Tributes pour in after sad passing of former Carlow footballer
Former Carlow footballer Niamh O'Reilly (née Dobbs) at Croke Park Photo: Carlow LGFA
Tributes have poured in following the sad passing of former Carlow football star Niamh O’Reilly (née Dobbs).
Niamh represented her club St Fortchern’s and Carlow county teams with distinction, winning numerous medals at local and inter-county levels.
As a role model, Niamh inspired many young footballers, none more than her own daughters who play for St Brigid’s in Laois and who have represented Laois at underage level.
As well as her club and county, Niamh also represented Leinster and continued to play an active role in Carlow football long after she hung up her boots. At the time of her passing, she was the Carlow delegate to the Leinster LGFA.
On their social media pages, Carlow LGFA said that Niamh will be sorely missed.
“Carlow LGFA are truly saddened to say that we lost our dear friend Niamh Dobbs O’ Reilly yesterday. Niamh was our Leinster delegate for the past number of years and has been involved in and interested in all things Carlow Ladies Football for many years, from St.Fortcherns, Fenagh and the Carlow County Team.
“She represented Carlow with great distinction, on and off the field of play and was a beautiful person with a great sense of humour. Our thoughts are with Brian and their three lovely girls Katie, Lucie and Molly. She will be sadly missed by all.
At national level, LGFA President, Trina Murray, said Niamh had left an indelible mark on the LGFA, on and off the pitch.
“All of us at the Ladies Gaelic Football Association are deeply saddened to learn of Niamh’s passing.
“A stellar player for her club and county, Niamh graced the playing fields with class and distinction.
“She was an incredibly skilful player who had the capacity to turn a game in an instant with a flash of familiar magic.
“Many an opposition defence suffered at Niamh’s hands but she was also more than capable of turning her hand to defensive duties.
“Niamh also emerged as an outstanding coach who was incredibly invested in emerging young talent, and she was so proud of her daughters as they embarked on their playing careers.
“On behalf of all of us at the Ladies Gaelic Football Association, I wish to extend our sympathies to Niamh’s husband Brian, and her daughters Katie, Lucie and Molly.
“Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam dílis.”
Funeral details: https://rip.ie/death-notice/niamh-oreilly-carlow-carlow-town-604916
