'Hearts are broke' - Funeral takes place for Irish woman killed in Australia
Annmarie O’Reilly, who was killed in Australia, was laid to rest today in her native Kilkenny
A heartbroken local community were united in grief on Tuesday morning as the funeral of a much-loved mother, daughter and sister took place in Kilkenny.
“Our hearts are heavy today,” mourners were told at the funeral of 30-year-old Annemarie O’Reilly, as her family, friends and community gathered to remember a much-loved mother of three.
Fr Dan Carroll led the funeral service alongside Fr Paul Kasu, telling those gathered that they had come together “with hearts that are broken”.
“We suffer the pain of losing Annemarie at 30 years of age in a way that none of us can fully understand,” Fr Carroll said.
He noted that people had travelled from far and wide to support the O’Reilly family and pay their respects to Annemarie.
“A life doesn’t have to be long and famous to touch a great number of people,” he said.
Symbols representing Annemarie’s life and the things she loved were brought to the altar during the service.
Her sister Ellen carried a Bible and crucifix, while her nephew Conor brought a can of Red Bull, Annemarie’s favourite drink.
Her niece Maria brought a bottle of ‘White Diamonds’, her favourite perfume, while another niece, Sadie, carried Annemarie’s favourite Louis Vuitton handbag. A photograph of Annemarie was also brought to the altar.
“They remind us of Annemarie as her family knew her and loved her,” Fr Carroll said.
Mr Brian Roche, principal of St John’s Senior School, where many members of the O’Reilly family attended school, gave a reading during the service.
Ms Ann Foley, who was principal of St John of God NS when Annemarie was a pupil, also gave a reading.
Fr Carroll spoke warmly of Annemarie’s personality and the impression she made on those she met.
“We know how pleasant she was to meet, always smiling,” he said.
Central to the service was Annemarie’s devotion to her three sons, Pat, Ned and Tom.
“Annemarie loved them so much and made sure they knew they were loved,” Fr Carroll said.
He told mourners that ensuring the boys continue to know and remember their mother would now be especially important.
“We must ensure that Pat, Ned and Tom grow up knowing who their mother was. Her love remains with them.”
Annemarie is mourned by her parents, Ned and Bridget, her grandmother Ann, her three sons Pat, Ned and Tom, and her extended family and friends.
Annmarie O’Reilly, who was from the Hebron Road area of Kilkenny City, was tragically pronounced dead in Australia on August 21 after emergency services were called to the scene of an incident at a residence on Ferntree Gully Road in Melbourne, Australia.
Police confirmed that a male (45) from Waterford and known to the victim has been charged with her murder and has appeared before Melbourne Magistrates’ Court via audio visual link where he was remanded in custody to appear on February 23, 2027.