'Reilly from Liogard, Portlaoise died peacefully, in the presence of his family last Saturday, July 26, following a short illness, “borne with courage, dignity and positivity”.

Mr O’Reilly is predeceased by his father Michael and niece Amy.

Pictured: The late Emlyn O'Reilly, RIP.

Portlaoise AFC soccer club expressed their sadness at the death of their “key member” and past player.

“Everyone at the club sends heartfelt condolences to the O’Reilly family on the passing of Emlyn," they wrote.

"Emlyn was ever present at the club, as a player in years gone by and more recently as a key member of the pitch maintenance team. Emlyn also helped the club with fundraising initiatives.

"Emlyn was a true gentleman and clubman and we are all very sad to hear of his passing. Thoughts and prayers are with the O’Reilly family and all of Emlyn’s many friends at this time. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam," the tribute read.

Portlaoise Panthers has offered sympathies.

“Everyone at Portlaoise Panthers sends heartfelt condolences to the O’Reilly family, including our own club members Zeta & Sean O’Neill, on the passing of Emlyn O’Reilly," a representative said.

"Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you, and we hope you find peace and comfort soon. May he rest in peace."

Portlaoise Musical Society took to social media with a touching tribute.

"It is with heartfelt sadness that we extend our deepest condolences to the O’Reilly family—especially to our members Sharon, Zeta, Sean, and Gemma, and to Teresa, Tracey, and Keelin—on the passing of their beloved brother, son, uncle and brother-in-law Emlyn," they said.

"Emlyn was a tremendous supporter of his sisters and Portlaoise Musical Society in general, and was there to bake us many a great cake or helping hand in our shows and fundraisers over the years, for which we are so appreciative. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this incredibly difficult time. Rest in peace, Emlyn," they wrote.

The Heath Golf Club paid tribute to their former Captain and President.

"With deep sadness, we pay our respects to the family and friends of our beloved Past Captain and Past President, Emlyn O’Reilly," they said.

"His leadership, dedication, and passion left a lasting legacy in our community. May he rest in peace, and may his memory continue to inspire us all."

Laois County Councillors paid tribute to Emlyn at a recent Council meeting.

"Sympathies to the O'Reilly family on the death of Emlyn. A lovely chap, very well known in the locality," Independent Republican Cllr Caroline Dwane Stanley said.

"A young man who was very involved in the community. It is a tragedy for his family," said Fianna Fáil Cllr Catherine Fitzgerald.

Independent Cllr James Kelly also offered Sympathies to the family.

"His father Mick was a great man in Portlaoise soccer club. Emlyn was too, they were great Liverpool supporters, that is where his name came from," Cllr Kelly said.

Mr O'Reilly's employer, Powerpoint Engineering, paid a touching tribute.

"Not only was Emlyn a fantastic work colleague, he was a true friend and a real gentleman," they said.

"He had incredible energy and positivity; a great sense of humour combined with a strong faith. He was happiest going out of his way to help others and that included many a home baked birthday cake for us! Emlyn, you will be sorely missed by all of us. Rest in peace."

See Emlyn's funeral arrangements below.

Emlyn O'Reilly - Liogard Portlaoise - 26th July 2025.

Passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family. After a short illness, borne with courage, dignity and possitivity.

Predeceased by his father Michael and niece Amy.

Loving son to Teresa and cherished brother to Sharon, Keelin, Tracey and Zeta. Deeply regretted by his loving family, brothers-in-law Anthony, Milie, Séan and Keelins partner Pat, niece Gemma and her partner Gar. All his close colleagues and friends in the Powerpoint family. Cousins, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends. May he rest in peace.

Reposing at home at Liogard (R32KX2T) on Tuesday afternoon from 2 pm until rosary at 8 pm. Removal on Wednesday morning at 10pm to arrive at SS Peter and Pauls church for 11am Requiem Mass. Interment will follow in SS Peter and Pauls cemetery Portlaoise.