Funeral for Portlaoise man killed in workplace tragedy
John Maher tragically lost his life in a workplace accident
FUNERAL details have been announced for a young Portlaoise man, who died in a tragic workplace accident on Wednesday.
John Maher, formerly from Rathevan, Portlaoise, was killed in a building site accident in Rathdrum, Co Wicklow at about 3.30pm.
The married father-of-two was fatally injured and died at the scene. Gardaí said the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) was notified and investigations are ongoing into the incident.
Aged in his 40s, John lived with his wife Tracey (née Power) and their young sons Seán and Fionn at Kilmoney North, Rathangan, Co Kildare and was formerly from Rathevan, Portlaoise, where he has close relatives. He attended school in Ballyfin.
His death has caused immense shock and grief for his family and friends in Laois and Kildare, with many tributes paid in both counties. A keen cyclist and sportsman, he was a member of Kildare Cycling Club and Rathangan AFC and worked in housing construction.
One sympathiser said: ‘ I had the privilege of working with John, who was the nicest guy and a highly capable professional who always had a positive outlook. John never hid his adoration of his family and always spoke fondly of them. It is an immense loss to all that knew him. I can’t imagine the grief of those that were close to him.’
His remains will repose at his family home in Kilmoney, Rathangan, from 2pm on Sunday, concluding with prayers at 6pm. Requiem Mass at 12 noon on Monday in The Church of Assumption and St Patrick, Rathangan will be followed by burial in St Patrick's Cemetery, Rathangan.
In his death notice, his heartbroken family said: ‘It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of John Maher, after a tragic workplace accident on 2 July.
'John will be sadly missed by his loving wife Tracey, sons Seán and Fionn, parents Pat and Mary, brother Liam, sisters Patricia and Eileen, parents in law Theo and Josie, brothers in law Tommy, David, John and Ciarán, sisters in law Dawn, Natasha and Laura, nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles, extended family, neighbours, friends and work colleagues.
‘Predeceased by his uncles, James and Seán Maher. May John rest in peace.
‘House private on Sunday after conclusion of prayers and on Monday morning, please.
