Laois locals mourn sad passing of local club chairman's mother

Laois locals are mourning the sad loss of local woman Sheila Nolan in Graiguecullen.

Sheila sadly passed away on Monday January 19, surrounded by her loving family in St Luke's hospital Kilkenny.

Mother to St Fiacc's football club chairman PJ Nolan, the club paid a touching tribute in memory of the extraordinary woman.

"Rest in peace Sheila. We are heartbroken to hear of the passing of Sheila," the club said.

"Sheila was truly one of a kind. She had a kind word for everyone and was always up for the craic. She was the sort of person that if you met her once, you had a friend for life," they said.

"Our thoughts are with our Chairman, PJ, and the extended Nolan family, who play such an important part in our club, at this very difficult time.

"As a mark of respect, there will be no club activity on Wednesday and Thursday," the club finished.

Originally from County Cork, Sheila met Graiguecullen man Paddy Nolan, where they settled and had eight children together; sons PJ, Liam, Dennis, Eddie and Jimmy and daughters Helen, Patricia and Sheila. Her husband Paddy sadly passed away in 2009. Both Sheila and Paddy are remembered for their deep love for their family.

Graiguecullen locals have paid tribute to Sheila's remarkable kindness, her sense of humour, and her generosity.

"Sincere condolences to the Nolan family, on the very sad passing of Sheila. She was a very kind, generous lady. May she rest in peace," one person said.

"Very sad to hear of Shelia’s passing, will miss the laughs we had in work. Thinking of all Sheila’s family at this very sad time," one person said.

"She was the best neighbour, the terrace won’t be the same," another person shared.

"A great and funny neighbour. You will be so so missed Sheila," said another local.

"Such a lovely lady, may her gentle soul rest in peace. Condolences to her family and friends," another person wrote.

See Sheila's death notice below.

The death has occurred of Sheila Nolan (née Kennelly) of 62 St Fiacc’s Terrace, Graiguecullen, Carlow and formerly of Buttevent, Co Cork.

Sheila passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family, on January 19th, 2026 at St Luke’s Hospital, Kilkenny.

Beloved wife of the late Patrick (Paddy), loving mother of PJ, Liam, Dennis, Eddie, Jimmy, Helen, Patricia and Sheila and adored grandmother of Saoirse, Naoise, Ciara, Jack, Paddy, Mia, Sky, Daniel, Isabell, Kayla, Harry, Georgina, Sammy, Jamie, James, Tadgh, Donnacha, Lily, Gavin, Jasmine and Conor.

Sheila will be sadly missed by her loving sons, daughters, grandchildren, sons-in-law Liam and Philip, PJ’s partner Caoimhe, Liam’s partner Kate, Dennis partner Jade, Jimmy’s partner Natasha, Eddie’s partner Tiago, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives, friends and especially her best friend Mary.

May Sheila’s gentle soul Rest in Peace.

Sheila will repose at her home, 62 St Fiacc’s Terrace, Graiguecullen, Carlow (Eircode R93FP58) on Wednesday January 21st from 3pm until 8pm, with prayers at 6pm that evening.

Removal from there on Thursday morning at 11am, to the St Clare’s Church, Graiguecullen, arriving for Funeral Mass at 11.30am. Burial afterwards in Sleaty New Cemetery.

Family Flowers only please. Donation’s if desired to the Critical Care Unit, St Luke’s Hospital, Kilkenny.