As the news of the passing of Bishop Emeritus Willie Walsh more affectionately known to so many as Bishop Willie filtered through on Thursday morning, a sense of profound sadness was casted over the town of Ennis, the County of Clare, the diocese of Killaloe and beyond.
So much has already been said about Bishop Willie over the last twenty-four hours and the Éire Óg Club Officers and Executive wish to be associated with those very fond and affectionate tributes to a man who was so deeply admired and respected by all who were fortunate to have had their lives touched by him.
Bishop Willie, an honorary member of Éire Óg served as Club President in 1995 and 1996 while also holding the position of Vice Chair from 1990 until 1992 under the chairmanship of Barry Smyth, another Éire Óg stalwart and close friend of Bishop Willie.
Bishop Willie had a lifelong passion for Hurling and was involved in coaching Hurling teams at Club, College and County levels. He was central to the success of many teams none more than the Éire Óg 1990 Canon Hamilton Senior Hurling Championship winning team when he was a selector alongside other Éire Óg legends in Paddy Duggan (Duggie), Colm Flynn, Seamus Durack and Martin 'Massie' Dilger (pictured above). Bishop Willie was also a selector with Éire Óg for the 1992 County Senior Hurling Final when Éire Óg lost out to Sixmilebridge by the narrowest of margins. Bishop Willie remained involved with the Éire Óg Senior Hurlers until the end of the 1993 season having spent four years with them since 1990.
1990 Éire Óg Inis Committee
While Bishop Willie stepped away from Éire Óg in a coaching/selector capacity in 1993, he maintained a close and heart felt fondness and loyalty to the Club right up to his unexpected passing last Wednesday night. Bishop Willie was a regular supporter at the majority of Éire Óg's Club Championship games including the football side of the house notwithstanding that Hurling was his first love. Bishop Willie's heart was always and ever with his adopted Club of Éire Óg.
The Club Executive were delighted when the Club's nomination of Bishop Willie as Clare GAA President was ratified by the County Board in 2023.
Bishop Willie was an extremely religious man with unquestionable faith despite periods of adversity and challenge on his journey through life. His celebration of mass at the Éire Óg Clubhouse each December was always welcomed and largely attended which was very much a credit to the genuine affection that so many held for him.
Bishop Willie was a man who enjoyed life and believed in living life to the full. We had the pleasure of his company at our Éire Óg Social Celebration at the Inn at Dromoland a little more than a month ago when we also celebrated his 90th Birthday with the presentation of a cake to him.
Bishop Willie's unexpected passing brings a profound sense of loss to his family, the Clergy and his wide circle of friends including his Éire Óg family on Clonroadmore. The Club Officers and Executive offer our sincere condolences to his family, his clerical colleagues and wide circle of friends.
Ar dheis Dè go raibh a anam.
Guard of Honour The club will form a Guard of Honour following requiem mass on Monday and invite members to join us, wearing the club crest if possible. Meeting at the main door at the end of the service.
Stewarding The club has been invited to assist with stewarding at the Cathedral on Sunday from 2pm, and Monday if necessary. Please contact Assumpta 085 8795475, or John Russell 087 652 9743 with your preferred time.
