Shock and sadness after sudden death of hurler while out jogging in Laois

The death of a popular local man has caused widespread shock and sadness in Ballacolla and across Laois.

John ‘Jack’ Delaney of Kyledellig, Ballacolla was out jogging near his home in Ballacolla when he collapsed on Tuesday, December 5. It’s understood resuscitation attempts proved unsuccessful and he later died.      

One of four siblings, Mr Delaney worked with his father in Design Options, a furniture shop in Portlaoise. His brother Tom runs a cafe in Portlaoise and the family are very well known and highly regarded. 

His death has cast a dark cloud over his home of Ballacolla where, just like his older brothers Tom and Tim, he would have hurled in his younger years. 

According to the Irish Independent, Laois GAA secretary Niall Handy said, "On behalf of Laois GAA, I wish to extend our sincerest sympathies to Tim, Eileen and the Delaney family. Ar dheis De go Raibh a anam." 

His death notice was published on RIP.ie today. 

“John (Jack) Delaney, Kyledellig, Ballacolla, Portlaoise, Co. Laois. Died suddenly December 5th. Dearly loved son of Tim and Eileen, much loved brother of Tim and Tom and adoring sister Sarah. John will be sadly missed by his sisters in law Sara and Kate, nieces Evelyn and Sadie, nephew Tim, uncles, aunts, cousins, relatives, neighbours and large circle of friends.” No funeral arrangement haven't been published yet. 

The death has led to the cancellation of an appreciation night that was due to be held for former Glanbia Manager, Michael Dowling, in Ballacolla this Friday, December 8. That event will be rescheduled to a later date.