Fintan Walsh

My sincere sympathies to all the Walsh family. I didn’t know Fintan but felt I did through the many stories my father told me about their days in St. Pat’s training college and their exploits on the Erin’s Hope team. They were great for their many reunions as a team and my father Tom O’Shea( Gallarus,,Dingle) looked forward with glee to each and everyone of them.
I answered the phone to Fintan when he rang to see if the Tom O’Shea he had seen in the death notices was the Tom he knew. Unfortunately it was. He spoke so kindly of my father and we had a lovely chat. I leaba na bhFlaitheas go raibh sé.

Very saddened to hear of Fintans passing,of all the teachers/coaches ive had he stood out,from playing matches in the hermitage to croke park for him he was a great motivator(i remember i got a bad cut from a blagards hurl (as he called dirty players) an he just took out his hankerchief cleaned me up and told me your grand now go out and beat these shower,great memories(i can still play a bit of amazing grace on tin whistle that he thought me over 45yrs ago🙂)may he band hurleys and put linseed oil on them in heaven now,rest in peace

We extend our deepest sympathy to all the Walsh family especially Máirin on the sad passing of Fintan
May he Rest in Peace
You are very much in our thoughts and prayers at this time 🙏🙏

Adrian and family, wishing you, Niamh and Mum peace at this time.

Sincere sympathy and prayers Mairin and family. I just heard about Fintan R.I.P/ Solas na bhFlaitheas dá anam uasal.

May you rest in peace Fintan.

Sincere condolences to Adrian, Niamh, Julia, Ronan, Mary-Kate and all the Walsh family on the sad passing of a dear, father, father-in-law and grandfather.
May Fintan rest in eternal peace and happiness.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis. Que l’âme de Fintan repose dans la paix éternelle.

Sincere sympathy to all the Walsh family on the passing of Fintan. I've only just learned of his passing. He was a great man to have played with and to have been coached by. He smoothed the path for me to marry Denis Kelleher's niece. He gave Denis the brief on me and the rest is history. A fantastic man. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a Anam uasal.

So sad to hear of Fintan's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Only to found out, condolences to the Walsh family. I didn’t really know Fintan that well only from being at the school collecting my brother Joe from hurling training with Fintan and then is later years at the school when my son went there. He was a very kind man and always encouraged the boys to do there best at training sessions

Ive only just heard of the passing of Fintan.....what a man he was....words couldn't do him justice....condolenses to His wife Adrien and Niamh.....sign of the influence he had on the boys he taught in school is when i meet up with old school friends we still talk of him with admiration.....many a scelp or a hair cut he gave us.....met him in Ballyboden the night they won the club all Ireland.....guy with me that night had a picture of an old school team from the late 70s on his laptop and Fintan was able to name every kid in the photo....that amazed both of us that night considering all the teams and kids hed have taught and managed in his lifetime of teaching.....Mark of the man he was ....may he RIP .....NO WORDS COULD DO HIM JUSTICE....A PURE GENTLEMEN

I met Fintan in st Mary's boys school in the 70s as a pupil he taught us football and hurling he made boys in to men we had leagues in The Hermo after school me and 2 younger brothers he was a great man and l wish to add my condolence to the Walsh family from The Wardick Family may he rest in peace

We are shocked to learn of Fintan's passing.
Fintan was my best man fifty years ago. We were saddened that, due to ill health, he could not join us recently for the anniversary celebrations. He was one of nature's finest gentlemen, and I considered it an honour to have him as a friend. Fintan was recognised as one of the truly great footballers never to have won an all-Ireland medal. He did his best for his beloved Laois, and it was no fault of his that he and the other members of the team did not climb the steps of the Hogan stand to receive Sam. Fintan was also godfather to my eldest son, Darragh, who joins us in extending deepest sympathies to Máirín, Adrian, Niamh, grandchildren and many, many friends.
Comhbhrón ó chroí leis an gclann ar fad. Beannacht Dé lena anam.

Niamh really sorry to hear about your Dad. Thoughts and prayers with you all at this time.

