ONE of the driving forces in primary schools GAA, Jerry Walsh, passed away over the weekend.

The vice-president of Sciath na Scol in Cork, Walsh was one of the nine original teachers when Scoil Oilibhéir opened in Ballyvolane 37 years ago.

Upon his retirement from teaching, he retained his passion for Gaelic games by continuing to serve on the Sciath committee.

A statement Sciath na Scol read: 

"It is with a heavy heart that we advise you that our esteemed Leas Uachtaran, colleague and friend Mr Jerry Walsh, passed away peacefully on June 13.

Is cúis mhór bhróin dúinn go leir go raibh aithne againn air a imeacht.

"Jerry will have a private family funeral, in accordance with current guidelines, but his passing will be sorely felt in Sciath na Scol, for the long and loyal service he has given us since he began teaching in Scoil Réalt na Maidne, Ballyphehane, in the late 1960s.

​"Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Connie, his children Maurice and James and Anne Marie and his extended family. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal dílis."

A post on the Scoil Oilibhéir Facebook explained: 

"It is with great sadness that we have learnt of the passing of our past colleague and friend, Mr Jerry Walsh RIP. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Connie, his sons Maurice and James, his daughter Anne Marie, daughter in law and granddaughter. 

"An Máistir Breathnach was a wonderful colleague and a brilliant teacher. He coached numerous hurling and football teams who went on to win Sciath na Scol Roinn A finals. 

"Mr Jerry Walsh was one of the original nine teachers present when Scoil Oilibhéir was opened in 1983. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis."