Bishop Willie Walsh was born on January 16th, 1935 in Glenbeha, Roscrea Co.
Tipperary. The youngest of six children, he attended Corville and Roscrea
National schools. From 1947 to 1952 he attended St. Flannan’s College in Ennis.
In 1952 he began his studies for the priesthood at St. Patrick’s College, Maynooth.
In 1955 he went to the Pontifical Irish College in Rome and was ordained to the
priesthood in the Basilica of St. John Lateran, on the 21st of February 1959 by
Cardinal Luigi Traglia.
After ordination, Bishop Walsh returned to the Pontifical Lateran University in
Rome for further studies where he was awarded a Doctorate in Canon Law in
1962. He spent a year in Coláiste Eanna in Galway and he was then
appointed to the staff of St. Flannan’s College in Ennis in 1963. He taught Maths,
Science, Physics and Religion for 25 years until his appointment as curate at the
Cathedral in Ennis in 1988. In 1990, he was appointed as Administrator of the
Cathedral and held that position until he was appointed as Coadjutor Bishop of
the Diocese on the 21st of June 1994.
He was ordained Bishop at the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, Ennis on the
2nd of October 1994, following the unexpected death of Bishop Michael Harty
and served as Bishop of the Diocese for 17 years.
He retired in 2011 on the appointment of Bishop Kieran O’Reilly as Bishop of
Killaloe.
He died on February 19th, 2025.
May He Rest in Peace.
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Funeral Arrangements: Bishop Willie will lie in repose in Saints Peter and Paul
Cathedral, Ennis, Co. Clare, on Sunday (23rd February) from 3pm with evening
prayer at 7pm. Requiem Mass will take place on Monday (24th February) at 1 pm.
Burial afterwards in the church grounds
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Statement of Bishop Fintan Monahan on the death of Bishop Emeritus of Killaloe, Willie Walsh
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, February 19th, 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 St 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, 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 St 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.
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