Tributes paid after death of "dearly loved" Bishop Emeritus of Killaloe, Willie Walsh

The Bishop of Killaloe, Fintan Monahan, has expressed his "profound sadness" at the death late yesterday (Wednesday) of Bishop Emeritus Willie Walsh just weeks after he had celebrated his 90th birthday.

"He was dearly loved by the many whose lives he touched in his extraordinary pastoral ministry," stated Bishop Monahan.

"A native of Roscrea in county 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," Bishop Monahan added.

A tribute has also been paid to the late Bishop Emeritus Walsh by Archbishop Eamon 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'," said Archbishop Martin.

"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."

His funeral arrangements are to follow.

The Diocese of Killaloe includes a number of parishes in Offaly, such as Kinnitty, Birr, Kilcolman, Shinrone and Dunkerrin.