Shock as young GAA star (28) and former Tipperary secondary school pupil dies while out for a run

A talented young hurler in Laois and former student of the Cistercian College in Roscrea has tragically died while out for a run.

John (Jack) Delaney, 28,  was out running near his home in Ballacolla in County Laois on Tuesday afternoon when he collapsed and it is understood several resuscitation attempts proved unsuccessful and he died a short time afterward.  

John was a member of the well-known Delaney family who are known throughout the country in the furniture business and are proprietors of Design Options in Portlaoise.

 John worked in Design Options alongside his father Tim and brother Tom, who runs the adjacent coffee shop, Brew. Locals said John "was very popular in the furniture shop and could not do enough to help customers."

A past pupil of Cistercian College (CCR) in Roscrea where he completed his Leaving Cert in 2014 and later Dublin Institute of Technology John was also a talented hurler with his local Club Clough/Ballacolla in Laois particularly at underage level.  

John is survived by his father Tim, mother Eileen, brothers Tim and Tom and sister Sarah.  

Jack will repose in his home today (Thursday) and Friday from 4 pm. His removal will be on Removal Saturday morning (Dec 9th) from his residence to arrive at St. Canice’s Church, Clough (R32 K003) for Requiem Mass at 12 noon with interment immediately afterward in Knockaroo Cemetery.