The Late Paddy Walsh Paddy Walsh of Ossory Park, Kilkenny, who died recently, has been a noted handballer for many years. In a sense it was fitting that his passing should have occurred at the alley in Talbot's Inch while he was playing a doubles match with his regular partner Anthony Greene, against Martin Blanchfield and Sean Fitzgerald - a place and a sport that meant so much to him. Paddy was a unique character. On leaving school he worked as a postboy in the old County Council offices on John's Green. He then took up employment with Kilkenny Corporation outdoor staff, where he ended up in the gardening section - a working environment that he loved. He was always available to help people with their gardens, weather trimming hedges, mowing the lawn or looking after flowers and vegetables. He remained on the staff until to took early retirement some years ago. A man of many interests, Paddy was an avid reader of Irish history and had a deep love for the Irish Ianguage. He regularly attended the Irish Mass at 10.30am on Sundays in the Friary. He was an active member of the Legion of Mary for many years and was a welcome visitor of the sick, especially patients from Kilkenny who were in St Columba's and St Joseph's in Thomastown. Paddy was also extremely charitable to those in need, as his neighbours will testify. He liked nothing better than walking the fields with his dog Patch and observing the changes in nature through the seasons. Paddy had a way with greyhounds, moreover, and loved going to see them run at St James's Park. Members of Talbot's Inch handball club joined the outdoor staff of the Borough Council in forming a guard of honour at Paddy's funeral. Sympathy goes to his sister, Bridget, brother-in-law Michael and nephews Jason, Michael and Thomas, Solas siorrai da anam D.McE. Courtesy of the Kilkenny People. April 2003 Tweet

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