June 1916- July 2007
Walter was born in Orchard View in 1916 where he lived with his father after his mother had died. He was the youngest of 7 and along with his brother Ernie they went to live with their uncles Joe and Julius Sheppard (after their father re-married), Ernie went to Callow with Joe and Walter came to live in Fort view. He married Nan Mooney in 1944 and had 4 Children.
Walter was committed to the spiritual side of life. He was an active member of Ballingrane Methodist Church and was a lay preacher for many years. Walter’s service to his wider community extended to Muinter na Tire where he served as Chairman for many years and was a founding member of Cappagh branch and served on the national executive for many years. For over 30 years Walter gave full commitment to the ideals of the Credit Union movement, both serving on the Board from 1973 to 2005 and as a voluntary collector for Cappagh for many years.
He farmed at Fort View until his retirement in the early 1980’s. In his farming life he had ploughed with horses and tilled many an acre for corn during the “Emergency” years. He also grew all the other crops needed to feed the livestock like turnips, mangles and not forgetting the humble spud. He was a lifelong supporter of the IFA and was secretary of Rathkeale Branch IFA, County representative of the Potato Committee, 1st non-political Chairman of ACOT (County Committee of Agriculture) and in later years was awarded Honorary Membership.
Walters interests and activities extended to involvement in Rathfredagh Cheshire Home from its inception. He regularly took part in fundraising walks for the home even up to his last years. Walter was very knowledgeable about and interested in local history. He regularly attended meetings of the Rathkeale Historical Society and was a founding member and patron of The Palatine Museum in Rathkeale. Walter was keen gardener and his onions and potatoes were often winners at Rathkeale and Limerick shows.
He was a well known charachter and when possible would meet up with friends and neighbours for a “chat” which could often take hours as they filled each other in about the past and present.
Article by
Brian Ruttle(son)
cappaghasenseofplace.com 