Remembering Maurice Wallace: loyal, witty, and wise

There have been many tributes to the late Maurice Wallace, a well-known and much-loved figure in Mullingar, who passed away peacefully on July 13. Maurice, who was in his 90th year, was a familiar face around the town and spent many years working in the insurance business, running his own successful practice.

Maurice lived a full and richly textured life, marked by deep personal connections, intellectual curiosity, and a generous spirit. He shared a devoted marriage with his late wife Mary, a Kildare native whom he met during his early working days in Dublin. The couple married in 1962 and remained inseparable throughout their lives. Their shared passions included playing bridge and the intricate hobby of piecing stained glass - activities they approached with care and companionship.

In retirement, Maurice was a regular at The Greville Arms Hotel, where he enjoyed coffee and conversation with friends, always returning home to Mary with the latest updates and town news. The pair also enjoyed travelling, exploring the beauty of Ireland on family holidays, and later making pilgrimages to places like Lourdes and Medjugorje. Maurice took these trips to heart, often helping fellow pilgrims who required assistance at the various shrines.

When Mary moved to Newbrook Nursing Home, Maurice’s devotion never waned. He became a well-known and well-loved presence among the staff with his daily 6pm visits, never missing an evening by her side.

A passionate sportsman, Maurice had a life-long love for all codes, including cricket, rugby, GAA, soccer and golf. He followed them all keenly and with equal enthusiasm. During the time of the GAA ban, Maurice famously attended Mullingar rugby matches in disguise, donning a dark hood and glasses to avoid detection. While Mary remained at home awaiting the post-match reports, Maurice followed game after game with unwavering dedication.

He was deeply involved in the life of St Oliver Plunkett’s Hurling Club in Mullingar and had a particular grá for Multyfarnham GAA Club. Mullingar Golf Club was also a place close to his heart.

Maurice took great pride in the achievements of his family, and was especially delighted when his great-grandnephew, Con O’Callaghan, captained the Dublin senior football team. Though his heart always belonged to Westmeath, a photo of Con in full flight had a special place on Maurice’s wall.

In later years, Maurice himself became a resident of Newbrook Lodge, where his room quickly became a social hub. Surrounded by loyal friends and regular visitors -sometimes in need of a schedule to manage them all - he continued to enjoy lively conversations, full of craic, wit, and story.

Maurice Wallace will be remembered as a man of great loyalty, humour and intellect; a loving husband; dedicated family man; faithful friend, and a passionate supporter of sport and community. His passing leaves a real void in local community life, but he leaves behind a legacy of kindness, spirit and enduring friendship.

Maurice passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family in the exceptional care of the staff at the Midland Regional Hospital and previously in the kind care of the staff of Newbrook Lodge.

The beloved husband of the late Mary, he was the much loved father of Anne (Cleary), Pauline (O’Reilly) and Conor, and very cherished grandfather of Maureen, Stephen and Eoghan; Eimear, Mike and Tim; James, Kate and Tom; and treasured great-grandfather of Sadhbh. Maurice will be very sadly missed by his family, his daughter-in-law Emer, sons-in-law Michael and Brendan, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews especially Peter, Gerry and Maeve for their kindness, and a wide circle of family, friends and neighbours.

The deceased members of the Wallace and Noonan families were rememberd at Maurice's funeral Mass in the Cathedral of Christ the King, Mullingar. Burial was to Walshestown Cemetery.

The St Oliver Plunkett’s Hurling Club had the following tribute:

‘Since our club’s formation in 1976 the name Maurice Wallace is synonymous with St Oliver Plunkett’s. This week we lay to rest our longest serving member and club officer. For many years Maurice proudly served as Club President but younger and newer members will not fully appreciate how influential Maurice Wallace has been in our club history. Maurice, like so many early founding members, came from the previous hurling club in Mullingar, Pearses. In those difficult early years Maurice’s ambition for St Oliver Plunkett’s was boundless. However, Maurice’s drive and ambition came into its own when we commenced our search for our own playing fields in the late 1980s and early 1990s. It is said that Maurice, along with the late Tony Donoghue, walked every blade of grass in Mullingar in search of lands for St Oliver Plunkett’s. This effort finally paid off and with Maurice’s ambition and leadership we finally secured our grounds in Robinstown.

It is said that Maurice had a contact for anything. He would travel the country for hurleys, sliotars and any other equipment or service our club needed. Testament to Maurice’s pride in Robinstown, he tracked down the grass seed supplier that was used for Croke Park.

Maurice was a legendary fundraiser. He was well known for his tombola but the highlight in Maurice’s year was the golf classics that he organised in Mullingar Golf Club. Again the contacts Maurice had ensured that the time sheet was full with teams from all over the country. These classics were vital in keeping the gates of Robinstown open in the hard early years.

Apart from Maurice’s fundraising and behind the scene efforts Maurice had a deep love and interest in the game of hurling.

Even in Maurice’s later years he would be regularly seen on a sideline supporting his boys in the Green and White.

Rest in Peace Maurice and thank you for all you have done for St Oliver Plunkett's, Mullingar.’

The Multyfarnham GAA Club also remembered a loyal supporter and friend:

‘Maurice was not only a lifelong and proud supporter of our club, but also a valued player on our 1956 team. His love for the club never waned over the years, and he remained a constant presence and source of encouragement to all.

We will always be grateful for the special role he played in one of the most memorable days in our history – helping to bring Dublin star Con O’Callaghan to the turning of the sod for our new pitch in 2018. Maurice’s presence that day made it all the more meaningful and unforgettable for everyone involved,’ the club wrote.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.