Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce has paid tribute to  Patrick Walsh, a prominent Killarney businessman and one of the county’s most respected and successful building contractors who has passed away.

Patrick was President of the Chamber in 1984-85 and during his term in office a number of important projects were implemented, including initiatives to considerably enhance the visual image of the town centre.

Chamber said Patrick was very generous with the time he devoted to the organisation and he was a very steady hand as the executive committee at the time worked on several ideas to help to create a better Killarney.

Given that he was originally from Farranfore, it was no surprise that Patrick became a keen aviation enthusiast and he qualified to hold his own pilot’s licence.

He was hugely involved in the development of Farranfore Airport and his vision, drive and know-how helped, in no small way, to write several chapters in the success story that is the Kerry Airport of today.

Chamber said while the airport was built initially to boost tourism and the manufacturing industry in Kerry, which it continues to do, thanks to the pioneering spirit of Patrick Walsh and others of vision, the people of the Kerry are now among its principal users.

A building contractor of national renown, Patrick Walsh was responsible for many landmark developments in Killarney and throughout Kerry but a real monument to his craftsmanship is the striking Prince of Peace Church in Fossa.

Close on half a century after its construction, it is still considered one of the most spectacular places of worship in the country and, given its setting overlooking the lakes and mountains from its feature altar viewing point, it is no surprise that it is one of the most in demand churches for wedding ceremonies.

With Patrick and his team working closely with then Parish Priest Fr James Galvin, the foundation stone for the church was laid in the summer of 1976 and the Prince of Peace Church was consecrated by Bishop Kevin McNamara on 5th June 1977.

Chamber noted that, over the years, Patrick was also involved in the vast majority of the maintenance projects in the churches and buildings under the ownership of the Killarney Parish and that involvement is continued today by his son, Martin, who is keeping the Walsh family name to the fore in the construction industry.

Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce has extended sincere sympathy to Patrick’s family, Fr Padraig, Martin, Elma and Canice, daughter-in-law Pamela, sons-in-law Declan and Micheál, his grandchildren Amy, Adam, Gavin, Stephen, Ian, Patrick and Ella, brother Tom, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and many other relatives and friends.

Patrick was predeceased by his wife, Helen, and his brothers Sean, Tadhg, Seamus and Mick.