Irish Person of the year, Thomas F. Walsh- 1997

In 1920, in Aughamore, County Mayo, Tom was born to Martin & Catherine Walsh.  The family later moved to a farm in Frenchpark, County Roscommon. During the depression they emigrated to the U.S. through Ellis Island.  Tom resided in Philadelphia until 1943 when he was drafted into the army.

He was commissioned as 2nd Lieutenant in 1944 and then continued to serve his country for 27 years.  He graduated from the Command and General Staff College, Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas.  He is a veteran of World War II, the Korean Conflict and the Vietnam War.  In Vietnam he was Deputy Commander of an army logistical group which was the army’s largest at 12,000 men.  He then returned to the U.S. and retired as a full Colonel in 1970.

Among the many honors he received in the military were the Army Commendation, the Join Armed Forces Commendation, and the Legion of Merit.  After retiring from the military, Tom worked in Dallas in Building Maintenance Management until 1987.

Tom has contributed to many organizations, his community, his church St. Bernard’s, TROA and the Greater Dallas Retired Officer’s Association of which he was treasurer and president, each 2 years.

Tom’s greatest contributions, however, have been to the Dallas Irish Community.  He and his wife Lula Maye have been active in the Irish-American Society for many years.  They were Co-presidents and co-chaired the cultural and historical offices for two years.  They were instrumental in bringing the successful Irish play “The Matchmaker” to Dallas.  He and his wife designed and constructed with a crew an original float that featured a live St. Patrick.  It captured a 1st place two years in a row for the IAS.

As President Tom initiated the telephone committee and donations to Jonathan’s Place and Brady’s Place.  He and his wife have directed the activities of the IAS booth at Fair Park for the last tow years.  Their efforts brought 1st and 2nd prizes for the best cultural display.  In addition to supporting the IAS, Tom and his wife have actively supported the Texas Rose of Tralee group.  They flew to Tralee to support their daughter Kathleen as the Texas Rose in 1986.  They returned 10 years later to cheer on Molly McCurry.

Tom and his wife, Lula Maye, have five children, sons Tom and Michael, daughters Mellanie, Christina and Kathleen; 2 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild.  The entire family is elated over the honor given to Tom.  He is very proud and grateful to have been considered and then chose as Irish Person of the Year.