Walsh, Donal
May 03, 2011There was a profound sense of loss and regret at the death on Thursday 14 April at his residence, of Donal Walsh,"Emoclew", Browneshill Road, Carlow.
Aged 80, Donal's passing following an eight month battle with serious illness.
During his illness, Donal suffered a leg break at home just before Christmas and was hospitalised in Waterford Regional Hospital for about a week. It was the only recourse Donal had to hospital- he was looked after at home with wonderful care and attention by his wife Kay and daughters Alice and Goretti, both of whom are nurses, along with the daily help and support of sons Padraig and Joseph.
A proud Laoise man, Donal's family home was at Garryduff House, Errill, Portlaoise. He came from a farming background and was one of 11 children.
Educated at Killesmesstia National School and at secondary level by the Capuchin Fathers at Rochestown, Co. Cork. Donal joined the ESB in 1953 in Portlaoise as an organiser for rural electrification.
Having subsequently been based in Kilkenny, Donal came to Carlow in the early '60s, where he was noted for his kindness and pleasant manner towards customers and work colleagues alike at the ESB headquarters. He held the post of marketing manager at the time of his retirement in 1994, after 41 years of loyal and sterling service.
In 1959, Donal married Kay Cleary from Tinahealy, Co. Wicklow and theirs was a very happy union. The couple celebrated their golden wedding anniversary on 23 June 2009 with a family gathering.
A dedicated Gael, Donal played hurling and football, winning Laois hurling and championships with Borris-in-Ossory in 1956, '57, '60 and in '63 was a member of the senior hurling team while domiciled in the Rebel County. He hurled at senior level for Laois and loved the national game.
A keen golfer, for many years, Donal was a member of Carlow Golf Club. He played off a handicap of nine and in 1981 won the captain's prize.
In recent years, Donal took up bridge and played with the Barrow Bridge Club and more recently enjoyed the Monday night sessions at the Seven Oaks Hotel.
His greatest hobby was gardening and the Walsh garden was always a credit to Donal.
Donal Walsh will be remembered as a wonderful family man, whose passing represents a huge loss to his wife, children and 11 grandchildren.
His remains were removed from the family home on Friday to The Church of the Holy Family, Askea, where they received by Fr Tom Little, PP, Askea-Bennekerry, assisted by Fr Shem Furlong, a family relative from Cork.
Fr Liam Morgan, CC, Askea-Bennekerry, celebrated the funeral Mass on Saturday morning, assisted by Fr John McEvoy, PP, Tinryland.
Readings were by Donal's grandchildren Aoibhinn and Aishling, while prayers of the Faithful were read by grandchildren John, Anna, Kieran and Gregory. The offertory gifts were brought to the altar by grandchildren Conor and Sinead.
Daughter Alice read the post- communion reflection while at the end of Mass, Donal's son Joseph paid fitting tribute to his father's life, in a eulogy.
The singing at Mass was provided by the members of Askea Parish Choir.
Burial took place immediately afterwards in Bennekerry Cemetery, with Fr McEvoy reciting the final prayers at the graveside.
Donal is deeply mourned by his wife Kay, children Padraig (Borris), Alice Corcoran ( Ballsbridge, Dublin), Goretti Esthimiou (Sevenoaks, Kent) and Joseph (Greystones), his devoted grandchildren Aoibhinn, Aishling, John, Anna, Kieran, Gregory, Connor, Sinead, Donal, Aine and Ailis.
He is also survived by brothers Ned (Garryduff House), Liam (Rathdowney), Michael (Rathdowney), Cyril (Roscrea), Austin (Ballycarnew, Gorey) and Raymond (Bagenalstown), by his brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, nieces and nephews, godson Paul Walsh, good neighbours and friends.
Donal was predeceased by his brother Brendan and sisters Mary McGrath, Josephine Gath and Frances Bleach.
May he rest in peace.
Courtesy of the Carlow Nationalist
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