CoI Bishop of Killaloe pays tribute to Bishop Willie Walsh
Tuesday, March 16th, 2010

The Church of Ireland Bishop of Killaloe Dr Trevor Williams (pictured) this week paid tribute to his longstanding friend Dr Willie Walsh where he was guest of honour at the Roscrea sports awards (RCTLC) which were held at the weekend. 

Dr Williams described Dr Walsh’s contribution as, “‘An amazing contribution nationwide and indeed further afield in terms of the very distinctive, individual and prophetic leadership he has given to the Church.”

 The occasion was the 12th annual RCTLC Sport Stars awards dinner and ceremony in the Racket Hall Hotel.  Bishop Walsh had been honoured with a Special Recognition award while Bishop Williams was replying on behalf of the guests present.  

Describing Bishop Walsh as his friend, Bishop Williams said he wished to endorse the wonderful comments made about him in the citation from former Nenagh Guardian Editor Gerry Slevin, prior to the presentation of the award to him. 

He assured his listeners that recognition of Bishop Walsh’s contribution to the Church moved far beyond his native town of Roscrea and indeed the diocese of Killaloe.

Bishop Williams said this was, “his second occasion at this particular function having arrived last year as a newcomer to the diocese.” 

He added that, from the comments made by various award recipients that evening, one could gather that a theme of friendships made through sporting activity came through.  This, he added, was hugely important. 

“In an age when many aspects of our society tended to look on people more as individuals, with a sense of community diminished in many respects, sporting activity as reflected on occasions such as this awards ceremony was doing something very important.  This occasion was not just one when the amazing achievements of sports people were deservedly recognised but was doing something for the whole community and indeed the whole country.”

by Sean Ryan

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