The Louth GAA community was sent into shock this weekend with the announcement of the death of former county player Brendan "Benny" Reilly.
Reilly (38) had been driving home after playing in a club match when he became seriously ill. Having pulled over and called an ambulance, the father of three suffered a fatal heart attack and passed away before arriving at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda.
Former Louth star and friend Darren Clarke summed up the shock of this event shortly after its occurrence on Saturday evening.
We hugged after our match tonight. Can't understand life.A friend, teammate,warrior,a gent.Thoughts with family& @naomhmairtin #RIPBenny 😢 pic.twitter.com/GQGfVH1SFh
— Darren Clarke (@clarkie2015) September 16, 2017
Reilly had joined the Naomh Mairtin club of Monasterboice in the late noughties. Responding to the tragic news on their Facebook page, there was a palpable sense of loss amongst this close-knit community:
Our club wakes today still reeling from the tragic & devastating news of the sudden and unexpected passing of out defensive colossus Brendan "Benny" Reilly (RIP).
Benny's on-field football qualities are widely recognised & admired by his Clubs & Teammates of Naomh Mairtin, John Mitchells & Louth but Benny was more than a footballer & his cheeky smile, dry wit, lust for life were equally infectious to all that had the pleasure of being in his company.
Benny recently commented "Extract the best out of yourself and make something special happen" - well Benny we will forever remember how you most certainly lived that statement.
Tragically, Reilly and his wife Lisa were due to have their third child Harry, who was born in July, christened today.
Only just reading of the passing of former @louthgaa player Brendan Reilly. At 38 years old, life can be so cruel at times. RIP.
— Steven McDonnell (@StevenMcD13) September 18, 2017
Sad to hear of the death of former @louthgaa player, Brendan Reilly from @naomhmairtin. Deepest sympathies to all his family. Rest in peace pic.twitter.com/M5CdlKLrbY
— Brian Carthy (@briancarthyrte) September 18, 2017
Naomh Mairtin had claimed their place in the semi-final of Louth's senior football championship and were due to face Dundalk Gaels for a place in the final on Saturday. It remains to be seen whether or not this will take place in lieu of this tragic event.
Brendan Reilly is a huge loss to a community that cherished him dearly.
