Brendan O'Reilly
Brendan O'Reilly (14 May 1929 – 1 April 2001) was an Irish Selected Olympic high jumper, broadcaster, journalist, actor, singer and songwriter (best known for the 'Ballad of Michael Collins' and the Olympic song, 'Let the Nations Play'.[1] He is best known as presenter of the long-running Sports Stadium. Between 1966 and 1968, O'Reilly had the honour of commentating for Ireland at the Eurovision Song Contest, as well as presenting the National Song Contest (to select Ireland's Eurovision entry) from 1966 to 1970.
Brendan O'Reilly | |
|---|---|
| Born | Brendan O'Reilly 14 May 1929 |
| Died | 1 April 2001 (aged 71) |
| Education | University of Michigan |
| Occupation(s) | Sports broadcaster, journalist, actor, singer, songwriter (best known for 'The Ballad of Michael Collins' and the Olympic Song 'Let the Nations Play' |
| Years active | 1962–1994 |
| Notable credit(s) | The Life of O'Reilly Sports Stadium, 'Flight of the Doves'. First non-political figure to give the annual Michael Collins oration at Beal na mBlath |
| Spouse | Johanna Lowry O'Reilly |
| Children | Hannah Lowry O'Reilly, Kelan (Lowry) O'Reilly, Rossa (Lowry) O'Reilly, Myles O'Reilly |
He was a High Jumper, studied in America at the University of Michigan, he set the Irish High Jump record and also set the Irish Javelin record.
He also acted in the 1971 film Flight of the Doves playing Police Inspector Michael Roark, and also played roles in After Midnight (1990) and the television series Mystic Knights of Tir Na Nog
He is survived by his wife Dr Johanna Lowry O'Reilly, eldest son, musician and filmmaker Myles O'Reilly, restaurant general manager and musician Kelan (Lowry) O'Reilly, Dublin publican Rossa (Lowry) O'Reilly and Hannah Lowry O'Reilly BL.
References
- "Brendan O'Reilly dies after long illness". RTÉ News. 1 April 2001. Retrieved 9 January 2011.