Walsh, Stephen
July 18, 2013Stephen (Stevie) Walsh was born on December 25th, 1936 in Castle Villas, Cliff Road, Ballybunion to the late Jack and Cathy Walsh (nee Collins).
He attended the local national school along with his siblings Mary, Sean, Betty, Kathleen and Pa, and the secondary school in Listowel. Due to his father's ill health, he left early to look after the land and help sell drapery across north Kerry. It was through working on the land that Stevie developed a passion for gardening that stayed with him. He served his apprenticeship as a painter and decorator and went to England to pursue work but soon returned and began to work in the town as a painter and decorator as he missed his home.
Stevie was involved in a variety of sports including boxing, snooker and shooting but Gaelic football was his true love. He played for the local St. Patrick's team and in later years took great pride in the exploits of Beale football club, and of course his beloved Kerry. Even in his last few days all he spoke about was the upcoming Munster final and his hope for a Kerry victory.
Stevie loved dancing and it was at the Ballerina in Ballybunion in 1963 that he met his wife-to-be Teresa Hickey. They married in 1964 and had five daughters, Mary, Eleanor, Betty, Catherina and Stephanie. Together they operated Castle Villas where
guests enjoyed their holidays in a home-away-from-home where Stevie's warm and genuine welcome was extended to any caller.
Everyone loves their hometown, but none more than Stevie. There was not a day that he did not walk along Cliff Road whistling a tune and taking in his beautiful surroundings. He was the first person to greet people with a smile every morning. Stevie was a wonderful neighbour, always ready to help when needed and to offer support in times of trouble.
He loved politics and was always proud to nail his colours to the mast. He knocked on many a door in north Kerry seeking votes for candidates. He never failed to vote in an election and instilled the importance of doing so in his family. His love of current affairs and politics remained with him to the end.
Stevie was a wonderful grandfather who took great pride in his grandchildren. He regaled the older ones with stories of growing up in Ballybunion and taught them how to pick periwinkles. He spoke to them about their ancestors and made them aware of who they were. He loved nothing more than spending time with the smaller ones, singing, telling stories or letting them wear his cap. In his last few, weeks the highlights of his days were the visits from the smallest two providing him with much laughter.
Stevie died on Thursday July 4th surrounded by his wife and family in Listowel Hospital. He had been sick since March 31st.
His funeral took place from his home on Friday July 5th. His remains were shouldered from his home up the main street of Ballybunion to the church flanked by a guard of honour from the Beale Football Club. The high esteem in which he was held was evident from the large attendance at his funeral.
Courtesy of the Kerry's Eye. Tweet
