Regretted passing of Christy Whelehan

One of the best-known and respected figures in Westmeath GAA, Mr. Christy Whelehan, of The Downs has died suddenly.On Sunday, the legendary sports figure attended the centenary celebrations at Kinnegad church - even meeting and speaking with Cardinal Sean Brady and with Bishop Michael Smith, but on Monday morning, he took ill, and died a short time after being admitted to the Midland Regional Hospital in Mullingar.Mr. Whelehan, who was 85, was held in the highest regard not just for his work for and dedication to the GAA, but because of his sincerity, his humility, his demeanour and his commitment to his family, his community and his church.For many years, an employee of CIE, Christy and his wife Bernadette were parents to six children, two of whom - Enda and Teresa - sadly predeceased them.A couple devoted to each other and their family, they were an example to all, and a little known fact is that decades ago, when there were Traveller families camped in the area, the couple called to help instruct the Traveller children in preparation for receipt of church sacraments.A native of Derrymore, Killucan, Christy lived most of his life at Newdown, The Downs, and his involvement with the GAA was, at club level, with The Downs.He was secretary of The Downs GAA Club for 42 years, from 1947 to 1989, but was also a leading figure within Westmeath GAA,Continued on page 4