There is widespread shock at the death of Jim Whelehan, a native of Killenard but a long-time resident of Timahoe where he has been embedded in the community for the best part of 40 years.
Aged in his mid 60s, Jim, a gentleman to all who knew him, passed away suddenly on Wednesday night. He is survived by his immediate family of wife Catherine (nee O’Connor), daughter Lisa and sons James and Conor.
From the well-known Killenard family, Jim worked in Bord na Mona all his adult life before getting involved in the funeral business in recent years where he worked alongside his brother Willie. He also drove a bus for the St Francis school in Portlaoise.
The Whelehan family are staunch O’Dempsey’s GAA stock and Jim was goalkeeper when the club won their last senior football championship in 1980. He was joined on that team by his brothers Frank, Tom and Dick.
Over the past number of years though he also keenly followed the fortunes of the Timahoe club, where he has been heavily involved with both Timahoe and the Stradbally Parish Gaels. His sons James and Conor have both represented Timahoe at senior level as well as playing underage with Laois.
Jim will be greatly missed by his heart broken wife Catherine, his adoring children Lisa, James and Conor, son in law Alan, granddaughter Kate, James and Conor’s partners Aoife and Laura, brothers Paddy, Bernie, Dick, Tom, Frank, Martin, William, sisters Rose (Byrne) and Mary (Lawlor), brothers in-law, sisters in law, nieces, nephews, relatives neighbours and friends.
Jim will be reposing at his residence (R32 H2F6) on Friday from 4pm to 8pm with recital of the rosary at 8pm.
Reposing from 4pm to 8pm on Saturday evening with recital of the rosary at 8pm.
Removal from his residence by Whelehan Funeral Directors on Sunday afternoon at 1:15pm to arrive at Saint Michael’s Church, Timahoe (R32 X880) for 2pm requiem Mass. Interment to follow in Ratheniska Cemetery.
House private on Sunday morning please.
