By Dan Walsh
The death has occurred of William (Willie) Willoughby, Charlotte Row, Gorey, who is admired for his contribution to the community and was a well-known local historian.
President of the North Wexford Historical Society, Willie was best known for his walking tours of Gorey and his history lectures on Courtown and Gorey’s famous Market House.
He was instrumental in the foundation of Gorey Rugby Club in 1968 and served as President in 1974-’75 seasons.
Willie was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Gorey Awards in 2025.
Over 100 members of the Willoughby families held a gathering in the Ashdown Park Hotel, Gorey, in September 2010. They travelled from as far away as Prague, Germany, the UK and Northern Ireland.
Willie said he can trace the family’s history back to the 1600s. They originally came to Ireland as stone masons and arrived from Lincolnshire in the 1640s.
FAMILY NOTICE; The death has occurred of William (Willie) Willoughby, The Lodge, Charlotte Row, Gorey, Wexford
Died peacefully on March 17th 2026 in the loving care of the staff at Gorey District Hospital surrounded by his loving family.
Beloved partner of Phil and loving father of Carol, Trevor, Ruth and Brian, cherished brother of Gladys, Olive and the late Daphne. Will be very sadly missed by his partner, sons daughters, sisters, grandchildren Jack, Luke, Zoe, Georgina, Cloe, partners Michelle and Eddie, brothers-in-law Harry and David, nephew John, nieces Julie and Helen, extended family, relatives and many friends.
“At Rest”
Reposing at Murphy’s Funeral Home, The Avenue, Gorey, on Friday March 20th from 5 pm. until 8 pm.
A Celebration of Willie’s life will take place at Murphy’s Funeral Home on Saturday, March 21st at 12 noon followed by the Cortege walking to Market House Main Street Gorey. Cremation will take place privately.
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