€70k raised on Go Fund Me page
A fundraising memorial page set up by the teammates and friends of Brendan ‘Benny’ Reilly to support his young family has raised over €70,000.
The fundraising page was set up last Wednesday and within less than 24 hours almost €40,000 had been raised as friends, supporters, clubmates and wellwishers pledged their support.
At the time of going to press, €70,230 had been raised through the page, with 1,015 donating to the memorial page to show their support for Benny’s wife Lisa and his three young children.
Benny passed away suddenly on Saturday night after falling ill on his way home from a game with his club Naomh Mairtin GAA in Ardee.
The talented GAA star was on his way home from a game after helping his club to victory when he started feeling unwell and was forced to pull over.
He is survived by his wife Lisa, daughters Saoirse (4) and Amy (2) and two month old son Harry, who had been due to be christened on Sunday.
Benny was known and loved throughout the county, having played John Mithcels GAA for a number of years before moving to Naomh Mairtin following his move to Monasterboice. He was also a member of the the Louth team.
His teammates at Naomh Mairtin were left devastated at news of Benny’s sudden death and he was described as ‘ true gentleman’ and a ‘defensive collossus’.
Benny was also well known for his work with the juvenile teams, passing on his skills and knowledge to the next generation.
The GoFundMe page states: ‘ Teammates and friends of Benny Reilly have come together to set up this campaign to support his young family during this difficult time.
‘Benny died tragically on his way home after leading Naomh Martin’s to a semi-final win over Ardee, St Marys. Benny embodied everything positive about the GAA. A steely competitor on the pitch and a true gentleman off it- he was loved throughout the county. We hope you will consider contributing to a great man’s memory.’