Walter’s early years were spent in Belturbet where he attended the Saint Mary’s Boys National School in the late 1920s. One of his classmates there was Brian Brown who also became a Catholic priest and in the 1990s served as the Parish Priest at Saint Brigid’s Church in Redhills, County Cavan.

When he was 11 years old the family moved to Belfast where he attended secondary school at Saint Mary’s Christian Brothers School, Barrack Street. The Edmund Rice Schools Trusts lists Walter and his academic accomplishments among the students who attended Saint Mary’s: “Larkin, Walter (Canon) Left 1934 after Senior Leaving Cert. Former President of St. Malachy’s College. Junior Exhibition Winner, £30. Burke Memorial Prize for Highest Total Marks, Junior Leaving Certificate, 1932.“

Saint Mary’s Christian Brothers School, Barrack Street, Belfast.

After Saint Mary’s, Walter applied unsuccessfully to Queens University where he intended to study medicine. He reapplied a year later and was accepted and completed an undergraduate degree. In the 1930s he decided that he did not want to pursue medicine as a career. Instead he entered the seminary and studied for the priesthood.

Saint Patrick Seminary Mynooth, County Kildare.

Walter studied for the priesthood at Saint Patrick Seminary, Mynooth, County Kildare, Ireland. He was ordained a priest at Saint Patrick Seminary, June 21, 1941. According to his cousin Mary Tinneny O’Kane, he offered his first Mass in the old Catholic Chapel behind the railway station in Belturbet.

External view of Old Saint Mary’s Catholic Chapel, Belturbet. Source: National Library of Ireland.

Internal view of Old Saint Mary’s Chapel Belturbet with the alter at which Walter said his first Mass, June 1941. Source: National Library of Ireland.

His older brother Michael, who by that time was himself studying for the priesthood, served at Walter's first Mass. Walter's sister Margaret returned to Belturbet from America for his ordination which must have been very special for Michael and the rest of the family and their many cousins and friends in Belfast and Belturbet.

Shortly following his ordination Walter was at the train station in Clones, County Fermanagh when he came across his cousin James Tinneny who was working there on the railroad. James went home and got his wife and children, including his daughter Mary (Tinneny O’Kane), and brought them to the train station to see their newly ordained cousin. Before leaving he gave them all his blessing as they stood on the train platform.

The Train Station, Clones 1940. It was on this platform that newly ordained Walter gave his blessing to his cousin James and his family. Source: Monaghan County Library.

 

 

 

Walter travelled to Saint Patrick Monastery and Seminary, Esker, county Galway September 21, 1941 for his brother Michael’s ordination to the priesthood. Michael was ordained a Catholic priest in the Order of Discalced Carmelites. As a religious he gave up his birth name and there after he was known as Rev. Thomas Aquinas Larkin, O.C.D. He went on to serve 53 years as a theologian, educator and as a superior in the Carmelite order in Ireland. Also in attendance for the ordination were his mother and sister Bridget.

Photo: Rev. Thomas Aquinas Larkin O.C.D

 

Walter’s initial assignment after ordination was to Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church Victoria Avenue in the village of Whitehead, County Antrim, Northern Ireland.

An arial view of the village of Whitehead. Source: Whitehead Community Association.

Photo: Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, Whitehead by Eric Jones.

In 1945 he was transferred to Saint Malachy’s College, Belfast to teach mathematics. Saint Malachy's was founded in 1833 as the first secondary school in Belfast. At the time, Saint Malachy’s was both a seminary and a college for lay students. During his 25 years at Saint Malachy’s Walter taught, served as Vice President and in 1960 he was named President of the College a post he held until 1970.

Saint Malachy’s College, Belfast. Source: The Saint Malachy’s Website.

While visiting with John Tinneny and family in Belfast in 1996, Rich and Lee Tinneny of South Carolina went with John, his daughter Roisin and son John to Saint Malachy's in search of information about Walter. Although the place seemed to be buttoned up tight they finally found a door-bell at one of the buildings in the interior court yard. The bell was rung and in a minute or two a voice was heard from above “Can I help ya?" All looked around and up and saw a priest at a third or fourth floor window hanging out the window with his Roman collar askew.

