Athletics Ireland is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Olympian Gerry O’Reilly.

Born and raised in Dunboyne, Co. Meath, Gerry joined Dunboyne Athletic Club at the age of nine and remained a proud member for more than 50 years. In 1983, he moved to the United States on a track scholarship to Villanova University, where he studied Economics and established himself as one of the leading Irish middle-distance athletes of his generation.

During his collegiate career, Gerry ran seven sub-four-minute miles, recording a personal best of 3:54.6 in his junior year. He finished runner-up at the NCAA 3,000m Championships twice and won six Big East titles. In recognition of these achievements, he was inducted into the Villanova Athletic Hall of Fame in 2009.

Gerry proudly represented Ireland on the world stage, competing in the 1500m at the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul. Less than a year ago, he returned to the track in Dunboyne for the unveiling of a commemorative wall plaque in his honour.

Everyone at Athletics Ireland extends their heartfelt sympathies to Gerry’s family, friends, former teammates, coaches, and all who knew him.