W2C-017 Munster Express-1.txt
HISTORIC BUILDING VANDALISED
The former Walsh Asylum, now renamed Walsh House, dates back to the 1860's and only the quick thinking of a responsible citizen saved all its records and ledgers from almost certainly being destroyed.

Doors, windows and other fittings were smashed and, in the oratory, a Communion table was hacked to pieces and religious vestments trampled underfoot. To the great relief of the trustees who administer the business of the charity, a beautiful stained glass window in the oratory escaped the attention of the vandals.
PRESERVED
The building is preserved under the Corporation's city plan but some time ago it became clear that the years had taken their toll and part of the complex, which comprises five terraced houses, was condemned. The trustees then embarked on a major scheme which would protect the building and provide eighteen modern apartments for elderly people.

The architect for the project is Mr. Ronnie Falconer of C.J. Falconer and Associates and he told the "Munster Express" he was appalled at the damage cause by the intruders. He said it had taken some time for the trustees to bring the plan to fruition but the Department of the Environment had now approved grant aid and a contract had been agreed with a builder.

The concerned citizen who discovered the damage told our reporter he was absolutely shocked at what he saw.

A Shambles

"I was passing the building and noticed that the side door was open so I went in to investigate"," he said. Continuing, he declared: "What I saw was unbelievable as the whole inside of the building was a shambles. It was utter destruction"."

"The place was also full of cider bottles and human excrement and, when I went upstairs to the oratory, I found the communion table hacked to pieces and priests'vestments trampled underfoot near more human excrement"."

"In another room I found books, papers and ledgers scattered around the floor and I discovered that they were the actual records of the institution. I collected them all and brought them down to Waterford Corporation where officials took them into safe keeping for the owners"," said the man.

The building has, once again, been secured and Gardai are investigating the matter.
