Ballycullane’sTommyhada greatloveofhorseracing
THE death occurred recently of Tommy Whelan, a Ballycullane man who lived for horse racing and the cut and thrust of farming.
Tommy died on January 24 after a short illness aged 86.
The son of John and Johanna Whelan of Kinnagh, Tommy attended Ballycullane national school before taking the boat as a young man to England to work in construction like thousands of men of his generation.
He returned after a few years and worked with his uncle farming in Saltmills. Tommy loved farming and used to buy cattle in the mart and fatten them.
He milked cows for around 30 years up until his retirement.
Tommy met Esther, whose brother was married to a Molloy from Fethard-on-Sea, at a dance in Duncannon and they were married, having four sons, John, Dermot, Tomás and Donal. Sadly Tomás died last year in Australia. Tommy’s love of horse racing led him to race meetings throughout the country over the years and he bred horses at his farm. His favourite race meeting was Listowel, where he was well-known with the racing aficionados of the town.
An outgoing man, he enjoyed his pint and was a regular at Power’s pub in Ballycullane.
Tommy was always one to let his opinions be known and had no filter so he definitely left a real impression of everyone who met him.
One of the area’s great characters, Tommy was a real Fianna Fáil man who always kept abreast of developments within the party both locally and nationally. He read the newspaper every day and listened to the news on the hour, every hour throughout the day.
Tommy enjoyed good health throughout his life and was never in hospital for any health issues up until six years ago. He was admitted to hospital before Christmas and having spent three weeks there returned home, where he passed away on January 24.
The loss of his beloved Esther five years ago was a blow to Tommy, who was supported by his sons and wider family afterwards.
Tommy is survived by John, Dermot, Donal; his sister Annie Kent; his daughters-in-law; grandchildren; sisters-in-law; nephews; nieces; relatives and friends and is sadly missed by his loving family
He was predeceased by Esther, Tomás and his brothers and sisters: Paddy, Larry, Seamus, Sean, Josie and Mary.
A large crowd attended Tommy’s funeral Mass at St Martin’s Church, Ballycullane, where his son John paid a warm tribute to him.
Tommy was laid to rest afterwards in Ballycullane Cemetery.
May he rest in peace.