‘We know not the day or the hour’: Shock in east Limerick at Jackie’s death
'Cappamore Show preparation was not complete without meeting Jackie on the show field'
THE CAPPAMORE Show committee was in high spirits as they left the successful launch in Hayes’ bar on Wednesday, July 17.
Little did they know that just over a week later they would sadly gather together again for the funeral of a man who had attended the launch.
John (Jackie) Walsh, from Bilboa, passed away suddenly at home. He was laid to rest in Doon Cemetery on Saturday, July 27, following funeral Mass in St Michael’s Church, Cappamore.
The large numbers of mourners at Meehan’s Funeral Home on the Friday, Requiem Mass and burial was a testament to Mr Walsh’s popularity and standing within the committee and community.
John Hassett, secretary of the show, said the bible quotation, “We know not the day or the hour” summed up the sense of shock and loss among the committee.
“Jackie was a familiar face at any of our show events but in particular on the show field. Jackie was an integral part of the Horse Committee and it was Jackie`s role each year to set out the horse and pony showing rings on the field.
“Jackie had all the measurements in his head and could identify where exactly rings were on the previous year. In recent years he was helped in this task by his grandchildren whom Jackie loved,” said Mr Hassett.
He said show preparation was not complete without meeting Jackie on the show field. “One left Jackie’s company in good form and smiling. Just a week ago at our launch Jackie joined us, little did we know it would be our last time together. Jackie served almost 60 years as an active show member. We would like to offer our sincere condolences to Lucy, Siobhan and John and all of the extended family. May Jackie rest in peace,” said Mr Hassett.
Countless tributes have been paid on rip.ie to Mr Walsh which encapsulated the man.
“He was a kind and helpful person—totally trustworthy and a person of great integrity,” said one. Another wrote: “Jackie was always a gentleman with a great smile on his face. He will be sadly missed by all his family, friends and the whole community.”
May he rest in peace.