TRIBUTE: Tipperary school remembers 'gentleman' and former teacher who sadly passed recently

The communities of Nenagh and Dromineer are deeply saddened by the passing of Donal Whelan in recent weeks.

Donal was the son of Jackie and Sadie Whelan and grew up on MacDonagh Street, where the family home was located above an electrical repair business. He received his education at Rockwell College, during which time he developed a lifelong passion for rugby.

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After completing his studies at University College Dublin, Donal qualified as a secondary school teacher. His early teaching career saw him spend several years at King’s Hospital School in Dublin before he returned home to Nenagh, where he joined the staff of Nenagh CBS.

Alongside his teaching career, Donal worked in his father’s electrical repair shop in Summerhill, remaining involved in the business right up to his retirement. Rugby was always his sporting love, and he was a familiar face at matches in Thomond Park as well as at international fixtures in Dublin.

Outside of sport, Donal had a strong interest in fishing and served as chairman of the fishing section of Dromineer Yacht Club. He was also well known for organising popular video race nights across Tipperary, Limerick, and Galway, events that combined entertainment with fundraising and community spirit.

Donal passed away on Monday, December 1, after a short illness, which he faced with great courage, surrounded by his family.

The staff of St Joseph’s CBS, Nenagh, were deeply saddened to learn of the death of their former colleague and friend, Donal K Whelan.

Donal is remembered with great affection by both students and staff as a kind, courteous man and a dedicated educator. Over the years, he taught Latin, English, Business Studies, and Economics, bringing warmth, humour, and practical insight to his teaching. His lessons were engaging and memorable, often drawing on everyday examples that helped bring subjects to life.

Donal was a member of the teaching staff at Nenagh CBS from 1972 until his retirement in 2006, having previously spent four years teaching at King’s Hospital School in Dublin.

Beyond education, he ran Whelan’s Music Centre in Summerhill and was generous in offering his skills and support to local organisations and charitable causes. His race nights remain fondly remembered by many.

His involvement in community life extended further through his long membership of Nenagh Lions Club, which he joined in 1981, and through his role as a founding member and first secretary of the Ormond Historical Society in 1977.

The staff of St Joseph’s CBS extend their sincere sympathies to Marie, a former colleague, to Donal’s children Simon, Sarah, and Naomi, and to his extended family, neighbours, friends, and former colleagues.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.

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