The Late Jimmy Phelan The entire Rosbercon Parish and beyond were shocked and deeply saddened with the news of the sudden death of Jimmy Phelan from Smithstown. Jimmy passed away on November 25 at Waterford Regional Hospital aged 81 years. Born in the townland of Curraghlane in Tullogher Jimmy moved to Smithstown where, with his beloved wife Mary, he farmed extensively. He always kept up to date with all aspects of farming and was well versed in all modern methods. He was indeed a man of many parts and served his parish and his community well in a variety of ways both in the cultural and sporting arenas. With Jimmy Cummins, Johnny Kennedy, and the now deceased pair of Lar Murphy and Denis Hogan he formed a Macra Na Feirme Question Time team, which won no less than five Kilkenny finals on the trot. He was a long time member of the Board of Ida Co-Op where he served for many years as the local member of the Board of Waterford Foods. He also saw service with the IFA and the ICMSA. A life long GAA man, both as a player and administrator with his native Tullogher, he will always be associated with his scoring of the winning goal against The Rower in the Southern Final of 1957. The team went on to meet and beat Gowran in the County Final which gave him great satisfaction as he had also been a founder member of the hurling club in 1945. A long serving Secretary, Chairman, President and County Selector in 1958 he could be described as a pillar of the Gaelic Athletic Association. Nicknamed 'Wheeler', which came about when he got the better of the famed Wexford star in a practice match at Slieverue where he said Ned Wheeler was on holidays and lined out with the local team, that tag stayed with Jimmy throughout his life. As a family man there was none better and he got great satisfaction from seeing his youngest son, John Paul, elected to Seanad Éireann, his daughter Catherine, to be a Kilkenny County Councillor, son, Seamus becoming president of Macra Na Feirme and Eamon as chairman of the Tullogher/Rosbercon GAA Club. His youngest child Brigid journeyed back from Sydney upon hearing the sad news. They were all in the different capacities carrying on a proud tradition inherited from there father who at all times have them the best encouragement. One of the biggest attendances of mourners ever seen in Mullinarrigle attended the removal of the remains from the family home and again at the interment. Many members of the Oireachtas including Fine Gael leader, Enda Kenny, Dáil Representatives and Senators attended as well as members of the Kilkenny County Council led by Chairman, Tom Maher. After con-celebrated Mass in St David's Church with Fr Dan Cavanagh as Chief Celebrant, Jimmy Phelan was laid to rest in the adjoining cemetery where another large crowd bade their last goodbyes. He is survived by his wife, Mary, sons, Eamon, Seamus and Senator John Paul, his daughters, Catherine MCC, and Brigid, his sister, Biddy, grandchildren and a large extended Phelan family. May he rest in peace. Courtesy of the Kilkenny People 21st December 2007 Tweet

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