The funeral of former Westmeath GAA chairman Seamus Whelan (Ó Faoláin) took place yesterday.

Despite being unwell for some time, news of the Castletown-Geoghegan native’s passing on Monday morning in St James’ Hospital, Dublin was greeted with shock and sadness in his beloved Lake County. In his 74th year, Seamus was a lifelong GAA volunteer who served as Westmeath GAA chairman between 1986 and 2008, during which time the midland county enjoyed unprecedented success by winning All-Ireland MFC and U21FC titles in 1995 and ’99, a first-ever Leinster SFC title in 2004 under the late, great Paidi Ó Sé, and two Christy Ring Cups in 2005 and ’07.

Seamus enjoyed a wonderful working relationship with Paddy Collins, who served as secretary alongside him until they both stepped down at the same time under the ‘five-year rule’ on serving GAA officers. The legendary duo combined to advance Westmeath GAA both on and off-the-field, having also presided over the redevelopment of Cusack Park in the mid-1990s.

“I was the luckiest person to have worked with Pat Collins, the straightest, most honourable, knowledgeable and totally committed official to Westmeath GAA who always worked for the betterment of the clubs of Westmeath,” Seamus said of the four-time All-Ireland football final referee.

A member of the teaching staff of Colaiste Mhuire, Mullingar for many years, Seamus was an outstanding administrator and leader who gave sterling service to his clubs St Malachy’s (football) and Castletown-Geoghegan (hurling) before assuming the highest office in Westmeath GAA. He immediately set about improving coaching and competition structures, which led to ground-breaking successes in later years.

After his time as county chairman came to an end, Seamus – who married Carlow native Sarah Farrell in 2004 – became a Central Council delegate. He also served as a Leinster Council delegate for a period. Passionate about the Irish language and Irish culture, he promoted Scór activities and contributed to Westmeath’s success in this field.

Seamus played both hurling and football in his younger days, and lined out alongside his brother and former Westmeath hurler Gerry Whelan on many occasions. Here in DG Press, he was always of great assistance when it came to putting the Westmeath GAA Yearbook together.

A true gentleman and a great Gael, Seamus will never be forgotten from his incredible contribution to Westmeath GAA.

May he rest in peace.

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