A proud Northsider from Ballybough, his love of photography first took hold when he made Bray, Co Wicklow, his hometown, where one can imagine him roaming the streets, a young Cartier-Bresson, waiting for the perfect moment to snap timeless images which have been preserved in local Facebook groups like ‘Bray Did You Know’, his work signed off simply as ‘DL’.
He also captured generations of Bray folk through sport, social events and news, documenting everyday life, imagery that continues to circulate within local heritage collections and archives.
Dominic Ledwidge O’Reilly pictured with fellow Independent photographersin the mid 1990s, from left: Brian Farrell, David Conachy, Bryan O’Brien, Kyran O’Brien, Dara Mac Domhnall and Steve Humphreys.
To his colleagues, he was known affectionately as ‘Domo’, a well-liked presence on assignments, recalled not just as a great character to work alongside, but a consummate professional.
That discipline was no doubt informed by his years serving as a photographer with the US Air Force, an experience that would have shaped his calm, diligent approach behind the lens.
As a long-time staff photographer with Independent Newspapers, his work appeared widely across the group’s titles, capturing key moments in Irish cultural life, moving effortlessly from hard news to major music and arts events throughout the 1980s and 1990s.
He covered the Hot Press awards ceremonies and launches on various occasions, recording many prominent figures from the worlds of music, journalism and politics, with Sharon Shannon, Paul Brady, Shay Healy and even a young Michael D Higgins among those he captured.
And who would forget the glory days of the Jack Charlton era in the 1990s? One picture stands out as a piece of social history that caught the eye of ‘Domo’ at the time, brothers Alberic, Sean and Louis at the Cistercian Abbey in Moone, Co Kildare, gripped as that unforgettable and crucial match between Ireland and Romania during Italia 90 unfolded.
Brothers Alberic, Sean and Louis at the Cistercian Abbey at Moone, County Kildare, watching Ireland versus Romania during Italia ’90. Photo: Dominic Ledwidge O’Reilly
Former Irish Independent journalist Don Lavery broke the news late on Sunday night when he reported the passing of his colleague, “a snapper” and “a great character to be on a story with”.
Another colleague, the photographer Steve Humphreys, shared a touching photo “from happier times”, of someone who was “an absolute gentleman”.
Journalist Nick Bramhill wrote: “It’s no exaggeration to say he was hugely popular and respected by everyone,” he said. “Something quite unique in a newsroom. A class act, a gent, a man of so many talents and a great wit and raconteur.”
People in Bray had “the fondest memories of him”, with a past neighbour recalling someone who was “always smiling and had a great sense of humour”.
“A gentleman and a legend has left us and the world is a darker place for his passing,” another said. “Domo, keep chasing the shot”.
Dominic is survived by his wife Gabrielle, children Geneviève, Christian and Claudine, step-daughter Gabrielle, cherished grandchildren Robert, Christopher, Ava and Vianne, sons-in-law Donal, Rory and William and daughter-in-law Monika, extended family and friends. He is predeceased by his late wife, Loreto.
His remains will repose at his family home at Woodlawn Park Grove, Firhouse, on Wednesday, April 29, from 6pm until 8pm.
Funeral mass will take place on Thursday, April 30, in Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, Firhouse at 10am, followed by cremation at Mount Jerome Crematorium, Victorian Chapel.