Fitting memorial sought for the ‘Gallant’ John Joe O’Reilly

Cavan County Council is in the process of facilitating a commemoration to one of Cavan GAA's greatest heroes. The move comes after Councillor John Paul Feeley tabled a motion at the January meeting of the authority calling on council members support a proposal to erect a statute of John Joe O’Reilly.

Cllr Feeley told the chamber it was a particularly fitting time to bring the proposal to the floor as this is the 75th anniversary of Cavan winning the All-Ireland and the 70th anniversary of the death of the Gallant John Joe.

Describing the Cornafean clubman as “an immense individual” both on and off the pitch, Cllr Feeley said his career as an army officer, as well as his part in the social history of the county, marked him as an individual worthy of commemoration.

Harking back to the November Ulster Final Cllr Feeley said: “At a time of doom and gloom, Cavan GAA brought a lot of positivity to us.”

He said the county has been poor at acknowledging the achievement of individuals and suggested it was time to change that.

Cllr Feely suggested that some would ask why John Joe O'Reilly should be singled out for attentions: “Let's do this and see what other people suggest.”

He pointed to the commemoration to poet Cathal Bui Mac Ghilla Chuna in Blacklion and the statue of Percy French sitting on a park bench in the town centre of Ballyjamesduff as good examples of public art in the county.

Cllr Feeley stated that Cavan has produced many fine artists, musicians and politicians. The Fianna Fáil representative said the county was represented on the international stage by athletes such as Catroiona McKiernan and Paul Brady in recent years and a permanent reminder of their contribution to Cavan could be considered as part of a public art projects.

Cllr Feeley said Cavan County Council could help with the location, design, planning and placement of any memorial.

Lending her support to the proposal Cllr Madeline Argue (FG) acknowledged an “apt time to recognise the contribution of John Joe O'Reilly”. Cllr Argue said the recent book by former county board chairman, George Cartwright, brought the contribution of the Gallant John Joe back to the forefront of the public mind.

This was reiterated by Cllr Shane P O'Reilly who said the book would “make the blue heart jump out of your chest”. He said the fact that 'Cavan's Millennium Man' died so young added to the story.

“It would be good to recognise someone who contributed to the story of Cavan's footballing success, which is so much a part of the fabric of Cavan life,” Cllr O'Reilly said. He too remarked on the outpouring of joy the Ulster Final victory brought to the county in an otherwise grim year.

Cllr O'Reilly said public art works can also add to the tourism attractions of an area and recounted a specific initiative in Sydney Australia.

Other councillors contributing to the discussion were Paddy McDonald (SF), Aidan Fitzpatrick (FF), Brendan Fay (Ind) and Patricia Walsh (FF) and Cathaoirleach Sara O'Reilly (Aontú). The councillors unanimously supported the proposal.

Speaking after the meeting Cllr Feeley said the proposal has moved on since the passing of the motion. He said a remote meeting took place to “give the idea bit of airing”.

To build on the “widespread support for the idea” John Joe's family would be canvassed, as well as volunteers who would get behind the project.