Clare County Council this evening hosted a Civic Reception in honour of outgoing Bishop of Killaloe Dr. Willie Walsh.Bishop Walsh, who was ordained Bishop of Killaloe on 2 October 1994, is being succeeded in his role by the Very Reverend Fr. Kieran O’Reilly S.M.A.
Addressing the Civic Reception at Aras Contae an Chláir in Ennis, Mayor of Clare Cllr. Christy Curtin said: “The Council is delighted to be able to provide a Civic Reception for Bishop Walsh to mark his retirement as Bishop of Killaloe after 51 years in the ordained ministry, and in recognition of his service to the people of the Diocese.”
Mayor Curtin continued: “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”, the Mayor commented.
Mayor of Shannon Councillor Tony Mulcahy stated: “I have known Bishop Willie on a personal level for many years and I know him to be true to his faith and true to those whom he represents.”
He added: “At a time of unprecedented change and challenges for the Catholic Church Bishop Willie has remained as a steady and reassuring influence on members of the Catholic Church here. I know that many members of the local community in Shannon share this view.”
Born in Roscrea, Co. Tipperary in 1935, Bishop Walsh 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, earning him a JCD degree. 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 has pursued a life-long interest in sport and has been involved in coaching hurling teams at colleges, club and county grades.
He was ordained Bishop of Killaloe on 2 October 1994.
In January 2010, Bishop Walsh celebrated his 75th birthday, and according to Canon Law submitted his resignation to the Congregation for Bishops.
