Carl Walsh: A Tribute To My Dad

Carl Walsh

From the age of seven to 30, I basically went everywhere with my Dad.

We had a unique shared experience at countless training sessions, matches and meetings over that winding, wonderful and enlightening GAA journey. From a Junior B match in West Clare to the All Ireland Final (our first one was in 1974), we were there. At the start, I watched and listened, often in wonder, until I grew a bit and it was my time to play my small part in the rich tapestry of his incredible GAA life. It was an unforgettable GAA journey that has inspired me to carry on his legacy here in Australia as a player, coach and administrator.

In the 1970s we travelled the length and breadth of Ireland together with a Clare senior football team that had plenty of talent but lacked the necessary support and resources to be successful. Dad was very committed to improving Clare football and the players’ conditions but the team never made the big breakthrough that they deserved. That said, my geography improved. I knew every inch of Ireland at an early age.

The Miltown Massacre in 1979 was a turning point for him psychologically. I will always remember how crestfallen he was that night at home. He gathered himself soon after and resolved to get the resources needed to improve Clare football. The performances improved in the 1980s with greater organisation, expertise and the emergence of young talent. Our shared tour of Ireland via the National League continued and I distinctly remember the long drives home listening to Tommy O’Brien on Radio One as we analysed, discussed and glorified every kick, catch, tackle and score.

He recognised that the Munster championship format needed a shake up to provide an even playing field for all counties. He would share details of the many submissions, meetings and debates that lead to the breakthrough. I was amazed at his patience chasing down what seemed to be a lost cause. He just kept playing the issue, not the man and in the end, he was successful. The Open Draw was born and things would never be the same again.

In the following years we shared some great times. UCC won the Sigerson Cup in 1988 and Miltown St. Josephs won Clare Senior Football Championship in 1990. Dad was not directly involved in either campaign but he was at many training sessions and every match keeping a watchful and enthusiastic eye on our progress. At this time, I began to appreciate his love of our club who he had served as a player and administrator. His love and respect for the history, contributors and players past and present was always evident. Whilst he wasn’t a big drinker he greatly enjoyed the banter in the pub whether we won or lost with young and old, female and male about footballing matters.

Clare football entered a golden era under John Maughan’s magnificent leadership. We won the All Ireland B in 1991, Division 2 of the National League in 1992 and incredibly the Munster Senior Football Championship in 1992 after 75 years waiting. We reached the National League semi-final at Croke Park in 1993 and we were the first Clare football team to play in Division One. This was no accident. The work put in by Dad, John, the selectors, the players and the backroom team was unprecedented at the time. For Dad, it was a truly special time. He understood the significance of what had been achieved and he knew how much hard work underpinned it. Until the day he died, he gained immense happiness and satisfaction from that golden era.

At the end of the day, I’m biased. I think he was a great Dad. I loved him dearly and I will miss him terribly. No more the long Sunday night phone call to discuss the GAA events of the weekend. He deserves to rest in peace because he lived the advice that he always gave to me “do your best”.

I want to especially thank Nurse Eilis Cleary from Miltown Malbay who held my Dad’s hand in his final moments and comforted him as he slipped peacefully away. Eilis is a wonderful person from a great Miltown family. It was fitting that she was there. She is truly one of our frontline heroines.