Tributes have been paid to the former bishop of the Diocese of Killaloe, Willie Walsh, a popular prelate among the Irish Catholic community who died this week.<br><br>Over the years of his priestly service – 66 years – he gained renown through the devotion of his pastoral work, especially with those on the margins of society, and for his commitment in support of sacramental marriage.
Despite his advanced years – Bishop Walsh recently marked his 90th birthday with a mass at Ennis cathedral – his death has still come as somewhat of a shock as he reportedly had been in relatively good health.
The current Bishop of Killaloe, Fintan Monahan, said there is "profound sadness" at news of the death, describing Willie Walsh as "dearly loved by the many whose lives he touched in his extraordinary pastoral ministry", <a href="https://www.rte.ie/news/ireland/2025/0220/1497816-bishop-willie-walsh/"><mark style="background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)" class="has-inline-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-color">reports</mark></a> Irish broadcaster <em>RTE</em>.
The Irish Taoiseach, Micheál Martin, said: "Bishop Willie Walsh was a thorough gentleman, who supported those in need and people on the margins of our society," adding that the bishop "held a strong belief in the power of reconciliation".
It is understood that Bishop Walsh died on the night of 19 February at his residence in Ennis, County Clare.
Originally from Roscrea in County Tipperary, he was ordained in 1994 as bishop of the Diocese of Killaloe, which stretches from Loop Head in County Clare to County Offaly, and remained in the position until 2010.
He studied for the priesthood at Maynooth, but had a long association with St Flannan's College in Ennis, where he attended as a boarder in the 1950s, before teaching maths and physics there for 25 years.
He became administrator of Ennis Cathedral in the Diocese of Killaloe, before becoming coadjutor bishop of the diocese and then bishop. Upon retirement, he lived across the road from St Flannan's College.
Bishop Walsh was regarded as “the most gentle and kindest of men” with a strong and steady presence, particularly at a time when the Catholic Church had lost a lot of its credibility among members across Ireland, notes <em>RTE</em>.
It adds that the bishop undertook a walk across all parishes of the diocese at the turn of the millennium seeking forgiveness for the actions of the Church in relation to child sexual abuse.
His episcopal motto was <em>Cinéaltas Chríost </em>(The Gentleness of Christ), with his ministry described as radiating that principle through his care for the poor and through his pastoral support to survivors of abuse, as well as to anyone who was in trouble and struggling in life.
Archbishop Eamon Martin, President of the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference, also paid tribute to Bishop Walsh, who he described as a “caring pastor”, <a href="https://www.independent.ie/regionals/clare/news/tributes-paid-to-beloved-bishop-willie-walsh-who-died-aged-90/a278211461.html"><mark style="background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)" class="has-inline-color has-vivid-cyan-blue-color">reports</mark></a> the <em>Irish Independent</em>.
“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 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. <em>Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dilís</em> [May his faithful soul rest with God]."
Bishop Walsh's funeral will take place at 1 p.m. on Monday, 24 February, at Ennis Cathedral; his body will lie in repose there on Sunday, 23 February, from 3 p.m., with prayers at 7 p.m.
<em>Photo: Bishop Willie Walsh, Bishop Emeritus of Killaloe. (Photo: Catholic Communications Office archive.)</em>
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