It is with the deep regret that Wexford Wanderers RFC announces the death on Friday evening, 9th October 2009 of Walter (Wally) Walsh, a past President of the club…

Wally had been actively associated with rugby in Leinster in many forms for the past 35 years.

He first played for Wexford in the late ‘50’s and although not a ‘super star’ he was well know for his endeavour and commitment.

His work in the Oil Industry soon took him to far off ‘fields’. He played rugby and was involved in rugby activities in clubs in Northern Ireland, Wales, England, Scotland, Germany, South Africa, Kuwait, and finally Iran, before returning to Ireland. Each of his adopted clubs still speak very highly of Wally; indeed rugby travellers to these countries have often been asked ‘Do you know Wally Walsh from Ireland?’

While in South Africa in the early ‘70’s he organised the first overseas tour by a South African Junior Club, to the UK. Rugby flourished in the oil fields of Iran as Wally organised league and cup competitions involving both locals and foreign workers.

During the unrest in Iran like many others he was arrested, tried and deported to Ireland.
On his return he became actively involved in rugby affairs in Wexford, The South East Area and The Leinster Branch.

His achievements since are many:

a) Coaching and Fitness training in Wexford.
b) Team Manager of adult teams in Wexford
c) Organising numerous Wexford overseas tours using his wide circle of contacts
d) Club Secretary for 4 years
e) Club President for 3 years
f) Wexford representative on South East Area committee
g) Member of Leinster Branch Junior Committee for 6 years
h) Instigated annual ‘Sea Lions’ tour to Wales, playing quality opposition, and thereby giving junior players valuable playing experience.
i) Organised Annual Area Dinner for Club Representatives and partners.
j) Annual Dinner for Area Referees and partners.
k) Set up the ‘Heineken’ Inter Area League which ran for 3 seasons.
l) South East Area Representative on Leinster Branch Junior Committee.
m) Chairman of the Leinster Junior Selectors.
n) Manager of a very successful Leinster Junior Team for 6 seasons.
o) He instigated the ‘Wexford Scheme’ with Branch funding which provided Coaching to schools in the 4 main towns in Wexford.
p) He involved Mr. Eddie Wigglesworth of the IRFU in the scheme and this eventually led to the present YDO, RDO Scheme we have today.

FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS ARE AS FOLLOWS:

Reposing at Kearney’s Funeral Home Selskar Wexford (near Dunne’s Stores) from 11am Monday 12th October.
Removal from there at 7pm Monday night to Catholic Church in Rosslare Strand.

Funeral mass in Rosslare Strand at 12pm on Tuesday 13th October and burial afterwards in ‘New Cemetery’ Tagoat, Rosslare Harbour.