By Frank Greally
I was on the last few days of my 12 day Walk on Gratitude Road- Dublin to Ballyhaunis- when I heard the news of the sad passing of Olympian Gerry O’Reilly- a native of Dunboyne- at age 61.
Less than 12 months ago, Gerry, who had lived and worked in America since graduating from Villanova University, was back at Dunboyne Athletic Club for the unveiling of a plaque in his honour.
Gerry was always proud of his roots and he often talked about his early days at Dunboyne AC – the club he joined at age 9.
It was watching Eamonn Coghlan compete in the 1976 Olympic Games that ignited Gerry’s Olympic aspirations and he achieved that dream when representing Ireland in the 1988 Games in Seoul.
Gerry had followed the same route to success as Eamonn Coghlan- attending Villanova University on an Athletics Scholarship
Away from the track, Gerry built a highly successful business career working for the Vanguard Group in America
Gerry suffered a cardiac arrest while out on a cycle on last Sunday.
I said a prayer For Gerry on the final day of my Walk from Dublin to Ballyhaunis- another Great Athlete- Gone Home.