Tommy Reilly, man of character and Tuam legend

COLOURFUL might be the best description, but it’s a two-edged sword sort of word, encapsulating a broad spectrum from eccentric to statesman. It’s still the most fitting description, however, of the political life and times of one of Tuam’s best-known and loved political representatives — the indomitable, and certainly colourful, Tommy Reilly.
Tommy has time on his hands these days. Before the recent elections he bowed out of representative politics after 20 years, deciding instead to throw his considerable political acumen and experience behind his soon-to-be son-in-law Donagh Kilillea’s successful campaign to take a seat on Galway Co Council for his beloved Fianna Fáil.
This is, of course, a position Donagh’s prospective father-in-law and his own father Mark also occupied before him. The seat is staying in the family.