Kilkenny man William (Billy) Hanlon passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family at Aut Even Hospital in Kilkenny on Wednesday September 18.
Taking to social media to announce the news of his dad’s passing, Shark posted a picture of himself and his dad from many years ago and wrote “Rest in peace, dad, or my best friend.”
A successful racehorse trainer, Shark Hanlon has had over 240 winners across his career including the King George, Kerry National, Galway Plate, Sandown Gold Cup, Grade 1s and much more. He is most famous for his success with Hewick, an Irish-bred horse he trained at his Co Carlow yard.
Since news of Billy’s passing broke, messages of support have been pouring in for the Hanlon family.
“Sincere sympathy to Margaret, Brenda, Mary, Martin, John, William and extended family on the sad passing of Willie,” wrote one mourner on RIP.ie. “He will always be remembered for his gentle nature and his sweet smile.”
John ‘Shark’ Hanlon, with Hewick at his yard in Fenniscourt, Carlow. Photo: Seb Daly/Sportsfile
“Our sincere condolences to Brenda, Martin, Margaret, Mary, John and William and the extended Hanlon family,” added another mourner. “I have lovely memories of visiting the Hanlon home over the years and Willie was such a gentle giant. Thinking of you all at this time especially Margaret who looked after her dad with such love and devotion. Rest in peace Willie.”
William is being laid to rest today, Friday September 20, at 12 noon in the Church of the Assumption, Paulstown, followed by burial in Paulstown Cemetery.
The Kilkenny man is predeceased by his sister Eileen Brennan. He was the beloved husband of Brenda and loving father of Martin, Margaret, Mary, John and William.
Billy will be sadly missed by his wife, sons, daughters, ten grandchildren, brothers Greg, Marty and Jim; daughters-in-law Collette, Jean and Rachel; sons-in-law Sean and Terry and his nephews, nieces, extended family and friends.
