Willie Walsh Interview: A hurling crusader

Like Len Gaynor, Willie Walsh, former Bishop of Killaloe, is a Tipperary man who played his part in Clare’s hurling breakthrough. Retired now, he has questioned everything, from his faith to the meaning of it all. But never his devotion to the game of hurling.

Willie Walsh was a selector with me. He is a totally genuine person. There is one evening I especially recall spending with him. He came into training and said nothing. Afterwards, we went over to the Sherwood. He sat down in front of me. I noticed his head was down and he seemed very upset. I asked him what was wrong. He replied, “I’ve just been appointed bishop.” “That’s mighty.” “But it’s such a huge responsibility.” “You’re exactly the right man for the job. I’ll tell you straight out, you were the best candidate they could have got, no matter who else was available.” He appreciated that. It’s like everything else. You need the approval of those around you. Everything that has happened since confirms that we couldn’t possibly have got a better bishop.

- Ger Loughnane, Raising the Banner (2001)