The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
One of the last of a generation, Tony will be greatly missed
ON Thurday, June 23, Tony Walsh of Knightstown passed away at his residence and would have been 95 on the sixth of this month. He was pre-deceased by his wife Bernie (nee Kinsella of Bagenalstown, Co. Carlow). He was also the last survivor of brothers and sisters who were John Joe, Molly, Daniel (Dodie), Eileen, Dermie and Michael.
Tony’s Requiem mass in the church of the Immaculate Conception of Knightstown was celebrated by Fr Larry Kelly, PP of Cahirsiveen, with his wake having taken place at his Knightsown residence. He was accorded a guard of honour by the Valentia Island RNLI fraternity and his burial on a sunny day in Kilmore was enhanced by the bagpipe playing of pipers Gerard O’Donoghue and Mary Linnane of Valentia as well as Tom McGillycuddy of the Killorglin Pipe Band
Though he spent most of his life in Knightstown as a shopkeeper, fisherman, member of the local RNLI and the Valentia Pipe Band, he also spent a period in England, which included the war years. He and his brother Dermie spent about five years there, being based in Reading.
On arrival back to Valentia Island, Dermie and himself, after a few years, opened a shop in Knightstown in 1950.It was a fine, clean and spacious area containing all the necessary groceries and also fishing tackle as well as general hardware and was a landmark in the middle of the village.
The shop closed in the 199394 period, but received a new lease of life in July 2014, when Tony’s son Donal and his wife Rosie re-opened it, much to his delight. Today, it stands as the only grocery outlet, not only in Knightstown, but in Valentia as a whole.
He and Dermie also bought a 24 ft motor boat named HESTER in 1949 and fished lobster with it until 1968. While actively fishing they simultaneously ran the shop. They also operated the Naomh Derarca boat from 1957. This was a 56 ft vessel, which ended up in Dingle, and currently operates as a pleasure boat in Holland. Their brother Daniel(Dodie) mainly fished from her for them
Though in failing health, Tony, up to recent times, still managed to get out and about on the streets of Knightstown and was well able to crack a joke or impart a good humoured roguish comment.
One of the last of his generation of males in Knightstown, he will be sadly missed in the village and the environs of the Royal Hotel. He will also be fondly remembered by many for his kindness and courtesy in his shop over the time span of the years. Tony passed away peacefully in the comfort and solace of his home, cared for by his son Donal and wife Rosie with the help of other family members Ar dheis Dé go raibh sé.
Sincere sympathy is expressed to his sons, Donal, Tom and Seamus, daughters Elma and Kathleen, in-laws, grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.