Whelan has previously played professional football for Welsh club Wrexham and in the League of Ireland for Shelbourne.
[citation needed] Whelan parted ways with Wrexham at the end of the season before he moved back home in July 2008 to sign for Shelbourne after a successful trial.
[2] Following two friendly appearances against Leeds United and Millwall in 2008, Whelan made his Shelbourne competitive debut on 13 April 2009 in a 3-0 League of Ireland Cup victory over Dundalk at Tolka Park.
[3] Following the end of the 2009 season Whelan parted company with Shelbourne for whom he made 3 league and cup appearances.
[5] Following his release by Shelbourne, Whelan concentrated on his Gaelic football career with his local side from Rush, St. Maurs.