Download the full text in PDF

The Catholic Archdiocese of Perth is saddened by the death of Fr Joseph Francis Walsh at Bethesda Hospital, Claremont, Perth, on Tuesday, 1 February 2022. 

Catholic Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB said “The clergy, parishioners and members of the wider community who knew Fr Walsh over his years of service in this Archdiocese extend our deepest sympathies and prayers to Father Walsh’s family, friends and loved ones. 

Father Joe, as he was widely known, served in this Archdiocese for almost 46 years and will be remembered for his good humour, his warm personality and his ability to engage with and embrace people, and for his charitable works. He will be particularly remembered by the members of the Irish Community here in Perth where he was so well known”.

Born on 26 January 1952 in Tuam, County Galway, Ireland, Father Walsh was ordained on 13 June 1976 in Dublin, Ireland, and arrived in Perth shortly thereafter in September 1976. He served as Assistant Priest at a number of parishes including Osborne Park, Leederville, St Mary’s Cathedral, then Northam and Subiaco.

Father Walsh returned to Ireland in 1984 to undertake the position of Vocations Director at the prestigious All Hallows College, Ireland. His appointment was initially for a two-year period, but this was extended until 1990. In September 1990, Fr Walsh returned to the Archdiocese of Perth and was appointed Parish Priest for the Gingin-Chittering Parish, serving there until July 1992 when Emeritus Archbishop Hickey approved sabbatical leave for him. 

In October 1992 Father Walsh was appointed as Parish Priest to the Nollamara/Yokine Parish until his appointment in January 2001 as Parish Priest of St Joseph’s Parish in Subiaco. Fr Walsh oversaw the much-needed restoration of the Church. He also served as Chaplain to the RAAF and Western Australian Prisons and was a constant visitor and source of comfort to patients at St John of God Hospital in Subiaco.

Fr Walsh’s last appointment in the Archdiocese was as Chaplain of All Saints Chapel on St Georges Terrace.

Following the settlement of civil proceedings between the Archdiocese and Fr Walsh on terms satisfactory to both parties Fr Walsh continued to battle with the cancer that ultimately claimed his life. 

Among his many contributions, and one of which he was most proud, was the establishment of the Uthana Mission, a not-for-profit relief organisation based in Perth that is committed to helping the under privileged in Kolkata, India. 

Out of respect for Fr Walsh and the privacy owed to his family at this difficult time, the Archdiocese will not provide any further comment.

+ May he rest in peace. 
 

Media enquiries should be directed to:
Brett Mendez
Media Manager, Catholic Archdiocese of Perth
Telephone: 08 9313 2241 Mobile: 0448 791 661
Email: brett.mendez@perthcatholic.org.au