A young Irish tradie has died unexpectedly while working at an Aussie mine, sparking an outpouring of grief from both sides of the world.
Alan Walsh, 26, was working at a mine site in Perth on September 28 when he suffered a sudden medical episode and couldn’t be revived.
Local construction workers and mates from Limerick, Ireland have rallied around Mr Walsh’s family and paid tribute to the much-loved son, brother, uncle and mate.
Funeral plans have been put on hold as loved ones wait for news on when his body can be repatriated back home to Ireland.
Australian work mates have set up an online fundraiser and will split the proceeds three ways at the wishes of Mr Walsh’s mum Anne.
Anne Power-Walsh paid a heartbreaking tribute to her son Alan (pictured) who died last week
Alan Walsh was working at a Perth mine a week ago when he suffered a medical episode
‘He was 26 years old, surrounded by the best group of mates on-site and living his best life, with the world at his feet, Alan was so well thought of by everyone who knew him, he just had one of those infectious positive attitude,’ the crowdfunding page states.
‘As is the construction industry standard here in Australia and the collective community we have had a lot of kind offers from individuals wanting to help in some way, so we have set up this fund to allow us to contribute to making the hard weeks ahead that wee bit easier for Alan’s family.’
Mr Walsh had been living in Australia since 2020, according to his mum.
‘My lovely kind hearted son, no words can describe how we are feeling today. He was living and loving his time in Australia, 3 yrs since March when himself and his good friends took off on their big adventure. Too young too soon,’ she wrote online.
‘He lived his life happy and made lots of friends through his sports. He’ll be greatly missed. RIP Alan till we meet again.’
Alan Walsh (pictured) had been living his best life in Australia before tragedy struck
Mr Walsh, who was affectionally known as ‘Buller’ has been remembered as a keen soccer player with several former clubs paying tribute online.
‘Alan without question, was a manager’s dream as he never minded playing in goal or out field as in either position he excelled,’ Geraldines AFC Limerick wrote.
‘Alan had a great love for all sport, and he will be missed.’
Mr Walsh brought a smile to everyone’s faces with his humorous nature and goodwill, according to St Patricks Gaa Limerick.
‘Alan or ‘Buller’ as he was affectionately known played with the club from a young age, playing both outfield and as Mr Dependable in goals or when supporting the Saints he was a much loved player and friend,’ the club wrote.
‘You would always feel much the better for meeting Alan, whether it be before the game in the dressing room or for a chat, you could not meet a nicer more outgoing person that was so full of life.’
The crowdfunding page has raised more than $40,000 within hours.
Mr Walsh’s family wants part of the proceeds to be donated to the Cladagh Association, a Western Australian-based group which supports Irish expats.
They’re also keen to support the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust which helps ease the financial hardship of bereaved families repatriating the bodies of loved ones who have died abroad back to Ireland.
Remaining proceeds will go towards repatriation expenses and supporting Mr Walsh’s family in the difficult months ahead.
Alan Walsh’s body will be repatriated back home to his family in Limerick, Ireland
Source: | This article originally belongs to Dailymail.co.uk
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