Fr. Paul Walsh

Father Paul Walsh (Irish: An tAthair Pól Breathnach), (19 June 1885 – 18 June 1941) was an Irish priest and historian.

Walsh was the eldest of the five sons and three daughters born to Michael Walsh and Brigid Gallagher of Ballina (aka Balliea), in the parish of Mullingar, County Westmeath. Educated locally, he spent a year at Mullingar's Christian Brothers school, and subsequently in 1900 to St. Finnian's College, Navan, where he studied for three years. Noted as a good student, Walsh achieved especial distinction in classics and mathematics. In autumn 1903 he became a student at St. Patrick's College, Maynooth, again achieving great distinction in subjects such as Irish, French, Italian and Philosophy.

Under the influence of Father Peter Yorke (1864–1925), Walsh became interested in many aspects of Irish culture. Tomás Ó Fiaich later commented that Walsh was one of "... a generation of students [at Maynooth] which was collectively able, multi-talented, committed and independent-minded", many of whom went on to achieve great distinction in many aspects of Irish life. However, his participation in a controversy concerning 'compulsory Irish' at the National University led to him been denied ordination at Maynooth; the ceremony instead took place at All Hallow's College, Dublin, on 24 June 1909. He was also forbidden to return to pursue postgraduate studies.

Between 1910 and 1916 Walsh participated in a diverse range of activities; four months as a curate in Dunsany, County Meath, teaching at Ring summer school, County Waterford, and teaching Latin at St. Finnians. He continued with his studies, obtained a BA with first class honours in 1912, and in 1914 an M.A. with first class honours, both from the National University of Ireland. The outbreak of war in 1914 prevented travel to continental Europe for a travelling scholarship.

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