Louis Walsh’s mother Maureen, 94, dies following lengthy Alzheimer’s battle after music mogul’s tragic admission
Music mogul Louis Walsh is in mourning following the death of his beloved mother Maureen on Monday at the age of 94.
Maureen Walsh passed away at St Attracta’s Nursing Home in Charlestown, Co Mayo, after living with Alzheimer’s disease for more than a decade.
The former X Factor judge, 72, who rose to prominence as the man behind chart-topping groups like Boyzone and Westlife, was famously close to his mother.
She was described as a well-known and much-loved figure in her community.
Maureen Walsh was the mother of nine children and had been battling a long illness before her death at the Mayo nursing home.
Ms Walsh was predeceased by her husband Frank, her daughter Catherine, brother Seán and son-in-law Pat O’Connor.
She is survived by her children Evelyn (O’Connor), Louis, Paul, Frank, Eamon, Padraic, Joseph, Noel and Sara (Keogh), along with many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
According to locals, she worked for many years with Western Care in Ballinamore. A notice on RIP.ie described Ms Walsh as “the cherished mother” of her nine children.
The Walsh family was well-established in the Mayo community, with Maureen being recognised as a devoted mother.
She has also been applauded for raising her large family whilst maintaining her community work commitments over many years.
Louis has previously spoken openly about his mother’s condition and their relationship.
In a 2015 interview, he shared that although she no longer recognised him due to her Alzheimer’s, she was “healthy and happy”. Speaking to Woman Magazine, he tragically added “she doesn’t know me”.
The music manager also revealed his mother’s early aspirations for him to join the priesthood.
Speaking on Nicky Byrne’s podcast last year, he said: “My mother was hoping that her eldest boy would be a priest. I came from a family of nine. They sent me to boarding school.”
Walsh described his difficult experience at the Roscommon boarding school, telling Byrne: “I absolutely hated school. Can I tell you how much I hated it?”
Despite his mother’s religious hopes for her eldest son, Walsh went on to forge his successful career in the music industry instead.
It is understood Ms Walsh will repose at her home in Church Street, Kiltimagh tomorrow evening.
Her removal from her home will take place on Thursday morning to the Church of the Holy Family, Kiltimagh for funeral mass at 12 noon.
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Following the funeral service, burial will take place afterwards in Kilkinure Cemetery, Kiltimagh.
The timing of the funeral services reflects traditional Irish customs, with the evening reposal providing an opportunity for friends and neighbours to offer condolences to the Walsh family before the formal religious ceremony on Thursday.