Inside lavish funeral of ‘extremely violent’ Irish gangster who was buried in gold coffin with cocaine tributes taunting police after he was killed in car crash
Photos show the lavish funeral of an ‘extremely violent’ Irish gangster who was buried in a gold coffin next to cocaine tributes, mocking police after he died in a car crash.
Stephen O’Reilly, father-of-one, was pronounced dead at the scene in Edenderry, Co Offaly, on Monday, May 20.
O’Reilly, in his thirties and from Athlone, County Westmeath, had been convicted of burglary and serious crimes and was considered a violent and dangerous criminal, according to BelfastLive.
But he was also described by mourners as having a ‘heart of gold’ – hence the extravagant color of the coffin, which was carried by six men and a woman to ‘Simply the Best’ by Tina Turner.
Photos from the funeral show included images of the tattooed O’Reilly, topless and bowing, with the words: “The real Pablo.” The one and only gangster Reilly.’
A bizarre display, mounted on a gold plaque and outlined with white paper flowers, depicted a container full of cocaine with the words ‘no comment’ underneath.
Stephen O’Reilly was pronounced dead after a car crash in Edenderry, County Offaly, on May 20
Photos from the funeral show included images of the tattooed O’Reilly, topless and bowing, with the words: “The real Pablo.” The one and only gangster Reilly’
One display showed a container full of white powder with the words ‘no comment’
Other images showed an old-fashioned mobile phone labeled ‘Uncle Reilly’, a photo of black pepper and one of a white trainer.
The decorative black pepper shelf-covered display mocked a named detective, reading: “Detective [name] 0, Reilly 1′.
Another depicted a yellow tropical RedBull, with the word: “Son” underneath.
Another saw a cutout of a gun underneath an image of O’Reilly and another man, next to a caption that read: “My brother Don Pablo, Familia Por Siempre.”
According to the Irish independentO’Reilly was reportedly closely associated with a ‘notorious’ organized crime gang and was due to appear in a number of courts upstate.
The newspaper reported that a source called him an “extremely violent person.”
Footage of the aftermath of the funeral captured by the Irish newspaper shows a man lying face down on the ground after being arrested by national police.
“Gardaí arrested and charged a man (aged 30) in Athlone, County Westmeath, with driving offenses on Saturday 25 May 2024,” a Garda spokesperson said.
“As this matter is currently before the courts, An Garda Síochána is unable to comment further.”
On social media, mourners wrote: ‘This has to be one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to write in my life. I just can’t believe you’re gone. Many hearts have been broken, my friend. Rest in peace Stephen
“Rip buddy, you were one in a million. Condolences to everyone who knew him. I hope you find some strength. x He was a legend and a great friend,” said another.
Photos show the lavish funeral of an Irish gangster who died in a car crash – complete with a gold-colored coffin and topless photos
Another tribute depicted a yellow tropical RedBull can, with the word: ‘Son’ underneath
Another saw a cutout of a gun beneath an image of O’Reilly and another man, next to a caption that read: “My brother Don Pablo, Familia Por Siempre.”
O’Reilly (pictured) was buried at Our Lady Queen of Peace Church in Coosan, Athlone at noon on Saturday.
‘What are we going to do without you? I can’t believe I’m even writing this. I’m so heartbroken for you Reilly. It feels like a horrible dream, it doesn’t feel real at all. Like why God had to take you. It’s really true that he takes absolutely only the best. We are all in pieces. I wish I could change this,” a third added.
Another friend wrote, “I literally can’t come to terms with it or even think it’s true. You were a true legend and always a great laugh. A guy with a heart of gold and who will do anything for your friends and family. So many funny memories. I will never forget you because of the things you did for me
He was buried at Our Lady Queen of Peace Church in Coosan, Athlone at 12 noon on Saturday.
A message on RIP.ie reads: ‘Stephen (Reilly) O’Reilly, 9 Beechpark West, Athlone, Westmeath / Greystones, Dublin
‘Predeceased by his beloved brother James and his grandfather Michael.
‘Sadly missed by his loving fiancée Aoife, daughter Kayleigh, father Joe, mother Catherine, sister Michaela, Catriona and Shamini, best friends Mark, Eddie, Fidgy and Shannen and their children, relatives and many friends. May he rest in peace.”