A former Smith O’Brien’s hurler who died in Milford Hospice following an illness bravely borne with great courage and dignity has been described as an “inspiration” during his Funeral Mass recently.
Thousands of mourners lined the Main Street in Killaloe on Sunday to pay their respects to Liam Walsh, Walsh’s Bar, Killaloe and Ballykildea, Killaloe for what was one the biggest funerals held in the town since the death of former Munster and Ireland rugby legend Anthony Foley.
Members of Smith O’Brien’s GAA and Camogie club shouldered his coffin from Rory Scanlan’s house to the entrance to Reilig Lua graveyard.
A guard of honour of club members was formed from the church past his beloved GAA grounds onto the graveyard.
Fr James Grace said the community felt deep sadness and grieving following the death of Mr Walsh.
Expressing his sympathy to his “broken hearted” family, he assured them of the support of the community during this terrible time.
A Smith O’Brien’s jersey depicting his love for his club and community; a hurley representing his love for carpentry and making hurleys; a family photograph symbolising his love for family, a dog collar showing his love for greyhounds, a history book illustrating his love of history were brought to the altar a symbols of his life.
Fr Grace was assisted by Fr Edmond O’Rahelly, Fr Jerry O’Brien, and Fr Bobby Fletcher.
In his homily, Fr Grace said people were lonely following Mr Walsh’s death despite hopes he might be “miraculously cured”.
“The past nine years have been a rollercoaster for Liam and his family from the devastating initial news of the brian tumour to the waiting and wondering, meeting consultants, his surgeries, treatments, highs, lows, hopes, the disappointments.
“To describe it as a cavalry would be an understatement. I thought Liam might have passed during Holy Week as his final years resembled the passion and death of Jesus Christ. But no Liam passed away on the Friday after Good Friday.
“Maybe, Liam was leaving us with one final message. Knowing him he would not like to leave us bogged down in the sadness and pain of Holy Week but to move on to the joy, peace, hope and positivity of the resurrection.
“I got to know Liam quite well during this illness. I never saw him angry or negative, something he had every right to be. He was an inspiration by the way he handled the deck of cards life dealt him.
“His courage, resilience, faith, hope, positivity was exemplary. This made it a bit easier for his family and friends who were so sorry for him and tried to help as best they could.
“Liam fought bravely the good fight and ran the race to the finish. Nothing more could be done medically speaking for him and yet he never gave up hope. Neither did his family who bathed him with such tenderness and love and compassion right up to the end. It was a sight to behold. One that will stay with me for a long time to come,” he said.
The chief celebrant recalled Liam touched the life of countless people young and old, which was illustrated by the huge crowds at his removal and Funeral Mass.
Kevin Walsh recalled moving from Kildea down to the family pub at Main Street, Killaloe when he was five and his brother, Liam was seven was some adventure.
“It was the first time we ever saw cars. We nearly got knocked down on day one. We played Munster finals on the ‘dirty lane’ and All-Irelands at the courthouse. We loved our soccer matches in Marian Place with all the boys around the town.
“We had our first drink together and even went to college together in 2009. We did Business Studies and Marketing Management in LIT. We had some craic.
“Liam or as they called you in Milford, ‘Mr Perfect’ because you never complained, not once, even since 2015 when you got diagnosed.”
During Liam’s final weeks, Kevin said even when he could no longer talk he sang every lyric when Kevin played Irish songs from the Wolfe Tones, Dubliners and Christy Moore.
Christy Moore sent a video to Liam during his first few days in Milford Hospice, which he loved.
“I never thought I would be saying goodbye to my brother and best friend shortly after you turned 35. Thank you for making me the man I am today. Thank you for bringing out forgiveness in me I never thought I had.
“Thank you for giving me the strength to be by your side these last few months. Thank you for all the laughs. I hope you are reunited with your childhood bestie Noel Sheedy and all those gone before you.
“I know you will be with me every step I take. I look forward to the day we meet again,” he said.
A comprehensive overview of Liam’s life was delivered by his sister, Kay, who recalled he was a great mimic and impersonator from a very young age.
“It seems he was born with a hurley in his hand. He was so naturally talented. A little wizard was mentioned a lot. He was quickly spotted in Smith O’Brien’s.”
She recalled winning the U-10 Noel Sheedy tournament meant so much than hurling
to Liam and his classmates.
“Liam and Kevin went on a daily pilgrimage to the hurling field hitting every single wall and a few front doors along the way. Liam would try to copy who was hurling well at the time whether it was Seanie McMahon or Jamesie O’Connor,” she said.
Shane Maher thanked everyone who advocated for what was best for Liam including Councillor Tony O’Brien, Dr Maureen Ryan, surgical staff of Cork University Hospital, Professor Michael O’Sullivan, “who gave us an extra nine wonderful years with Liam”, home helps, Techopath staff and the oncology staff at University Hospital Limerick.
“Smith O’Brien’s GAA and Camogie club is home to Liam and all the Walsh family. We will never forget the kindness of all our friends who coordinated so many elements of this celebration.
“We can’t express our gratitude to all the wonderful staff in Milford Hospice. We have been inundated with dinners, offers of housework and childcare.
“Liam was very close to his parents. Bernie always spotted the slightest change in Liam, she knew whether he was genuinely comfortable or not. She knew Liam would let on to be ok to protect her.
“Thanks Bernie for showing a mother’s love when he needed it most. When Willie and Bernie moved into Ballykildea, Liam was so happy. Liam and Willie took off on day trips and looked after the greyhounds together, had all the same hobbies and friends.
“Liam got his sense of humour and love of pranks from his father. Liam had a great relationship with Willie, filled with love, if that love could have saved him, he would have lived forever.
“Kevin and Liam had the ultimate bond. On the field of play, they were telepathic, they would always know where the other one was.
“When Liam’s speech went, Kevin took over. The intuition was incredible to watch. Somehow he knew what was in Liam’s head. Liam went into Milford on March 15, Kevin didn’t leave his side. Kevin set up camp beside Liam’s bed and watched over him for 21 days and nights.
“The level of love, care and devotion between the brothers was unique,” he said.
Councillor Tony O’Brien has described his great friend as someone with a cool head during a crisis and blessed with a mind and body of steel and determination.
“When heads would drop he would always lift them. When things were darkening he would always brighten them. Liam’s sense of humour, his wit and one-liners accompanied by the obligatory wink was his trademark.
“Liam bore his illness with bravery and dignity. His catch phrase ‘it is what it is’ will resonate with us for a long time,” he said.
He will be sadly missed by his parents, Willie and Bernie, brother, Kevin and sisters Claire, Sheila, Kay and Moira, family, relatives and large circle of friends.
Dan Danaher
East Clare correspondent, Dan Danaher is a journalism graduate of Rathmines and UL. He has won numerous awards for special investigations on health, justice, environment, and reports on news, agriculture, disability, mental health and community.