The late Joe Reilly was “one of those special people, full of stories, full of life, full of advice and who gave so much of himself”, a night of reflection and remembrance to mark his contribution to community, politics and the growth of Sinn Fein in Meath was told. A packed hall in the Newgrange Hotel in Navan saw the gathering of family, local public representatives, supporters and friends to mark the 40th anniversary of Joe’s welcome home to Navan following his release from Portlaoise Prison.
Public representatives included TDs Johnny Guirke, Darren O’Rourke, Matt Carthy, Cllrs Eddie Fennessy, Micheal Gallagher, Peter Caffrey, Maria White and former Cllr Caroline Lynch. Introducing speakers at the event, local Sinn Fein activist Caoimhe Ní Shluaín said that “Joey” was a man of politics, a man of principle. From his early years delivering leaflets on the Commons Road, he was “an activist to his very core”. “He never wavered whether it was in the dark days of conflict, the quiet moment of rebuilding Sinn Fein, the hopeful dawns of election mornings, Joey never stopped working, never stopped believing and never stopped fighting for an Ireland he knew was possible”.
The late Joe Reilly with Gerry Adams. Joe Reilly was the flag bearer who help establish Sinn Fein in his era.
Speaking on the theme of the night “How Joe Reilly changed politics in Meath”, she said that without ego or bluster he used tenacity and vision to further the cause of Sinn Fein. When he stood in the 1987 election Sinn Fein in Meath had £29 in its pocket, “a wee bit more than we have today, to be honest” she said. He got 1,012 votes, which was not regarded as a defeat but the start of an amazing journey for all in Sinn Fein. “He set the standards for others – honest, hardworking, unshakeable in values. He expected the same from all of us, not because he was demanding – but depending on the day you got him, he could be – but because he saw potential in each of us to serve, to lead and to grow our
communities”.
Family members of the late Joe Reilly
1969 to 1974
Cllr Maria White covered what she termed Joe’s “struggle, prison, escape”. In the early 1970s the North erupted into open conflict. The 1969 Battle of the Bogside had exposed the deep injustice of partition, she said. People’s demands for civil rights had met with internment, brutality and British guns. Joe Reilly had “joined the armed struggle, defending communities under attack”.
When 5,000 refugees arrived at Gormanston Camp from the North Meath republicans had “stepped up” and formed Northern aid branches in Navan, Kells and Trim. By 1973 hunger strikes spread through Long Kesh. In that year Dessie Ferguson ran as an independent republican in Meath gaining 1,427 votes.
Jim Harte, Pat Reynold and Jack Morris spent Christmas in Portlaoise. In 1974 Dessie Murtagh stood in Navan. 1975 to 1980 saw the hunger strikes continuing. Tony McDonnell of Gibbstown had previously protested “inhumane conditions” in Portlaoise. Meath cumainn had responded with action, leaflets, protests and solidarity with the prisoners. The Fine Gael-Labour Coalition, backed by a silent opposition, tried to criminalise republicanism”.
Joe Reilly, captured and then recaptured, faced 10 years in prison. The 1981 hunger strikes were a watershed in Irish life, mobilising activists to support the prisoners’ demands.
1985 to 2002
Cllr Eddie Fennessy said that in 1985 following his release from prison Joe Reilly started a new chapter of activism, challenging censorship and Armagh strip searches. Back in Navan he focused on local issues and reconnecting with the community, not as a former prisoner but as a determined public advocate. In 1986, connecting with Meath Trades Council Joe had deepened his roots in labour politics. “Backed by veteran trade unionists he used the Meath Chronicle to challenge Section 31 censorship and to promote republican ideas”.
In 1987 he ran in his first election and opened Sinn Fein’s Navan office in Metges Lane. He gained 1,012 votes to get to the seventh count, showing Meath as “a county to watch”. He took on the mantle of Sinn Fein candidate, one he would wear for decades to come. In 1989 Trim Town Council blocked Sinn Fein’s co-option following Jimmy Peppard’s resignation. Undeterred, Joe had continued his work on local issues.
Joe’s sister among the crowd that celebrated the evening that remembered their late brother who contributed to help Sinn Fein back in the 80’s .
His support for Navan Hospital began here and ran again in an election, gaining over 1,000 votes, Cllr Fennessy said. He had welcomed President Mary Robinson’s election as a sign of change in Ireland, championed Travellers’ rights, celebrated Mandela’s release and he saw the Navan cumann beginning to grow with new activists and stronger organisation. In 1992 he ran again in an election, his fourth election
in five years. Although he came last with 600 votes, he remained active on the ground.
In 1994 he won a seat on Navan Town Council. In 1995, as a councillor, Joe Reilly tackled traffic, housing and youth needs while addressing economic decline. At national level he pushed for peace talks and British demilitarisation. In 1997 Joe headed into another election and launched his campaign from the Bobby Sands Centre in Flower Hill. He secured 2,000 first preference votes with an additional 485 transfers by count eight, proving that Sinn Fein’s relevance was expanding beyond the party’s base. In 1999, with eight elections behind him Joe Reilly had become a seasoned and respected campaigner. His election to Meath County Council marked a significant breakthrough as the electorate recognised the tireless work and consistent delivery on local issues.
