Thomas Walsh (Irish politician) facts for kids

Thomas Walsh (born December 8, 1901 – died July 14, 1956) was an important Irish politician. He was a member of the Fianna Fáil political party. He served as the Minister for Agriculture for Ireland from 1951 to 1954. He also represented the Carlow–Kilkenny area as a Teachta Dála (TD) from 1948 until his death in 1956. Before that, he was a Senator from 1943 to 1944.

Early Life and Education

Thomas Walsh was born in Gowran, County Kilkenny, Ireland. His father, James Walsh, was a farmer. Thomas had one brother and one sister.

He went to school at Patrician Brothers College and Rockwell College. He then received a scholarship to attend Mountbellew Agricultural College in County Galway. In 1921, he was one of the first students at the new Pallaskenry Agricultural College in County Limerick. During his time there, the college was raided by the Black and Tans. This experience made him feel very strongly about Irish independence.

Starting in Politics

Thomas Walsh first tried to become a Teachta Dála (TD) in the 1943 general election. He ran for the Kilkenny area but did not win that time.

However, he was soon elected to Seanad Éireann, which is the upper house of the Irish parliament. He served as a Senator for the Agricultural Panel until 1944. He tried again for the Dáil in the 1944 general election but was not successful. Finally, in the 1948 general election, he was elected as a Fianna Fáil TD for the Carlow–Kilkenny area.

Becoming a Minister

In 1951, Thomas Walsh joined the government led by Éamon de Valera. He was given the important role of Minister for Agriculture. This meant he was in charge of farming and food production for the country. He held this position until 1954.

Thomas Walsh sadly passed away suddenly in 1956. He was still a Teachta Dála at the time. After his death, a special election, called a by-election, was held. The Fianna Fáil candidate, Martin Medlar, won this election.