A native of Roscrea, Walsh was ordained as the bishop of the Diocese of Killaloe in 1994 and served for 16 years until 2010.
He was viewed as a progressive figure in the Catholic church and an avid hurling supporter, having attended and taught in St Flannan’s College in Ennis.
In a statement released this Thursday morning, the current Bishop of Killaloe, Bishop Fintan Monahan, paid tribute to Walsh and said there is “profound sadness” in the diocese.
“There is profound sadness in the diocese of Killaloe with the news of the death of Bishop Emeritus Willie Walsh who passed away late yesterday, 19 February, having celebrated his 90th birthday in recent weeks.
“He was dearly loved by the many whose lives he touched in his extraordinary pastoral ministry.
“A native of Roscrea in Co Tipperary he spent his entire priesthood ministering in Ennis, Co Clare, in Saint Flannan’s College, in the Cathedral Parish, as Bishop of the Diocese of Killaloe and in retirement in recent years.
“His Episcopal motto was Cinéaltas Chríost - The Gentleness of Christ - and his ministry radiated that in his care for the poor, pastoral support to survivors of abuse, to anyone who was in trouble, and anyone struggling in life.
“He was passionate about hurling and was central to the success of many teams in Saint Flannan’s College, Éire Óg club in Ennis and Co Clare.
“He will be sadly missed by his family who meant so much to him, by his wide circle of friends and clergy and laity in the diocese of Killaloe.
“May his gentle soul rest in peace. Go raibh leaba aige i measc na Naomh” the statement concluded.
Bishop Emeritus Willie Walsh’s funeral arrangement will be announced later.