Philip 'Phil' Reilly passed away at his Barbavilla, Collinstown residence on Sunday, June 5th, 2016. A native of Rickardstown, he played with distinction for the great Rickardstown Hurling Club during its golden era between the mid-1940s and mid-'60s. In the green of Rickardstown, Phil won senior hurling championship medals in 1954, '59 and '63 and also pulled on the Westmeath jersey, winning a major final against Kerry at Croke Park in August, 1952. Donning the famous cap with distinction, Phil was a formidable defender who played hard but fair. He collected the first of his three SHC medals in 1954, togging out at centre half back as neighbours Collinstown were beaten after a replay. Five years later, Phil was full back for the county final victory over Castletown-Geoghegan and he wore the No.3 shirt again in 1963 as Rickardstown got the better of Castlepollard. Phil's remarkable playing career extended to 1972, when he starred on the Lough Lene Gaels Over 40s team that defeated Delvin in a seven-a-side tournament final. Having hung up his boots, he managed Lough Lene Gaels to glory in 1975 and '76, while Phil's sons Seamus and Phelim featured prominently on many successful juvenile teams in the club. A true legend of Westmeath hurling, he also served Lough Lene Gaels at administrative level.