Patrick (PJ) O’Reilly

The death took place un- expectedly in Abbeybreaffy Nursing Home of Patrick O’Reilly also known as PJ of Shraugh Stud, Louisburgh Co Mayo.

Patrick was born in Shraugh in 1927.  He took over the running of the farm from his father Austin in 1962.  He worked hard on this farm and built it up over the years.  He was always on hand to help a neighbour, be it a cow calving or a mare foaling.  In the early days when the vet wasn’t available many people called on Patrick if they were having difficulty and he was always available to them, with many cures passed onto him from his father Austin.

Like most farms of that era the horse and mare were the machinery of the day and Patrick told many a story of ploughing with the horse and mare and went out on hire ploughing with them. Then he purchased his first tractor – A Grey Ferguson 20 – this you would have thought would have been the demise of the horses but not with Patrick.  His Father Austin stood a Sire on this farm for years before him and Patrick continued the tradition, with mares visiting from near and far.

While he earned his living farming and Agricultural Contracting, his main passion were the horses.  He married Monica (McGuire) in 1962 and they raised a family of six, three boys and three girls.

Over the years Patrick became involved actively with the Louisburgh Horse Show, The Races in Louisburgh, Irish Draught Horse Society, Thoroughbred Breeders Association and was Chairman of the Stallion Owners Society on two occasions.

He would attend the Dublin Horse Show annually and often would have a Stallion in the Stallion Class there and in 1996 was honoured to win the First Prize bringing a Red Rosette West for his Irish Draught Stallion “Grosvenor Lad”.  This was a very proud occasion for Patrick and people travelled from all over Ireland and parts of Europe to view this beautiful Stallion.  He had great knowledge of breeding and with the drop of a hat would be able to tell you the pedigree of any horse.  He also stood a fine Thoroughbred Stallion called “Seanna Sceal” who was a half brother of Arkle and his last Thoroughbred Stallion “Royal Dane” was out of Danehill and a half brother to Rock of Gibraltar.

Because of his wide knowledge of horses Patrick was on the Judging and Inspection Panel with Bord na gCapall in the ‘80’s.  He would often be seen judging in the show rings around the country at country shows.

Patrick was a strong, healthy man but his faith was of utmost importance to him.  No matter what part of the country, Horse Show or Races he was attending on a Sunday he would always make it his business to get Mass along the way before any show.  

Patrick is survived by his wife Monica, his sons Augustine (Cork), John (Shraugh), Padraic  (Moneen), daughters, Mary (Moneen), Breege (Galway) and Patricia (Dublin), grandchildren, sons-in-law and daughters-in-law; brothers Fr John (Melbourne), Thomas (Perth), sisters Mary (London), Sheila (Arizona), Kitty (Perth), Gertrude (Belturbet), Brenda (Askulane), nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.

The large attendance at his wake and in Sweeney’s Funeral Home were a true reflection of the regard and esteem Patrick was held by so many friends and neighbours.  Removal took place from Sweeneys Funeral Home to St Patrick’s Church Louisburgh.  Burial took place in Kilgeever Cementary following Requiem Mass Celebrate by Fr Mattie Long and Fr Paddy Gill.

May his gentle soul rest in peace.