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ENROLLED
2026 Regular Session
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 36
BY REPRESENTATIVE EGAN
A RESOLUTION
To commend James C. Walsh on being named 2026 Hibernian of the Year in Louisiana.
WHEREAS, it is most fitting to recognize James C. Walsh for many achievements
and to commend him for being recognized by the Ancient Order of Hibernians of Louisiana
as the 2026 Hibernian of the Year; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Walsh was born in 1940 in New Brunswick, New Jersey, to an
immigrant family; his father, James Patrick Walsh, immigrated from Charlestown, County
Mayo, Ireland, to the United States in the 1920s; his mother Elizabeth's family arrived from
Hungary and Czechoslovakia in the 1890s; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Walsh's first language was Hungarian, which he learned from his
beloved grandmother, Erzebet "Elsie" Nagy; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Walsh worked at automotive parts factories while taking night
classes at Rutgers University; he enrolled at the University of Alabama, where he met his
lifelong friend, client, and business partner, future NFL Hall of Fame quarterback Joe
Namath; he also befriended future New Orleans civic leader Eddie Sapir; and
WHEREAS, after completing his undergraduate degree, Mr. Walsh remained in
Tuscaloosa, Alabama, to attend the University of Alabama School of Law; he graduated in
1966 and began his legal career in New York City; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Walsh initially practiced civil defense in Brooklyn, but soon after,
he began negotiating contracts and endorsements for Namath; he proved to be an innovator
in sports and entertainment law by securing endorsements and ventures ranging from
typewriters and razors to television appearances; he famously spearheaded Namath's deal
to promote BeautyMist pantyhose; and
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HR NO. 36 ENROLLED
WHEREAS, Mr. Walsh co-founded a law firm with Johnny Carson's attorney and
manager, Henry Bushkin, and film producer and financier, Arnold Kopelson; he grew his
client roster to include other prominent athletes, including NFL quarterback Doug Williams
and boxer Sean O'Grady; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Walsh discovered comedian Andy Kaufman in New York in the
1970s; he served as the comedian's first agent and manager and secured performance slots
at prominent clubs in New York City; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Walsh met local fashion maven, Yvonne LaFleur, in 1979 during
a flight from New Orleans to New York; he sparked a romance with her six months later
while visiting Lucky Pierre's in New Orleans, and they married in 1981; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Walsh relocated to New Orleans after marrying Yvonne, and they
raised seven children together; he resides in the city today; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Walsh won an Emmy for his role as an executive producer of the
HBO Sports documentary, Namath; he is a longtime member of the founding board of the
Joe Namath Charitable Foundation; and
WHEREAS, James C. Walsh's life is defined by his faith, loyalty, friendship, and
distinctly Irish ability to turn hard work and imagination into an inspiring story; he is most
deserving of the highest recognition for his incredible achievements.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the House of Representatives of the
Legislature of Louisiana does hereby commend James C. Walsh on being named 2026
Hibernian of the Year in Louisiana and does hereby extend sincere wishes that he remain
prosperous in all of his endeavors.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
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