Tributes paid as Waterford GAA stalwart is laid to rest
Dod Whelan. Photo: RIP.ie
Stalwart of Ballyduff GAA, Dermot (Dod) Whelan passed away last week following an illness.
Dod, as he was more commonly known, died peacefully in the care of the Oak Ward, Southeast Palliative Care. Following his death, his family raised funds for St. James Leukaemia Trust.
Dod worked with Iron Foundry (Waterford Stanley) and Walsh Brothers Builders. From a young age, he was a loyal servant to Ballyduff GAA, and was a beloved member of the community.
At his recent funeral service, a huge congregation of family, friends, teammates and current Ballyduff GAA players and representatives gathered to remember his life.
In a touching tribute, Dod’s daughter Shanice said: “We lost a dad, granddad, husband, stepdad, uncle, brother and best friend, but we all gained an angel to watch over us.”
His loving wife Anne added: “You never let your illness get you down and fought with every bone in your body to live. I love you with every beat of my heart. Life will never be the same for me. I will miss you forever, you will never be a day on your own. I will never leave your side."
At Dod’s funeral, a poignant tribute to his life was offered by Ballyduff GAA Chairperson, and Waterford councillor John O’Leary, who said: “The parish of Ballyduff, Kilmeaden and beyond are united in their grief on this sad and untimely passing of our staunch, long serving, dedicated club member and great friend, Dod Whelan.
“Dod was not only a great GAA man, he was a family man, a great friend and neighbour to many, a man who always strived to help others in any way he could, particularly in this parish."
Cllr O'Leary reflected on Dod’s significant and lasting impact on Ballyduff GAA club, chronicling his days as a player and his work as a coach.
"Dod served the club in many, many ways," said Cllr. O'Leary.
“As a player, selector and coach at all levels. He was always committed to the development and the expansion of all facets of Cumann Lúth Chleas Gael Bhaile Dhuibh," he added.
“There was no task too big or big too small for him. The facilities that our members young and old enjoy today are of a direct result of some of his hard work and love for Ballyduff GAA club."
As a player, Dod was instrumental in leading Ballyduff into its golden era.
It had been 14 years since Ballyduff had won a hurling county championship, however in 1997, they faced the Geraldine's in the Junior Hurling county final in what would be a memorably tough game.
"Dod was up for it," said Cllr O'Leary. "With a little under five minutes remaining in this particular game, and Ballyduff a point behind, Dod was switched to midfield believe it or not.
“He won a great ball and scored the equalising point, to the delight and roars of the huge Ballyduff crowd in attendance on that Sunday. With the sides still level, again Dod won possession against all the odds, and found the unmarked Ollie Atkins, who duly sent the ball over the bar to give Ballyduff the lead and their first county championship title in a total of 14 years.”
This was a win that would set the club into an upward spiral to success, and as Cllr O'Leary said, "started our golden period of hurling."
Dod remained an integral figure at the club for many years following his service on the field of play
Cllr O'Leary: “He was known for taking the role of linesman in many of our games, a role he took seriously, especially when it came to the 50/50 lineball, because there’s no doubt about it, it was only going to go one way irrespective of who throw the ball out, and often he would turn back to the crowd at supporters of Ballyduff with a cheeky smile and the thumbs up.
Dod was held in high regard by every GAA club in Waterford. His sporting achievements were not only confined to GAA however, as he also excelled with the Ballyduff soccer club for many years.
He was massively popular in the community, and according to John, there was nothing he loved more than meeting his many friends and some of the great players of the past to discuss how historic games were won and lost.
Despite his illness in recent months, Dod remained one of Ballyduff’s biggest supporters, keeping up with the goings on, both on and off the field. He travelled to a county final just two weeks ago to umpire the game.
Cllr O'Leary concluded his tribute, saying: “Dod, in your lifetime you made so many lasting friendships, you as our club member enriched the lives of all those who had the pleasure of knowing you. You were everything that the GAA represented. May the sod of this cemetery rest lightly up on you. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam."
