Ballinrobe mourns passing of local businessman Tony Walkin

BALLINROBE has been plunged into mourning at the passing of popular local businessman Tony Walkin Snr.

A native of Ardagh, Tony was well-known and well-regarded throughout the town of Ballinrobe, where he ran Walkin's Gift Shop for many years. 

Since moving to the town in 1962, he became an integral part of the community and was involved in various local organisations. 

Local businessman Martin Murphy, owner of Murphy's Newsagents, described him as 'a great neighbour, a great businessman and a great community man'. 

"He was a man for all seasons. He loved the community, he loved Ballinrobe, he loved being in the shop meeting people," Mr Murphy told The Mayo News. 

He was heavily associated with Ballinrobe GAA Club, where he served in various capacities throughout the decades. During this time he served as club manager and county board delegate and was heavily involved in fundraising and development of the club's facilities. He also witnessed his sons Paddy, Mark, Peter and Tony Jnr play for the club. 

In a statement, Ballinrobe GAA Club paid tribute to his contribution to the club, describing Tony Snr as a 'much-loved club member'.

"A man of many parts, Tony was known all over Ireland – and, indeed, further afield – for his love of Gaelic football," the club stated.

"He travelled far and wide to support Ballinrobe and Mayo teams and his great interest in people, and his capacity to entertain others, meant that he established firm friendships wherever he went." 

Tony was also a long-time member of Ballinrobe Musical Society. He was one one last surviving members of their 1974 production of The Pirates of Penzance - a show in which he performed on four occasions, most recently in 2020 alongside his son Tony Jnr. 

Even after stepping back from the stage for some years, Tony remained a regular at the front of house for the society's annual shows where he greeted audience members with a warm smile and a welcoming hand.

He is also fondly remembered by the Mayo Male Voice Choir, with whom he sang for many years. 

He was predeceased by his parents Paddy and Kitty and is survived by his wife Irene, daughters Mary, Elaine, Paula, sons Tony, Peter and Mark, sister Maura (Ballaghaderreen), brothers John (Ballina), PJ (Ballina), Gerry (UK), Shamus (Ballina), Eamon (Ballina), and Vincent (Doc, Dublin), sons-in-law John, James, Kevin, daughters-in-law Mary Ann, Joan, Denise and Marie, sisters-in-law, 13 adored grandchildren, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and large circle of friends.

Reposing will take place at his residence (F31 H308) on Saturday from 4.00pm to 7pm. Removal from his residence on Sunday morning to St Mary’s Church, Ballinrobe, for Funeral Mass at 11.30 am with burial afterwards in New Cemetery, Ballinrobe.

His Funeral Mass will be streamlined live on Cummins Funeral Directors page https://www.facebook.com/CumminsFuneralDirectors 

May he rest in peace.