John was very witty, good company and a family man
JOHN (Johnny) Walsh, ‘ The Nook’, Lower Avenue Road, Dundalk, who died on 30 August, worked for 45 years with the ESB, based in town, and served as contracts manager for the north-east prior to his retirement in 1996.
He was one of four sons of the late Mary and Michael James (Jimmy) Walsh, Dublin, one of whom, Paul, died in infancy.
John was educated in the city, following which he took up an apprenticeship as an electrician in Dundalk.
He had moved to Dundalk when he was 16 to serve his time with the GNR, but always held on firmly to his Dublin ties, having been born and reared in East Wall.
He was a staunch supporter of the Sky Blues, in both Gaelic football and hurling, while in soccer, Tottenham was his team.
On completion of his time in the GNR, a job came up immediately in the ESB which he opted for, instead of the offer of work in Cork.
John worked at his trade for many years before being promoted as contracts manager for the north-east region. His work brought him to Cavan, Monaghan and Tara Mines in Meath, among other places.
He made great friends over those years, and this lasted into his retirement, with former colleagues visiting him, as he had earned a strong regard among younger and older workers.
Quite a number travelled to express their sympathy with his family and pay their respects to John over the course of his obsequies.
He had an innate capacity to quickly digest technical matters, and absorb new technology which didn’t faze him. He could take on any job.
Indeed, he was a man before his time, possessing an ability to grasp technical knowledge, and being one his colleagues could always turn to for advice.
The main reason for John settling in Dundalk was that he met up with a young lady, Aine Lee from Ladywell Terrace. The couple first exchanged glances while on a lunch break from work, and romance quickly blossomed which led to marriage.
They set up home in Marian Park, and were among the first residents of the newly-built estate. Aine became involved in the community as a member of the residents’ association.
John loved gardening and swimming, and taught his own children and local children to swim, bringing them to the then outdoor pool in Blackrock.
He loved flowers, and grew his own fruit and vegetables.
He was very witty and good fun to be with, and kept abreast of current affairs and politics, even in his later days in hospital when he faced his illness with fortitude.
He loved to read the local newspapers, and through his working years he made sure to see the evening and night-time news programmes, and had a modern outlook.
He was always active and independent, driving up to two years ago, and living on his own.
John was a family man through and through, and was close to all his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He visited his daughters, Maria and Aine every Sunday for dinner, and loved the regular family visits he received during the week.
His sense of humour, kindness and generosity meant he was a man that everyone wanted to be around and nobody ever left his company without a smile on their face.
He loved nothing better than taking the whole family out for a slap-up meal, and then sneaking off to pay for it.
Upon retiring 20 years ago from the ESB, the garden was his big hobby. The family moved to the Avenue Road in 1993, and he turned the garden there into a cultivated oasis, and maintained the new home with great pride.
He passed away in the tender and dedicated care of the staff of the Mater Private Hospital, Dublin, surrounded by his family.
He will be sadly missed by his sons, Tony, Sean and Aidan, daughters, Maria Joyce and Aine Connolly, daughter-in-law, Eileen, sons-in-law, James and Kevin, grandchildren Gary, Damian, Rian, Ciaran, Dara, Conor, Adam, Ami, Sean, Aisling, Leigh and Johanna, great-grandchildren, Lily, Grace and Sarah, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.
He was predeceased by wife, Aine and grandchildren Aidan, Sarah Maria and Megan.
John reposed at his home, and was taken to St. Fursey’s Church, Haggardstown on Saturday, 3 September, where Requiem Mass was celebrated by Father Padraig Keenan PP who gave the eulogy. Burial followed in the adjoining cemetery.
During the Mass, readings were given by grandchildren, Ami and Gary, while other grandchildren, Ciaran, Dara, Conor, Leigh, Johanna and Siobhan led the Prayers of the Faithful.
The Offertory Gifts were taken up by sons, Tony and Sean, and the gifts symbolising his life were presented by daughters, Maria and Aine, and three of his grandchildren, Aisling, Sean and Damian.
The items included flowers from his garden, wire and a phase tester, from his electrician days and a picture of his beloved Dublin and the county flag.
The music was provided by Roisin Crawley and Olivia Finnegan.