Hundreds of people stood in the pouring rain today for the funeral service of an apprentice plumber who died after being attacked outside a north Dublin nightclub earlier this month.
Barry Walsh (22) from Park Lawn, Castleknock, was kicked and punched after he was chased from outside a takeaway to the outskirts of Fairview Park. Mr Walsh had earlier been to the Barcode nightclub on the Clontarf Road.
The attack happened in the early hours of Sunday morning, October 11th and Mr Walsh died in Beaumont Hospital four days later.
His life was remembered during funeral mass at St Thomas the Apostle Church in Laurel Lodge, Castleknock. The church was full to capacity and the overspill huddled in the courtyard area outside as the rain came down.
A hurley representing his membership of St Bridget’s GAA club in Castleknock, his motor bike helmet, a model of the New York skyline, representing his love of travel, and pictures of him and his brother Adam’s cats Ginger and Shadow were among the items brought to the altar.
Along with his brother, the chief mourners were his parents Bernard and Ena, his grandfather Mortimer Kelleher and his girlfriend Louise.
Chief celebrant Fr Brian Lennon SJ thanked all those who had helped the family after Mr Walsh’s traumatic death and added that they did not want to name names for fear of leaving anybody out.
He thanked friends, neighbours, local priest, the staff in both the Mater and Beaumont Hospitals where he was treated and the gardaí.
Detectives are still investigating the circumstances surrounding Mr Walsh’s death.
The chief suspect in the case went to Clontarf Garda station with his father voluntarily after news of Mr Walsh’s death became public. He was questioned and released, but nobody has been charged in connection with the death.
Anybody with information should contact Clontarf Garda Station on 01 666 4800.
