Late Limerick garda was 'not just one of the good guys but a great guy’

THE AN GARDA Siochana family in County Limerick is in mourning following the passing of former colleague and great friend, retired Garda Victor Walsh, who was stationed in Bruff from 1987 until his retirement in 2013.

Inspector Gearoid Thompson, on behalf of An Garda Siochana, said their sympathies go to his loving wife Patricia, and his family Mairead, Liam, Oonagh and Enda, his four grandchildren, sisters, relatives and many, many friends.

The Newcastle West native joined An Garda Síochána in December 1982. He was initially posted to Naas in July 1983 and then onto Newbridge in County Kildare.

The mid-1980s were austere and trying times in our country and like most garda members of that era, Victor did a stint up on “the Border” keeping the “Fowl Pest” at bay before returning to his native Limerick in 1987 and to Bruff garda station. Fowl Pest is an acute and usually fatal viral disease of domestic fowl that was a big national concern at the time.

Victor was always a meticulous and diligent garda member, who carried out his duties professionally and with compassion. 

His capabilities went beyond his duties as a garda which was evidenced by his dedication to others, especially his fellow colleagues, serving as both district and divisional representative with the Limerick branch of the Garda Representative Association (GRA) for many years.

In this role, Victor assisted his fellow members by representing their interests either individually or as a collective where required. 

A solid, even-tempered member, he could be relied upon to give sound advice to those in need and was an excellent guiding hand to colleagues needing such guidance. Victor was especially adept at giving advice on finances and matters surrounding monies, both public and private.

Further to this, Victor held a long standing role of social club secretary where he organised or helped in organising many great social occasions and ensured that any garda member retiring or departing got the best of send-offs.

Many cheques for these events were signed off by Victor who was known for his stylish and professional signature.

Those serving with Victor also benefited from his excellent culinary skills and if you were lucky enough to be around when he was cooking breakfast or dinner, you were certainly in for a treat. This was a huge indication of Victor’s dedication to others and the importance he placed on camaraderie and team spirit. The warmth of his welcome was felt by many.

Upon his retirement in 2013, Victor carried on his sterling work for his colleagues into his retirement by being a leading figure and branch secretary of the Garda Siochana Retired Members Association (GSRMA), a role he remained in up until  Friday, March 7, a week before he sadly passed away on March 15.

In this role, Victor was a vibrant and strong conduit in maintaining contact between retired and serving garda members and the garda organisation, ensuring that contact was made with those who might be alone or in poor health. One and all were kept up to date on social happenings and very importantly funerals.

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For years, Victor organised the annual memorial Mass for deceased Limerick-county based garda members which was always well-attended. 

These Masses, held at Rathkeale Church, where Victor’s own funeral took place on Tuesday, March 18 were always special, with brilliant singing and music, followed by a welcome gathering for refreshments afterwards in the local hotel.

In later years, Victor bravely battled illness but never let it stop him in his efforts and his dedication for others never waned.

Insp Thompson said: “We, as a garda family, will miss Victor greatly. His smile, his welcoming manner and astute, witty observations around the canteen table or out socially will remain in the minds of us all.

“Rest in peace dear colleague. Not just one of the good guys, a great guy.”