Andrew Carey
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THE FUNERAL of Jimmy (Junior) Walsh, who died after a single vehicle road accident in the early hours of Monday morning, took place almost ten years after his son was killed in a crash.
16 year-old Kevin Walsh lost his life in 2006 when  the parked car in which he was a back seat passenger was hit from behind by former Irish and Munster rugby player Eddie Halvey.
On Monday morning last, the stretch of road at Ballincolly near Kilmallock, on the R515 was closed as Gardai investigated the circumstances of the crash that claimed his father’s life.
The 53-year-old former boxer and coach died at the scene after the car, in which he was travelling alone, left the road and hit a ditch at around 1.30 am.
A native of Bruree but living most recently in Tankardstown, Kilmallock, Mr Walsh’s remains were transferred to Cork University Hospital where a post mortem examination was carried out.
Gardaà have appealed for anyone who may have been driving on the road between 11pm and 1.30am to contact Charleville Garda Station on 063-21770, the Garda confidential telephone line 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.
At his funeral, hundreds of mourners and friends gathered to pay tribute to Mr Walsh who was described as a “very nice man” by celebrants.
April 1 will mark the tenth anniversary of Kevin Walsh’s death.
Eddie Halvey was found to be nearly four times over the legal alcohol limit at the time he hit the parked car Kevin was sitting in.
The former international rugby player received a seven-month suspended jail sentence in 2009, after he pleaded guilty to driving under the influence of alcohol and to careless driving.
Following the conviction, Kevin’s mother Kate said that she was very bitter with the justice system and the former rugby player.
“I feel very bitter towards Eddie Halvey. He is a sportsman who played for Ireland and got a slap on the wrists in court.”
“It sent out the wrong message to everyone in Ireland today. Go out, play sports for Ireland, drink drive, you can kill someone and you won’t get punished in court for it, that is the reality,” Mrs Walsh said.
“We are disappointed. He got a slap on the wrists for drink-driving and killing my child.”
Jim Walsh was laid to rest at Bruree Old Cemetery after Requiem Mass at the Church of Immaculate Conception