GAA Handball has expressed its sincere sympathies to the family of Tom Walsh who has sadly passed away.

Tom made an immense contribution over the course of his life to his club Bray Emmets, to the Wicklow County Committee, to Leinster GAA, Leinster Handball Council and also at National level in both the GAA and GAA Handball.

He was actively involved in Scór and gave a lifetime of voluntary service to the GAA including the countless Sundays spent working with pitchside photographers in Croke Park and also through his work with Wicklow GAA.

As Uachtarán of the Irish Handball Association from 2005 until 2008, his dedication, enthusiasm and integrity guaranteed that GAA Handball prospered during his reign while his humbling personal touch ensured that he will always be remembered as the people's president.

Tom made a massive contribution to GAA Handball in many different roles and will be greatly missed by all in the association. His friendly outgoing manner and his warm personality meant he could engage with both young and old and he was a great friend and confidant to many throughout the association.

Despite being a humble man who never craved the limelight Tom was a great storyteller and singer and would brighten up and occasion with a song or a story.

Uachtarán CLG Liam O'Neill paid tribute to Tom Walsh: "We are all deeply saddened by the news of Tom's passing following a life time of involvement with the GAA on same many different levels. Tom was a people person in every sense, a man whose infectious smile connected with everyone he encountered and his passion for our games and activities was absolute.

"He was many different GAA hats and was an integral part of our match day media team working with photographers throughout the season. He will be missed and our deepest sympathies go to his family and wide circle of friends from the GAA family."

National Manager of GAA Handball John Kelly added: "We have lost not only a great volunteer and official but we have also lost a great friend. Tom was a true gentleman who had a warm smile and a welcoming presence. He was a tireless worker and left an indelible mark on our association through his great work as a President and also as an official on many different levels. GAA Handball and the GAA as a whole will be a poorer place without him."

Ar dheis lámh Dé go raibh a anam dílis.

Funeral arrangements for the late Tom Walsh R.I.P. are as outlined below.

Thomas (Tom) Walsh of Bray, Co. Wicklow and formerly of Waterford City (President of Bray Emmets GAA Club and Past President of the Irish Handball Council) died on 12th January, 2015, suddenly, beloved husband of the late Elizabeth (Betty), devoted and much-loved father of Ciara and Emer and grandfather of Iarla; he will be sadly missed by his loving family, by Emer's partner Massimo and by his extended family and friends, especially his many friends in the world of GAA.

Reposing at his home on Wednesday, 14th January, from 12 noon with prayers at 6pm. House strictly private from 7.30pm. Requiem Mass on Thursday, 15th January, at 10am in the Church of the Most Holy Redeemer, Main Street, Bray followed by burial in Shanganagh Cemetery.

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