The late John Walsh There was a massive turn-out in Wexford for the funeral of the well-known former sportsman, John Soup' Walsh. Bride Street Church could not hold the number of mourners who attended the removal of the remains and the church was equally packed for his funeral Mass. John died unexpectedly at his home in Ferndale Park. The former champion footballer was 50 years old. He is survived by his wife, Marian; his three children, Vicky, Jamie and William; his grandson, Samuel, aged five months; his brothers, Liam, Danny and Tommy and sisters, May and Jean as well as other relatives and friends. John who began his working life as a baker in Godkin's, was an orderly in Wexford General Hospital for a few years up to the time of his death and was a respected and well-regarded Health Service Executive employee. He previously worked in the former Smith's car factory, Wexford Electronix and Kerlogue Nursing Home. As a younger man, John excelled in sport, especially at gaelic football and soccer. He was also Leinster Schoolboys Boxing Champion with the CBS. He played gaelic football with the Dan O'Connells, captaining the winning county championship team in 1976. He joined St Mary's of Maudlintown in 1983 when he helped them win the County Junior 'A' championship. He played soccer with Nawrik Rangers, winning the Wexford Cup. When the club disbanded, he joined Wexford Bohemians and with them won every title there was to win, including the Wexford cup, the Sheild, Division One and Premier titles. In more recent years, he turned to golf and here again, his sporting prowess was evident. He became a single figures handicapper at Wexford Colf Club and won many tournaments. In his earlier years, John loved the great outdoors and was happy fishing and hunting and taking care of his pigeons. A son of the late Willie and Nellie Walsh, he grew up in Wolfe Tone Villas. His nephew, Billy Walsh, the well known boxer, paid an emotional tribute to John at the end of his funeral Mass, saying he would be remembered for his buoyant character and lively personality. John was friendly and funny and had the ability to cheer people up. He left an impact on everyone he met. His untimely death has caused heartbreaking sadness not just for his family but his many friends throughout Wexford. At the removal of the remains, colleagues from Wexford hospital carried his coffin into the church and Wexford Bohemians provided a guard of honour. At the funeral, Wexford Bohemians and the Dan O'Connells provided guards of honour. Courtesy of the Wexford People 14 February 2007 Tweet

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