Sadness at death of former Rose of Tralee President

‘ANYONE that enters here in despair, leaves enlightened’.

Former Rose of Tralee President Gerald O’Reilly’s famous saying as head of the old ESB training college in Balloonagh was remembered fondly by so many this week, for all the myriad virtues of his character it encompassed.

Humility, a great passion for helping others, meticulousness in everything he did and the ability to impart his expertise with clarity, his very company seemingly enlightened everyone he came into contact with over his 83 years.

His death on Saturday after a long illness was felt keenly throughout his native town.

Mr O’Reilly’s leadership of the Festival of Kerry in the early 1980s was crucial in helping steer the event into its second quarter-century of life with such success, Chief Executive of the Rose of Tralee Anthony O’Gara said.

“Gerald led the Festival of Kerry into its second quarter century with great skill and it is wonderful to see his family still involved. His son-in-law Sean Murphy is the man behind the festive lights and son Garry was also active on the committee.

“He was a wonderful man to have at the helm of the committee, a brilliant speaker with a winning way with people,” Mr O’Gara recalled in tribute this week.

Indeed, his affection for his fellow man and woman was one of his most endearing traits, eldest daughter Louise told The Kerryman.

“His whole thing was that he should be the perfect gentleman and that he should help others in whatever way he could,” Louise said.

Moving tributes from so many friends of the family since his death attest to the fact that he exceeded the limits of this ambition.

One former pupil who emigrated to the US after completing his training said his level of qualification far outstripped the US standard - thanks entirely to his teacher.

The fine art of calligraphy was another great passion, seeing him in demand for lettering on Mass booklets and wedding invitations.

Above all, he was a father and husband of unreserved love. He raised six children with his beloved wife Helen - Louise, Audrey, Sandra, John, Garry and Keith.

Sandra tragically died of cancer aged just 26 in a heartbreaking period for the family.

Mr O’Reilly’s death came almost on the first anniversary of Helen’s October 14, 2015.

The esteem in which he was held was clear from the large crowd who attended his Funeral Mass at 11am on Tuesday.

Gerald O’Reilly