Rich hollered up to him who we were and that we were interested in speaking with someone about Fr. Larkin who had been a President of the college. With great piety in his voice Fr. John Forsythe hollered down to us. "He's dead ya know." He said it in a voice that indicated he thought he was breaking the bad news to us for the first time. In fact we knew that Walter had been dead for sometime. The sight, surroundings and the inflection in Father Forsythe’s voice in breaking his news to us was a source of many amusing laughs throughout the remainder of the visit with John and family. Every once in awhile one of us would pop out with “He's dead ya know."

Father Forsythe, although on his way off campus to celebrate Saturday afternoon Mass in one of the local churches, took the time to meet with us and to provide what little information that he had about Walter.

He also provided information about Walter’s nephew and Tinneny descendant Anthony Farquhar.  At the time Anthony was the Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of Down and Connor in Northern Ireland. April 6, 1983, at age 42, Anthony was appointed Titular Bishop of Hermiana and Auxiliary Bishop of Down and Connor by Pope John Paul II. Anthony was the son of Walter’s mother’s sister Bridget Casey Farquhar and the great-grandson of Margaret Tinneny and Michael Casey Sr. of Belturbet. Photo: Bishop Anthony Farquhar.                   Courtesy of Fr. John Forsythe.

The St Malachy’s, Belfast team that won the 1970 MacRory Cup.

“The team reached the Hogan Cup final in Croke Park, having defeated the Connaught champions, only to be beaten, having played brilliant football, in the dying seconds of a great game. More cross-country successes rounded off a remarkable decade for the sports department during Walter's tenure.”

In the middle Sixties Walter oversaw extensive changes and renovations to the old buildings of the College. They were completed, providing new entrance halls and office accommodation. The last of the old study hall desks were dumped and the new library opened. The extension of the Sixth Form course to two years led to a further increase in numbers and in 1965 eight new teachers were appointed, bringing the number of staff up to fifty six.

The article goes on to mention that in 1966 Walter was appointed to the Diocesan Chapter of Down and Connor and that he was warmly congratulated by the staff. He was now administering a school of nearly twelve hundred pupils.

About this time senior students were introduced to the choir and for the first time the Choir and Orchestra combined. The Old Boys' had now a Choral Society, under the baton of father Brendan McMullan. In 1967 the two choirs and Orchestra joined forces to give a memorable concert.

By this time there had been major staff changes and there were only four or five of the old guard left on staff at Saint Malachy's. Many of the lay staff retired in the last years of the decade, and priests returned to pastoral duties. Walter saw to it that every year a steady influx of new blood was infused into the College.

In August 1969, there had been serious rioting in Belfast with a resurgence of the troubles. When the new school year began, a collection for the homeless yielded 400 pounds, which was handed over to the Irish News to distribute.

The 1969-70 academic year was Walter's final year as President of Saint Malachy's. By this time he had been elevated to the rank of Canon. He had come to Saint Malachy's in 1945 to teach mathematics. This he did with singular success. His former pupils were warm in praise of his teaching ability and although he was a stern disciplinarian they remembered him with respect and affection. The achievements during his Presidency were manifold and his own achievements were said to be something to be proud of.

He completed the building program that Father Kerr had initiated. Under his own direction were carried out modernization of the old buildings, the extension of the gymnasium, the opening in his final year of the new dinning hall, and the acquisition and laying out of fine new playing fields at Marmount gardens. It was pointed out that unfortunately it soon became impossible to make proper use of these facilities because of the troubled situation in the city.

On the academic side were many new developments; a separate Department of Biology, an increase in the number of modern languages, the Careers Department and a more important role for music in the life of the school with an orchestra numbering thirty and a choir of over 100. Sixth form studies were reorganized and the school was introduced to the system of class masters. The staff had an Assembly and Liaison Committee which allowed for a useful and free exchange of ideas between President and teacher. Behind the scenes, changes and improvements in the keeping of records were introduced.”

