The St Patrick's College, Maynooth community was saddened to hear of the death of Bishop Emeritus Willie Walsh. A graduate of St Patrick's, Bishop Walsh put his skills to use initially as a teacher before embarking on a distinguished pastoral ministry culminating in his appointment as Bishop of Killaloe, a position he held from 1994 to his retirement in 2010.

A lifelong supporter of Hurling and influential coach at St Flannan's and Éire Óg in Ennis, helping both teams to trophy success, his passion for the sport saw him recently attend the Dr Harty Cup Final in support of St Flannan's.

Many tributes have been made to Bishop Walsh's kindness and humanity which are perfectly summed up in his episcopal motto Cineáltas Chríost (the kindness of Christ).

Commenting on Bishop Walsh's passing, Rev Dr Michael Shortall, Interim President of St Patrick's College said: 'Bishop Willie Walsh had an unwavering commitment to pastoral care and social justice that left an enduring legacy within his diocese and the broader community and still stands as an example to all.'

Rev Dr Tomás Surlis, Rector of St Patrick's National Seminary, added: 'Bishop Willie's life and witness have inspired generations of those who, like him, were educated and formed at the National Seminary to value learning as an indispensable tool for evangelisation and to embody evangelical listening in imitation of the Good Shepherd who was always attentive to the needs of the poor and the most vulnerable. May his noble soul be welcomed into the halls of heaven by all those whose have gone before him on the path to glory - a path marked out by the hope and love that were the hallmarks of the ministry of this good and faithful servant of the Gospel.'

Go dtuga Rí na bhFlaitheas suaimhneas síoraí don anam uasal.