Tributes were paid last night after the news that handball legend Michael 'Ducksie' Walsh passed away aged 50. Walsh has been suffering from a short illness. He fell ill after returning from a doubles tournament on Saturday.
Walsh is the most decorated handballer of all time. He won 16 All-Ireland 60x30 senior singles titles, and seven 40x20 All-Ireland senior singles titles.
Just two weeks ago, he defeated number one ranked Eoin Kennedy to win the inaugural Irish 60x30 singles nationals. He was ranked as the number two player in the most recent Irish 60x30 rankings.
Really saddened at the passing of Michael "Ducksie" Walsh. A brilliant handballer, a gentleman & a legend. Way too young to go. RIP Ducksie
— Marty Morrissey (@MartyM_RTE) August 4, 2016
Ah very sad to hear of the passing of Michael 'Ducksie' Walsh. One of the greatest GAA heroes of all time. RIP. pic.twitter.com/zY1UGq1KZt
— 📻 Ed Smith 📻 (@EdTodayFM) August 4, 2016
If ever a name was synonymous with a sport, then Ducksie Walsh was with handball. RIP
— Michael Verney (@mlverney) August 4, 2016
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Walsh and McDonald families today. R.I.P. Michael "Ducksie" Walsh #Legend
— TheRowerInistiogeGAA (@Rower_Inistioge) August 4, 2016
Saddened to hear the passing of Michael 'ducksie'walsh today.1 of kilkennys+irelands best sportsman,records unrivaled,my inspiration#GOAT
— enda (@sarahandenda) August 4, 2016
Shocked to hear of the passing of Michael 'Ducksie' Walsh the greatest handballer of all time. Did more to promote the game than anyone RIP
— enda (@OAKLEAFBOY) August 4, 2016
Picture credit: Pat Murphy / SPORTSFILE
