Career
He is the father of Ronnie Whelan, Junior. Whelan died in July 1993 at the age of 56 from stomach cancer. Clubs Two fellow Ireland internationals played a role in the development of Whelan"s early career.
Later Whelan was invited by his neighbour, Liam Whelan, to join him at Home Farm.
After an unsuccessful trial with Chelsea, Whelan signed for Saint Whelan was awarded a benefit game in May 1963 and in May 1965 he guested for Shamrock Rovers in another benefit game. A run of injuries, effectively ended his Saint Pat"s career but he subsequently joined Drogheda for a further six seasons, helping them reach the 1970-1971 final.
While with Drogheda, Whelan also scored a further 20 league goals. He later played for Córas Iompair Éireann in the League of Ireland B Division and then Aer Lingus of the Leinster Senior League.
Whelan also worked for Aer Lingus.
Representative career = Republic of Ireland In the 1963-1964 season Whelan made two full appearances for the Republic of Ireland. On 25 September 1963 Whelan played in a European Nations Cup qualifier against Austria. The game finished 0–0.
On 24 May 1964 Whelan came on as a substitute after just five minutes for an injured Joe Haverty in a friendly against England at Dalymount Park.
Ireland lost this game 3–1. = League of Ireland XI Whelan played for the League of Ireland XI on at least two occasions.
On 17 March 1961 he played against an Irish League XI. At the time Whelan was working for Unidaire, a Finglas-based electrical firm. Whelan subsequently received a warning from his boss at Unidaire for taking time off to play in this game.
= Dublin XI In 1964 Whelan played for a Dublin XI against Liverpool.
Saint Patricks Athletic Drogheda.