“Walter Larkin was the first incumbent of the Principal's office which we know today. His succession to the Presidency heralded an era of modernization and change. He had been Patrick Kerr's vice-President, Dean of the 'Wing' and a Maths teacher. Geometry was his particular specialty and his blackboard diagrams were considered a work of art in themselves. Father Larkin (later Canon Larkin) was now called upon to administer a staff of fifty-six and a school of twelve hundred students. He set about the task with considerable energy. A new timetable was organized to cope with more subjects and a more complex school situation. The new College hall, "D' Block and a new dining hall were completed. Better record keeping and a Staff Liaison Committee were other innovations.”

“Canon Larkin was another of those clerics who presented a fearsome outward persona to the student population. The round heavy glasses, purple-bordered soutane and rasping voice with that peculiar nasal quality could turn a Junior student to a quivering jelly. By all accounts this picture was at variance with the true nature of the man. Among his colleagues he had a keen and at times mischievous sense of humor. He was a very heavy smoker and had an unnatural passion for Jaffa Cakes. In June 1970 he left the College well licked into shape but a city once more convulsed by civil strife.”

Alban Magennis as a University student and non violent protester participated in the civil rights march in Derry in 1972 (Bloody Sunday) at which British troops killed 14 unarmed civilians. He went on to serve as a member of the Belfast City Council, was the first Catholic Lord Mayor of Belfast and was elected to the Northern Ireland Assembly. In his article titled “Leaders For The Future” he mentions Walter and the charge he gave him and the other freshman of his entering class at Saint Malachy’s.

"Remember boys, you are the leaders of the future!"

“It was with this exhortation that Canon Walter Larkin finished his introductory address to myself and other ‘freshers' sometime way back in the 1960's, so shrouded in the mists of time that I can’t quite remember when. I was then an eager, fresh-faced Collegian who took this comment quite literally and in retrospect, I do think that it subsequently coloured my approach to life generally and involvement in public life in particular. It was of course farseeing in keeping with the view that education was the way forward for the Catholic community.”

Bernard McLaverty attended Saint Malachy’s College during the 1950s and 60s. He based his short story 'The Exercise’ in Corrigan’s book on a couple of teachers, one of whom was probably Walter in Corrigan’s opinion. An interesting read.

June 1977 First Communion photos Saint Coleman's Primary Boy's and Girls's Schools, Kilkeel. Courtesy of Ciaran Cunningham.

September 9, 1979 was the 100^th anniversary of Saint Colman’s Church, The Most Reverend Dr. William Philbin, bishop of the diocese, presided at the Centenary Mass and Walter was the main concelebrant. The sermon was preached by the Reverend Ambrose McAulay of Queens University, Belfast.

Canon Murphy, Bishop Philbin and Canon Larkin on the occasion of the 100th Anniversary Mass. Canon Murphy was the Parish Priest of Lower Mourne the neighboring parish of Upper Mourne.  Photo courtesy of Michael Shiels.

Photo: Rev. Walter Larkin far left in dark robe at lectern during Centenary Mass 1979. From History of The Parish by Joe Doran.   

Photo and caption courtesy of Michael Shiels.

On the occasion of the Centenary Anniversary Walter contributed the forward for a souvenir booklet memorializing the occasion and providing a history of the parish.

Forward

I am confident that this Centenary Souvenir will prove of interest to present and former parishioners of Upper Mourne. It will evoke in the older generation memories of times when life was less complicated, more leisurely but by no means undemanding; it will help the younger generation to realize the debt that is owed to those who by their courage, loyalty and generosity kept the faith burning brightly in Upper Mourne. I am deeply indebted to Mr. Joe Doran for writing this history of our parish and for his invaluable help in the production of this Souvenir. His sense of local history, his love for his native parish and his facile pen have brought to life in these pages the priests and people of former days.

