Minister and former taoiseach lead tributes following sudden death of Meath county councillor

Damien O'Reilly of Dunboyne took ill this morning

The Minister for State at the Department of Sport, Tourism, Arts, Culture and the Media, Meath East TD, Thomas Byrne, and the former taoiseach, John Bruton, have led tributes to Meath county councillor, Damien O'Reilly, who died suddenly this morning, aged 40.

Minister Byrne said he is absolutely shocked and saddened by the death today of Cllr O’Reilly.

"Damien worked so hard for his community and never stopped trying to help people," he stated. "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. He was an outstanding chair of the Ratoath Municipal District and the Louth Meath Education and Training Board.

"My thoughts are with Damien’s wife, Lisa, their baby Carly, Lisa's son Kyle Damien's mother Phil and Damien’s family, friends and colleagues. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis."

Former Meath TD and Dunboyne resident, John Bruton , former taoiseach, stated: "I was really shocked to learn of the sudden death this morning of Dunboyne’s local Fianna Fail councillor, Damien O'Reilly.

"Damien was a totally dedicated public representative. He was seen and heard , whenever issues affecting Dunboyne arose. He had a promising political career in front of him. He was a candidate for nomination by his party in the General Election. He had just commenced study for qualification as a barrister. He was a popular, friendly and intelligent person."

https://www.meathchronicle.ie/2023/09/16/county-in-shock-following-sudden-death-of-dunboyne-councillor-damien-oreilly/