'Rest easy' - Garda who died 'unexpectedly' was engaged to childhood sweetheart

Tributes are pouring in this week after the death of beloved garda, Martin Reilly, who will be deeply missed by his family and fiancée.

Known to friends as Dusty, Martin's RIP.ie death notice says he passed away "unexpectedly at his home on August 27, 2025."

The Longford native lived in Cavan and served as a Garda in Kells. He is predeceased by his grandparents Tommy and Rose Reilly and Ned McEvoy, aunts Oonagh McEvoy and Bernie Coffey.

His RIP.ie notice continues: "Martin will be forever missed and always remembered with love by his heartbroken family, his fiancée and childhood sweetheart Donna (Heslin), his beloved parents Paddy and Maura, sister Linda and her husband Sean, brother Cathal and his partner Gemma, his dear granny Mary McEvoy, his cherished nephew and nieces, Aoibhinn, Aaron, Freya and Isla his god-daughter, uncles, aunts, his father-in-law Frank and mother-in-law Ann, relatives neighbours, friends and his work colleagues in An Garda Síochána. Also not forgetting his delightful canine friends Charlie & Dash / Prince & Rusty."

His family described him as "loving and kind in all his ways, Upright and good till the end of his days. Sincere and true in heart and mind," adding that there are "beautiful memories left behind."

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"Thank you for a lifetime of memories, for your love, kindness, help and encouragement. Forever in our hearts, Rest in Peace Martin," his family's death notice concluded.

An Garda Síochana members in Meath also paid tribute to their colleague. A statement read: "We are deeply saddened by the death of our dear colleague Garda Martin Reilly, 36867K, Kells Garda Station.

"Martin joined An Garda Síochána in 2017. He was initially stationed in Navan before transferring to Kells in October 2019 where he was attached to Unit D. Our thoughts and prayers are with Martin’s partner Donna, his family and his friends at this sad time."

A further tribute from a friend on RIP.ie read: "Martin was a gentleman and highly thought of and liked by all who were lucky to have known him. Rest easy Martin."

A colleague added: "Absolutely devastated to hear about the passing of Martin. My sincere condolences to Donna, Martin's family, friends and colleagues. Martin joined me in Navan shortly after my own passing out, and was an incredible colleague to everyone, and a huge asset to the communities he served. He will be sorely missed."

A fellow garda who didn't know Martin also took time to send a message to his family. They wrote: "My deepest condolences to all of Martin’s family, friends and colleagues. While I didn't know Martin, he was a member of the Garda Family and my thoughts go out to everyone who knew him. Rest in peace Martin."

Funeral Arrangements

Reposing on Saturday 30th in Connell’s Funeral Home, Church St, Longford, N39 KN66 from 3 o’clock concluding with prayers at 7 o’clock. Removal from his home on Sunday 31st to arrive to St. Colmcille’s Church, Aughnacliffe, N39K603, for Funeral Mass at 2 o’clock. Following Mass, Martin will be laid to rest in the family plot in the adjoining cemetery

Family flowers only please