The late Billy Wallace The sudden and tragic death of William (Billy) Wallace, Derdimus, Tennyspark, Kilkenny, came as a shock to his family and friends. In the mid fifties, Billy was a familiar figure in the city and was distinguished by his long flowing hairstyle and rapid walk. Billy worked in Smithwicks Brewery all his life and retired from the job he loved over four years ago. A keen sports enthusiast, he was an ardent supporter of the Kilkenny senior hurling team - driving long distances to matches - and one of his heroes was the late great goalkeeper Ollie Walsh. He was a supporter of the James Stephens GAA club and in his youth played for the Smithwicks Brewery and Ye Faire City hurling teams. Always quiet and friendly, Billy possessed an unassuming and introverted personality which made him popular with all who knew him. This was demonstrated by the big numbers who attended the removal of his remains from Hehir's Funeral Home to St Patrick's church and also a the Mass and interment in Foulstown cemetery. On both occasions his former Smithwick's Brewery colleagues attended in full strength to provide him with a guard of honour. At the funeral Mass, Fr Dan Carroll spoke kindly and compassionately about Billy. He highlighted his special characteristics and sporting interests and praised him for his strong commitment to his religion. Billy's sister Bridget, read a lesson and afterwards spoke on behalf of the Wallace family - thanking all who paid tribute to her brother and supported the family in their loss. Margaret Kelly (niece) also read a lesson and prayers of the faithful were read by Mary Wallace (sister) and Lilly Power (friend). Neighbour, Mayor Martin Brett spoke in praise of the Wallace family. "Billy brothers and sisters were lucky to have him as a loving brother and we were lucky to have him as a friend and neighbour," the Mayor said. At the offertory, hurlers representing James Stephens and Kilkenny were presented by Billy's brother Johnny Wallace. The host and wine were presented by Paddy (brother) and Michael O'Neill (friend). Johnny Hillman sang 'Morning has Broken' and 'The Field of Gold' accompanied by Dave Cashin (flute) and Mick Leech (guitar) - something that would be appreciated by Billy who was a keen music lover. The Smithwick's Brewery hurling jersey was placed on the coffin. Billy was the youngest son of the late John and Margaret Wallace and is survived by three brothers and four sisters. The brothers are Fintan, Derdimus; Paddy, Fr Albert Place; Anne Kelly, Damma, Ballycallan; Mary and Bridget Wallace, Derdimus. Other chief mourners are Margaret Kelly (niece) Bridie O'Connor, England (aunts); Sean Kelly, Damma (brother in law) and Breda Wallace (sister in law); the Connor family; the Prizeman family; the Swift family; the Carroll family and the O'Meara family. Courtesy of The Kilkenny People 20 April 2007 Tweet

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