Cavan and Longford mourns death of highly respected bandmaster and whistle player

It was with great sadness that the news of the sudden death of Oliver O’Reilly, Mullahoran was received on Thursday, December 14, 2023.

His passing, aged 84, coming so soon after the untimely death of his beloved wife Rosemary on August 10 last, has left the family bereft and parishioners stunned.

The family home where parents welcome their children and family members back is a blessing in itself and coming as it is at Christmas time their loss is especially poignant.

A farmer by nature, Oliver tended to his stock with great pride, ably assisted by his grandchildren and always kept the home fires burning where a warm welcome awaited all callers.

He was well read, the daily newspaper and ‘Celt and ‘Leader kept him up to date with local events but it was his regret he never won anything in his lotto attempts.

He loved a good chat and had a good turn of phrase and could give as good as he got.

We extend our sincere sympathy to his children Noel (Theresa), Damien (Joan), Annemarie, Finbar (Grainne), Olivia (Seamus), Denise (Liam), adored grandchildren William, Cian, Oisin, Cormac, Shannon, Enya, Fionn, Fainche, Etain, Orna, Rian, Fiadh, and Iarla, his twin brother Tony (U.S.A.) and Tommy (England), his sisters-in-law Kathy and Maureen, nieces and nephews and friends.

Following in the footsteps of his father PJ O’Reilly, Kilcogy, Oliver was a highly respected bandmaster and whistle player who gave so much to keeping Irish music alive in the parish, always ready to play a few tunes no matter what the venue.

Indeed where traditional music is concerned his renown has spread far and wide.

From his early days with the old Mullahoran Fife and Drum band to teaching the children’s marching band he covered a lot of ground and in neighbouring parishes as well. Outings on St Patrick’s Day and Easter Sunday are recalled, stepping it out to the beat of The Dawning of the Day and The Kerry Slide.

Oliver could play any tune by ear, his favourite was Boolavogue which was played by his counterpart Antoin Mac Gabhann at his funeral. It was his greatest pleasure that his grandchildren are now carrying on the music tradition which he played so often for them as they grew up.

His remains reposed at the family home on Saturday, December 16 where large numbers came to pay their respects and again at his funeral on Sunday, December 17 in Our Lady of Lourdes church, Mullahoran.

Celebrants were Fr P J and Fr Jim Brady and burial took place at the family plot beside his beloved Rosemary.

May his faithful soul go marching on to the light of heaven.