Family honours former mart manager with cancer charity fundraiser
Pictured after the sale of a prized bullock to raise funds for the Irish Cancer Society were Paddy Galvin, new general manager of Leinster Marts, Edward Boyan (buyer), Mary Walsh, Caroline Walsh, Philip Walsh, and William Cassidy, chairman of the Board of Leinster Marts
THE family of a much-loved Carlow mart manager has raised funds for the Irish Cancer Society by selling one of his prized bullocks, with his son now set to run the Dublin marathon in his memory.
Jimmy Walsh was general manager of Leinster Co-Op Marts, which operates marts in Kilcullen, Carlow and Borris, for over 40 years before his passing in January.
Born and raised in Carlow, Jimmy grew up on the family farm at Pollerton Little and first joined the mart in Carlow after finishing college, where he had trained as an accountant. He initially planned to stay only a short period; however, after six months he was asked to stay on, eventually stepping up to the position of general manager in 1989.
Jimmy ran his own farm just outside Carlow up until his death. His family recently decided to put one of his bullocks up for sale, donating the proceeds to the Irish Cancer Society, which had supported Jimmy throughout his illness.
Jimmy’s son, Philip, will be running the Dublin marathon on Sunday 25 October, while also raising money for the Irish Cancer Society.
“The society helped us a lot around the period towards the end of Dad’s life, and it’s a cause that is very important to our family, so it was a bit of a no-brainer,” Philip said, speaking to .
“My father kept a number of cattle before he passed away, and a few of them were looking decent, so my mother had the idea of selling one and putting the money towards the Irish Cancer Society,” Philip explained.
The bullock was bought by cattle dealer Edward Boyan from Portarlington, who had dealt with Jimmy for many years and was very generous with his price for the animal on the day.
On behalf of the Walsh family, Philip thanked Edward, general manager Paddy Galvan, and all the staff and board at Leinster Marts for facilitating the sale of the bullock, and for their kindness and support over the months since Jimmy’s passing.
To donate to Philip’s fundraiser, visit: https://eventmaster.ie/fundraising/pages/PW54149403.
