May
08
It was with great sadness that we learned of the passing of Jim Walsh on 3rd May.
Having joined the club in the 1953/54 season, Jim played his early years while we were a junior club. Playing alongside such club legends as Mick Pender, Hugh Church, Kevin Flynn, Eddie Thornton and Michael Hall Carroll, he won a Junior League medal in 1958. When the club attained senior status in 1959, Jim’s leadership and playing abilities were recognised when he was chosen to captain the club in our first season in senior ranks. He spent some time out of club rugby before coming back in the late sixties, winning a Minor League medal in 1969, a Junior league medal in 1970 and a Moran Cup medal in 1972. When his playing career was over, he became very involved in the running of the club and was Hon Treasurer for a number of years before he was elected President in 1981-82. He was subsequently a Trustee for the club for a number of years.
It could be said that his best contribution to the club, as if he had not done enough, was in his wise counsel to younger presidents and treasurers. He kept a watching brief on what was happening or what was being proposed and his timely advice always ensured that the correct decisions were taken.
He bore a long illness with the same courage and fortitude that he displayed on the pitch and never lost his interest in what was happening in Lakelands.
