A book of condolence has opened for a popular teacher who died suddenly on Friday 10th February.
Aidan Walsh, who taught at St Patrick's College in Ballymena was described as a "cherished friend and colleague". Among the hundreds of online tributes, many former and current students told how Mr Walsh was charismatic, down to earth and loved by the whole student body.
In a statement posted on their social media, St. Patrick's College said: "It is with great sadness that we share this news. Our cherished friend and colleague Aidan Walsh passed away on Friday February 10. This news has come as a great shock to all of us at St Patrick’s where Aidan taught for over 12 years.
"Aidan will be greatly missed within St Patrick’s and the whole school community. We were blessed to have had Aidan in our lives. Our thoughts and prayers are with Aidan's wife and family. May he Rest In Peace. "
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Aidan was also a member of All Saints GAC who detailed their "deep shock and immense sadness" at his death.
"Aidan was a fantastic underage star for All Saints. He was instrumental in our club winning its first underage silverware in many years when, along with his twin brother Tiernan, he led our under 14 footballers to the South West championship, achieved under the coaching of Brian Loughran and his loving father and long time committee member, Michael," they said.
"Aidan was also a skillful hurler for All Saints and won underage hurler of the year under the tutelage of coach, Owen Elliot.
"Alongside Tiernan, Aidan was key player for a number of very successful Co. Antrim football development teams until he was struck down with a serious knee injury at U16. A massive blow for All Saints and Co Antrim as it curtailed his development for a time."
The club said that Aidan didn't let the injury deter him and worked relentlessly on and off the field to get back to playing.
"His hard work and positive mental attitude were a great example to all of his team mates. He went on to return to the field and was a key player for our minors, U21's and senior footballers before heading to England to continue his studies eventually qualifying as a teacher," they added.
"Aidan returned from his period away to continue to be a important player for our senior and reserve football teams for many seasons, the highlight being his contribution to the winning of our first county Intermediate football championship in 20 years in 2008.
"Playing in All Saints teams alongside his brothers Fintan and Tiernan these were extremely proud days for his mother Maria and father Michael who rarely missed a game supporting on the sideline.
"A great man, talented player and beloved teammate who never missed a training session, complained, or challenged a manager or referee. He had a love for the game, his team mates and All Saints GAC.
"The deepest sympathies of all at All Saints go to his wife Anne, his children Cain and Caitlin, his mother and father Michael and Maria and his siblings Tiernan, Fintan and Aisling."
Aidan's funeral will take place on Wednesday at noon in St Comgall’s Church, Antrim.
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