Bishop Emeritus of Killaloe, Willie Walsh RIP
20 Feb 2025
Bishop Willie Walsh, Bishop Emeritus of Killaloe
Statement of Bishop Fintan Monahan on the death of Bishop Emeritus of Killaloe, Willie Walsh RIP
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 Cineáltas 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.
Funeral arrangements to follow.
ENDS
Taken from the Irish Catholic Bishops Conference website:
Archbishop Éamon Martin:
“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. This was evident in his role as President of the Catholic marriage care agency, Accord. 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.
“In addition, I wish to acknowledge 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.
“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 dílis.”
ENDS
Taken from the Irish Catholic Bishops Conference website:
May he rest in peace and rise in glory.
In my dealings with him I found him open to listen and supportive, and willing to speak out, unlike so many bishops and clergy then or now.
https://m.independent.ie/irish-news/bishop-gives-his-blessing-to-ordination-of-women/26058661.html
Bishop Willie Walsh has died. He had attended a hurling match quite recently. He had celebrated his 90th birthday a short time ago. The poetry of hurling enthralled him. The music of the game excited him. But his own life story enthralled and excited many. There was something warm and gentle about him. He exuded the best in humanity. Many were amused when the grounds of Bishop’s House made a space for some Traveller families It wasn’t just a gesture for Willie; it was typical of the man. He almost came across like everyone’s favourite uncle, grandfather. The hierarchy were blessed in having him. The Church in Ireland was blessed in having him. He was needed. It is so difficult for a bishop to adorn the public stage in that way. The bishops are worn out with administration and become consumed by the local issues. The ‘man’ gets lost most times or is overwhelmed. Willie was on a rescue mission to show off the central pastoral role of a bishop. For people. For the priests. For heart. For warmth. For breadth of spirit.
I recall our own friend and noisy companion: Gabriel Daly osa. There was a smidgeon of disappointment in Gabriel, that Rome had never sanctioned him for some of his outrageous views. (Which of course his comments and writings weren’t outrageous but could be misconstrued in that way). When Gabriel wrote his final book: THE CHURCH always in need of reform, he got a letter from Willie Walsh. Willie praised the book and said – he only wished that he had that book as he was learning his theology. Gabriel was so thrilled with that letter.
So sad to hear of Bishop Willie Walsh’s death. God rest him.
In those dark days between the death of Pope Paul and the arrival of Francis, described so well by Brendan Hoban in “Holding out for a Hero” you always felt that Willie was a genuine good guy and gave us some hope in Ireland. He was a genuine stand out.
Wish we had more like him.