O'Reilly, Patrick James

Bombardier Patrick John O’Reilly

was born to Francis O'Reilly and Mary (Minnie) Anne O'Reilly of Bowelk (Townland), Co. Monaghan. I can find no trace in the Irish Genealogy website of his birth registration as either 1888 (Irish Census) or 1895 (Staff Record Card).

The bank Staff Record Card states of 1911 states his date of birth as 24th March 1895 and his address as Bailieborough.

The 1901 Irish Census records Patrick J O'Reilly (13) living in house 2, Bowelk, Anny, Co. Monaghan with his parents Francis & Mary Anne and his 7 siblings; Edward (16), Catherine J (11), Bridget (8), Francis J (6), Timothy M (4) and Sarah (1). This would give his year of birth as 1888 and does not agree with his bank Staff Record card. The family name is recorded as REILLY.

The 1911 Irish Census records the family living in house 4, Bowelk, Anny, Co. Monaghan. Francis & Minnie and their 8 children; Edward, Catherine, Bridget, Francis, Timothy, Sarah and Laurence.

On 31st January 1912, Patrick joined Northern Bank at Oldcastle branch. A transfer to Head Office followed in 1914.

Northern Bank, Oldcastle branch

Northern Bank, Head Office, Victoria Street, Belfast

 

In October 1914, John volunteered and enlisted at Manchester for the ‘duration of war’ into the 77th Siege Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery as a Bombardier with Service Number 63170. He may also have seen service in the Royal Irish Regiment.

P J O'Reilly - Medal Index Card

Patrick wrote an informal 'Will' and signed it on 22nd March 1916. He left the 'whole of his property and effects' to his brother, Edward O'Reilly, Bowelk, Ballybay, Co. Monaghan, Ireland. This reference to his brother, Edward appears to reconcile the family with the Irish Census records of 1901 and 1911.

3 pages of the 'Informal Will' of P J O'Reilly

Patrick John O'Reilly was serving in 'France and Flanders' when he was Killed in Action on 19th/20th September 1916 aged 21. He is buried in the Couin British Cemetery, France.

CWGC Record for P J O'Reilly

This reference to his parents, Francis and Minnie appears to reconcile the family with the Irish Census records of 1901 and 1911.

Couin British Cemetery, France

CWGC headstone and grave of P J O'Reilly

He was awarded posthumously the British Victory Medal and the British War Medal.

He is commemorated on 'Ireland's Memorial Records:

Ireland's Memorial Records - J P O'Reilly