Comhbhrón le Máirín, Adrian agus Niamh ar bhás Fintan. Duine uasal ab ea é. Is iomaí camán a dheisigh sé dom agus mhúin sé do mo mhac Cathal conas é a dhéanamh. Suaimhneas síoraí dó.

I send my deepest sympathies to you all on the death of Fintan RIP.
I knew him through our involvement in the GAA.
I refereed many matches he was involved in and he always treated with great respect and dignity even if at times he might have wanted to throttle me. It showed the stature and character of the man as is exemplified in the many condolence message in RIP.
Mar a deirtear as Gaeilge “Nì bheidh a leithéid ann arìs.
Suaimhneas sìoraì dá anam uasal

Sincere sympathies to all the Walsh family on the passing of Fintan. He was a true gentleman in every sense of the word and loved by all. Ar dheis De go raibh a anam

My condolences to Fintan's family.

Sincere sympathies to the Walsh family from Padraic Corcoran and family. Fintan was a kind, non judgemental man. He quietly helped many people in difficulties. He was very loyal to all his friends and acquaintances. He passionately promoted hurling and my children and hundreds of others in Scoil Maelruain benefited from his endeavours. We will all be eternally grateful. RIP.

Sincere condolences to the Walsh family on the passing of Fintan. May he rest in peace.

I got to know Fintan at meetings of Cumann na mBunscol Náisiúnta, in the Teachers' Club, Parnell Square or in St. Pat's College in the mid to late '90's. He was an absolute gentleman, a giant in stature. He left a lasting impression on me. Fíor Gael. Fear uasal, amach 's amach. Leaba i measc na Naomh go raibh aige.

My condolences to Fintan's family. I knew Fintan through Glenans Sailing Club and enjoyed his good company on many occasions. He had a great spirit, was a true gentleman and entertained many a gathering in Baltimore with his tin whistle. Slán abhaile Fintan.

Sincere sympathy to the Walsh family on the sad passing of Fintan. Rest in peace. A great football mentor to us when teaching in Ballyfermot Dublin.

Sincere condolences on the sad passing off Fintan May he rest in eternal peace. Condolences to his family and friends he was an absolute gentleman.

Sincere sympathy to Mairin and Family on the passing of Fintan.
He will be chatting again to my brother Tom, Mattie McDonagh,
Donal Hurley and others of the famed
1956 Erins Hope team.
May he Rest in Peace.

Joe Long ( Ventry) and Ballincollig
Cork.

Sincere condolences to Máirín and family at this difficult time, may Fintan rest in peace.

Comhbhrón le muintir Fintan , Bhí aithne agam ar Fintan nuair a bhíos ag plé le foirne iománaíochta le Clanna Gael Fontenoy. I always remember Fintan repairing hurleys and advising on team matters when I coached teams in Clanna Gael-Fontenoy. Fear uasal agus Gael go smior. Leaba i measc na Naomh dhó.

Our sympathy to Fintan's family on his passing. A life well and truly lived. He left a big impression on so many lives. May he rest in peace. Sean Teresa and all the family xxx

Very sorry to hear this sad news. I remember the joy I felt when learning I was to be in Mr. Walsh’s class. He was an excellent educator and made a lasting impression on everyone lucky enough to have him as a teacher.

Sincere sympathy to the Walsh and Condron families. Fintan was a life long friend of Fleming family, and called to see them over the years. May he rest in peace.

Sincere condolences to the Walsh family & all who mourn the passing of Fintan to his heavenly home. May he now reap the just rewards of a life well lived.

It was my honor to attend the obsequies for Fintan Walsh whose company I always enjoyed at the many gatherings of the Laois Association. His talents were many and he thought us 'to add life to years'. It was wonderful to hear the numerous tributes paid to him, all fully deserved.
May he Rest in Peace. My sincerest sympathies to Mairin, Adrian and Niamh and his wider family.

Sincere condolences to Máirín, the family & extended relatives on Fintan’s passing. Ní maith liom bhur dtrioblóid. Guím suaimhneas síorraí dá anam dílis ar Shlí na Fírinne. Fintan was well remembered in Pat’s College as captain of the Erin’s Hope team that won the Senior Dublin Football Championship in 1956 and, indeed, for his many other major contributions in education and sport.

