'True Gentleman' Funeral details announced for Cavan man Edward Reilly found dead in Netherlands

Cavan man Edward Reilly, who was found dead in the Netherlands last week, will be laid to rest this Thursday.

His body was located during a search of Lage vaart, a large body of water between Almere and Amsterdam on Friday.

He had been missing since February 18th and was last seen leaving Café Het Stiege in the centre of Almere Buiten at approximately 12.30am after socialising with friends.

Edward, from the Corfree area of Loch Gowna, is survived by his parents Martin and Bernadette, siblings Aiden, Michelle, Pauline, and Lisa, nephew Nathan, and nieces Yvonne and Aibhín.

His body was brought back to Ireland this week ahead of his funeral with assistance from the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust.

Edward will repose at Lakelands Funeral Home, Dublin Road, Cavan on Wednesday evening from 5pm to 7pm.

A funeral mass will take place on Thursday at 12pm in Church of the Holy Family, Loch Gowna followed by a burial in the adjoining ceremony.

A notice on RIP.ie reads: “Edward Reilly, Corfree, Loch Gowna, Co. Cavan. Tragically in The Netherlands.

“Beloved son of Martin and Bernadette, dear brother of Aiden (Mina), Michelle (Gary), Pauline (Duncan) and Lisa (Eoin), Treasured uncle of Nathan, Yvonne and Aibhín. Sadly missed by his heartbroken parents, brother, sisters, nieces, nephew, aunts, uncles, cousins, relatives and friends.

“Reposing at Lakelands Funeral Home, Dublin Road, Cavan on Wednesday evening from 5.00pm until 7.00pm. Removal from his home on Thursday morning at 11.40am to the Church of the Holy Family, Loch Gowna, to arrive for Requiem Mass at 12.00 noon. Interment afterwards in adjoining cemetery.”

Tributes are being paid online to the “absolute gentleman” by those who knew him.

One bereaved friend said: “I was lucky enough to know Eddie, and count him as a friend, many moons ago, when he first moved to Dublin. Eddie was an absolute gentleman and always a pleasure to be around. He was incredibly witty and had such a positive outlook on life.”

Another wrote: “Deepest sympathy to Edward's heartbroken parents and family at this very difficult time. From the accounts here, Edward was a great friend and great fun and left so many happy memories behind. May God comfort you all and may his soul have eternal rest.”

A former housemate said: “I lived with Eddie from 2003 to 2007. We had some laugh back in those days, and in the years since. He was a great pal of mine and i'll miss him for the rest of my life. Deepest condolences to his family.”