Retirement
In January 2010, Bishop Walsh celebrated his 75th birthday, and according to Canon Law submitted his resignation to the Congregation for Bishops, but is expected to remain as Bishop of the diocese until a replacement is appointed.
At a civic reception to honour his work as bishop of Killoe in March 2010, Bishop Walsh received a standing ovation said for all of Irish bishops, "it is a very difficult time, and all of us are at risk from possibly some mistake made anything from 20 to 50 years ago". Bishop Walsh added: "All of you councillors appreciate that your position can be hazardous when it comes around to election time and our own positions are hazardous for more serious and sad reasons at the moment." Reflecting on his time as bishop, Bishop Walsh said: "I found it a heavy responsibility but... tried to be open and honest and transparent at all times and I hope that I managed to get to the end of it." Dr Walsh said he was "very honoured and chuffed" to be granted the civic reception "in a town... that has given me so much". In a surprise for the bishop at the start of the reception, his colleagues in the over-70s Forever Young choir filed into the chamber and sang songs to honour the Tipperary man.
On 18 May 2010, the age induced resignation of Bishop Walsh was accepted by Pope Benedict XVI and Fr Kieran O’Reilly, S.M.A. was named as the bishop of Killaloe. The speed of the appointment is notable as it normally takes closer to a year to name a new diocesan ordinary.
Read more about this topic: Willie Walsh (bishop)
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