Shock and sadness as Offaly man dies in workplace accident

There is a deep sense of shock and sadness following the death of an Offaly man who was a father of two in a workplace accident. 

Mark Walsh, who was in his early 40s, died following a workplace accident in Rochfortbridge, Co Westmeath on Monday. 

The immensely popular father lived in Esker Hills in Portlaoise with his wife and two young children. He was originally from Daingean in Co Offaly. 

Mr Walsh 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.

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.

Gardaí say they were alerted to the scene at a commercial premises in Rochfortbridge, Co Westmeath on Monday morning, April 15.

A man in his 40s was pronounced deceased at the scene, they confirmed.