The highlight of the Centenary celebrations was the concelebrated Mass in St. Colman's Church on Sunday 9th September, 1979. The Most Rev. William J. Philbin, Bishop of Down and Connor, presided at the Mass. Concelebrating with me were Very Rev. Sean O'Neill, Rev. Pascal McCartan and Rev. Desmond Knowles who are natives of the parish, and Very Rev. Daniel McBride, a former curate in the parish. Three other former curates also officiated - Very Rev. Robert Denvir and Very Rev. Padraig Canon Murphy as Chaplains to the Bishop and Rev. Patrick McGarry as Master of Ceremonies. The Very Rev. Dr. Ambrose Macaulay of Queen's University, Belfast, preached the special sermon. His words were appreciated by and left a deep impression on all who heard them. I am grateful to the curates of the parish, Rev. Michael Coppinger and Rev. Edmund Phillips, for their wholehearted co-operation.

It was a happy coincidence that the centenary of the dedication of St. Colman's Church occurred in the same year as the Centenary of the Apparition of Our Lady at Knock and the historic visit of Pope John Paul to Ireland.

It is my fervent hope that we the present parishioners of Upper Mourne will preserve for future generations a faith as deep and lively as the faith passed on to us by our forefathers.

Walter Canon Larkin, P.P., V.F.,

Parochial House,

Kilkeel,

Co. Down.

January, 1980.

May, 29, 1980 photo of First Communicants from Star of the Sea Parish School. Courtesy of Ciaran Cunningham.

Canon Larkin with Saint Colman’s School 1983 First Holy Communion Class. Mrs. McArdle, (left) prepared this and the other classes throughout the parish for their First Communion. Seated front row 4th from the left end in the brown suit and bow tie is Michael Shiels. Photo courtesy of Michael Shiels.

Canon Larkin at the pulpit in Saint Colman's taken at the last of three Masses one Sunday in 1981. It was customary to have 6 to 8 alter servers at that Mass. Photo courtesy of Michael Shiels.

Walter outside Saint Coleman’s Church with First Communicant Michael Fegan 1984 or 85. Courtesy of Mrs. McKibben, parishioner, Saint Coleman Church, Massforth, Upper Mourne.

Bishop Patrick Walsh and Canon Larkin with the confirmation class of the children of Upper Mourn Parish at Massforth Church, June 7, 1984. Courtesy of Ciaran Cunningham.

Photo courtesy of Michael Shiels.

Recollections of parishioners from Upper Mourne Parish.

Michael Shiels memories of Walter. I knew Canon Walter well as a kid. As a child I remember him visiting my elderly Granny and sitting in our front room smoking with her and chatting. Years later around 1983 I became an altar boy and served Mass nearly every week day morning with the Canon in the oratory. I have many great memories and was given a lot of wisdom and guidance from him over those formative years. I was confirmed in 1987 in Massforth by Bishop Patrick Walsh and took the name Walter as my confirmation name in tribute to the Canon who I was very fond of. Bishop Farquhar held confirmation the following year and he had spoken so touchingly of his uncle who had only died around 6 weeks prior. That year 5 children had chosen the name Walter. 

Further describing Walter Michael said, he and the people throughout the parish considered Walter a devout priest. He said that Walter took his vocation very seriously and had a great connection to God and his congregation. He also said Walter had a reputation as well for putting up with no nonsense. Michael, a lifelong resident of Kilkeel, said he never heard anyone speak disrespectfully about Walter and that people always spoke fondly of him. Michael went on to say that as a parish they were at a loss as to how Walter could be replaced when he past away but fortunately they received a new parish priest named Canon Hugh Starkley who picked up exactly where the Canon left off.

A special memory of Michael’s is that Walter would quiz the altar servers and reminded them of the importance of a relationship with God and he would say, “Michael remember, always be on the alert.” Michael recalled after a few years he asked Walter what it meant, and he told him it meant be ready for the Lord’s return. That has remained with Michael ever since.  

Michael remembered Walter and his brother, Fr. Thomas Aquinas Larkin a Carmelite priest, concelebrating Mass at the Oratory. He recalled one of Fr. Thomas’s legs was shorter than the other and that he wore a built up boot. The leg deformity was the result of Fr. Thomas having had a severe case of tuberculoses as a young man necessitating surgery which left the leg shorter than the other.

