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2026 Regular Session ENROLLED
SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 26
BY SENATOR MIZELL
A RESOLUTION
To commend James C. Walsh on being named the 2026 Hibernian of the Year in Louisiana.
WHEREAS, it is most fitting to recognize James C. "Jimmy" Walsh for his 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, while his mother, Elizabeth, and her 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, and later enrolled at the University of Alabama, where he met
his lifelong friend, client, business partner, and future NFL Hall of Fame quarterback, Joe
Namath, and 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, and upon earning
his juris doctor, he began his legal career in New York City; and
WHEREAS, although Mr. Walsh initially practiced civil defense, he began using his
legal talents to negotiate contracts and endorsements for Namath; proving himself to be an
innovator in sports and entertainment law; and
WHEREAS, he successfully secured endorsements and ventures ranging from
typewriters and razors to television appearances, including Namath's iconic deal to promote
Beautymist pantyhose; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Walsh co-founded a law firm with Johnny Carson's attorney and
manager, Henry Bushkin, and film producer and financier, Arnold Kopelson; and
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SR NO. 26 ENROLLED
WHEREAS, his success in the business grew with a client roster that included other
prominent athletes, such as NFL quarterback, Doug Williams, and professional boxer, Sean
O'Grady; and
WHEREAS, in the 1970s, Mr. Walsh discovered comedian, Andy Kaufman, in New
York and served as the comedian's first agent and manager and secured various performance
slots for Kaufman at prominent clubs in New York City; and
WHEREAS, in 1979, Mr. Walsh met local fashion maven, Yvonne LaFleur, during
a flight from New Orleans to New York; and sparked a romance with her six months later
while visiting Lucky Pierre's in New Orleans, eventually leading to their marriage in 1981;
and
WHEREAS, Mr. Walsh relocated to New Orleans after marrying Yvonne, where
they raised seven children together; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Walsh won an Emmy for his role as an executive producer of the
HBO Sports documentary, Namath, and has also served as a longtime member of the
founding board of the Joe Namath Charitable Foundation; and
WHEREAS, James C. "Jimmy" Walsh is most deserving of this commendable honor
as the 2026 Hibernian of the Year for his outstanding leadership and dedication to
friendship, unity, and Christian charity.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana
does hereby commend James C. "Jimmy" Walsh on being named the 2026 Hibernian of the
Year in Louisiana and does hereby extend sincere wishes that he remain prosperous in all
of his endeavors.
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE
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