Bishop Willie Walsh, whose death was announced today, retired some years before I became a bishop.
My contact with him over the years was relatively limited but, whenever I did meet him, he came across as a real gentleman (reflecting the gentleness of Christ, which was his episcopal motto).
Those who knew him better will undoubtedly have more to say.
I think of him particularly as a man of hospitality and a friend to the travelling community.
He served God and the people of God faithfully as a priest and a bishop.
May he now enjoy the happiness of eternal life.
Bishop Kevin