Tributes have been paid to general manager of Leinster Marts Jimmy Walsh, who passed away yesterday (Monday, January 26).

Jimmy was general manager of the co-operative mart which included marts at Carlow, Kilcullen and Borris.

Auctioneer John Osborne, a colleague of Jimmy's since 1978, said that he "always had your back".

"I've known Jimmy since 1978 when I started working with him... Jimmy was general manager, but he wasn't just the general manager, he was a very close friend, a very good colleague who always had your back. He'd be up beside me most Wednesdays in Kilcullen when he was the doing the cattle sale," John said.

"He was just one of the gang, one of the group. He had a good sense of humour and he'll be sadly missed," John added.

The auctioneer described Jimmy as "a very well-educated man, very learned man, had a very broad outlook on life, and a great interest in the farm".

"He was very fond of livestock. He kept quite a few cattle himself, and he just took a great interest in it," John said, adding that Jimmy leaves "a very big vacuum in the office and in the yard".

Also paying tribute to Jimmy, Borris Ewe Breeders said: "Manager of Leinster Marts since 1989...Jimmy ran the mart with fairness, professionalism and good humour.

"He loved seeing new faces, the youth coming into the trade, and the old regulars who had been part of mart days for years. He had a great eye for a yard of top quality sheep and took real enjoyment from show and sale days in Borris Mart and the sense of community they brought," the breeders group said in a social media post.

Borris Ewe Breeders added: "Jimmy's kindness and dedication touched everyone who knew him. He will be greatly missed at our...show and sale days.

"Jimmy's legacy is one of excellence, warmth and unwavering dedication - a remarkable manager and a friend to all," the group said.

Borris Ewe Breeders extended their sympathies to the Walsh family and Jimmy's colleagues in Leinster Mart on his passing.