ARCOIreland regrets to inform its members of the death of Colonel Maurice Walsh of Ballintemple, Cork and Fermoy. On October 14, 2019, peacefully, at Cork University Hospital. Dearly loved husband of Frances (nee Crotty) and loving father of Fionnuala, Clíona, Shane and Sláine. Sadly missed by his loving wife and family, sister Nancy, brother Sean, sons-in-law Paul, Jim and Paul, daughter-in-law Carmel, grandchildren Oisín, Tiarnán, Rebecca, Caomh, Caoilfhionn, Odhran, Ronan, Alliemay, Amelia and Kaspar, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis
Maurice joined the Defence Forces as a Cadet with 32 Cadet Class in January 1958 and was appointed a Troop Commander with 1 Motor Squadron at Fitzgerald Camp, Fermoy on commissioning. He served in staff appointments at Headquarters Southern Command, 3 Brigade Headquarters and 1 Brigade Headquarters. He commanded 1 Motor Squadron from 1980 to 1983 and 3 Cavalry Squadron from 1984 to 1988. On promotion to Lieutenant Colonel he served as a Senior Staff Officer in appointments in Southern Command Headquarters and in Training Section at Defence Forces Headquarters. Promoted to Colonel in 1993 and he was appointed Brigade Commander 4 Brigade, Western Command. He returned to Cork in 1994 as Brigade Commander 1 Brigade. He retired in February 1998 as Second-in-Command and Executive Officer Southern Command.
Maurice served overseas with the UN in the Congo on two occasions as a Lieutenant with the Armoured Car Group 37 Infantry Battalion in 1962 and with 2 Armoured Car Squadron in 1963. He served in Cyprus with the Armoured Car Group 12 Infantry Group in 1969 and in Lebanon in 1979 – 1980 as the Personal Staff Officer to the Deputy Chief of Staff Operations with the UNIFIL. He returned to Lebanon as Officer Commanding the Force Mobile Reserve in 1990 – 1991. He served in the former Yugoslavia with the Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe in 1992 – 1993.
Lying in repose at the Temple Hill Funeral Home, Boreenmanna Road of Jerh. O’Connor Ltd. Removal at 8.30pm on Tuesday evening to St Joseph’s SMA Church, Blackrock Road. Requiem Mass at 2pm on Wednesday. Funeral afterwards to the Island Crematorium, Ringaskiddy, Co Cork. Family flowers only, please. Donations, if desired to St Luke’s Home.
