Tributes are pouring in for beloved Longford man and garda, Martin Reilly, who will be deeply missed by his family and fiancée.
Known to friends as Dusty, Martin’s RIP.ie death notice says he passed away “unexpectedly at his home on August 27, 2025.”
The Smear Hill, Aughnacliffe native is predeceased by his grandparents Tommy and Rose Reilly and Ned McEvoy, aunts Oonagh McEvoy and Bernie Coffey.
His RIP.ie notice continues: “Martin will be forever missed and always remembered with love by his heartbroken family, his fiancée and childhood sweetheart Donna (Heslin), his beloved parents Paddy and Maura, sister Linda and her husband Sean, brother Cathal and his partner Gemma, his dear granny Mary McEvoy, his cherished nephew and nieces, Aoibhinn, Aaron, Freya and Isla his god-daughter, uncles, aunts, his father-in-law Frank and mother-in-law Ann, relatives neighbours, friends and his work colleagues in An Garda Síochána. Also not forgetting his delightful canine friends Charlie & Dash / Prince & Rusty.”
His family described him as “loving and kind in all his ways, Upright and good till the end of his days. Sincere and true in heart and mind,” adding that there are “beautiful memories left behind.”
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“Thank you for a lifetime of memories, for your love, kindness, help and encouragement. Forever in our hearts, Rest in Peace Martin,” his family’s death notice concluded.
Colmcille GAA Club posted a poignant tribute to Martin. “It is with profound sadness that Colmcille GFC has learned of the passing of Martin Reilly. Martin was a cherished member of our community, and his untimely loss will be deeply felt by all who knew him.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to his partner Donna, his parents Paddy and Maura, his sister Linda, his brother Cathal who is a valued member of our senior team, his colleagues in An Garda Síochána, and to his extended family and wide circle of friends.
“As a mark of respect to Martin and the Reilly family, our senior championship match against Killoe, along with all activity in Fr. McGee Park, will be postponed until further notice. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Reilly family at this most difficult time.”
An Garda Síochana members in Meath also paid tribute to their colleague. A statement read: “We are deeply saddened by the death of our dear colleague Garda Martin Reilly, 36867K, Kells Garda Station.
“Martin joined An Garda Síochána in 2017. He was initially stationed in Navan before transferring to Kells in October 2019 where he was attached to Unit D. Our thoughts and prayers are with Martin’s partner Donna, his family and his friends at this sad time.”
A further tribute from a friend on RIP.ie read: “Martin was a gentleman and highly thought of and liked by all who were lucky to have known him. Rest easy Martin.”
A colleague added: “Absolutely devastated to hear about the passing of Martin. My sincere condolences to Donna, Martin’s family, friends and colleagues. Martin joined me in Navan shortly after my own passing out, and was an incredible colleague to everyone, and a huge asset to the communities he served. He will be sorely missed.”
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A fellow garda who didn’t know Martin also took time to send a message to his family. They wrote: “My deepest condolences to all of Martin’s family, friends and colleagues. While I didn’t know Martin, he was a member of the Garda Family and my thoughts go out to everyone who knew him. Rest in peace Martin.”
Funeral Arrangements
Reposing on Saturday, August 30 in Connell’s Funeral Home, Church St, Longford, N39 KN66 from 3pm concluding with prayers at 7pm. Removal from his home on Sunday, August 31 to arrive to St Colmcille’s Church, Aughnacliffe, N39K603, for Funeral Mass at 2pm. Following Mass, Martin will be laid to rest in the family plot in the adjoining cemetery
Family flowers only please
