'Wonderful husband, father, son, brother and friend' recalled at funeral for Offaly man

Heartfelt tributes were paid to a “wonderful husband, father, son, brother and friend” as Mark Walsh was laid to rest in Portlaoise on Friday. 

The 42-year-old father of two who was originally from Offaly and lived in Esker Hills, Portlaoise, tragically died following a workplace accident in Co Westmeath on Monday. 

Chief Celebrant at the funeral mass in SS Peter and Paul’s Church in Portlaoise, Fr David Vard, said “there is a deep sense of darkness here in Portlaoise and indeed in Daingean since Monday.” 

He was joined at the altar by Fr Patrick O’Byrne and Father Declan Thompson from Mark’s native parish of Daingean in Co Offaly. 

“Mark was a typical and decent family man. He adored his wife and children and everything he did was for their happiness,” Fr Vard said. 

Fr Vard said the congregation’s prayers are with Mark’s wife Clare, daughter Fiadh, son Daniel and to his parents Donal and Clare.

“I read again and again online of what a gentleman Mark was, continues to be. Even Clare remarked to me that you just couldn’t get him riled up, he was too gentle and kind,” said Fr Vard. 

Speaking of Mark’s favourite football team, Fr Vard said the Liverpool anthem, “You Will Never Walk Alone’ was particularly apt for the occasion. 

“Clare, Fiadh, Daniel, Donal, Clare, Emma, all of Mark’s family neighbours and colleagues, May you never walk alone, Mark is walking every step with you today and always,” he said. 

Gifts symbolising Mark’s life were brought to the altar at the start of the mass.  They included bracelets bought for Mark by his children Daniel and Fiadh which were brought to the altar by Fiadh, a Liverpool jersey, football and computer game which were brought up by Daniel and a family photo which was carried to the altar by his sister Emma.  His aunt Teresa brought a mobile phone showing his fondness for gadgets and technology and his uncle Tom brought a tool which represented his love of fixing things.  

Mark’s brother in law Hugo extended his thanks to the gardaí, paramedics and staff at the Midland Regional Hospital, Tullamore. 

Hugo said Mark was proud of the tight-knit family he had around him and he was particularly close to his cousin and best friend Shane, whose children now share the same close bond with Mark’s children. 

“Mark was an incredibly loyal, kind, honest and trustworthy friend and neighbour to anyone who was lucky enough to have him in his life. Mark was always willing to help and complete a favour in a heartbeat,” Hugo said. 

Hugo recalled how Mark was loved by customers and staff alike when he worked in Portlaoise Leisure Centre. He said he had played soccer with Clonmore UTD in Portlaoise until he was 40.  

He recalled how Daniel had told him he was “the best, times seven, daddy in the whole world.”

“Mark has built a very strong foundation for Fiadh and Daniel to truly flourish into the future and he will be smiling down and guiding them on their journey,” Hugo said.

“I, on behalf of everybody here, want to thank him for what he has given us. I want to thank Mark for being the most wonderful son and brother, for always being there for Donal, Clare and Emma with unconditional love. I want to thank Mark for being a wonderful friend, a supportive colleague, an all round good guy,” Hugo said. 

Hugo thanked Mark for “pouring out his love each day to Fiadh and Daniel” and giving all his love to his wife Clare. 

“We are going to miss you each and every day,” he said. 

Fr Vard thanked the guards of honour and the staff from the Midland Regional Hospital, Portlaoise who were in attendance. 

Mark was laid to rest in SS Peter and Paul’s Cemetery in Portlaoise following the  funeral mass. 

He is survived by  his heartbroken wife Clare, daughter Fiadh and son Daniel, parents Donal and Clare and sister Emma. Mother in law Ann Slevin, brothers in law David, Hugo and Tore. Nephew (Colin) and niece (Isabelle), uncles, aunts, cousins, wider family and friends. Also remembered by his co-workers and customers of Mill Road Plant Hire.