Tributes have been paid following the passing of a former Armagh GP whose family have provided – and continue to provide – care and compassion to the entire community over many years.
Dr Garry O’Reilly passed peacefully away at his home on Saturday, surrounded by his family.
In his years of practice, he had followed in the footsteps of his father, while two of his daughters continue that legacy as GPs at the Friary Surgery in Armagh.
Dr O’Reilly has been described on social media as a “dedicated GP and a great friend”, “a wonderful colleague” and a man who “always had time for a chat”.
It is almost 100 years since the practice from which the Friary Surgery would evolve was formed at the lower end of Mall East, near the Armagh Courthouse, at the home of Drs John and Sheelagh Woods.
When the NHS was founded in 1948, they were joined by Dr Dick O’Reilly, and later their son, Dr Oliver Woods.
By 1970, the new Armagh Health Centre had been built at Dobbin Lane and they moved there.
The late Dr Patrick Kellett, also a resident of the Mall, became the first registrar at the practice.
And Dr Garry O’Reilly – Dr Dick’s son – was to become a partner in 1975, having been a year as registrar, in the same year his father retired.
Having handed the baton from father to son, Dr Garry O’Reilly would serve as GP for over 30 years. He was seen by all who passed through as more than a doctor; he had a warm way about him, a real and genuine gentleman who not only tended to the medical needs of patients but could put them at ease too. He offered care, he showed compassion, a diligent and down-to-earth doctor who presented wise counsel.
When the former Health Centre was replaced with three separate practices – Friary, Abbey Court and Archway – it was a time of great change for healthcare in Armagh.
That came about in 2000, a new century, a new outlook, and Dr Garry O’Reilly and his colleagues were there to help ensure a smooth transition and continue to look out for the needs of all those who relied on their local GP practice, family-orientated first and foremost.
And family was everything to Dr Garry O’Reilly. He was so proud as two of his daughters would join the Friary to ensure a proud tradition lived on.
Dr Roisin O’Reilly arrived in the year 2000 upon the retirement of Dr Oliver Woods.
And when Dr Garry himself retired in 2007 – after 32 years as an Armagh GP – it was another daughter, Dr Siobhan O’Reilly, along with Dr Gareth Conway, who came on board.
Over the years the family worked alongside many gifted and dedicated doctors.
They earned the respect and trust of the entire community and there were many warm wishes when Dr Garry O’Reilly decided to step down.
Beyond the practice, he was a family man, but also a dear friend of many.
He was passionate about golf, a valued member of Armagh County Golf Club, and had a great sense of humour which also endeared him to all.
The esteem in which Dr O’Reilly was held was evident in the glowing tributes which have been paid on social media since news of his sad passing emerged last night (Saturday).
One described him as a “valued colleague and friend”, adding: “So sorry to hear this. May he rest in peace reunited with Angela, always his first priority. Always went the extra distance to get his patients seen ASAP, and regularly dropped in to check results himself. He also thought nothing of home visits if he thought the history was concerning, even on Christmas Day.”
Another said: “Very sorry to hear that Garry has died. I remember him as being a kind and gentle doctor like his late father. How proud he must have been to see his daughters following in his footsteps.”
He was described by one as a “very special man in our community”, and yet another added: “He was a wonderful family doctor, like his father before him. His two daughters carry on the legacy in honour of him and their grandfather. May he RIP.”
Dr O’Reilly was described in a death notice as the “beloved husband of the late Angela, cherished father of Roisín (Paddy), Noirin (Kieran), Úna (Pat), Siobhán (Aidan), Garrett (Breda) and Rónan (Ali)” and an “adored Granda of Eóin, Patrick, Liam, Maeve, Conor, Niamh, Anna, Eimear, Eva, Kate, Sean, Aoife, Cara and Annie”.
He was also a much-loved brother of Lillian, Dick and the late Catherine; uncle of Vincent (Susie); and grand uncle of Evie and JJ.
Dr O’Reilly will repose at his home at 8 Mullinure Park, Armagh, BT61 9EJ today (Sunday) and Monday, from 12 noon until 9pm.
The house will be private on the morning of the funeral, which will take place on Tuesday, with 2pm Mass at St Patrick’s Cathedral. Afterwards he will be laid to rest in St Patrick’s Cemetery.
To Dr O’Reilly’s sons and daughters and his entire family circle, we offer our sincere condolences. May he Rest in Peace.
