The former Munster Council Chairman, Clare County Board chair and Clare senior football manager Noel Walsh has passed away.
From the Miltown Malbay club, Walsh was a leading GAA administrator, serving as the Chairman of the Munster Council between 1995 and 1998.
He was a selector under John Maughan when Clare won the 1992 Munster senior football title and also managed the Banner footballers.
He served as Chairman of the Coaching and Games Development Committee and also Chairman of the Provincial Football Development Committee. He was a member of the Management Committee and Central Council for 3 years, and was Chairman of the Amateur Status Committee.
Noel was appointed Chairman of the National Football Development Committee by then President Joe McDonagh, and was also a member of the Disciplinary Rules Workgroup, the Railway Cup Workgroup and Féile Peil na nÓg Workgroup.
Munster Council Chairman Liam Lenihan has reacted to Noel Walsh's sad passing:
“Noel made a major contribution to the GAA. During his term as Munster Council Chairman, it was his great honour to present the Munster Hurling Cup to Clare Captain Anthony Daly in 1995 after a 62 year gap, just three years after serving as a Clare Selector when they won the Munster Senior Football title. He was a very genuine supporter and one of the people who made the GAA what it is, a Community based Worldwide Organisation that gives people a sense of pride in their own place. His example is being followed today by those helping vulnerable people in their own Communities. On behalf of the Munster Council, we extend our deepest sympathies to Noel’s family and friends. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”
Clare County Board Chairman Joe Cooney said:
“It is with deep sadness that Clare GAA have heard of the passing of Noel Walsh. To say that Noel gave service to his Club, County, Province and Country would be putting it mildly. He was a leading light in the county of Clare for over five decades. His beloved St Josephs Miltown Malbay were always in his thoughts and this also was vividly correct for his love of his County. Playing and then managing Clare for a number of seasons ended with the most glorious of days in 1992 when his boardroom battles for a Munster open draw ended with Clare taking Munster honours. He served his County at Provincial and National level with much success. Noel's innovative thoughts allied to a strong determination that the sport and equality for all was always to the fore led him to be one of the most respected administrators in the Association. Finally, on my behalf as Clare GAA Chairperson and behalf of the GAA people of Clare, may I extend my deepest sympathies to his wife Ursula, son Carl, daughters Lisa and Noelle, grandchildren, close relatives, friends and GAA colleagues everywhere.”
