The funeral of a former Armagh man who died after his car entered the sea at County Mayo at the weekend will take place tomorrow (Wednesday).
Noel O’Reilly’s vehicle left the sea wall at a pier in the coastal town of Newport.
It is understood that a number of people attempted to come to Mr O’Reilly’s aid but their efforts were in vain.
The tragic incident unfolded at around tea-time on Saturday.
Emergency services attended the scene and the deceased’s body was recovered from the water.
Mr O’Reilly was in his 60s and originally from Drumarg in Armagh, a son of the late Michael and Margo.
He had been living for some considerable time at Drimurla, in Newport, Co Mayo, but maintained a close interests in the goings on in his native county.
A death notice says the popular father-of-six had been pre-deceased by his wife Mary Ann, brother Mickey and sister Yvonne.
It adds: “Noel will be dearly missed by his children Amy, Rachel, Conor, Mickey, Anthony and Sarah, sisters Shirley, Josepha, Bernie and Michelle, mother in law Mary, sisters in law Monica and Hilary, brother in law Michael, grandchildren, extended families, neighbours and many friends.
“Reposing in St. Dominick’s Funeral Home, Newport, on Tuesday evening May 13th from 5.30 pm with removal at 7pm to the Church of the Holy Family, Fahy.”
Requiem Mass will be celebrated at 11 am tomorrow (Wednesday).
Road Bowls in Ireland offered its sympathies to the family.
It said: “Road bowls in Ireland would like to express our deepest condolences to the O’Reilly family on the passing of Noel, residing in Mayo but formerly of Armagh, and the son of the late bowling legend Black Top O’Reilly.
“Road bowling was a big part of Noel’s life and we are very sad to hear of his untimely passing following an accident.
“May his soul rest in peace and our prayers are with his family at this very sad time.”
Donations in lieu of flowers are being accepted for the Dublin-based suicide and self-harm awareness charity, Pieta House.
After Wednesday’s Requiem Mass, Mr O’Reilly will be laid to rest in the adjoining cemetery.
