Murdered Waterford man Ian Walsh is remembered at cremation service

Loved ones of Ian Walsh gathered last week for his cremation service, following his tragic and unexpected death in his home.

Ian (49), originally from the Kilcohan area of Waterford City, was found in his home at Ravenswood, on the Cregg Road, in Carrick-on-Suir, by family members at around 2am on Monday, August 4.

The avid rail enthusiast and Irish Rail employee was unresponsive and had sustained several visible injuries. 

He was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency services.

Gardaí subsequently launched a murder investigation following a postmortem examination.

On Tuesday, August 12, mourners made their way into the Island Crematorium, Ringaskiddy, Cork, to say their final goodbyes.

During the service, a selection of songs, which reflected Mr. Walsh’s life, were played.

As mourners entered, Christy Moore’s ‘Lisdoonvarna’ echoed the distinct stone halls of the Island Crematorium. 

A candle was placed on his coffin by loved ones as 'N17' by the Saw Doctors began to play.

Lastly, Queen’s 'Breakthru' rang out, as blue glass doors shut over Ian’s coffin, bringing a close to the life of a man who was respected, passionate and loved.

Since his tragic death, tributes have poured in.

He is remembered by many as being a passionate and highly knowledgeable rail enthusiast and cyclist.

Iarnród Éireann paid tribute to him in a statement last week.

“All of us in Iarnród Éireann are shocked and saddened at Ian’s passing. Ian was a well-known and popular colleague across the company, both in his working life in roles from catering to signalling, and for his passion for railway and transport tourism and heritage,” it said.

Fellow Irish Rail workers described him as "a first class signalman".

"His knowledge of the rules and regulations, the working of the railway was astounding," one mourner said.

"Few if any people had as great a knowledge of the Irish Rail system that Ian did and he used this for the benefit of others," another wrote on RIP.ie

Ian Walsh is predeceased by his father Philip and grandparents.

He will be forever missed by his heartbroken mother Breda Forristal, his brother Paul and Paul's partner Rachel.

He is also mourned by his uncle Mick Forristal and family, godmother Marian Butler, his work colleagues at Irish Rail and his many friends at Bus Eireann.

He is fondly remembered by Mary McCahill, wife of the late Philip Walsh, and Aishling Fogarty, extended family and his large circle of friends.

Investigations into the man's tragic death continue.