The late Jim Duffy.

'A huge community and family man'

The close knit community in Walsh Island has been left reeling this week after the death of popular local man Jim Duffy in a work place accident on Wednesday.

The father of three was working on a shed at the back of a house on the Ballymorris Road in Portarlington on Wednesday morning when the accident occurred.

It is believed that Mr Duffy died from injuries sustained from a two metre fall through a roof. The Health and Safety Authority has launched an investigation into the incident.

Mr Duffy was born and reared in Walsh Island. In addition to working in the construction industry, he was a well known musician and in recent years was the groundsman for Walsh Island GAA Club.

Speaking to the Offaly Independent yesterday, the chairman of the club Martin Carty paid tribute to his former club mate. While the deceased was a “great community man” and a “meticulous worker”, Mr Carty says that his family came before all else.

“Without a doubt, you couldn't find a better man to do anything for you. Not only that, he always had time to stop and talk to people, that was one of his great attributes. He was a huge community person and a huge family man.”

“One of the big things was that he loved where he was from. He would do jobs for people without any monetary gain and was a huge attribute to the area.

'More than anything though he was extremely proud of his family and their achievements.

“It’s an extremely big shock. Every grave that had to be dug, he was there to help and we have to do the same for him this week,” Mr Carty said.

Mr Duffy’s remains are in reposed at his home today, Friday, and will be removed to the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Walsh Island on Saturday morning for Requiem Mass at noon.