Carlow manager of Leinster Marts, Jimmy Walsh remembered 

THE farming communities in Carlow and Kildare were saddened to learn of the peaceful passing at his home on Monday 26 January at the age of 73 of Jimmy Walsh, Pollerton Little, Carlow.

Jimmy was a very recognisable face around Carlow and particularly in Leinster Co-Op marts, where he had been general manager for many years. He was a distinctive individual through the trademark hat he always wore.

Jimmy was highly respected across Co Carlow and will be remembered as someone who always had time to help out and advise others, for his fairness in his business dealings and for the pride he had in his family.

Born and raised in Carlow, Jimmy grew up on the Walsh family farm at Pollerton Little. Attending school in Carlow, he formed life-long friendships and became someone who naturally bridged town and country – equally comfortable in the fields as he was in the heart of the town.

In 1980, Jimmy married Mary Holohan from Carlow and gained not only a devoted wife but a large and loving extended family. An only child himself, he embraced Mary’s family of nine siblings with warmth and pride, treasuring the sense of belonging and togetherness it brought to his life.

As a young man, Jimmy had a great love of cars, especially classic British sports cars such as the Triumph Spitfire, Stag and the MG B, which he bought and sold as a hobby. He often remarked that he never imagined himself ending up driving a diesel 4x4 as his vehicle of choice.

Jimmy had a deep love of animals, he had many pets as a child growing up and often spoke fondly of his spaniel Brandy. No stray that found its way to Pollerton Little ever went unfed. Ginger and black cats were a familiar sight sitting on the windowsill waiting patiently for Jimmy to feed them. His grandchildren inherited his love of animals, a joy he delighted in sharing with them.

Sport and community were also important to Jimmy. He followed most sports, but particularly GAA and soccer. He was a keen member of Carlow Lawn Tennis club in his younger days where he played badminton, enjoying both the competition and camaraderie of club life. He served as treasurer on the club’s board for a number of years.

Many people knew Jimmy as the long-serving general manager of Leinster Co-Op Marts where he worked for over 40 years. His management duties covered the marts in Carlow, Borris and Kilcullen.

Jimmy once described how he fell into the job by accident. Having just finished college, he joined the mart in Carlow expecting to work there for a short spell as an accountant. However, after the first six months he was asked to stay on and he realised how much he enjoyed the politics, the personalities and the business.

The manager at the time retired and Jimmy was asked to step in to support the new general manager, stepping up to the position of general manager in 1989.

Jimmy was deeply committed to the co-operative movement, he believed strongly in the importance of livestock marts as a vital and fair service to the farming community. His interest in the mart extended beyond his managerial role and he had a genuine passion for its history and for the long tradition of fairs that shaped farming life in Ireland.

In 2017, when invited by the Carlow Historical and Archaeological Society (CHAS) to give a talk on the history of the livestock trade, Jimmy jumped at the opportunity, spending many enjoyable hours researching the topic and taking pride in sharing his knowledge with the community.

In addition to managing the mart, Jimmy also ran his own farm just outside Carlow town.

Yet, he always found time to help others. With a life-long interest in all things agriculture, he would spend hours offering advice, guidance and support to anyone who needed it. His practical knowledge, integrity and generosity earned him lasting respect and friendship throughout the region.

Above all, Jimmy Walsh was a devoted father to his four children ‒ Anne Marie, Caroline, Philip and Helen ‒ and a proud grandfather to seven grandchildren.

Each of his children and grandchildren, with their own unique personalities, brought him immense joy and he celebrated their individuality and achievements with great pride.

Jimmy will be remembered for his deep roots in Carlow, his unwavering commitment to his community and the co-operative spirit, his quiet strength, his gentle humour, his love of animals, his life-long interest in agriculture and his generosity to all who knew him.

The crowds who queued to pay their respects to the Walsh family when Jimmy reposed at Healy’s funeral home, Pollerton Castle on Wednesday 28 January spoke to the deserved popularity enjoyed by Jimmy by all sectors of society.

Fr Tom Little, PP, Askea-Bennekerry-Tinryland, recited the concluding prayers in Healy’s, from where Jimmy’s remains were removed on Thursday morning 29 January to the Church of the Holy Family, Askea, where Fr Little celebrated Jimmy’s funeral Mass.

He was assisted by Fr Tommy Dillon, CC and Fr Conn Ó Maoldomhnaigh, president of Carlow College, with Jimmy’s colleagues at Leinster Co-Op Marts forming a guard of honour.

Family members, including Jimmy’s grandchildren, took part in the readings at Mass, prayers of the faithful and the bringing forward of the Offertory gifts.

Following Mass, Jimmy was laid to rest in St Mary’s cemetery with his parents Mary and Phil, with Fr Little reciting the final prayers at the graveside.

Jimmy's family, extended family, neighbours and friends gathered in Askea church on Saturday 28 February to remember Jimmy at the celebration of his month’s mind Mass.

Jimmy will be missed by his wife Mary, his children and grandchildren, family, work colleagues, neighbours and his many friends.