Popular Willie was a true St Anne’s man all his life
By Aideen O'Flaherty
A DEDICATED GAA supporter, who was heavily involved in St Anne’s GAA Club in Bohernabreena and was a loyal follower of the Dubs, has been remembered for his good humour and his dedication to St Anne’s.
Willie O’Reilly’s funeral mass was held in St Anne’s Church on Monday, September 17, after he passed away last Friday, September 14, where the popular Glenasmole man was fondly remembered by his family and the Bohernabreena community.
Willie was born and raised in Bohernabreena, where he was the eldest boy of seven children, and he became involved with St Anne’s GAA Club from a young age.
Through his involvement with the club Willie met his wife, Nan, when he was 19 years old and they went on to have four children together, before Nan sadly passed away 27 years ago.
The Bohernabreena man was a permanent fixture in St Anne’s, where he managed the Senior Ladies’ Football team and the junior team, and went on to become treasurer of the club for six years and then served as the club chairman for nine years.
Willie’s daughter, Anne, told The Echo: “He was a true St Anne’s man all his life and his dedication and devotion to his club was second to none.
“St Anne’s became his second home after we lost mammy and the connection he had with everybody there helped him through the tough times – it was his second family.
“He had many achievements throughout his involvement in the club, and one that he often talked about was when he managed the junior team, whom we all referred to as ‘Willie’s babies’, and they won the championship from which he earned the name the Scatman.
“He was also very proud of managing the first Senior Ladies’ Football team and winning the championship with them.”
His true passion was always GAA
Willie was a painter and decorator by trade, but his true passion was always GAA, and his children have fond memories of being brought to Dublin matches by their father throughout their childhood.
Anne said: “I remember, as a child, getting up bright and early on a Sunday morning and heading off with him after half eight mass, in the back of Frank Brady’s van, to Croke Park to steward for the matches.
“I don’t think I was any good as a steward when I was ten years old but he brought me anyway!
“We all have memories of our dad lifting us over the turnstiles, all togged out for the game with flags, hats and scarves.”
Chiefly, Willie was a family man who Anne said was “always there for us, no matter what” and that there was “nothing he wouldn’t do” for his family.
Willie is survived by his four children David, Henry, Lisa and Anne, his daughters-in-law and son-in-law, ten grandchildren and two great-grandsons.
Ar Dheis Dé go raibh a Anam.
