The Late Mickey Walsh April 30 was a sad day for the people community of Charlestown with the peaceful passing of one of its best known and finest citizens, Mickey Walsh, Barrick Street, Charlestown. Mickey was a legend in his time and his passing leaves a deep void in the community. Michael or Mickey as he was best known was one of the finest if not the greatest handballers ever produced by the town. He was a brilliant exponent of the ancient game and his tally of 16 All-Ireland titles speaks volumes for his talent and ability which was famed the length and breath of Ireland. He was a master of his craft and he had a natural ability and feel for the game from an early age which saw him dominate the alley which became his domain and second home. Handball had a rich tradition in Charlestown and the old handball club produced some superb players many of whom tasted All-Ireland success. Mickey's name transcends them all however as he stands proudly at the top of the pile in the pantheon of champions. His achievements were all the more laudable as he spent his best years working on the construction sites the game he had such a deep passion for; When Mickey returned to Charlestown in the early sixties it looked like the absence of any worthwhile competition had eroded his skills and rendered them redundant or so we thought. Mickey, however, had other ideas and when an All-Ireland Masters handball competition was introduced into the handball calendar this gave Mickey the stage of display to all and sundry his sublime skills. He got himself into tip top shape after many years away from the game and slowly but surely he regained the competitive spirit which so burned in him as a brilliant youngster. The skills and craft which marked him out as a special talent came back in spades and he proceeded to dominate the All-Ireland Masters Singles Competition, winning several titles against men many years his junior. He also won several doubles titles with a variety or partners and the bonfires became common place as Mickey returned from combat with another All-Ireland medal dangling around his neck. His talent was a marvel to watch. Many a promising handballer quite fancied their chances of taking Mickey's scalp and would regularly challenge him a game of singles confident that their all court speed would give them the edge over Mickey's apparent lack of mobility. How wrong they were as Mickey would summon on al his court craft and natural ability to dismantles their challenge and in the process teach them a valuable lesson about the importance of respecting an opponent. Mickey had a great sense of fair play and in later years he stressed the importance of playing by the rules and giving your all in pursuit of victory. There was much more to Mickey, however other the handballer. He was a man of class who you could always depend upon in times of crisis or need. Mickey was always first to volunteer his services when called upon and his help was unconditional and genuine in its intentions. As a neighbour and friend he was without peers. He had a profound love of GAA and took a deep put quiet interest in the Sarsfields and their fortunes. His advice to me before every game was 'watch the ball coming off the post" and this turned out to be sound advice as I managed to bag the odd score from such balls with Mickey giving an approving nod or comment when it came round to the match analysis. Mickey had a sense of humour and wit which brightened many a conversation and never missed a chance to rib you about some amusing story or incident that had come to his attention. His humour was infectious and time in his company was always well spent. Together with his beloved sister Francie they ran a shop on the Airport road for many years. You could call to the shop any time of the day or night and you would never be turned away. Mickey left the running of the shop to Francie but together they formed a formidable team and they gave a great service to the community and credit was never refused. A simple message like getting a loaf or a pint of milk could take an hour to achieve as Francie would ask you to recite a poem or sing a song with Mickey in the background providing a captive audience. The kitchen was like a stadium and played host to many a person who would while away the time talking and chatting about anything from the politics of the day to football or whatever was dominating the landscape. In recent years, Mickey's health detioriated somewhat and visits to the house was never quite the same. You always looked out for Mickey on the street and when you didn't meet Mickey for a chat or a yarn your day was all the poorer. He was a solid citizen in the real sense of the word and as a purveyor of advice he had few if any peers. His death robs the community of a true champion in so many ways. He loved life and enriched it with his presence. He leaves such a rich legacy and he will no doubt make an impression in his own inimitable way in the great house in the sky. We won't forget Mickey, and we will cherish the memories of time spent in his company. We tender our deepest sympathies to Francie and the rest of the family and may he rest in peace. Courtesy of the Western People 12th May 2009 Tweet

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