TRIBUTES have poured in for a "gentle soul" and father-of-one who was killed in a tragic crash this week. Stephen O'Reilly, 33, lost his life in a single-vehicle collision in Bracknagh, near Edenderry in Co Offaly , on Monday night. Shortly after 11pm, gardai and emergency services were alerted to a road traffic collision involving a single car on the L1005 at Bracknagh near Clonbologue.
Mr O’Reilly, who was the driver and sole occupant of the car, was fatally injured. The Athlone, Co Westmeath resident was pronounced dead at the scene. It is the second tragedy to hit the O’Reilly family as Stephen’s older brother James died a number of years ago.
Locals described Stephen, who was simply known as ‘Reilly’, as "such a good man". Paying tribute, one neighbour wrote: "Deepest Sympathies to Aoife, Kayleigh and Stephen's sisters. "May Stephen be reunited with James, who was a great big brother to Stephen.
"You were a gentle soul as a young boy as I watched you grow. "I trust God will now take you into his gentle care and protect you forever so you can watch over and protect Aoife and Kayleigh. "God bless you and may you rest in peace.
" Another said: "Rip buddy, I'm speechless. "Take care of your beautiful family, daughter and fiancee Aoife and all the loyal loving friends u have." Stephen's death notice notes that he died "suddenly" and is "sadly missed" by his family.
His funeral mass will take place in Our Lady’s Queen Of Peace Church in Coosan on Saturday at 12pm. H.
