Ballyglass FC pay tribute to ‘beloved friend and co-founder’ Tommy Joe Walsh

MAYO soccer club Ballyglass FC have paid tribute to their co-founder, Tommy Joe Walsh, who passed away almost five decades after lining out for the club in their first-ever game.

A resident of Curlisduane, Ballyglass, Mr Walsh passed away in the care of Mayo University Hospital following a short illness. He worked as a carpenter and a farmer and was synonymous with Ballyglass FC for many decades. 

In a tribute on social media, the club paid a loving tribute to Mr Walsh for his contribution to the club.

“Tommy Joe’s dedication to Ballyglass FC never wavered,” said Ballyglass FC Chairperson, John Boyle. 

“His love for the club was palpable—whether he was cheering on our senior teams or, in more recent years, watching his grandson Cian play. Ballyglass was more than just a football club to Tommy Joe; it was part of him. 

“Always there with a kind word, sage advice, or ready hands to help, he tirelessly worked to ensure the club’s success and well-being. Even in his later years, he cared deeply for Ballyglass FC, always offering his support in any way he could, motivated by a love that never dimmed,” he added.

Mr Boyle concluded by extending sympathy to the Walsh family on behalf of the club, before adding: “Tommy Joe’s presence, his warmth, and his passion will be profoundly missed by all who had the honour of knowing him at Ballyglass FC.”

His son, Bryan, is a prominent member of the Ballintubber senior team and is a former member of the Mayo senior football team. 

Ballintubber GAA Chairman Patrick Barrett offered ‘heartfelt condolences and support’ to the Walsh family on behalf of the club. 

Local county councillor, Cyril Burke, who knew Mr Walsh all his life, described him as ‘a first-class carpenter’ and ‘a very good community man’. 

“He absolutely loved to see Ballyglass develop the way it did,” said Cllr Burke, recalling the early days of the club before it installed its current playing facilities.

Tommy Joe Walsh will be reposing at St Colman’s Funeral Home, (Eircode F12 R3W8) Lower James Street, Claremorris, today (Tuesday, September 10) from 6 pm to 8 pm. 

Removal from his home will take place on Wednesday, September 11 for funeral mass in St Mary’s Church, Carnacon (Eircode F12 XE40), at 12 noon, with burial afterwards in Burriscarra Cemetery.

He is predeceased by his parents Tom and Teresa Walsh and will be sadly missed by his loving wife and best friend Joan, his devoted children; daughter Aideen, son Bryan and his adored grandson Cian, his loving sisters Rosaleen Halligan, Josephine Walsh, Bernie O’Connor, his brother Sean, his brothers-in-law Jerry, Michael, Joe and Patsy, his sisters in law Gosia and Maureen, nieces, nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews, relatives, neighbours, a wide circle of friends and all his friends at Ballyglass FC.

May he rest in peace.