Tributes as Garda laid to rest

Tributes have been paid to local Garda Martin Reilly from Gowna who died suddenly last week.

A native of Smear Hill, Aughnacliffe, Co Longford, and stationed in Kells, Gda Reilly passed away unexpectedly at his home in Loch Gowna on Wednesday, August 27.

Affectionately known as ‘Dusty’, he joined the force in 2017 and began his career in Navan before transferring to Kells in 2019, where he served with Unit D.

A statement issued by An Garda Síochána in Meath expressed deep sorrow at news of his passing, stating: “Martin was an incredible colleague and a huge asset to the communities he served. He will be sorely missed.”

Colleagues also remembered him as a kind and sincere professional, deeply respected by all who knew him.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Martin’s partner Donna, his family and his friends at this sad time.”

Gda Reilly is survived by his fiancée, Donna

Heslin; parents Paddy and Maura; sister Linda, brother Cathal; grandmother Mary McEvoy; cherished nieces and nephew Aoibhinn, Aaron, Freya and Isla; and extended family.

He was predeceased by his grandparents, Tommy and Rose Reilly and Ned McEvoy, and aunts Oonagh McEvoy and Bernie Coffey.

His family’s tribute described him as “loving and kind in all his ways, upright and good till the end of his days”.

He was laid to rest on Sunday last, August 31, following a Funeral Mass at St Colmcille’s Church in Aughnacliffe.

Garda colleagues formed a guard of honour as Gda Reilly’s coffin was brought to his final resting place in the adjoining cemetery.