A Belleeks GAA club have paid tribute to the life of one of their first ever players and ‘Hall of Fame’ recipient, Roche Walsh.
Sharing their fond memories and details of Roche’s incredible influence over the club’s history, Belleeks St Laurence O’Tooles GAC penned a beautiful tribute to a man who was more than just a player but a “friend”.
Roche, formerly of Warrenpoint and Belleeks, passed away peacefully on March 25, aged 79.
The club regarded him as “one of life’s gentlemen”, who “lived life to the fullest, full of energy”, explaining how he “loved the excitement of life” with his family and motorcar… particularly the “fast one!”
Of his input in club life, St Laurence O’Tooles said: “During the formation of Béal leice clg in 1967, Roche turned out for the new football club, as they made their first forage into Armagh Gaelic football league.
“Roche loved telling those that he met ‘I played for Belleek’ he was so proud of that achievement.”
Then in 2007, Roche was honoured alongside many club legends, at their 40th gala ball.
His name was placed alongside esteemed players, Gerry McParland, Oliver Murphy, Paddy Quinn, and the Donnelly brother, Kevin and Phelim, Killian Finnegan, and those who have passed away, Ted Finnegan, John Boyle, Bob Finnegan, Finbar Murphy, Joe Patton, Seamus McParland and Joe McParland [Armagh Joe] and many more.
On that night Roche was inducted into Béal leice clg ‘Hall of Fame’, and received his award for club services as a very “worthy recipient”.
“Roche Walsh was the genuine article,” continued the club. “A gentleman, sure he was character, a 100% living character, but then who wasn’t one in those times, loved the fun, the craic, he was fearless, adventurous, and he loved the motor car, the fast ones, but he was someone that you would want to have as your friend, he would always have your back, would never let you down.”
Providing an overview of Roche’s life, the club explained that he was born to John and Rose Walsh in 1947 at Walsh Crossroads, just outside Belleek village and was the fourth of seven children, Peter, Mona, Mariah, Roche, Marietta, Martin and Donal.
They add that he started his education in St Laurence O’Tooles PS, Main Street, Belleek in 1952, with teachers being Headmaster Patrick Connolly, Mrs Kathleen Connolly, Mrs Roseanne Murray, “keeping him on the right pathway”.
When he left school Roche was able to “put his hand to a number of jobs”, most notably as a digger driver.
Then in April 1976, Roche married his “sweetheart”, Evelyn Clarke from Warrenpoint, in the Church of the Sacred Heart Killowen, her bridesmaid was her sister Joan Clarke, and best man was Roche’s brother Donal Walsh, the club continue.
Sadly, Roche passed away “just a few months short of his 50th Wedding Anniversary” leaving behind “a grieving wife Evelyn and family, who were his whole life”.
Continued St Laurence O’Tooles: “Rest in peace Roche , you have done your time, you have walked the walk, you have now gone to the most beautiful of places, “Where there are no tears, where there is no pain, for all those things, will have come to pass away.
“You are now with your loving Mum and Dad, John and Rose, and beautiful daughter Mary Rose, who will welcome you into the most Holy of Homes, and our most loving Jesus, guide Roche on the remainder of her most glorious journey, and wrap your cloak of comfort around the shoulders of his most loving family.”
