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.

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.