Our deepest sympathy to Máirín, Adrian and Niamh on the sad passing of Fintan. He was a great neighbour, always friendly and up for a chat! A real gent! May the wonderful memories you have , of a life well lived by your beloved Fintan, ,sustain you all during this sad time . May he rest in peace.

Sincerest condolences to Máirín, Adrian, Niamh and all of Fintan's brothers, sisters and grandchildren. He was a complete gentleman, a great Ballyboden man and we used to have great chats any time we met in Ballyroan. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

Deepest sympathy to Mairín, Niamh, Adrian & to the wider Walsh family on the sad passing of Fintan. May he Rest in Peace agus ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.

A gentle giant of a man.

So sorry to hear of Fintan passing. I knew him as Mr. Walsh, my primary school fourth class teacher. He was huge both in stature and personality and I'll keep fond memories of him. One particularly impressive feat was my class trip to St. Endas park. The primary reason for our trip was to visit the Padraig Pearse museum, however the defining memeory was the walk back. On one of the St Endas pitches, Mr Walsh decided to see how many people he could fit on his bicyle and cycle. Nine is the answer. One on each shoulder, two on the handle bars, two on the cross bar and one on the axel of each wheel. All rigidily held in place by him. A true force of nature. RIP.

Máirín, Adrian, Niamh and families, I was so sorry to hear of Fintan's passing. I have wonderful memories of a fun, kind and witty man who always made time for us as children on his visits to Scariff. He was such a gentleman with a big heart. Thinking of you all at this time.

Sincere sympathy to the Walsh family on the loss of Fintan. He was a giant of a man. Friends of Dublin Hurling honoured him with the Hall of Fame Award. He made a massive contribution to the promotion of hurling in Dublin.
Suaimhneas siorai da anam uasal.
Leaba I measc na naomh Fintan.

One of the great players for Laois, a true gentleman. Always positive and supportive to anyone involved with Laois. Rest In Peace.
Declan and family.

In Remembrance, Fintan Walsh.

A life well lived is a precious gift,
Of hope and strength and grace,
from someone who has made our world
a brighter, better place.

Mother became a widow in her thirties. Fintan was the eldest of five children. He soon assumed the role of carer and cook and shepherd. He upheld that same shepherd instinct throughout his life, holding the family nuclear and beyond, together. He was a giant of a man, dutiful and honourable and a role model which few could replicate.
Fintan, you are at rest my dear brother.

Back while we were still able to chat on the phone, my wife reminded me, an octogenarian, that I told him that I loved him. And thank goodness for that.

Hearts remaining are broken, Mairin his loving wife of fifty eight years, his son Adrian and Niamh his daughter, and their children also. So too his sisters and brothers in the Walsh and Condron families.

Mourning also will be his community in Ballylinan, and County Laois and beyond, where his prowess as a GAA stalwart were legend. In his youth Fintan attended Knockbeg College where he excelled and developed a passion for sport. His devotion to and love for all things connected to sport, both hurling and football were boundless. He went on to a dedicated lifelong teaching career both at home in Ireland and for a time in Africa also.

A life well lived is a legacy,
Of joy and pride and pleasure,
A living, lasting memory
our grateful hearts will treasure.
- Author Unknown.

On behalf of the Knockbeg Past Pupils Union (Dublin) I wish to express my deepest sympathy to the Walsh Family on Fintan's sad passing. It was a privilege to know him, his dedication and love of Knockbeg was unwavering. He was a hard working committee member and held the highest role as President of the Union.

Fintan was just a lovely man, a true gentleman in every sense of the word. May he rest in peace.

Sincerest sympathies to Fintan's family on their sad loss. He was one of a kind. No doubt he'll have found a clarinet somewhere in the clouds and joined the band of angels! May he rest in peace.

I was lucky enough to have Fintan as a teacher for two years in St Marys - 35 years later I rarely go a week without thinking of him.

