Ireland: Bishop Willie Walsh has died

Bishop Willie Walsh, CCO archive

The Irish Bishops Conference has announced the death of Bishop Willie Walsh, Bishop Emeritus of Killaloe. He was 90 years old.

Archbishop Eamon Martin said: "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 dilís."

Bishop Fintan Monahan said: "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 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.

May his gentle soul rest in peace.

Go raibh leaba aige i measc na Naomh."

Archbishop Kieran O'Reilly said: On behalf of the priests, religious and lay faithful of the Archdiocese of Cashel and Emly, together with Archbishop Emeritus, Dermot Clifford, I extend my sincere sympathy to Bishop Willie's family, many friends, Bishop Fintan Monahan, the priests, religious and lay faithful of the diocese of Killaloe, on the death of their kind and generous shepherd.

Bishop Willie welcomed me as his successor in 2010 to the diocese of Killaloe. From the very beginning he was always warm, friendly and very supportive. I deeply appreciated his friendship.

Over my years in Ennis, I discovered him to be an exceptionally kind and generous pastor with special care for those at the margins of society. His life was characterised by a generosity of spirit that made him a unique shepherd - his kind and generous heart was key to his ministry. He never ceased to reach out to those most in need.

We thank the Lord for the years he shepherded the people of God in the diocese of Killaloe. He touched the lives of many people in a profound and deeply spiritual way recognising in each person the presence of the divine.

It is with a sense of gratitude for his life that we commend our brother, Bishop Willie, to our heavenly Father, may Bishop Willie hear the words of Matthew's gospel, "Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world" (Matthew 24)

With trust in the Risen Lord, we pray for the happy repose of his gentle soul and commend him to our Father's eternal love. Assuring Bishop Willie's family of our prayerful remembrance at this time of sorrow and grief.

Funeral arrangements to follow.