GAA tribute paid on death of well-known Laois businessman in Portlaoise

Tributes have been paid to one of the most successful Laois business people Michael Killeen who was also a big supporter of Gaelic games in Laois and Portlaoise.

Michael Killeen of Meelick, Portlaoise, passed away peacefully on June 16 surrounded by his loving family. Son of the late John and Christina Killeen, he was the beloved husband to Maureen and dearly loved father to Mike.

He was also a cherished grandfather to Max and Seb and is deeply regretted by his loving family, brothers, sisters, brothers in laws, sisters in law, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends as well as former colleagues in Laois Hire and HSS Hire.

He is best known in business circles for establishing Laois Hire in the early 1990s. It became one of the leading hire service providers in Ireland and a major employer in Laois.

He joined the HSS Hire Group in 2005 as Managing Director and was instrumental in growing the nationwide branch network in Ireland and Scotland to 47 branches and the workforce in these regions to over 450 employees.

During his tenure, the HSS Hire / Laois Hire Group was awarded the Best Hire Company 2018 by Construction Ireland. HSS Hire Group was awarded hire company of the year in the UK 2009 and European Hire company of the year in 2011.

HSS Hire Group PLC reached an agreement with Chadwicks Group which saw parent company Grafton Group plc acquire HSS Hire Ireland. The deal was reported to be worth €31.6m

Originally from Tynagh in Co Galway, the Killeen family moved to Portlaoise in the 1960s. Michael’s father John Killeen was a famed Galway hurler who played in the 1953 All-Ireland Hurling Final. Michael continued the family link to the GAA through his support for hurling and football in Portlaoise and Laois. 

Laois Hire sponsors Portlaiose GAA and Laois GAA teams. Laois GAA HQ is also named Laois Hire O'Moore Park.

Portlaoise GAA paid tribute.

"Portlaoise GAA Club are shocked and saddened to learn of the sudden passing of our former sponsor and long time supporter, Michael Killeen, after a brief illness.

"Michael and Laois Hire became sponsors of Portlaoise Senior Hurlers initially, before becoming Club Sponsors for many years.

"Michael and his wife Maureen were instrumental in rescuing the Club from financial peril after the crash and indeed, without their generous assistance, the Centre of Excellence at Fr Browne Avenue would never have come to be.

"Our sincere condolences to Michael’s wife, Maureen, his son Michael Jnr., his family (including brother Des, a County Champion hurler with the Club), his friends and colleagues at Laois Hire/HSS Hire. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis," said the statement.

His remains will repose at Keegan's Funeral Home, Portlaoise from 6.30 until 8 pm on Wednesday evening, with rosary at 7.30 pm. Funeral arriving t SS Peter and Paul's Church for 11 am Requiem mass on Thursday morning.

Private family cremation will follow. Family flowers only please are requested.

Funeral mass may be viewed on www.portlaoiseparish.ie/webcam/