Death of Mayo businessman Kevin Reape deeply mourned
THE death of Kevin Reape, of Reape's Garage in Foxford, is being mourned across Mayo.
Kevin was a central figure in the town of Foxford, both in terms of his business and his involvement in sport and the community in general.
He always had time for a word with people, and a lot of those conversations centred around football. He was deeply involved in Moy Davitts GAA Club over many years.
Kevin was a great family man, too, and proud of his children's - Brian, Orlagh and Colm - achievements in sport.
Kevin was predeceased by his twin brother Martin, parents Paddy and Bridget and uncle Joe.
He is survived by his heartbroken wife Loretta and his treasured family, Brian, Orlagh and Colm, brother John and sisters Mary, Ann and Bernadette, extended family, loyal staff, neighbours and a large circle of friends.
Moy Davitts GAA Club paid the following tribute to Kevin on their social media:
'We are lost for words. A sense of shock and disbelief hangs over the club and community as we come to terms with the passing of club member, Kevin Reape.
'Everyone knew Kevin, Kevin knew everyone. Reape’s garage is the local stop off/drop off location in the town of Foxford. Kevin spent many, many years growing his business and even through the tough times of Covid, Kevin put others needs ahead of his own.
'Kevin always spoke, even when he was busy, he found time to speak to everyone. If you wanted to talk football the garage was the place to go - before or after a game or anytime in between. He didn’t miss too many matches - in fact, if he wasn’t at a game you would be questioning where he was. He was part of the furniture.
'Kevin could always be heard on the sideline, supporting whatever age group was playing and always pushing the club to move forwards. The best thing about Kevin - he spoke his mind. You knew where you stood. He was a great man for conversation straight after a game. Dissecting the game, going through the good,the bad and the ugly but always wanting the best.
'Kevin was a family man.
'He was especially proud of his sons, Brian and Colm, and his daughter Orlagh. All three are extremely talented footballers but it wouldn’t have mattered if they couldn’t kick a ball, Kevin was always encouraging and in his eyes they were always the best. You could hear it when he spoke about them during a game, if things went well for them, you could hear the excitement in his voice, if it wasn’t you could feel his disappointment for them. A proud moment was when son Brian lined out for the Mayo senior panel.
'Kevin was involved with the successful Moy Davitts team which won féile and many other competitions through the years. Many of whom are currently playing with our senior team.
'You couldn’t ask for a better man to have in the club. From coaching teams, controlling traffic, taking roles on the executive to representing the club as an East Mayo delegate - he was a man you could rely on. When he received his diagnosis he was determined to continue his roles in the club - that was the kind of man he was. You could call him at any time and he would always answer and do his best to help. Many a call he received about dropping in lotto or All-Ireland tickets, selling the club annual, dropping, collecting or delivering trophies, leaving something for someone else to collect - none of it was any trouble for Kevin. Loretta and Kevin also sponsored and supported many, many teams and initiatives down through the years - of which we are extremely grateful.
'There is so much more we could say and no doubt there will be many stories told over the coming days. Kevin enjoyed the craic and we will miss hearing his laugh around the pitch. He was taken far too soon. A huge loss for us as a club but more importantly for his loving family. A void which can never be filled.
'We would like to express our sincere sympathies to Loretta, Brian, Colm and Orlagh, his brother John, sisters Mary, Ann and Bernadette, extended family and many, many friends.
Rest in Peace Kevin.'
Kevin will repose at Clarke’s Funeral Home, Foxford, on Monday evening from 4 until 7 p.m. Funeral will arrive at St. Michael’s Church, Foxford, on Tuesday for funeral Mass at 2 p.m., proceeding afterwards to Craggagh Cemetery.