Nature walks, tin whistle, banding hurleys at lunchtime, flower-presses, and a genuine love of sport, the outdoors, and knowledge were the gifts he shared. Along with an appreciation for the word 'foooostering'.

I have great memories of him going around the BMX course in Marlay Park on his old P&T bike and hiding behind exhibitions in the Natural History Museum eating sandwiches wrapped in tinfoil right under the 'No Food' sign.

A kind, intuitive, and mischievous educator which I consider myself lucky to have encountered. He was THAT teacher in no many of our lives.
Ní bheidh a leithéid ann arís

Owen Breslin (aka Master Breslin... will you stop your fooostering')

Heartfelt sympathy Máirín, Niamh, Adrian and extended family on the death of Fintan. It was a privilege to have known him, may he rest now in peace. My thoughts and prayers are with you all

My very deep and sincere sympathy to all of Fintan's family.
Fintan was a Star. His nature was to care for one and all but he carried it lightly and brought joy and laughter to every situation. May he rest in peace.

Sincere condolences to all the Walsh family. Fintan was one of the greats, a true hero and role model to so many.His wide ranging interests, achievements and humility sets him up as a man apart. Ní fheicfear a leithéad arís.
Slán abhaile a Mháistir.
John J o Sullivan Ballyroan.

I will remember Fintan as a man with the energy of great warm bear, a generous spirit with huge zest for life. The kind of man who will take you out sailing without hesitation if you show a moment's interest, or who will marshal his young grandchildren to perform a marvelous impromptu concert in his kitchen if you happen to be dropping by. Sincere condolences to all the Walsh family at this great loss.

Sincere sympathies to Máirín, Adrian and Niamh on the passing of Fintan. I have lovely memories of man full of enthusiasm and fun and looked forward to those Scariff visits in the 1980s. Thinking of you all.May he rest in peace.

I am very sorry to hear of Fintan’s death. I worked with him many years ago in Loreto NS, Grange Rd. He was a great character with wide-ranging interests. Sincere sympathy to Mairin and family. May he rest in peace.

Deepest sympathy to Máirín, Adrian, Niamh, and all the extended family and many close friends, on the loss of Fintan.
A true gentleman who inspired many along his journey in life.
Ar dheis Dê go raibh a anam dilís.

Sincere condolences to the Walsh family on the passing of Fintan. He was an ambassador for a life well lived - full of purpose and passion for sports, education, music, theatre, literature, the enivironment and most of all the people who had the pleasure of interacting with him. From matches in the Hermitage to Croke Park, weekends in Scariff to county finals in Kilkenny in the 1980s, to Tarry Flynn in the Abbey - we were lucky enough to share in all those experiences because Fintan had a passion and interest in all and wanted to share that passion with all he encountered. Many thanks for all the wonderful memories.

Please accept our deepest condolences on Fintan's passing. Our family have very fond memories of Fintan over the years in Butterfield - A lovely man. Máirín, Adrian, Niamh and wider family you are all in our thoughts and prayers at this sad time.

Deepest sympathy
From Joe SHInkins ex Glenans

Deepest sympathy to the Walsh family on the passing of Fintan may he rest in peace.

Deepest sympathy on the passing of Fintan . He was a true legend and I am so happy he was part of my sons lives between St Mary’s and Baile Buadain Naomh Eanna . Fintan you’ll be missed , Rest in Peace xx

Comhbhrón ó chroí uainn do Mháirín, Adrian, Niamh agus an clann go léir, ar bhás Fintan.
Suaimhneas síoraí dá anam.

My condolences to the Walsh family during this difficult time. Thoughts and prayers for you, Adrian & Niamh, and all of your family from across the sea. May he rest in peace. Love always!!

Mr Walsh you were a true force of nature teaching even those of us who didn’t attend St. Mary’s how to hurl. The memories of your Summer evening appearances for hurling in Glenbrook Park when we were young kids are treasured. Go raibh maith agat Fintan.
Sincere condolences to Aido Niamh and all your family. RIP.

Condolences to the Walsh family of the death of Fintan, May he rest in peace