Remains of Waterford man found in Co Tipperary to be cremated

The remains of a man, originally from Waterford City,  found at his home in County Tipperary last week, are to be cremated tomorrow, Tuesday, August 12.

Ian Walsh (49), 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 worker was unresponsive and had sustained several visible injuries. He was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency services a short time later.

A post-mortem examination was completed on his remains on Wednesday and as a result of the state pathologist’s findings, Gardaí in Clonmel confirmed that their investigation had been upgraded to murder and that investigation is ongoing.

Mr Walsh’s cause of death is not being released by gardaí for operational reasons.

The rail signal man was based in Kent train station in Cork and Iarnród Éireann paid tribute to him in a statement.

“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.

Gardaí are continuing to appeal for witnesses or anyone with information to contact them.

In particular, they are asking for anyone who saw anything out of the ordinary, or who has dashcam footage, in the Cregg Road area between 8pm on Friday, August 1, when he was last seen alive, and 3.30am on Monday, August 4, when they arrived on the scene.

Members of the public are being asked to contact Clonmel Garda station on (052) 617 7640, via the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or at any other station.

Mr Walsh, who was originally from the Kilcohan area of Waterford City, was predeceased by his father Philip and by his grandparents.

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

Mr Walsh will also be sadly missed by his uncle Mick Forristal and family, godmother Marian Butler, his work colleagues at Irish Rail and his many friends at Bus Eireann. 

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

Yesterday, Monday, August 11, Mr Walsh's remains lay in repose at Tom Hennessy's Funeral Home, 45A Johnstown, Waterford, from 6pm to 8pm.

Cremation will take place today, Tuesday, August 12, at 3pm in the Island Crematorium, Ringaskiddy, Cork. 

The cremation service will be live streamed and can be accessed through RIP.ie