The death has occurred of hugely successful local business man Michael Killeen, the founder of Laois Hire and CEO of HSS Hire Ireland. He was aged in his mid 60s.
He established Laois Hire – a machinery and tool hire business – in the early 1990s alongside his wife Maureen and it grew to be one of the biggest players in the industry in Ireland.
Highly respected in the construction business, the Laois Hire branding was to be seen far and wide, indicative of the huge contracts it won over the years.
Known for his astuteness, business acumen and work ethic, he was widely respected and regarded.
The Laois Hire business was sold in 2005 to HSS and was then taken over by the Briggs group in 2021. Michael then served as Managing Director for HSS Hire Ireland and Scotland.
HSS Hire Ireland was acquired by the Grafton Group earlier this year.
Laois Hire has been a big and loyal local source of employment over the past three decades.
His father John was a Galway man (and highly-regarded Galway hurler) but moved to Portlaoise and set up a plant hire and land reclamation business in Laois.
Michael was self-professed ‘machinery mad’ from a young age.
Michael passed away peacefully on Monday surrounded by his love family.
Sone of the late John and Christina Killeen, he will be deeply missed by his wife Maureen and son Mike. He was the cherished grandfather of Max and Seb.
He is deeply regretted by his loving family, brothers, sisters, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives, friends and former colleagues in Laois Hire and HSS Hire.
Reposing at Keegan’s Funeral Home in Portlaoise from 6.30pm to 8pm on Wednesday evening with rosary at 7.30pm.
Funeral arriving at SS Peter and Paul’s Church for 11am requiem mass on Thursday morning. Private family cremation will follow. Family flowers only.
