Description
This book, a labour of love, covers two periods: the five years from when Donal Walsh was first diagnosed with cancer to his death on Ascension Sunday, 12 May 2013; and from that sad day until now, 2026, on the influence of his life on others.
Donal’s life showed wisdom and faith beyond his years. He saw living with cancer as like being asked by God to climb high mountains. When he could no longer play sport, he got involved on the sideline as a coach. Though his illness was progressing he still made time to fundraise for many causes, and to write and appear on national television on issues like suicide. Through this time, he grew in faith. He gained acceptance of the fact that his life would be short: a great concern of his was that his family and friends would cope well with his passing.
For his parents, Fionnbar and Elma, each year since Donal’s death has been a round of speaking engagements throughout Ireland, speaking to teenagers in schools and at parish missions and conferences of youth, including some abroad.
‘I Am Me’ recalls Donal’s life and death, and gives an overview of the years since. May reading this book touch your heart. Truly it can be said of the short life of Donal Walsh, ‘His life and death had its influence on others.’
From the foreword by Bishop Ray Browne
People ask me who this book should be aimed at; I feel it is aimed at all ages, genders and nations. When Donal was on television he really thought he was talking to teenagers, this is the audience he aimed his message at. That is the innocence and humility of Donal in thinking he could only reach teenagers. Now we all know the power of those 19.11 minutes on RTÉ thirteen years ago.
I know now from the thousands of letters and cards we have received, not only from those in Ireland but from around the world, that Donal’s message of hope, resilience, love and living life to the fullest is necessary for all age groups in all walks of society and is as powerful today as it was on 6 April 2013.
From the introduction by Elma Walsh
‘I Am Me’ also contains a number of testimonials from friends and family about Donal and the impact he has made on the world.
Elma Walsh is the mother of Donal Walsh. She and her husband, Fionnbar, speak regularly at schools, youth groups, churches and other organisations, sharing Donal’s message to #LiveLife and to ask for help when needed.
