Below are the recent local deaths.
May they rest in peace.
John Joseph (J.J.) McDonald
Tankardstown, Athy, Kildare, R14 XE76/Laois
John Joseph (J.J.) passed away peacefully at home on the 27th June 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
Beloved husband of Kathleen, dear father to Thomas, Paul, Brendan, Enda and Marie-Therese as well as his daughters-in-law Yolanda, Mary-Emily and Bronwen and son-in-law Oliver.
Deeply missed by his adored grandchildren Jack, Aoife, Isla, Elena, Aaron, Oliver, Lachlan, Tommy and Eanna, his sisters Bridget and Margaret as well as their spouses Tom and Joe.
Reposing at home in Tankardstown (eircode R14XE76) on Sunday 29th June from 3pm, concluding with Rosary at 8pm. Arriving at St. Mary’s Church Barrowhouse for 3pm Requiem Mass on Monday afternoon, followed by interment in the adjoining Cemetery.
Family flowers only please. House strictly private on Monday morning.
Fintan Fitzpatrick
Ballymacken, Portlaoise, Laois
Fintan Fitzpatrick. It is with deep regret and sadness that the family of Fintan Fitzpatrick announce his passing.
Fintan will be dearly missed by his wife, Maureen; his sons, Adrian, Patrick, Fintan, Thomas, Edward, and Sean; his daughters, Liz, Cecilia, and Orla; his sons-in-law, Adrian, Aodán, and David; and his daughters-in-law and sons partners, Siobhan, Marcella, Fiona, Rebecca, and Debbie. He is also mourned by his grandchildren, as well as a wide circle of relatives and friends.
Fintan’s warmth and jovial spirit will be remembered fondly and missed deeply by all who knew him.
Reposing at Keegan’s Funeral Home on Sunday June 29th from 5pm till 6:30 with with rosary at 6pm. Requiem mass on Monday at 11am in the church of the assumption the Heath followed by interment in the adjoining graveyard.
Colm Lynch O’Sullivan
Cloncourse, Ballaghmore, Laois/Roscrea, Tipperary
Colm passed tragically on the 26th of June, 2025.
Pre-deceased by his sister Grace. Dearly loved son of Olive and Con.
Sadly missed by his brothers Brendan and Tómas, aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews, niece, extended family and all his friends.
Reposing in Tierney’s Funeral Home, Roscrea (E53NY70) on Sunday evening from 4.00pm to 7.00pm. Removal from his residence Cloncourse on Monday morning at 10.30am arriving in St. Molua’s Church, Ballaghmore (R32RC53) for Funeral Mass at 11.00am. Burial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery.
Michael Burke
Derryguile, Mountmellick, Laois
Michael passed away peacefully on the 26th of June in his 91st year surrounded by his loving family in the wonderful care of the staff at Midlands Regional Hospital Tullamore.
Predeceased by his parents Michael and Sarah and his sister Mai.
Deeply regretted by his dearly devoted wife Kathleen, his sons Michael, Seamus, Ray and Colm. Daughters in law, Evelyn, Mary-Jane, and Colette. His grandchildren, Jason, Fiona, Kevin, Ciara, Aoife, Eimear, Lucy-Jane, Sarah and Fionn. His great grandchildren Ellie-Rose and Bonnie, his wider family and his wonderful neighbours and friends.
Michael will be reposing at his son Seamus’s residence in Derryguile (R32R2Y4) on Saturday and Sunday from 3pm. Recital of The Rosary at 8pm on both evenings.
Family time on Monday morning.
Funeral arriving to St. Joseph’s Church Mountmellick for Requiem Mass on Monday morning at 11am via Smiths Corner. Burial after in St. Joseph’s Cemetery.
Sheila Bennett (née Byrne)
Windsor, Coolrain, Laois
Sheila passed away peacefully on the 26th June 2025, in her 93rd year, surrounded by her loving family, in the wonderful care of the Sacred Heart Nursing Home, Crosspatrick.
Predeceased by her husband Podge, her parents James and Johanna, her brothers Jimmy and Micheál and her sister Mary.
Beloved mother of Jim and Martin. Deeply missed by her loving family, daughters-in-law Geraldine and Annette, adored grandchildren Clíodhna, Áine, Oisín, Niall, Bláthnaid, Grace, Muireann and Jack, great-grandson Séimí, brother Brendan, sisters Sr. Evelyn and Monica, brothers-in-law Frank and George, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and friends.
Reposing at her son Martin’s residence Windsor eircode R32T044 on Friday evening 27th June from 5.0’clock to 9.0’clock, and on Saturday evening 28th June from 4.0’clock to 9.0’clock with Rosary at 9.0’clock on both evenings. Removal on Sunday morning 29th June to St. Fergal’s Church Camross eircode R32VY79 for Requiem Mass at 12. noon, followed by interment in the adjoining Cemetery Camross.
Sheila’s Requiem Mass will be live streamed on: –https://www.facebook.com/Camross-Pastoral-Council-102465442386310/
John Phelan S.C.
Pallas Big, Portlaoise, Laois, R32H66K
John Phelan S.C. Pallas Big , Ballyfin and late of “Inchanuisge Killanure. Co. Laois. June 25th 2025 Peacefully surrounded by his loving family Son of the late John and Julia Phelan Ballyfin. Predeceased by his sister Nóra Wall and her husband William. Deeply regretted by his loving wife Jeri (Ward).
Loving father to Rachel and Jack. Cherished grandfather to Dáire, Ceoladh, and Fíadha. Deeply regretted by his loving family, son in law Frank, daughter in law Erin , His niece Julie-Ann and her husband Jean Marie. Also Rachel and Jacks mother Joan. All his friends and colleagues in the Law Library.
Reposing at his home on Friday evening from 5 pm until 8 pm. Removal on Saturday to arrive at St Fintans Church, Ballyfin for 11 am requiem mass. Interment will follow in the adjoining churchyard.
SEE ALSO – Deaths in Laois – Saturday, June 28, 2025
