Mr Jackie Walsh

MR Jackie Walsh, who was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend and dedicated nurse, passed away suddenly on September 16, ²⁰¹⁶, aged 67.

He was an extremely popular and gracious man, whose many fine qualities earned him the friendship and admiration of people from all walks of life. He was simply one of life’s true gentlemen.

Jackie was born in Downpatrick and was the eldest son of Terence and Eileen Walsh. He was a loyal and loving brother to Willie, Anne, Noel and Julia.

Jackie grew up in Stream Street and had a love of all sports. He followed cricket, which was instilled in him by his granddad, Willie Morrison. 

He trained and worked as a psychiatric nurse in Purdysburn Hospital in the early Seventies and continued his nursing career in Downshire Hospital until he retired. He was held in high esteem by his fellow colleagues and will always be remembered for his dedicated and caring ways with all the patients, especially the long stay patients. 

Jackie married his wife, Susan, in 1974 and had two children, Terry and Sinead. He was so proud of his children and all that they have achieved.

He especially loved being father-in-law to Heulwen and was a devoted granddad to Jac.

Many a person will remember Jackie and his walks with his Jack Russell dog, Jake, and the chats they had with him along the way. Jackie loved nothing more than a get together with his family and friends, which always resulted in him being asked to sing the ‘Galway Shawl’.

In his adult life, Jackie followed Gaelic football and went on to be chairman of the RGU. He also chairman of the Downpatrick Youth League. Jackie was a lifelong supporter of Leicester City Football Club and he was delighted last year when they won the Premier League. 

In his late forties Jackie took up golf with the Downshire Golf Society, of which he later became secretary. He loved nothing more than organising many a golfing outing with his colleagues. In later years, Jackie became a member of the Downpatrick Golf Club, where he enjoyed a regular four ball on a Wednesday and a Saturday.  

Jackie had a wicked sense of humour and many of his colleagues in Downshire Hospital will recall happy memories of working with him.

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Jackie was very much the centre of his family. He is sorely missed, but his memory will always hold a special place in the hearts of all that knew him.