Minister Calleary pays tribute to 'passionate' Ballina man John Walkin

Mayo TD Dara Calleary has paid tribute to his fellow Ballina man John Walkin who passed away describing him as a great advocate for fishing, tourism and business in the north Mayo capital.

Former Mayo Man of the Year John Walkin of Bohernasup, Ballina passed away on Wednesday following a short illness in Mayo University Hospital.

The Ballina native was the proprietor of a fishing tackle and gift shop on Market Road in Ballina and was synonymous with all things to do with fishing in Ballina. He served as the Chairman of the North Western Regional Fisheries Board for 15 years and was twice the President of the Ballina Chamber of Commerce.

Paying tribute to Mr Walkin, current Mayo TD and Minister of State, Dara Calleary said that John was passionate about all things Ballina but in particular the River Moy and angling.

“He was a very passionate man for the River Moy and a very passionate man for Killala Bay and a passionate Ballina man. He was a very successful businessman but he was incredibly generous in sharing those talents for the benefit of the community.

“John was in the fishing tackle business but he became an advocate for Ballina in terms of angling in the Moy but also in terms of sea angling in Killala Bay. He promoted the Killala Bay Sea Angling festival for many years which was very successful. Everything to do with Ballina, John was involved in and passionate about,” he said.

Minister Calleary added that Mr Walkin was also instrumental in leading the campaign to get the Irish State to acquire the River Moy when it was in private ownership.

Mr Walkin set up his angling tackle and giftware shop on Tone Street in the 1960s and later moved the premises to Market Road. His business premises was for many years the first port of call for many anglers and visitors to the town who enjoyed his company and listened to his advice on the best places to fish up until his retirement in 2017.

He was a personal friend for former Republic of Ireland football manager, Jack Charlton who was a frequent visitor to Ballina and a passionate angler.

In 2011, he was awarded a Civic reception by Ballina Town Council in recognition of his promotion of tourism, fisheries and business in Ballina and in 2014 he was named the Mayo Person of the Year by the Mayo Association of Dublin

John is survived by Colette and their children, Cleona and John-Bosco and his grandchildren and extended family members.

His remains will be reposing at McGowan’s Funeral Home, Ballina tomorrow (Thursday) evening, June 6, from 5.30 pm to 7.30 pm.

His remains will arrive at St Muredach’s Cathedral on Friday morning for Requiem Mass at 11 am followed by burial in Leigue Cemetery.