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Today, 31st January, marks 60 years since our legendary kitman Michael Walsh first began volunteering for the Blues, and here’s the story behind his legendary status at the club.

On January 31st, 1965, Waterford FC welcomed Bohemian FC to our home ground of Kilcohan Park in a season that saw the Blues lift the league title for the first time in our history (1965/66 season). A keen spectator of the club, Michael Walsh arrives at our home before being asked by – to help guard a hole in a fence in front of the main stand to stop any supporters chancing their arm of free entry – and that’s where Michael’s story began…

“One of the main gates fell down and they put it back up, and I was asked to stand on the inside of the gate to stop people from climbing in over the fence, and that’s how it all started for me”, Michael said when asked on how his journey started with the club.

“There was two other men involved, one looking after the pitch and one looking after the gear, so I was brought in to give them a dig out. The then kitman left, and I was asked would I fill in until they got somebody, and here I am 60 years later!”

Michael has been involved with the Blues through many highs and lows, and when asked about his highlights, the FAI Cup win in 1980 came to mind instantly, mentioning: 

“Winning the cup in 1980. We were beaten by Shamrock Rovers in the semi-final of the cup in 1978. In 1979, we lost to Dundalk in the final. Before finally winning it in 1980. 

A trip to Miami followed suit after winning the cup, as all players & coaches headed to Miami beach for 14 days – a memory that Michael will always hold close to him since he began with the Blues.

Also then we beat Rovers 6-5. Paddy Coad was manager of Rovers at the time, we were down 4-1 and everyone thought it was over & done. When people got the result later on that Waterford beat them 6-5, that was one of the biggest results for us at the time. Rovers were top notch at the time back then, like they are now.”

Playing against Bordeaux in 1986 was also special to Michael, as he mentionedplayed against the Blues in our European clash..

Michael created life-long friends over the last sixty-years within the club, with a close-bond with various former players and coaches made as he mentioned some of his closest Blues friends here:

“Tommy Jackson was my number one favourite for me, he has always been a personal friend to me and our family. I had a good relationship with Jimmy McGeogh as a player and manager. Goalkeeper Peter Thomas & Alan Reynolds as a player & manager too, I’ve always been close with them. 

“I get on great with Keith, he’s always been really respectful and appreciates what I do. He’s done a fantastic job with us the last two years. People say how do you get on so well with managers, I’ve always just tried my very best with each manager when they were here. Johnny Matthews, Paul Kirk, Peter Thomas, Brian Gardner & Sid Wallace were all really good people in general, and they’ve always stayed in contact until the present day.”

“Bastien Hery was a real professional type player and I got on really well with him while he was here. David Breen too, he’s a real true blue and has been around as long as I have.”

We asked Michael his thoughts on the 2025 seasons ahead, and he couldn’t help but be impressed with the squad Keith has assembled for our new season, commenting: “I think Keith has a strong squad this year, and I know he’ll be expecting nothing but the best from each player every week. I’m dreaming of some silverware this year!”

“I’ve never been happier over the last couple of years since the Pilley family & Fleetwood group have taken control of the club here, bring professionalism and expertise to us, they’ve already made a lasting impact which has been shown on & off the pitch which will lead us onto bigger successes on the field”

“I’d also like to thank all the directors, chairman, managers, coaches, staff, players & coaches who I’ve worked with over the years. I’ve really enjoyed working with everyone over the last 60 years”.

“Being here for 60 years, it has become part of life for me. You go in to just give a hand, and you get to know the players and managers, and it’s harder to get out than it is to get in! I’m delighted to be involved all this time. The only way I’ll leave this club is if I’m not needed or if I die! I’ll never leave voluntarily, I’ll have to be kicked out.”

Thanks for everything over the last 60 years, Mick!

Gallery:

Michael during our 2020 Sportsfile Photoshoot prior to the start of the 2020 League of Ireland season.
Michael with former Blue Phoenix Patterson in the RSC.
Michael with his his grandson Richy Walsh – our current Chief Operating Officer at the club – celebrating our 2023 Promotion to the Premier Division.
Michael embracing his close friend Sid Wallace at the RSC.
Michael lifting the 2017 SSE Airtricity First Division trophy in-front of the RSC.