Dr Tom Walsh

This is a compilation of interviews recorded. The first clip was recorded by Dr Tom Walsh when the first Wexford Festival Opera was announced. In the second clip, Tom Walsh’s sister Nellie Walsh speaks about the professional approach relating to performance. The third clip is a talk by Dr Tom Walsh about his young life, and his introduction to the opera, and his singing lessons. On the same clip, Tom Walsh mentions the difficulties of getting money to start the Festival. The next clip is a recording made with Eithne Scallan, who talks about assisting Dr Tom Walsh when she came from Dublin in 1961. Next, Jim Golden speaks about Dr Tom Walsh’s ability to get people motivated to work hard at making the Festival a success. Sean Scallan speaks about the reasons for Dr Walsh’s abrupt retirement in 1966. Nicky Cleary recalls his opera memories. Dr Walsh’s stepdaughter, Victoria, remembers her step-father with fondness, and Angus Lee, surgeon, recalls his colleague. The above are extracts from recordings compiled by R.T.E in the 1980s.