Portlaoise Gael Death, Obituary – Portlaoise Gael has sadly passed away unexpectedly with loved ones, family and the entire community left heartbroken and in grievance, according to an online publication. We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of another outstanding Portlaoise Gael. John “Forney” Walsh was a gentleman who was known for his reserved demeanor. The majority of people have happy memories of him sitting on the window sill outside his home on Grattan Street, where he would always have a kind word for everybody who walked by.
This image of John is wonderfully captured by a picture of him taken here (credit to Portlaoise Street Scene photography). The magnificent run that Portlaoise had in Leinster began on November 20th, when they defeated Ferbane in the first round by a score of 2-8 to 0-13. Portlaoise overcame their loss to Offaly rivals Gracefield in the first round of the Leinster championship by winning this nail-biter by the same margin. Offaly star Tony McTague and the Grogans also proved to be formidable opponents for Portlaoise. However, Portlaoise was able to avenge their loss by claiming victory in this nail-biter.
The “Town” had an inexperienced team because they were missing key players like Teddy Fennelly, Pascal Delaney, and Tom O’Reilly. But a goal scored by a corner forward by the name of John Walsh, also known by his nickname “Forney,” from Grattan Street, a player who had never before played senior championship football with the club, put his name in the history books of the club by scoring the vital goal that put Portlaoise on their way to glory and ultimately the club’s first provincial title. This goal put his name in the history books of the club.
The following players were selected for the Portlaoise team: Mick Mulhall, Mick Murphy, Jim Hughes, Louis Harkin, Tom Walsh, John Grant, Eamonn Whelan, Mick Dooley, Mick McDonald, Brian Delaney, Harry Mulhare (1-1), Cyril O’Meara (0-4), John Walsh (1-0), Barry Larkin, and Larry Dunne (0-3). John had a successful career as a plumber when he was younger. In addition, he was an outstanding hurler and footballer for the Town in his earlier years. He was a member of many teams that went on to win championships.
Throughout the majority of his playing career, he was known primarily as a skilled and courageous hurler; however, his most glorious moment may have occurred during the Leinster football winning campaign of 1972, when he scored a famous game-winning goal to steal the game from a Tony McTague-powered Ferbane team. This goal helped steal the game from Ferbane (report on game below). Jack and Ann, John’s parents, as well as Donal, John’s brother-in-law, all passed away before John. Pat, Mary, and Matt all held him in the highest regard as a brother.
His devoted family, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, grandnephews, grandnieces, cousins, other relatives, and acquaintances feel a profound sense of loss because of his passing. We are keeping the Walsh family and all of John’s other pals in our thoughts and prayers. I pray that he now rests in peace.