Alter boy Michael Shiels recalled, the last two years of the Canon’s life his difficulty breathing was very evident. As altar boys we knew it was him coming from a fair bit off even if we couldn’t see him. He had a very laboured breathing pattern. I can still hear it if I think about it and in the winter it was particularly bad.

Describing Walter’s final days, Michael said, he took unwell and was receiving care as his illness took hold and I just remember wondering was he going to come back to celebrate Mass but it wasn’t to be. I remember playing in the garden at home when mum told me Canon Walter had died. I was very sad to hear this news as I was only 12 and this was probably the closest person to me that had died. As altar boys we rehearsed for the three days before the funeral as it was going to be a large occasion I have many memories of those days.

Another memory was of Walter’s nephew Bishop Anthony Farquhar visiting the parish several times during Canon Larkin's time and many times after it. Michael said, I always observed a reverence that Bishop Farquhar had for his uncle and always the sense of pride Canon had for his nephew.

Kilkeel parishioner Declan Donnelly said,  Everyone liked it when Canon Larkin celebrated Mass as he rocketed through it in 20 minutes or a half hour.

Parishioner Ciaran Cunningham recalled The CBSI scout troop stood guard of honor over Canon Larkin when his body laid in state in Saint Colman’s Church, Massforth.

Parishioner Annette McAlinden said, I remember Canon Larkin too. He was a lovely man.

Walter was said to have been a heavy cigarette smoker most of his life and eventually developed emphysema. One of his parishioners at Crossgar commented that he also had a very serious hernia.

On April 6, 1988, The Very Reverend Cannon Walter Larkin, a priest for 47 years died of emphysema in the Saint John of God Hospital/Hospice in Newry, Northern Ireland.  He had been a patient there for about 3 months. The facility was reopened in 1989 as the Southern Area Hospice. 

The following obituary was published in "The Mourne Observer”

Canon Larkin is dead, and the people of Upper Mourne have lost the man who has been their spiritual leader for almost thirteen years. 

In spite of the fact that he had suffered from ill-health for some time, his death came as a shock both to his family and to his parishioners and the heartfelt sorrow at his passing was very evident over the days of his obsequies. 

He is survived by his sister Anne Farquhar; his brother, Fr. Thomas Larkin; his nephew. Bishop Anthony Farquhar and his neice Anne Farquhar, to all of whom the sympathy of the parish is extended. 

The youngest of a family of eight, Canon Larkin was born July 22, 1917 in Granard, Co. Longford. Later, the family moved to Belturbet, Co. Cavan and from there, when he was eleven years old, to Belfast. There he attended the Christian Brothers School, Barrack Street and entered the Clerical Wing of St. Malachy’s College, from where he attended Queen’s University, Belfast, before going on to Maynooth where he was ordained in 1941. 

Shortly after Ordination he served in the Whitehead part of the parish of Carrickfergus. He was then appointed to the staff of St. Malachy’s College, Belfast and for part of his time there he was responsible, as Dean, for the spiritual formation of many priests of the diocese of Down and Connor. 

He was appointed President of the College in 1960 and during his 10 year term the college buildings were extended and the number of pupils increased by 50 percent. In 1970 he was asked to go to Crossgar as Parish Priest. He served there for five years.

BUSY PARISH 

Canon Larkin came to Kilkeel in November 1975 and quietly and efficiently took up the reins of administration in both the spiritual and secular work of a busy and extensive Parish. He brought to the onerous position many attributes which were to stand him in good stead over the years of his service to the people of Mourne. 

He was a gifted preacher, a master of clear and concise language, his sermons full of sound and loving advice on the leading of a truly Christian life. He challenged people to live up to the precepts of the Catholic Faith they professed, and he asked of himself the highest standard in all his undertakings. 

Those who came close to him in parochial work realized that they must make a sustained and sincere effort if they were to live up to his expectations for them. Even when his health deteriorated he never shirked his share of work and to the end was meticulous in the carrying out of his priestly duties. Many people were aware of the effort this entailed and were grateful for the example of commitment to the work of the Lord. 

His thoughtfulness towards others continued unabated. It was always quietly and privately that he made known his interest in and prayer for people, both in times of sadness and times of joy, his kindly thought known only to the people concerned. He was a very private person, but behind a quiet and reserved exterior was a generous warmth.

