Willie was a hurling legend

The passing of well known William (Willie) Bierney of Black Cow, Thomas Street, has occasioned great sadness throughout Wexford and among his beloved family and friends.

Willie is survived by his wife Dolores, son James, daughters Deirdre and Niamh, brothers Dolan and John, sister Kathleen and grandchildren; Luke, Sam, Amy and Rebekah. Willie lost his battle with illness at the age of 67. A large crowd attended his removal and requiem mass at Bride Street Church recently. A guard of honour by Willie's 1963 and 1965 All Ireland winning team mates led the funeral procession as it left Bride Street church for burial at Cross town Cemetery.

Willie grew up in Wexford town and in his early years was always seen with a hurl in hand. He attended the CBS, where he won senior and junior hurling titles and would later go on to win junior All Ireland medals. He captained the All Ireland Wexford team in 1963, bringing home to Wexford this title for the first time, he then went on to win the Under 21 all Ireland for Wexford in 1965. Willie married his biggest supporter Dolores in 1967 and the happy couple had three children. Willie loved being involved in his community and in his younger years played an active part in neighbourhood watch.

A true family man, Willie loved nothing more than spending time with his children and later his grandchildren who he thoroughly enjoyed. It was often said that Willie could turn his hand to anything, as he could fix, build or paint anything. In later years Willie developed a passion for arts and crafts. He enjoyed painting in watercolour and oils, with his love for nature and his town often coming through in his paintings.

Willie later channelled his creativity to woodturning, where he found his true passion in turning bowls and he particularly loved turning pens. He exhibited his woodturning during the Wexford Opera Festival and many other craft fairs and festivals. Willie was a member of the Gorey and District Chapter of the Irish Wood Turning Guild, where he made many good friends. Willie never complained of his illness and always had a smile on his face. He passed away at his home and is greatly missed by all who knew him.

(Text courtesy of Wexford People 04/12/12) Tweet

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