Irish trader Alan Walsh dies suddenly while working in a Perth mine as family and friends gather to bring his body back to Limerick
A young Irish trader has died suddenly while working in an Australian mine, sparking an outpouring of grief on both sides of the world.
Alan Walsh, 26, was working at a mining site in Perth on September 28 when he suffered a sudden medical episode and could not be revived.
Local construction workers and friends from Limerick, Ireland, rallied behind Mr Walsh’s family and paid tribute to his beloved son, brother, uncle and partner.
Burial plans have been put on hold as relatives await news of when his body can be returned to Ireland.
Australian colleagues have set up an online fundraiser and will split the proceeds into three parts, as per the wishes of Mr Walsh’s mother Anne.
Anne Power-Walsh paid 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 problem.
“He was 26 years old, surrounded by the best group of friends around and living his best life, with the world at his feet. Alan was so highly regarded by everyone who knew him that he just had one of those positives contagious. attitude,” the crowdfunding page states.
“As is the case in the construction industry here in Australia and the collective community, we have received many kind offers from individuals wishing to help in some way. So we have created this fund to allow us to help make the difficult weeks ahead harder. It’s a little easier for Alan’s family.
Mr Walsh had lived in Australia since 2020, according to his mother.
“My sweet, kind-hearted son, no words can describe how we feel today. He lived and loved his stay in Australia, 3 years since March, when he and his good friends embarked on their great adventure. Too young, too soon,” she wrote online.
“He lived his life happily and made many friends through his sport. We will miss him very much. RIP Alan until we meet again.
Alan Walsh (pictured) was living his best life in Australia before tragedy struck
Mr Walsh, affectionately known as ‘Buller’, was remembered as a passionate football player and several former clubs paid tribute to him online.
“Alan was undoubtedly a manager’s dream as he did not mind playing in goal or on the field as in both he excelled,” wrote Geraldines AFC Limerick.
“Alan had a great love for all sports and he will be missed.”
Mr Walsh made everyone smile with his humor and goodwill, according to St Patricks Gaa Limerick.
“Alan or ‘Buller’ as he was affectionately known, played with the club from a very young age, playing both on the pitch and as Mr Dependable in goal or when supporting the Saints, he was a much-loved player and friend,” the club wrote.
“You will always feel so much better meeting Alan, whether it’s before the game in the dressing room or for a chat, you couldn’t meet a nicer, more outgoing and full of life person.”
The crowdfunding page raised more than $40,000 in just a few hours.
Mr Walsh’s family wants a portion of the profits to be donated to the Cladagh Association, a Western Australia-based group that supports Irish expats.
They also want to support the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust, which helps ease the financial hardship of bereaved families repatriating the bodies of loved ones who died overseas to Ireland.
Any remaining profits will go towards repatriation costs and to support Mr Walsh’s family in the difficult months ahead.
Alan Walsh’s body will be returned to his family in Limerick, Ireland
