Tributes have poured in following the passing of Ned Whelan, former proprietor of Whelan’s Newsagents, O’Connell Street, Dungarvan.
Mr. Whelan operated from his premises in O’Connell Street for 54 years, before calling time in 2021.
In tributes on social media, many people from Dungarvan recalled their fond memories of Ned, and the vast array of toys, model planes, newspapers and magazines that he would have to offer - and how most children in Dungarvan spent their pocket money in the store, whether it was ‘Boyles’, ‘The Paper Shop’ or any other names by which the store was fondly referred to.
Cllr. Damien Geoghegan said: “I am so sorry to hear this news. Ned was a great Dungarvan character and a wonderful presence on O’Connell Street. A really great friend of my own mother Annette, and he was a man who knew and understood what it meant to be from Dungarvan. Rest in Peace Ned.”
A feature from the Dungarvan Leader in 2021 outlining Ned’s impending retirement.
Marie Duggan, who worked with Ned for over 27 years, fondly recalled how when she left, Ned joked to her that it was “like a divorce.”
Ned passed away on Sunday, January 28th. He will be remembered to all as a gentleman, a gentle man, and an integral part in the childhood of many who lived locally.
Ned passed away peacefully in the tender care of staff at University Hospital Waterford, predeceased by his parents Michael and Rita.
Ned is deeply mourned and sadly missed by his brothers Pat (Avoca, Co. Wicklow), Joe (Ballyshannon, Co. Donegal), sister Kay (Comber, Co. Down), sisters-in-law Ailish and Maeve, nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, extended family and many friends.
Ned will be reposing at The Kiely Funeral Home, Dungarvan (X35 XN79) on Tuesday evening, 30th January, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. with Rosary at 7.30 p.m.
Reposing at the Funeral Home on Wednesday evening, 31st January, from 4 p.m. with Prayers at 6 p.m. Removal at 6.30 p.m. to St. Mary's Parish Church, Dungarvan.
Requiem Mass at 11 a.m. on Thursday morning, 1st February. Interment afterwards in the adjoining cemetery.
Ar Dheis Dé go raibh a h-Anam.
