'An amazing man' - shock and sadness at council worker's sudden death

Members of Ballina MD held a ten-minute recess at their meeting last week to pay their respects to a number of local families who suffered bereavement in recent times.

Cllr Michael Loftus opened the tributes as he expressed great sadness at the loss of former council colleague Eddie Walsh who died suddenly last month. His funeral was one of the largest seen in Killala with guards of honour from the local GAA club and Mayo County Council.

“The huge turnout was testament to all Eddie did over his life and the high respect he was held in. His colleagues who worked with him here in the Ballina office and those who worked in water services with him are left heartbroken as they no longer have the colleague that would cajole and tease them. He will be missed by his family, council staff, the community and his many friends around the county."

Cllr John O’Hara said he had been talking to Mr Walsh very shortly before his sudden death.

“If you wanted anything done with water services, Eddie was the man to talk to. He was a great character and a man to go to who always had an answer and would get the better of any problem. I know his family and wife and extended family will miss him; he was heart and soul wherever he went.” 

Cllr Annie May Reape said she had also known Eddie Walsh for a long time and found him to be a most obliging man in his work for Mayo County Council.

"He could never say no to a job. It is so sad for his family and his wife, he was also mad about the new grandchild."

Cathaoirleach Cllr Jarlath Munnelly said: “Eddie Walsh was a big man in stature and a big man in personality and he leaves a big hole. The shock is palpable still around the place and so many fond stories are being told. He will certainly be missed but he won’t be forgotten.” 

The head of Ballina Municipal District Declan Turnbull said it had been so hard to hear of the passing of their colleague. 

“It was so sudden and such a shock, we are all still upset in the office about it. He was a great character; he loved the craic and fun and kept us talking with yarns and stories during tea breaks and lunch. He was also a great family man, and we found when we went down to the house to sympathise with his wife and family they already seemed to know all about us and who we were from Eddie also talking with them.

“He was just an amazing man, very involved in the GAA and selling tickets and fundraising and facilities such as the new carpark in Killala and all he has done will stand as testament to him. He was such a colleague and friend and was always big into arranging a night out for all occasions. He also loved the Erris area where he grew up and loved going back there for walks.”

Mayo County Council Director of Services Catherine McConnell said the many stories told about Mr Walsh following his passing “pointed to a man who was the life and soul of his office".