Bishop Willie Walsh

(Fr. Tom’s “Courier” Newspaper Articles)

This weekend marks a new beginning for Bishop Willie Walsh as his retirement takes effect.  For the past 51 years, the last 16 as our Bishop, he has ministered and shown the face of Christ to countless people.  A native of Roscrea, Co. Tipperary he was born on 16 January 1935. He was educated at Corville National School, Roscrea and St. Flannan’s College, Ennis. He studied for the priesthood at St. Patrick’s College, Maynooth and the Pontifical Irish College, Rome.  He was ordained priest in Rome in 1959. After ordination he completed his studies in Canon Law at the Pontifical Lateran University in Rome. On his return to Ireland he taught for a year at Coláiste Einde, Galway and joined the staff of St. Flannan’s College, Ennis in 1963.

In 1988 he was appointed curate at Ennis Cathedral and became administrator there in 1990. He has been pastorally involved with ACCORD (formerly the Catholic Marriage Advisory Council) since its foundation in the Killaloe diocese. He has worked with Marriage Tribunals at diocesan, regional and national levels. He succeeded as bishop of Killaloe on 2 October 1994.  He has pursued a life-long interest in sport and has been involved in coaching hurling teams.  In January 2010, Bishop Walsh celebrated his 75th birthday, and according to Canon Law submitted his resignation to the Congregation for Bishops.  He is the first Bishop of Killaloe in living memory to retire.

As our Bishop, he has shown the gentleness of Christ to others, especially to people in their time of need. His ministry can be characterised by a simple definition of J.O.Y. – Jesus first, others next, yourself last.  Having a genuine sense of empathy with others, his ability to listen without being judgemental has been one of his greatest strengths.  He has been a rich blessing to the Irish Church at one of its most critical times in its history.  We thank Bishop Willie for his goodness and thoughtfulness to all of us, for his availability and generosity at all times but above all for his outstanding leadership.

We wish him a very happy and healthy retirement, time to catch up with friends, family and sport. May his retirement be long and happy and may his life continue to be full of JOY.