Ballinrobe Musical Society pays tribute to Tony Walkin on his passing
Ballinrobe Musical Society has paid tribute to one of its longest-serving members, Tony Walkin, whose death has taken place.
It stated: "Our deepest and most heartfelt of sympathies go out to the Walkin family on the sad passing of Tony Walkin Snr.
"We are truly saddened to hear of the passing of Tony, who was one of the society's all-time greats.
"Tony was one of the last of a cohort of stalwarts upon whose shoulders the society now stands today.
"His association with Ballinrobe Musical Society extended five decades, right back to our re-formation in 1973.
"This culminated in the staging of The Pirates of Penzance in the old town hall in 1974, a show that Tony performed in four times in total (1974, 1985, 1998, 2020).
"In fact, Tony was also involved in two productions of My Fair Lady (1993 and in 2017), two productions of Gondoliers (1978 and 2001), two productions of Showboat (1984 and 2006), two productions of Oklahoma! (1983 and 1999) and three productions of various iterations of The Mikado (1976, 1990, 2007).
"Tony ran various enterprises on Main Street - most recently a gift shop - that were an institution in Ballinrobe and gave great support to the society over the years. His sons Peter, Mark and Tony Jnr have also been part of several Ballinrobe musicals.
"Even after he took a step back from the stage, Tony continued to show a smiling face and a welcoming hand to audiences at our front of house each February.
"Tony was an ever-present and integral part of our chorus, but also turned his hand to various principal roles over the years.
"Many of our current cast carry fond memories of Tony, who was well-regarded and enormously well-liked among every member of the society.
"Fun, laughter and camaraderie were always guaranteed when you were in Tony's company.
"Tony, we were delighted to have sang and danced with you, and you will never be forgotten.
"May your soul rest in peace."