Walsh, Paddy
November 08, 2006
The late Paddy Walsh
Paddy Walsh, who died suddenly at his home in Ballintarton, Taghmon, on Tuesday October 31st, 2006, was above all a 'sound' man, mourners at his funeral Mass in St. Fintan's Church were told.
There was a huge outpouring of grief in the parish of Taghmon and surrounding areas following Paddy's sudden death.
Aged sixty-six he had enjoyed his usual routine on the October Bank Holiday Monday but died in his sleep during the course of Monday night.
He was a popular and well respected figure in Taghmon, the parish in which he spent his entire life. The son of the late John and Catherine Walsh of Ballintarton, he built his own home just one hundred yards away from the house in which he was reared.
Paddy was well-known in many parts of the country through his work with Gaynor's travelling shop in the 1960s and 70s. In the days before supermarkets and at a time when transport was limited Paddy's weekly call was of vital importance in many rural areas. His travelling shop was fully stocked and for many provided all the provisions required for a week.
In the late 1970s he left to join ABS Pumps in Wexford town where he worked for more than twenty years before taking early retirement almost five years ago.
Outside work he had many involvements but providing for his family was his main priority. He had a gifted pair of hands and was never afraid to take on any task. He built his own house and over the years continued to add improvements and extensions.
In latter years he was best known for his work in restoring old farm machinery which he displayed at shows all over the country. He also had a major collection of model steam and vintage vehicles.
In his younger days he played football with Taghmon. He was very proud of his parish and had a belief that people should work for their community. This coupled with his deep love of music was the spur for his involvement in the founding of the Taghmon Mardi Gras, which at one time during the early 1970s was one of the most successful village festivals in Ireland. He was later Chairman of the committee.
His interest in music took him to festivals all over the country and he also set up his own group of mummers in Taghmon.
Speaking at his funeral Mass Paddy's son Ger said he had many friends in all walks of life and often they did not appear to have anything in common. However, on closer examination they all had a common quality, something which he himself would call 'sound'. His friends were people who never forgot where they came from, could enjoy the company of all and were prepared to go the extra yard to help others.
'These were the characteristics he liked in others because they were a mirror image of himself' he added.
Mourners travelled from many parts of the country to pay their respects to Paddy with hundreds visiting the house as he lay in Repose. Some of his former customers of three decades ago were joined by his vintage show colleagues, former work mates from ABS, friends and colleagues of his children, public representatives and the people of Taghmon in paying their respects.
Requiem Mass was celebrated by the Parish Priest of Taghmon, Fr Sean Gorman. During the Mass one of his model vintage steam engines was taken to the altar to mark the important part which the restoration of old machinery and steam vehicles played in his life.
On the journey thought Taghmon village to the cemetery a guard of honour was provided by Taghmon GAA players of the 1960s, members of the local Fianna Fail Cumann and some founder members of the Mardi Gras.
Paddy is survived by his wife Anna, sons Ger and Sean, daughter Valerie, daughter-in-law Lesley, grandchildren, Sarah, Philip, MJ and Edward, brothers, Billy (Clare), Kevin (London); sister Carmel French, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews,nieces and a wide circle of friends.
At the burial the haunting sound of the Culainn echoed around St Fintan's Cemetery in final tribute to a man who loved music.
Courtesy of The Wexford People
08 November 2006
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