Cllr Damien O'Reilly (extreme right) at the recent Meath Tourism 30th anniversary dinner in Trim with Meath council colleagues. PHOTO: BARRY CRONIN

Local government association mourns Cllr Damien O'Reilly

Dunboyne area representative attended conference last week

John Donohoe

Published: Wed 20 Sep 2023, 4:23 PM

Last updated: Wed 20 Sep 2023, 4:24 PM

Cllr Pat Fitzpatrick, National President of the Association of Irish Local Government has said it is with deep shock that he learned of the sudden death of Cllr Damien O’Reilly of Meath County Council whom he had met with as recently as Wednesday evening last when he attended the Association of Irish Local Government (AILG) conference in Sligo.

"On Wednesday evening, Damien was his usual energetic and engaged self, keen to meet with his councillor colleagues from all parts of the country and to discuss the pressing issues of the day," Cllr Fitzpatrick stated.

"He was well known for taking note of concerns expressed by councillors, carrying out his research, and then returning to the councillors concerned with a meaningful response to their issues."

"Although among the younger demographic of our network of elected members, he was already a highly experienced local representative having been first elected in 2014."

"Since then he has held many leadership positions not least of which was as a member of the National Executive Committee of the AILG. He had multiple academic qualifications as well as being immersed in the practical working of public life both at local government level and in the Leinster House environment."

Clr Fitzpatrick said his sudden passing deprives the vocation of public representation of one of its most capable and progressive colleagues who was no doubt destined for higher things in his political and professional lives.

"However, all our thoughts at this time of grief and loss must be with his fiance, Lisa and their young family. Our condolences extend to his close and extended family in his native Meath and beyond; his wide network of friends; his colleagues on Meath County Council; his work colleagues in Leinster House; and to his local community where he was a highly respected advocate and representative. I am sure I join with all members of the network of councils throughout the county in holding his loved ones in our thoughts and prayers in the time to come.”