Date of Birth: 17th June 1943

Place of Birth: Bunclody, Co. Wexford

Date Interviewed: 15th June 2009

Summary: Fr. Walter Forde grew up in Bunclody where he had a happy childhood. He went to St. Peter’s College in Wexford as a boarder and completed his studies for the priesthood in Maynooth. He returned to St. Peter’s teaching Greek and Latin but describes himself as the “world’s worst teacher”! In 1973 he became general secretary of the National Federation of Youth Clubs. He agreed to take up a curacy in Gorey and was there for 22 years. Walter is a keen historian and set up the annual Byrne-Perry Summer School. He is also involved with the Christian Media Trust and is a regular presenter on South-East Radio.