Bishop Emeritus Willie Walsh passed away late yesterday at his home in Clare.
A native of Roscrea in Co Tipperary, he spent his entire priesthood ministering in Ennis, Co Clare, in St Flannan’s College, in the Cathedral Parish, as Bishop of the Diocese of Killaloe and in retirement for the last 15 years.
He has been remembered for his love of hurling and was central to the success of many teams in St Flannan’s College, Éire Óg club in Ennis and Co Clare.
Archbishop Eamon Martin said: “I was sad to learn this morning of the death of Bishop Willie Walsh, a caring pastor, inspired by love of the Gospel, and, as his own motto put it, a bishop living by 'the gentleness of Christ'.
“Throughout his almost 66 years of priesthood, Bishop Willie’s ministry demonstrated God’s love for all people - particularly those on the margins of society.
“As President of the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference, I wish to acknowledge Bishop Willie’s steadfast commitment in support of sacramental marriage.”
He studied for the priesthood at St Patrick’s College, Maynooth and the Pontifical Irish College in Rome and was ordained to the priesthood in the Basilica of St John Lateran in Rome in 1959.
After ordination, Bishop Walsh returned to the Pontifical Lateran University in Rome for further studies where he earned a Doctorate in Canon Law.
Following this, in 1963, he taught maths, science, physics and religion for 25 years at St Flannan’s College in Ennis, until his appointment as curate at the Cathedral in the town in 1988.
He has had a life-long passion for sport and in particular hurling and has been involved in coaching hurling teams at club, college and county grades and was appointed President of Clare GAA in 2023.
He submitted his resignation to Pope Benedict XVI on reaching his 75th birthday in January 2010.
Bishop Walsh was also one of the founder members of the Catholic Marriage Advisory Council, (later to become ACCORD) in the Diocese of Killaloe.
Archbishop Martin credited Bishop Walsh’s time as part of the advisory council.
He said: “Bishop Willie’s leadership in the area of marriage preparation, and counselling, was characterised by his support for all entering into Catholic marriage, as well as in his sincere compassion and outreach for those experiencing difficulties in their marriages and relationships, something which continues to inspire the work of Accord to this day.”
He also acknowledged Bishop Willie’s “strong contribution”, from 1994 to 2010, to the work of the Bishops’ Conference, in particular as a member of the Episcopal Commissions for Pastoral Care, Social Welfare; Education; and, of Research and Development.
He added: “Bishop Willie was a gifted communicator who was a beloved figure in his native diocese of Killaloe, and throughout the country.
“On behalf of my brother bishops, I wish to express my condolences to Bishop Willie’s family, to Bishop Fintan Monahan of Killaloe, to the priests, religious and faithful of the diocese, and to all who knew and loved him.
“May Bishop Willie Walsh rest in peace, and may his legacy of love, service, and faith continue to inspire us all.
“Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dilís.”