Old Bailey bomber Roy Walsh, who was one of the IRA’s longest serving prisoners, has died aged 75.
The father-of-three, who was from Springfield Road area of west Belfast, passed away at home on Wednesday.
He was convicted for his part in the bombing the Old Bailey in London in 1973, in which more than 200 people were injured and one person died as as result of a heart attack.
A part of an active service unit alongside Gerry Kelly, now a Sinn Féin MLA, Hugh Feeney, sisters Dolours and Marian Price, and six others from the IRA’s Belfast Brigade, Walsh received a life imprisonment for the bombings and 20 years for conspiracy.
He was released in 1994 after serving almost 21 years in English prisons, making him one of the longest serving IRA prisoners in an English jail.
His name was used by Patrick Magee when he bombed the Conservative Party conference at Brighton in 1984.
While Walsh was not involved in the attack, Magee booked into the Grand Hotel under the alias ‘Roy Walsh’.
Magee later claimed the pseudonym was a “random choice”.
His son Patrick Walsh posted on social media: “RIP Daddy. Fearless to the very end.
“Lay him away on the hillside, Along with the brave and the bold. Inscribe his name on the roll of fame, In letters of purest gold.”
Other messages of condolence were posted, including one from the “committee and members of Éire Go Brách CSC”, which said it “deeply regret the death of Oglach Roy Walsh, dearly loved father of our esteemed member Patrick”.
“We extend our deepest sympathy to the Walsh family circle at this sad time.”
In a Facebook tribute, the Irish Republican Socialist Party stated: “The IRSP in the Lower Falls send our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Roy Walsh, who has sadly passed away today.
“Roy played his part in the latest phase of Republican struggle, bringing the war directly to the front door of the enemy in England in the early 1970s.
“Roy courageously faced serving time in hostile English prisons, where he remained steadfast in his beliefs throughout.
“He was a friend to many of our members and supporters and he will be a massive loss to republicanism in Belfast and beyond.”
We regret to inform you on the death of: Walsh Roy, died peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family 16th...
Posted by Mallon Brothers Funeral Directors on Wednesday 16 October 2024
Requiem Mass will be celebrated in St Paul’s Church on Wednesday at 10am followed by a service in Roselawn Crematorium.
He is survived by his children Patrick, Roisin and Seana and family circle.
