Funeral arrangements have been announced for Pat Fitzgerald, a well-regarded trade union representative and father of three in his 70s, who passed away in hospital following an incident at a residence in Waterford.
Mr. Fitzgerald, in his 70s, was discovered with injuries at a home in Waterford city on Friday.
He was subsequently admitted to University Hospital Waterford but succumbed to his injuries on Sunday.
A man in his 30s, arrested in connection with the incident, has been charged with assault causing harm and remanded in custody.
Mr. Fitzgerald sustained a serious assault at his home and was treated in the intensive care unit of the hospital before his death.
Authorities believe no weapons were used in the alleged assault.
The ongoing investigation may be upgraded to a murder investigation at a later stage.
Mr. Fitzgerald has been described as a “highly respected and astute” trade union leader and a dedicated member of his community, according to independent local councillor Donal Barry.
Starting his career as a glass blower at Waterford Crystal, he rose to become the full-time union convenor representing the company’s 3,000 employees.
Mr. Barry, who worked alongside Mr. Fitzgerald at Waterford Crystal, noted that he was highly respected by both workers and management.
“He was the best we ever had,” Mr. Barry stated. “He was well-known and very highly thought of.
“People are shocked and saddened by the news.”
Mr. Fitzgerald was a strong advocate for the Waterford Crystal workforce during the iconic company’s bankruptcy during the financial crisis.
He played an active role with the union Unite when workers occupied the Waterford city plant in 2009.
This sit-in garnered international attention and inspired a documentary.
Mr. Fitzgerald resided in St Catherine’s Grange and Avondale in Waterford. He was a widower, predeceased by his wife Kathleen, his father Jack, brother Mark, and nephew Luke.
He is survived by his children, Wayne, Joanne, and Karl, his mother Maura, eight siblings, four grandchildren, in-laws, extended family, neighbours, and a wide circle of friends.
Mr. Fitzgerald will be in repose at Tom Hennessy’s Funeral Home in Johnstown, Waterford, on Thursday from 5.30pm to 7pm.
His funeral mass will be held at the Sacred Heart Church, The Folly in Waterford, at noon on Friday, followed by burial in St Mary’s Cemetery, Ballygunner, Waterford. The mass will be live-streamed.
