Walshe, Brendan
July 16, 2010Ballinasloe lost one of its most popular and loved residents with the passing of Brendan Walshe from Cleaghmore.
A native of Loughrea, the late Mr. Walshe came to Ballinasloe over fifty years ago to work as a dispensing chemist in The Medical Hall, adjoining the Central Cinema, in Society St.
During his lifetime in his adopted town, Brendan became immersed in all aspects of life, including sporting, cultural, charitable and artistic organisations. As a businessman he was obliging, compassionate and always interested in the affairs of the less well off.
A life-long supporter of the GAA, he was on the organising committee that feted the Galway Senior Footballers after their All-Ireland win in 1956, when they arrived back to a function in Hayden's Hotel.
He worked tirelessly with the Duggan Park committee in the town and with his good friend, Michael Cullen, travelled all over the country to support the county teams, both hurling and football.
A former president of the Agricultural Show Society, Brendan was a huge supporter of the annual October showpiece and was involved in many fund-raising events for the Society.
He was deeply involved over the years in the Chamber of Commerce, the Town Hall Renovation programme as well as the local Dramatic and Choral societies. He loved the Arts and was a regular at the Galway Arts Festival as well as the Dublin Festival of Arts.
However it was in the local St. Vincent de Paul Society that Brendan's understanding of the plights of others was most charitable. He always found time to lend an ear, give a word of advice or intercede in a special case for the less fortunate. His endearing and unassuming disposition won him many friends and his demise leaves a void that will not easily be filled.
The late Brendan Walshe set up his own pharmacy in Society Street in the late sixties, having purchased the licensed premises of Heagney's. He carried on business there until twelve years ago when he decided to retire and he was succeeded by the present occupant, Claire Healy.
Once again Brendan's professional manner and popular personality were appreciated by his customers, particularly the elderly, who he always treated with compassion, respect and understanding. He was an outstanding gentleman, a great businessman and a kindly neighbour.
His passing, at the age of 82, following an illness bravely borne, evoked widespread regret and as mourners filed past his remains at the family home, on Monday last, there were some incidents recalled of Brendan's private and unsung help to many over the years. Following Requiem Mass in St. Michael's Church, his funeral took place to Creagh Cemetery.
The late Brendan Walshe, whose wife Maureen passed to her eternal reward eighteen years ago, is survived by his son Brendan (Galway) and daughter Sarah Grealy (Killarney); sisters Mary (Dublin), Nora (Navan) and Peggy (South Africa); son-in-law Seamus, daughter-in-law Youlia, grandchildren Byron, Eanna, Allana, Casper, Lola and Donnachadh; nephews, nieces, cousins, relatives and a large circle of friends.
Courtesy of Connacht Tribune
16th July 2010 Tweet
