Longford and Lanesboro mourns the death of Fabian Walsh, ‘a giant of our community’

This week we saw the passing of legends of our time with the passing of Micheál Ó Muircheartaigh, Tommy Gorman and the man that was not only legendary but iconic no matter where he was to go worldwide, Fabian Walsh, Rathcline Road, Lanesboro. 

Fabian, his late wife Renee and their daughter Diane arrived in Lanesboro where he took over the ownership of the local bakery on Main Street in 1963. From the very outset he endeared himself to everyone and gave excellent employment for years afterwards to so many. 

Fabian, the oldest of five boys, was born and raised in Tuam where his family ran a business on Bishop Street. He was a product of the famous footballing nursery, St Jarlath’s College, where he proudly spoke of the many greats of Galway and Mayo football that he had the honour to play with. Fabian was also a very keen swimmer. 

His work and training in accountancy and his footballing career took him to Dublin where he played with Erin’s Isle and Na Fianna before moving to work in Navan and he played with Navan O'Mahonys and ending his career returning to his native Tuam to play with Tuam Stars to play alongside the renowned Sean Purcell and Frank Stockwell.

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In Lanesboro he immersed himself in our community and in no time he became a founder member of Lough Ree Athletic club where his skills as a coach, encourager and having that gift of bringing absolutely everybody with him meant he received the highest of respect. He had an abiding love for the youth and their sporting and academic development. 

Fabian had a great devotion to his faith and was a regular mass goer. He would travel with one athlete as quickly as a full bus to any athletic competitions. 

During the time of the bakery he started a school bus run and brought generations to school from all points to Roscommon CBS and Convent and also to primary schools in between followed by many runs as a taxi to dances in Longford and Roscommon. 

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The annual trip to different parts of the country with his counterparts was indeed legendary and many a funny story is still being told about those adventures. His career in athletics saw him rise to the highest level as Chairman of Bord Lúthchleas Óg na hÉireann. 

Fabian travelled worldwide in his support of athletics and indeed at some of the meets he was watching and supporting a number of athletes that came under his influence. 

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Fabian was a wonderful raconteur and his tales and stories engrossed all listeners. If you had the pleasure to meet and know Fabian you would have been taken by his personality and his wonderful sense of social justice – in Fabian’s world nobody was left behind. 

As was often said of him “Fabian was Fabian”, we all know what that meant, he was a giant in our community. He left us with the greatest, fondest and everlasting memories and the stories told of people’s great times with him will be relayed to many generations to come.

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Fabian, in his 95th year passed away at Mullingar Regional Hospital on Sunday, June 23. His remains reposed at Glennon’s Funeral Home on Friday last and following the Mass of the Resurrection on Saturday he was laid to rest alongside Renee in Clonbonny Cemetery.

 To his daughter Diane relatives and his multitude of friends we extend our deepest sympathy.

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