Taoiseach Micheál Martin has led tributes to former bishop of the Diocese of Killaloe Willie Walsh.
It is understood that Bishop Walsh, 90, died suddenly last night at his residence in Ennis, Co Clare.
He had been in relatively good health and recently marked his 90th birthday with a mass at Ennis cathedral.
"Bishop Willie Walsh was a thorough gentleman, who supported those in need and people on the margins of our society," said Mr Martin.
The Taoiseach said he "held a strong belief in the power of reconciliation".
" A lifelong lover of the game of hurling, he will be sadly missed by all who knew him," added Mr Martin.
Bishop Willie Walsh was a thorough gentleman, who supported those in need and people on the margins of our society.
— Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD) February 20, 2025
He held a strong belief in the power of reconciliation.
A lifelong lover of the game of hurling, he will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
Originally from Roscrea in Co Tipperary, he was ordained bishop of the Diocese of Killaloe, which stretches from Loop Head in Co Clare to Co Offaly, in 1994 and remained in the position until 2010.
He studied for the priesthood at Maynooth, but had a long association with St Flannan's College in Ennis, where he attended as a boarder in the 1950s, before teaching maths and physics there for 25 years.
Bishop Walsh was administrator of Ennis cathedral before becoming coadjutor bishop of the diocese and then bishop.
He also lived across the road from St Flannan's College, when he retired.
Bishop Walsh was regarded as 'the most gentle and kindest of men’ with a strong and steady presence, particularly at a time when the Catholic Church had lost a lot of its credibility among members across Ireland.
He undertook a walk across all parishes of the diocese at the turn of the millennium seeking forgiveness for the actions of the church in relation to child sexual abuse.
Bishop Walsh was described by Parish Priest of Tulla and Communications Officer with the Diocese of Killaloe, Fr Brendan Quinlivan, as the most gentle of men and a steady and consoling presence for the people of the diocese, particularly those experiencing any kind of struggle or sadness.
Bishop of Killaloe, Fintan Monahan, said there is "profound sadness" at news of the death, describing Willie Walsh as "dearly loved by the many whose lives he touched in his extraordinary pastoral ministry".
"His Episcopal motto was Cinéaltas Chríost - The Gentleness of Christ - and his ministry radiated that in his care for the poor, pastoral support to survivors of abuse, to anyone who was in trouble, and anyone struggling in life.
"He was passionate about hurling and was central to the success of many teams in St Flannan's College, Éire Óg club in Ennis and Co Clare," Bishop Monahan said.
Bishop Walsh attended the Harty Cup final, in which St Flannan's played and were defeated, a number of weeks ago.
Bishop Walsh's funeral will take place at 1pm Monday at Ennis Cathedral, with lying in repose Sunday from 3pm and prayers at 7pm.
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