ATTRIBUTE 

His greatest attribute as parish Priest was as Confessor. It will be for his work in the Confessional that Canon Larkin will be most loved and remembered by his people. Here, in the closest relationship between the priest and penitent, the Canon truly brought the loving warmth and mercy of Christ to every soul. Any worried sinner going to confession to Cannon Larkin would come out with a heart singing. 

His parishioners were very concerned when they realized that he was suffering from emphysema and many rallied around to help in any way possible. He was grateful for this and increasingly more appreciative of even small things done for him. 

But his parishioners, in turn, had been appreciative of all that he had done for them over the years. They knew he was a man of prayer who led both by word and example and they also knew that he was a practical and resourceful man who saw that everything necessary for the welfare of the parish was done and done well. 

For example, he had a wide knowledge of all aspects of education, both academic and practical, which gave him great expertise as chairman of Boards of Governors of various local schools. One of the first things he initiated was the extension of both St. Columban’s and St. Colman’s schools for the growing numbers of children then attending them. 

In 1979 he undertook the renovation of Holy Cross Church in Attical, followed later by extensive work in Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Grange. 

By 1983 work had started on St. Colman’s Church, Massforth. In all these Churches, the Canon’s ideas proved not just sound and practical, but such that the work resulted in warm, buildings which are conducive to prayer. 

The changes made in the Confessionals were in keeping with the ____ available to people in the Rite of Reconciliation. Our Lady of the Angels Oratory also came under his scrutiny and was repainted, carpeted and new lighting and heating installed, making it more welcoming than ever.

ENCOURAGEMENT  

The many parochial groups knew that they had the support and encouragement of Canon Larkin in all their enterprises. He was missionary minded and was a generous supporter of the two branches of Apostolic Work in the Parish, meetings of the Kilkeel branch being held in his house. 

His interest in the Youth Club, the Guides and Scouts, the Attical Band and the Football Club was well known. Members of all these organizations, together with the children from all the schools, wished to be represented at his funeral and formed a Guard of Honor for his final homecoming to Massforth, and the men of the St. Vincent de Paul Society helped the priests of the Diocese to carry his coffin into the Church. 

He was also specially interested in and appreciative of the three choirs in the Parish and particularly grateful to the organist in St. Colman’s for her long service to the Church. He inaugurated both Ministers of the Word and Ministers of the Eucharist in the Parish, lay men and women who were happy to take a special part in the liturgy of the Church. 

The induction of the latter, conducted by the Canon’s nephew, Bishop Anthony, was a very special ceremony, made more memorable by a general break down of electricity in the area, resulting in an intimate and beautiful service in a gentle glow of candle light.

Canon Larkin had a great rapport with both children and old people. His love and affection for children was evident in his visits to the schools and special Masses he held for some time in the Oratory for the children of St. Colman’s School. 

He was equally concerned with the spiritual welfare of residents of Slieve Roe House for whom the Mass he celebrated with them each month was a highlight in their lives. Even when his physical condition was difficult for him, he continued to attend them. 

They, like all the members of the Parish of Upper Mourne, were impressed and strengthened by his holiness, knowing him to be a man of constant and deep prayer. 

May God give eternal rest to his soul. 

The funeral rights of Canon Larkin began Thursday April 7th with the return of his remains from Newry to Saint Colman’s Church at 6 pm. A Mass was celebrated after which the coffin was opened and the wake was held. It lasted through Thursday and throughout Friday until Saturday. Members of the Boy Scouts, Girl Guides and Saint Vincent de Paul Society kept vigil at the coffin and all though that time parishioners filed past his coffin. Many stayed for.hours in the chapel in silent prayer. After a Requiem Mass he was laid to rest Saturday, April 9th. Following is an account of the funeral that appeared in The Mourne Observer a copy of which was provided by Michael Shiels.

FUNERAL SERVICE

There was an exceptionally high attendance by members of the Upper Mourne parish as the remains of the late Canon Larkin were brought to St. Colman’s Church, Massforth, on Thursday evening.

