Hundreds of people have paid tribute following the death of Carrigaline United’s President. Willie Walsh died unexpectedly yesterday after a tragic accident.
The former club chairperson has been remembered as a “true gentleman” and “one in a million.”
Willie had been involved with Carrigaline United AFC for almost 25 years and won both a Community Spirit Award and Cork City Garda Youth Award for his dedication to the club. He has been remembered as the ‘driving force’ behind the club’s success in recent decades. He was also a volunteer and board member with the Carrigaline Family Support Centre.
Carrigaline United AFC paid a touching tribute to Walsh on social media, writing: “The management of CUAFC are deeply saddened to share news of the passing of our beloved club president and former long-standing Chairman, Willie Walsh.
“It is truly incomprehensible to put into words the effect Willie had on the community of Carrigaline along with the greater football community of Cork. There are no superlatives that can be used to accurately describe the impact that Willie had on the lives of those he crossed paths with.
“His tireless efforts in the pursuit of football accessibility for all, his compassion, generosity and commitment to our club and most notably his heartfelt consideration for every man, woman or child he crossed paths with will be the legacy of this amazing human being. There will never be another individual to have such an impact on the lives of so many people and we will forever be thankful for the contribution he has made to our club and our community.
“More details will follow from the club in the coming hours but at this time we ask that all members respect the family’s privacy and offer support to those affected by this tragic loss. Willie Walsh, you will forever be a legend of Ballea Park. Ar dheis De go raibh a anam. RIP.”
The club has postponed all match fixtures over the weekend.
Willie Walsh, Chairperson of Carrigaline Utd AFC: Winner of the Community Spirit Award, presented by Michael McGrath, Minister for Public Expenditure & Reform, 21st October 2022. Photo Siobhán Russell
(Image: Siobhán Russell)
Tributes have poured in from across Cork as TDs, sports clubs, schools, and Carrigaline businesses share fond memories of Willie.
Seamus McGrath TD said: “Dreadfully sad news in our community today with the untimely passing of Willie Walsh,
“Willie was a giant of a character. His contribution to community life in Carrigaline and further afield was truly immense. He gave so much to improve the lives of so many.
“His decency, kindness and sense of duty to his community were obvious to anyone who had the good fortune of knowing him. His work at Carrigaline United Soccer Club is legendary and he has left a very proud legacy.”
One friend added: “I remember him as a wonderful father to his four children, the best driving instructor to us all, the kindness, gentlest loving grandfather to his grandchildren and to my own children when they were very young. A role model to all in our community.”
Another wrote: “Day or night, you could meet him down in Ballea Park & he always had a smile & kind word for everyone. Carrigaline is a poorer place today following his loss.”