Tributes paid to All-Ireland winning Kilkenny hurler after recent passing

Kilkenny lost another hurling great in recent days following the passing of Eamonn Wallace (Erin's Own).

Eamonn was a member of the 1982 and 1983 All-Ireland winning teams and he also had many outings representing Kilkenny at minor and U-21 grades down through the years.

The untimely death of Eamonn Wallace at his home in Market Street at a comparatively young age has been greeted with great sadness in the community and surrounding parishes.

A versatile and multi-talented man he could master any sport but is best known for his skills on the hurling fields. A quiet and reserved person he was highly regarded and a gentleman true and true.

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Here is a lovely tribute from one of his Erin’s Own colleagues who lined out with Eamonn on the successful under-21 team in 1979:

Eamonn Wallace defied all notions that you must start young in order to be a top-class hurler. From a quiet beginning the shy ‘blondie headed back of the market boy’ turned out to be one of Castlecomer’s finest.

Eamon’s first grade to line out was for his beloved Erin’s Own at under-16. It must be noted that while he may not have donned the blue and white during his formative years, he probably pucked a ball against the back wall of the courthouse every day of his younger years.

It was probably shyness that kept him from the field but when he did arrive, he made an impact that was rarely before or since seen.

Within two years he was not only starring for Erin’s Own but he made his way onto the Kilkenny minor team, winning an All-Ireland in 1977.

That was a phenomenal achievement and his daily diet of pucking a ball against a wall stood him in good stead and to this day the practice is looked upon by most top hurlers as a must, at least three times per week.

Eamon very quickly became a prominent and ever-present member of the Erin’s Own senior team, lining out at midfield in the 1979 county final.

That same year he was a major part of the victorious ‘Comer U-21 team that landed the club’s first ever under-21 Roinn A title.

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It was the ’78 title but the final was delayed until November ‘79. The following year, 1980 Eamon was part of the Kilkenny under-21 team beaten by Tipperary by a single point in the All-Ireland final.

His best years were yet to come when in 1982 he broke on to the Kilkenny senior panel and was a valued member of that all-conquering’ 82/’83 squad that claimed a famous back to back League and Championship double.

Eamon’s finest hour was in New York following the ’83 All Ireland when he was awarded man of the match in Kilkenny’s defeat of the All-Stars.

Shortly after Eamon, unfortunately for Erin’s Own, emigrated to the States chasing employment which was not uncommon for top GAA stars at the time.

He will always be remembered as a dashing midfielder with the blondie head (no helmet) who was tremendously strong and had a powerful left strike.

Once he turned onto his left he could strike the ball like a bullet almost the length of the field.

He was very strong in the air with a great catch, but it was probably his ground strike that put fear into most opponents.

If the ball dropped anywhere close to him “Wallace” could whip it in instance 60 metres up the field which was a brilliant ball for an alert and expectant forward.

If the ball was hopping, opponents were well advised to steer clear.

During his career Eamon would surely be down in the Prince at least five evenings a week honing his skills, catching and striking in particular and working on his fitness with regular runs out along the old railway line to the Deerpark.

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Pedestrians passing down along Kilkenny Street were very used to the constant thump, thump, thump as they passed the courthouse – ‘Wallace is doing a bit’ was the regular comment.

Young and indeed older players today could well take a leaf out of Eamon’s book and follow his example. 

Kilkenny GAA have paid tribute to Eamonn and would like to extend its sympathies to Eamonn’s sisters and brothers, nieces and nephews, extended family and friends.

Erin's Own GAA Club have also expressed their deepest sympathies to the Wallace Family on the sad passing of Eamonn.

Eamon was laid to rest in the Parish Cemetery after Requiem Mass celebrated in the Church of the Immaculate Conception by Mons Michael Ryan, PP Castlecomer.

He is survived by his brothers Waltie and Pat, sisters Margaret and Bernadette (USA), nieces, nephews, other relatives and a large circle of friends.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam