Carrigaline United honour their late, great former chairman Willie Walsh with a permanent memorial

Carrigaline United AFC proudly unveiled a permanent memorial to former chairman Willie Walsh at Ballea Park last weekend, honouring a man whose contribution to the club and wider community remains immeasurable.

Willie, who passed away suddenly over 18 months ago, was a beloved figure not only within Carrigaline United but throughout the local community. 

His passion, dedication, kindness and unwavering commitment to grassroots football helped shape the club into what it is today.

Willies loss is still very much felt around the entire community. 

Every day I pass the pitch and every time, Willie is the first person I think about. 

While Carrigaline isn’t my club, I admire what the members and Willies family have done to honour such a gent, because now you can feel his presence more than ever.

The memorial bench, positioned in the club car park overlooking one of the pitches at Ballea Park, holds special significance. 

It stands in the very spot where Willie could so often be found on Saturday mornings, watching the club’s youngest academy players take to the field for the first time.

The idea for the memorial originated from the club’s board of directors, with Director of Communications Ken Dennehy working closely with Owen Casey of Eamonn Casey’s Stonemasons on the design. 

The finished piece features a replica of the iconic cap Willie was synonymous with throughout his years at the club, alongside Willie’s own signature, discovered during a search through family photographs and memorabilia.

Funded entirely by Carrigaline United AFC, the memorial serves as a lasting tribute to a man whose legacy continues to inspire players, coaches, volunteers and supporters alike.

Speaking at the unveiling, Carrigaline United AFC expressed its gratitude to all who attended the ceremony.

“Carrigaline United AFC would like to extend our sincere thanks to everyone who joined us for the unveiling of the Willie Walsh Memorial in Ballea Park.

"It was a fitting tribute to a man who gave so much to our club and community, and it was wonderful to see so many players, coaches, volunteers, members, friends and supporters come together to honour his memory.

"A special thank you to Owen Casey and everyone at Eamonn Casey’s for creating such a beautiful memorial. 

"Their craftsmanship and attention to detail have provided a lasting tribute that will ensure Willie’s legacy lives on for generations to come.

"We would also like to thank Fr. James for blessing the memorial and leading a thoughtful and meaningful ceremony on the day.

"Most importantly, thank you to the Walsh family for joining us and allowing us the opportunity to celebrate and remember a truly remarkable man.

"Willie Walsh’s contribution to Carrigaline United AFC can never be measured. His passion, kindness and dedication helped shape our club, and his legacy will continue to inspire us all. Willie will never be forgotten.” 

A particularly poignant moment came with words from Willie’s daughter, Lorraine Walsh, who spoke about what the memorial means to the family.

“We are deeply thankful to Carrigaline United for this lasting tribute to our dad in recognition of all that he gave to the club,” said Lorraine. 

He was hugely passionate about Carrigaline United, and above all, about the children and the Academy. 

He believed that every child should have the opportunity to play soccer and should always feel welcome and included at the club.

“We hope that those who visit the Club will take a moment to sit, reflect, and remember his ethos:

‘Always try to be the best version of yourself.’ And as he said in the past the best honour you can give me is to copy what I do, and I’ll be delighted with you.’ 

The occasion also saw the announcement of a new annual tradition at Carrigaline United AFC. 

Beginning next week, the final day of the Academy season each year will be known as Willie Walsh Day, ensuring that future generations of young players continue to learn about and celebrate the values Willie championed throughout his life.

The unveiling was attended by members of the club’s Board of Directors: Joe Giltinan, Trevor O’Driscoll, Mark Manning, Kevin Nolan, Olivia Allen Brickey, Elaine Allen and Ken Dennehy.

As players and families gathered around the memorial, it was clear that Willie Walsh’s influence remains woven into the fabric of Carrigaline United AFC.

The bench now stands as a place of reflection, remembrance and inspiration — a fitting tribute to a man whose impact on the club will endure for generations to come.