Community in Shock After Tragic Quad Bike Death of Co Cavan Man

Co Cavan, August 25 — A deep sense of grief has enveloped the community of Killeshandra following the tragic death of Padraig ‘Paudie’ O’Reilly, a popular local man in his 40s, who was killed in a quad bike incident on Sunday morning.

Mr O’Reilly was pronounced dead at the scene before his body was transferred to Cavan General Hospital, where a post-mortem examination is expected to take place. The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) has been notified and will attend the scene. Gardaí confirmed that a file will be prepared for the Coroner’s Court.

As a mark of respect, a scheduled local football match between Killeshandra and Kildallan was postponed. Local councillor John Paul Feeley described the atmosphere in the community as one of “deep shock and sadness,” adding:
“Our thoughts are with his family, who are very popular and well known in the area. The entire community is devastated by his sudden and tragic passing.”

Tributes poured in across social media, with friends remembering Mr O’Reilly as a warm and kind figure. One wrote, “Rest in peace, buddy,” while another posted, “Deeply saddened, such a lovely young man. RIP.”

In an official statement, An Garda Síochána confirmed:
“Gardaí and emergency services responded to a fatal incident at a premises in Killeshandra, Co Cavan, on Sunday morning, August 24. A man, aged in his 40s, was pronounced deceased at the scene. His body has been removed to Cavan General Hospital and a post-mortem examination will take place in due course. The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) have been notified and will attend the scene. A file will be prepared for the Coroner’s Court.”

The sudden loss of Mr O’Reilly has left the community reeling, with tributes reflecting the esteem in which he was held across Co Cavan.