BY Aaron Dunne
The Gazette family lost one of its core members on Friday who was there for the papers first edition.
Ken Whelan was more than just a journalist, he was a mentor to so many recruits who were on the first rung of the journalistic ladder in our newspaper.
A veteran of the Irish Press, Evening Press and the NUJ, Ken was a vocationalist – and more than that, he was a teacher. For him the truth always mattered. Nothing could come between him and the truth that his lreaders came to rely upon and trust.
Ken lived his best life – and although many of us only got to know him later on in his career, he never failed to give the time to those that came after him. His cubs. His legacy. So much wisdom; so much kindness.
Ken died at the age of 71 – as one friend noted, he made past three score and 10. It is a great loss to all of us who knew him, that he didn’t make it four score and more.
His last role before retirement saw him run the news desk of the Farmers Journal – a Labour man all his life, he never shirked a new departure. The only way was up.
The departure lounge is empty now – all out of Major cigarettes and gin and tonic. Empty of the great joy and laughter he brought all who knew and loved him.
We’ll never see your like again, Master Whelan.
One of a kind – and an impossible act to follow.
Ken had resided most recently at Deerpark Place, Virginia, Co. Cavan and formerly lived in Cedarwood Road, Dublin and Brooklands, Wicklow. He passed away peacefully, at the Mater Hospital, Dublin, surrounded by his loving family.
Predeceased by his son Donnacha and parents Jack and Kay, Ken will be deeply missed and remembered with great love and affection by Kathleen, his brother Ian, his sisters Diane and Linda, brother in law, Michael, Donnacha’s mom Orla, Sue, his nieces, nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews, the extended Smith family, his cousins, neighbours and many friends.
Requiem Mass will take place today in Mary Immaculate Church, Virginia, Co. Cavan and followed by cremation in Lakelands Crematorium in Cavan.
The family wish to thank the staff at the Mater Hospital. Special thanks to those in the High Dependency Unit, who took such good care of Ken in his final days, we will be forever grateful.
Ar dheis Dé, Do chara, Aaron (Dunne).
Death Notice of Ken Whelan (rip.ie)
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