Footage shows the lavish funeral of an “extremely violent” Irish gangster who was buried in a gold coffin alongside cocaine tributes taunting police after his death in a car crash.
Father-of-one Stephen O’Reilly was pronounced dead at the scene in Edenderry, Co Offaly, on Monday 20 May.
O’Reilly, who was in his 30s and from Athlone, Co Westmeath, had convictions for robberies and serious crimes and was considered a violent and dangerous criminal, according to BelfastLive.
But mourners also described him as having a “heart of gold,” hence the extravagant color of the coffin, which was carried by six men and one woman to Tina Turner’s “Simply the Best.”
Photos from the funeral show printed images of a tattooed O’Reilly topless and flexing with the words: “The real Pablo.” The only gangster Reilly.
A bizarre display mounted on a gold plaque and outlined with white paper flowers showed a container full of cocaine with the words “no comment” beneath it.
Stephen O’Reilly was pronounced dead following a car crash in Edenderry, County Offaly, on May 20.
Photos from the funeral show printed images of a tattooed O’Reilly topless and flexing with the words: “The real Pablo.” The only gangster Reilly’
A screen showed a container full of white powder with the words “no comment.”
Other images showed an old mobile phone, with the legend “Uncle Reilly”, an image of black pepper and another of white sneakers.
The black pepper decorative board mocked a named detective and read, “Detective (name) 0, Reilly 1.”
Another showed a yellow tropical RedBull can accompanied beneath the word: “Son.”
One more saw a gun cutout beneath a picture of O’Reilly and another man, along with a caption that read: “My brother Don Pablo, Family Forever.”
According to the Irish independentO’Reilly was allegedly closely aligned with a “notorious” organized crime gang and was due to appear before several courts across the Midlands.
The newspaper reported that a source called him an “extremely violent individual.”
In images of the funeral captured by the Irish newspaper, a man can be seen lying face down on the ground after being arrested by the national police.
“Gardaí arrested and charged a man (aged in his 30s) in Athlone, Co Westmeath, on Saturday 25 May 2024 for road traffic offences,” a Garda spokesperson said.
“As this matter is currently before the courts, An Garda Síochána is not in a position to comment further.”
Posting 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 are broken, my friend….Rest in peace Stephen’
‘Rip mate, you were one in a million. Condolences to all who knew him. I hope you find some strength… He was a legend and a good friend,” said another.
Footage shows the lavish funeral of an Irish gangster who died in a car crash, complete with a golden coffin and topless photographs.
Another tribute showed a yellow tropical can of RedBull accompanied beneath the word: ‘Son.’
One more saw a gun cutout beneath a picture of O’Reilly and another man, along with a caption that read: “My brother Don Pablo, Family Forever.”
O’Reilly (pictured) was buried at Our Lady Queen of Peace Church in Coosan, Athlone, at midday on Saturday.
‘What are we going to do without you? I can’t believe I’m even writing this. I am so, so heartbroken for you, Reilly. It feels like a terrible dream, it doesn’t seem real at all. Like why God had to take you. It really is true that you definitely only take the best. We are all in pieces. I wish I could change this,” added a third.
Another friend wrote: ‘I literally can’t accept it or even think it’s true. You were a true legend and always laughed a lot. A guy with a heart of gold and who will do anything for your friends and family. So many fun memories I will never forget you for the things you did for me.
He was buried at Our Lady Queen of Peace Church in Coosan, Athlone, at midday on Saturday.
A notice on RIP.ie reads: ‘Stephen (Reilly) O’Reilly, 9 Beechpark West, Athlone, Westmeath/Greystones, Dublin
‘Predeceased by his beloved brother James and grandfather Michael.
‘Sadly missed by his loving fiancee Aoife, his daughter Kayleigh, his father Joe, his mother Catherine, his sister Michaela, Catriona and Shamini, his best friends Mark, Eddie, Fidgy and Shannen and his children, relatives and many friends. May he rest in peace.’