When the hearse reached Massforth Road, members of the St. Vincent de Paul Society from Massforth, Grange and Attical carried the coffin in relays, along with local schoolteachers and priests of the diocese.

Six members of each of the St. Colman’s Boy Scouts and Girl Guides escorted the hearse, which was led by the Holy Cross Youth Band.

The cortege included Auxiliary Bishops Anthony Farquhar and Patrick Walsh, accompanied by local curate Fr. Maurice Henry and Fr. Donal Kelly, PP of Saintfield (a former curate of Upper Mourne).

The coffin was placed in front of the High Alter in preparation for the Mass, which was celebrated by the deceased’s brother, Rev. Thomas Larkin, assisted by the Bishops.

In a homily, Fr. Tony Devlin recalled Canon Larkin’s early life and education, and his many years in the priesthood.

At the close of the Mass, the coffin lid was removed and many parishioners filed past in silent tribute.

St. Colman’s Church Choir, under Mrs. Molly Nicholson, rendered appropriate sacred music during the Mass.

The funeral Mass on Saturday was concelebrated by Bishop Farquhar (main celebrant), Rev. Thomas Larkin, Carmelite, Dublin, and five of Walter’s Maynooth ordination classmates from 1941 - Most Rev. Eamonn McEnaney, PP Antrim; Very Rev. Michael Blaney, PP Dundrum; Cery Rev. Patrick McFerran, PP Lower Mourne; also Fr. Killan, ODC (Carmelite), Prior, Clarendon Street, Dublin; Fr. Stephen McKeogh, ODC, Superior, Derry; Fr. Sean Conlan, ODC, Derry; Fr. John Kelly, ODC, Superior, and Fr. McCaffrey, ODC, both of Berkley Road, Dublin.

Two classmates who were unable to attend were Very Rev. Gerard Laverty, PP Portaferry, and Very Rev. John Laverty, PP Canrnlough.

At the Funeral Mass Bishop Daly delivered the homily, paying tribute particularly to Canon Larkin’s holiness and sincerity. He also mentioned over many years together they had formed a very deep friendship. Internment took place in the cemetery adjoining Massforth Church.

Photo: Cover of the Mass Book of Canon Larkin’s Funeral Mass. Courtesy of Michael Shiels.

Following the Mass and burial their was a meal for close family and clergy in the curates house beside Saint Colman’s. Michael Shiels was tasked with walking Bishop Cathal Daly to the house for the meal. Bishop Daly shortly after became Cardinal Daly, Primate of all Ireland.

Walter was buried in a place of honor outside the main entrance to Saint Colman’s among other priests of the parish.

Photos: Canon Larkin’s grave Saint Colman’s Church. Courtesy of Ciran Cunningham

Walter’s tomb was built with two layers of grey brick and when he was interred it was filled with sand and sealed. About 3 months later polished marble was installed over the brick. The foot of the tomb was engraved.

Michael Shiels recalled, sometime after the funeral they were clearing Canon Larkin’s belongings from the parish priest house. One of those responsible for the task gave Michael one of the Cannon’s wallets. Those doing the cleaning out thought the Canon would have wanted him to have the wallet as a remembrance. Michael has kept it, Walter’s memory card and a newspaper cutting of his death as cherished mementos.

Memorial Card of Canon Larkin Courtesy of Michael Shiels.

Photos of the wallet of Canon Larkin’s given to Michael Shiels. Courtesy of Michael Shiels.

Bishop Farquhar returned to the parish to celebrate his uncle’s Months Mind Mass and to thank the clergy and people of the parish the first week of May 1988. A Months Mind is a Requiem Mass celebrated about one month after a person's death in memory of the deceased. The following photo and caption were published in "The Mourne Observer” describing the occasion.

Photo: Bishop Farquhar with alter servers including Michael Shiels 3rd from left next to the Bishop. Taken about an hour after the burial. Courtesy of Michael Shiels.

The above message was published in a Belfast Newspaper expressing the appreciation of Walter’s  family to those who cared for Walter and participated in his funeral. Courtesy of Michael Shiels.

Note: Walter had no descendants.