Pitch & Putt IrelandLeo O'Reilly RIP
Tribute to Pitch and Putt icon
The Pitch and Putt community is mourning the passing of the great Leo O’Reilly RIP.
Leo O'Reilly was inducted into the Pitch and Putt Union of Ireland Hall of Fame at the 2000 Convention Annual Dinner. Leo was honoured for his illustrious playing career, for consistently supporting Championships, Opens and Club Competitions over the decades and for continuously retaining a phenomenal interest in Pitch and Putt, a game he played every day for upwards of four decades, whatever the weather.
This genial and popular performer played in the 2005 (and second-ever) All Ireland Gent’s Senior (Over 55) Strokeplay Championships at Shandon in 2005 and partnered Glenville clubmate Mary Hughes to win Best 1st 18 in the 2008 Dublin Mixed Foursomes Stableford (Des Flanagan Memorial Trophy) at R.G.S.C.
A supportive team player, he campaigned with no little success in tournaments like the Short Grass and GRIP Scrambles dovetailing with club colleagues such as Derek Courtney, Graham Flanagan, John Cullen and the late Peggy Campbell (RIP).
He was prominent in the halcyon days of the Dublin Leagues. The evergreen former Shamrock Rovers, Dundalk and Limerick star winner held on for a nail biting win to give Glenville a 5-4 win over Loughlinstown in the 2002 Dublin Senior League final at Erin's Isle. That was one of many victories achieved whilst proudly wearing the crest of the renowned (and his beloved) Kiltipper Road club.
Prized among those was a Leinster Inter-Club Best Gross in 2003 at Old County alongside Philip Byrne and Graham Flanagan.
Third with Dubin in the 1975 National Inter-County championship at Portmarnock, Leo was 1989 Leinster Matchplay runner-up at Ierne to Eamon Culleton.
Second in the 1975 National Strokeplay championship at Seapoint to Dublin colleague Gus Carolan, Leo claimed the National Gent's Strokeplay crown at Ierne four years later. A two round total of 99 meant Leo tied with Mark Collins (Shandon) before the Glenville man prevailed in the play-off. That was a fully-merited reward for Leo’s unwavering support of competitions and championships throughout a storied career.
Acknowledged for the steely determination and concentration he brought to competition, Leo played on the Dublin team (which also included Gus Carolan, Mattie Clarke, Pat Tyrell and Mark Collins) that finished second in the 1979 Inter-County championship at Waterford Glass.
Also accomplished in the codes of soccer and cycling, Leo was still contesting Pitch and Putt competitions at his club Glenville well into his latter years, as he retained a phenomenal interest in the sport he graced with distinction for upwards of 50 years.
Scratch Cups were a particular favourite of Leo’s and he was a prolific prize winner in that format, individual and team.
Dublin Strokeplay runner-up to Derek Courtney at Glenville in 1986, Leo was an esteemed Honorary member of Glenville having been the Club’s Captain in 1989.
Sincere condolences are extended to Leo’s wife Kay (herself and accomplished Pitch and Putt player), his son Keith, daughters Linda and Valerie and his extended family and friends.
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