RIP: Messages flood in for former Leitrim priest who 'will never be forgotten'

The death has occurred of Fr. Oliver O'Reilly, formerly of Cloncose, Cornafean, Co. Cavan, who passed away peacefully over the weekend, surrounded by his loving family at St. Francis Hospice, Blanchardstown.

Condolences have flooded in for the priest who served congregations in Leitrim and numerous other counties during his time in the priesthood, which saw him working in the Diocese of Kilmore, along with the Diocese of Killeshandra and Arva.

One condolence from a parishioner in Leitrim remembered the “Very fond memories of his time in Ballinamore,” adding “May his gentle soul rest in peace.”

Another described him as  “enthusiastic” with “wonderful ideas” recalling “the pleasure of working with him alongside others in the setting up of the Rainbows programme in Ballinamore in the 1990s and later the Cruise bereavement courses in Cavan.”

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Another recalled the role he played in the big moments in their lives as well as the everyday moments.

 “He taught a lot of us ceili dancing, and as a result, the dancing went from strength to strength. He also performed our marriage ceremony in 1982. Thanks for everything, father, and rest in peace.”

Fr. Oliver is remembered for the role he played in the lives of his parishioners as well as the effect he had on Gaelic games during his time in Cavan, as he set up numerous camogie clubs in the county.

“Anyone who knew Fr Oliver understood that camogie was a huge part of his life, and nothing gave him greater joy than seeing new clubs emerge, develop, and thrive,” read a condolence message from Shercock Camogie Club, which Fr. Oliver helped establish.

“Fr Oliver will never be forgotten, and his legacy will continue to live on in our club for many years to come.” 

He was predeceased by several members of his family, including his parents, John P. and Rose, his sister Angela Masterson, his brother Seamus, and niece Brenda and grand-niece Kiera Aoife.

He is deeply mourned by his sister Rosemary Nolan (Matt), his brothers Sean (Mary), Frank (Anne) and P.J. (Barbara), his sister-in-law Dympna, his nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews.

He will also be missed by Bishop Most Rev. Martin Hayes and Bishop Emeritus Leo O’Reilly, and his brother priests, parishioners of Killeshandra and Arva, people of the Diocese of Kilmore, St. Patrick's Missionary Society, Kiltegan Fathers, his relatives and his many friends.

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Another condolence message described him simply as “a wonderful man, always willing to listen, advise and support.”

He will repose at Lakelands Funeral Home, Dublin Road, Cavan, H12 RF78, on Monday evening from 5.30 pm until 9.00 pm, before his removal on Tuesday at 11.15 am to the Sacred Heart Church, Arva, to arrive for the concelebrated Requiem Mass at 12.00 noon.

Interment afterwards in his family plot at the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Coronea.

Family flowers only, donations if desired to St. Francis Hospice.