Veteran Westport rugby stalwart passes away

PROUD CLUBMAN The late Stephen Walsh pictured at a recent Westport Bulls function, wearing the blazer which he wore as the President of the Connacht Branch of the IRFU during the 1978/79 season.

Áine Ryan

A STALWART of Westport Rugby Club and a member of a well-known business family, Stephen Walsh, passed away at his home on Friday last. Surrounded by his loving family, he died peacefully at their longtime home, ‘Kincora’, on Altamont Street. He is survived by his wife, Brigín, daughters, Mary, Joan and Betty; his sons, William and Stevie; son-in law, Pat; daughters-in-law, Gina and Anna; grandchildren, Saoirse, Robert, Síomha, Amber, Oscar, PΡdraic, Neachtan, Saoirse, Alice, and Nora; and brothers, Cathal, Seamus and sister Mary.
He was predeceased by his brothers Thomas, Liam and Owen.
Born on Bridge Street on August 9, 1931, Stephen was educated at Blackrock College, Dublin. He returned home in 1948 after his father took ill and helped to run Walsh’s Supermarket, Bridge Street and Walsh Enterprises Ltd, Wholesale Beer and Soft Drink Suppliers, Ballinrobe Road.
He was a passionate rugby player with Westport Rugby Club where he took on the roles of captain and president. He was also President of Connacht Rugby from 1979 to 1981. His passion for sport was not only for the game of rugby and he also served as President of Westport Golf Club. He was reputed locally as ‘an all-round sports man’.
The late Stephen Walsh reposed at ‘Kincora’ on Sunday afternoon where a huge crowd of mourners gathered to pay their respects. His Requiem Mass was held at St Mary’s Church, Westport, yesterday (Monday) with burial afterwards in Aughagower Cemetery.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílís. Full obituary later.