Popular Offaly man who tragically died in workplace accident to be laid to rest on Friday

The funeral of Mark Walsh, a popular father of two who died in a workplace accident earlier this week, will take place on Friday. 

There is a deep sense of shock and sadness in the wider Midlands region following Mr Walsh's death in Rochfortbridge, Co Westmeath on Monday. 

Mr Walsh, who was in his early 40s, lived in Esker Hills in Portlaoise with his wife and two young children. He was originally from Daingean in Co Offaly. 

Reposing at Keegan’s Funeral Home, Portlaoise, on Thursday evening (April 18) from 5pm until 8pm, with rosary recital at 7.30pm. Funeral will take place on Friday, April 19, in SS Peter and Paul’s Church, Portlaoise, for 12 noon Mass. Interment will follow immediately afterwards in SS Peter and Paul’s Cemetery.

Tributes have poured in for Mr Walsh who had previously worked in the Portlaoise Leisure Centre for around ten years. He was very well known and liked in the community, said Cllr Marie Tuohy, who worked alongside Mr Walsh at the Leisure Centre.

“He was very well known. He was front of house there and he had a great relationship with us and customers,” Cllr Tuohy said. 

Portlaoise GAA Club also paid tribute and offered condolences to the family. 

"Our thoughts and prayers are with his broken hearted wife Clare Ann and his beloved children Fiadh and Daniel. Also Mark's family, extended family, and a wide circle of friends. Fiadh and Daniel are both talented young players with the club and their parents were always there supporting and encouraging them. They supported them not just in GAA but in all other sports too. 

"Mark was a friendly, good humoured, genuine person who loved his family and his loss is immeasurable. Many people in Portlaoise will remember Mark from his time as a gym instructor in Portlaoise Leisure Centre. His personality and smile were infectious. May Mark Rest in Peace."

The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) is investigating the tragedy. 

“The HSA are aware of this incident and have launched an investigation, as such no further information is available at this time,” a spokesperson said.