It is with great sadness that we have learned of the passing of Don Walsh on 22nd September. Don was a much-loved friend to so many within the carriage driving community. A longstanding member of Horse Sport Ireland and a devoted supporter of Northern Ireland Carriage Driving Association events, he was a familiar face who rarely missed a competition over the past few decades. Whether lending a hand, sharing a story, or delivering one of his trademark witty remarks, Don had a remarkable gift for making people smile and feel at ease. His friendship, kindness and sense of fun left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him.
A keen horseman, Don’s love of horses began at a young age through hunting. More than 30 years ago, he was introduced to carriage driving, and what started as an interest quickly became a lifelong passion. Don particularly loved working with young horses, often returning from Welsh Cob sales in Builth Wells with a promising youngster and, no doubt, a few stories to tell. He took great pride in breaking and schooling them himself, patiently and skilfully developing them into successful competition horses. Nothing gave him greater pride than seeing a young horse he had nurtured progress through the ranks, a testament to the dedication, knowledge and quiet determination for which he was so well respected.
In recent years, Don was delighted to make the trip across the Irish Sea to compete a few times at one of his favourite events, Hopetoun, and he qualified for the National Championships on several occasions in the Novice Horse class at Cirencester and Cricklands with his Hackney/Welsh X, Arthur. His most recent competitive trip was in 2024 to Ashfields with his beloved Welsh Cob, Magic. Don also loved travelling internationally to watch carriage driving, regularly making the journey to the World Pony Championships with his great friends Peter, Dan Joe and Pat to support the Irish competitors. These trips created many cherished memories, plenty of laughter and, as those who travelled with him would agree, never a shortage of stories!
Not only a competitor, Don gave generously of his time to organise carriage driving events in Co. Tipperary for a number of years. Together with a small team of friends and volunteers, he worked tirelessly to promote the sport he loved and encourage others to become involved. While Don enjoyed the competitive side of carriage driving, it was the friendships, camaraderie and shared experiences that meant the most to him. He will be fondly remembered for his larger-than-life personality, his ever-present smile and the warmth and generosity he showed to everyone he met.
Always ready with a story and keen to have the craic, Don possessed a wonderful sense of humour and an infectious zest for life. He treasured time spent with friends and could always be relied upon to put on his dancing shoes, straighten his trademark braces and become the life and soul of the gathering. His quick wit, perfectly timed one-liners and ability to find humour in almost any situation ensured there was never a dull moment in his company. Those fortunate enough to call Don a friend will have countless happy memories of laughter-filled days and evenings, and of leaving his company with a smile on their face.
We extend our deepest and most sincere condolences to the entire Walsh family, his wider family circle and many friends at this very difficult time.
Don was laid to rest in his native Bansha, Co. Tipperary, last Saturday.
Rest in peace, Don. One of life’s true gentlemen, a remarkable character, a wonderful horseman, and a much-loved friend whose laughter, kindness and friendship enriched the lives of so many and will never be forgotten.
Screenshot
