Martinneverlosttouchwithhome
MARTIN Whelan, who died suddenly in London on 11 March, 2017, was a native of Tallanstown, and dedicated his life to his career as a nurse.
He worked in many parts of the world, but never lost touch with his home place, and enjoyed catching up with everyone when returning on holidays.
Martin passed away peacefully, aged just 56, and leaves two brothers and two sisters, as well as other relatives and friends.
He was a son of the late James (Jimmy) and Roseanne Whelan, and attended school in Tallanstown, before going to the De La Salle in Ardee.
Martin had a keen interest in sport throughout his life. An All-Ireland cross-country champion while in secondary school, he also lined out with local club, Glyde Rangers; and ran for Ardee BLE athletic club.
He loved attending the annual point-to-point races held at Rathnestin, Tallanstown.
A keen Arsenal supporter, he attended The Gunners’ games, and living near Selhurst Park, also went to see Crystal Palace in action.
However, the major part of Martin’s life centred on his chosen profession.
As a young man, he began his training as a nurse in Drumcar, and then spent some time in St. Brigid’s, Ardee, qualifying as a psychiatric nurse, before going to the West Middlesex University Hospital, where he obtained his qualification in General Nursing.
Martin then worked in New York and Saudi Arabia, before returning to London, where he specialised in psychiatric nurs- ing, and his last job was helping people in the community.
He enjoyed getting back home on holidays, and meeting family and friends to hear all the news.
On another occasion, Martin returned for a time to look after his mother.
He was predeceased by his parents; and is survived by his brothers, Oliver and Seamus; sisters, Noella Molloy and Anne Sheridan; sisters-in-law, Anne and Sarah; brothers-in-law, John and Gerard; aunt, Eileen; nephews, nieces, grandnephews and grandnieces; relatives and friends.
His remains arrived home on St. Patrick’s Day, which was very appropriate, as Martin always thought about home on days like that.
After reposing at his brother Oliver and sister-in-law Anne’s house, he was taken on 18 March to St. Peter and Paul’s Church, Tallanstown, where the funeral Mass was celebrated by parish priest Fr. Paul Clayton-Lea, and he delivered a fitting eulogy.
At the start of Mass, gifts symbolising Martin’s life – a photograph, nurse’s uniform, a book representing his interest in local history, passport, the spoons which he played and a music CD - were brought to the altar by Stephanie Whelan, Aisling Molloy, Kate Whelan and Kelly Whelan.
The Readings were given by Christopher Whelan and Grainne Whelan, and the Prayers of the Faithful by Rachel Sheridan, Aoife Molloy, Stephen Whelan and James Whelan.
Oliver and Anne Whelan participated in the Offertory Procession.
Robert Whelan read Patrick Kavanagh’s ‘ Inniskeen road on a July evening’, as Martin was a great admirer of Kavanagh’s work.
Noella Molloy spoke about her brother at the end of Mass.
Beautiful music was provided by Patsy Breen and Eamon Cooney, and at the conclusion ‘Danny Boy’ was played in recognition of Martin’s love of Irish songs.
Burial took place in Tallanstown new cemetery.
The Month’s Mind Mass is on Saturday, 22 April, 2017 at 7.30pm in Tallanstown.