Glowing tributes for Bishop Walsh at civic reception

Outgoing Bishop of Killaloe Willie Walsh received warm praise at a civic reception hosted by Clare’s first citizen, 37 years after they went in different directions in St Flannan’s College, Ennis.

In 1963, Mayor of Clare, Councillor Christy Curtin left St Flannan’s College after completing his Leaving Certificate the same year Bishop Walsh was appointed as a teacher in the secondary school.
Addressing the civic reception at council headquarters on Monday evening, Councillor Curtin said the council was delighted to mark the bishop’s retirement after 51 years in the ordained ministry and in recognition of his service to the people of the diocese.
“Bishop Willie is a man of exceptional character and he has contributed greatly to both community life and the Roman Catholic faith in the Diocese of Killaloe. He is a highly respected pastoral figure who, as Bishop of Killaloe, ministered to his flock with compassion and related with ease to the hopes and fears of ordinary people in the diocese and other communities he served. His compassion and progressive thinking on theology, ethics and social issues sets him apart.
“Bishop Willie also remains acutely aware of the many issues facing members of the Church. This is very apparent in the way he comfortably, delicately and effectively handled matters of significance for members of the Church, as well as the wider community.  By serving the public with thoroughness and honesty, Bishop Walsh has brought great acclaim to the Diocese of Killaloe and those who have worked with him down through the years,” said the mayor.
Mayor of Shannon, Councillor Tony Mulcahy, said people in Shannon held the view that at a time of unprecedented change and challenges for the Catholic Church, Bishop Walsh has remained as a steady and reassuring influence on members of the Catholic Church in the diocese.
Mayor of Kilrush, Liam Williams described the bishop as an inspirational figure who was a constant reminder of being a true servant of God and someone who had shown humility and concern for the poor. He thanked him for rededicating the Church in Kilrush and for administering Confirmation to his two sons.
In addition to confirming two of his children, Mayor of Kilkee, Brian Keane noted people in Kilkee always spoke highly of the bishop.
County manager Tom Coughlan said the bishop was a “very special person” who has made an unique contribution to people, the Catholic Church and society.
In spite of the bishop’s strong Christian ethos, Mr Coughlan joked he still struck a hard bargain when it came to selling diocesan lands to the council.
Councillor Pat Daly, who proposed the civic reception, recalled Bishop Walsh had enjoyed great success during his coaching career with St Flannan’s and Éire Óg.
Although Bishop Walsh admitted he always felt a bit uncomfortable with flattering words of praise on occasions when allowance had to be  made for some exaggeration, he accepted the generous contribution of the speakers.
He recalled his 51-year association with Clare started back in the autumn of 1947 when he arrived as a boarder to St Flannan’s when being a resident student was not a holiday. He described his 25 years teaching in St Flannan’s as a great privilege and spoke about the many lifelong friendships he had made.
Unlike most bishops, he only had to move about half a mile for the different stages of his clerical career. He confirmed he would be staying in Ennis, which he now regarded as his home despite the slagging he received from people in his native town of Roscrea.
“I enjoyed my years in Clare and I do regard Clare as my home. It is with a great sense of gratitude that I leave – gratitude to the diocese and gratitude to the people of Clare.
“There were times when it was difficult to be bishop but it was a privilege to share the pain and suffering of people and to be able to help them on the road to recovery,” he said.