Tributes paid to ‘colossus of Cork politics’ Joe Walsh

Cross-party tributes were paid to former minister for agriculture Joe Walsh by members of Cork County Council yesterday before they adjourned their meeting as a mark of respect to the "colossus of Cork politics" who left a huge legacy locally.

The secretary general and staff of the Department of Agriculture also expressed their deep condolences, describing Mr Walsh as “calm and reassuring in times of crisis”.

The Board of Horse Racing Ireland said the former minister had been “deeply committed to the development of the Irish racing and breeding sector”. He was chairman of Cork Racecourse and today’s meeting in Galway was adjourned as a mark of respect.