The funeral mass of Bishop Willie Walsh has heard of a “profound crusader” full of generosity, care and kindness.
Large crowds descended on Ennis Cathedral today to bid a fond farewell to the late former bishop of Killaloe and President of Clare GAA.
The flags of Clare, Ireland and the Vatican all flew at half mast in Ennis today as over one- thousand mourners from across the country braved the wind and rain to pay their final respects to Bishop Emeritus of Killaloe Dr Willie Walsh.
Among them was the Aide-De-Camp of President Michael D. Higgins, Colonel Stephen Howard.
The current Bishop of Killaloe, Fintan Monahan was the chief celebrant and shared a humorous tale of their friendship on a recent car journey.
The congregation also heard of a “profound crusader” full of generosity, care and kindness for people on the margins and suffering in life.
Bishop Monaghan says he was a radical in the true sense of the word who challenged unquestioned beliefs.
Bishop Walsh served as head of the Killaloe Diocese for sixteen years from 1994 to 2010, as a priest in Ennis for 66 years and as a teacher in St.Flannan’s for a quarter of a century, before being appointed President of Clare GAA in 2023.
Fittingly for a man described as offering a ray of hope to many, the clouds eventually gave way to glorious sunshine in Ennis as Bishop Walsh was laid to rest beside the man he succeeded in the role, the late Bishop Michael A Harty.
Niece Miriam Burke says his life was lived full of purpose and joy.
You can listen to the full report below.
