A well-respected trade union leader has died following a serious assault in Waterford.
Pat Fitzgerald, in his 70s, was found with injuries at a residence in Waterford city on Friday.
He was transported to University Hospital Waterford for treatment but was pronounced dead on Sunday.
A man in his 30s was arrested at the scene and later charged in connection with the incident. He appeared before Waterford District Court on Sunday.
Mr. Fitzgerald is being remembered as a “highly respected and astute” individual, known for his dedication to his community.
Starting his career as a glass blower at Waterford Crystal, he rose to become the full-time union convenor for the company’s 3,500 employees.
Independent local councillor Donal Barry, who worked alongside Mr. Fitzgerald at Waterford Crystal, described him as being highly regarded by both workers and management.
“He was the best we ever had,” said Mr. Barry.
“He was highly respected by everyone in the company.”
“He was well-known and very highly thought of.”
“People are shocked and saddened by the news,” Mr. Barry added.
Mr. Fitzgerald was a strong advocate for the Waterford Crystal workforce when the iconic company faced bankruptcy during the financial crisis.
He was involved with the union Unite when workers occupied the Waterford city plant in 2009 after receiver Deloitte attempted to close the factory.
The sit-in garnered international attention and inspired a documentary.
A €10m payment to workers concluded the sit-in later that year.
Mr. Fitzgerald’s death is suspected to be a violent one.
Gardaí in Waterford are conducting a thorough investigation into all the circumstances surrounding his death.
Gardaí and emergency services responded to reports of an incident at a home in St Catherine’s Grange shortly after 2:00pm on Friday.
“A male in his 70s was discovered at the scene with injuries and in an unresponsive condition,” according to a garda statement.
“A man in his 30s was arrested at the scene during the incident and subsequently detained at a Garda station within the Waterford-Kilkenny Division under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984. He was later charged in relation to the investigation and appeared before Waterford District Court on Sunday, 3rd August 2025.”
The local Coroner and the Office of the State Pathologist have been informed, and a post-mortem examination will be conducted. A technical and forensic examination of the scene has been completed.
A Senior Investigating Officer (SIO) is heading the investigation, and a Family Liaison Officer (FLO) is providing support to the deceased’s family. An incident room has been established at Waterford Garda Station.
Investigating Gardaí are appealing for witnesses.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Waterford Garda Station at 051 305 300 or the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111.
