Kerry footballers play in poignant rugby tribute to Offaly man who died tragically

TWO Kerry football stars played in a poignant rugby tribute to an Offaly man who died tragically last January.

Sean O'Shea and Stephen O'Brien were among the players who played in a memorial rugby game between a Tullamore and Sunday's Well selection in Cork's Musgrave Park. The two teams played for a perpetual cup, which has been donated in memory of the late Aidan O'Reilly, who was a keen rugby player and played with both clubs.

A native of Clara, the late Aidan O'Reilly was a Commandant in the Defence Forces and a popular figure in both Rugby clubs - amongst his many achievements on and off the field was playing with the successful underage Tullamore team who won a rugby All Ireland in 2003.

A Tullamore XI played a Sundays Well XI and quite fittingly the game ended in a 12-12 draw.  The two teams consisted of players from both Tullamore and Sundays Well, along with Aidan’s two brothers Neill and Rory, who captained the respective sides but also the game had some star-studded quality with Kerry All Ireland winners Stephen O’Brien and Sean O’Shea lining out for Sunday's Well – O'Brien is a first cousin of the late Aidan O'Reilly while O'Shea is a family friend.

A crowd of about 400 people attended the game and a large contingent travelled from across the country including colleagues from the Defence Forces, friends and family and a large contingent from Offaly including 30 current and former Tullamore RFC players.  Sundays Well were the perfect host and after the game, everybody filled the club house where a great night was had by all.

The game also raised a significant amount for Pieta House.  All eyes will be on Tullamore in 2025 as the rugby club will take their turn in hosting next year's match next August.