The family of a
Limerick business man have spoken of their horror after their home was ransacked while they attended their father’s funeral in Dublin.
Josie Walsh, who ran the Crescent Garage on Alphonsus Street in Limerick, died on March 4th last aged 84. His family travelled to Dublin after his removal and funeral Mass in Limerick for his cremation at St Jerome crematorium. On their return to the family home on O’Connell Avenue, Limerick, Mr Walsh’s widow Geraldine, daughter Rose (26) and son Adam (18) were met by a scene of “complete destruction”.
“It was surreal, we got such a shock”, said Rose Walsh. “I didn’t think that someone could stoop so low as to do something like this. It was hard enough to come back to the house, but we felt so violated. To think that someone would do this after our father died, it is disgraceful.”
Ms Walsh’s partner Patrick Dundon said: “I cannot describe the damage – it was like someone got a wrecking ball to the house. We reckon they were in the house for six to seven hours.
“Doors were smashed to pieces, contents of drawers and cabinets strewn everywhere, mattresses slashed and wanton destruction of items all over the house, even the attic was trashed and a huge amount of possessions and any cash they could find were stolen.
“Josie’s bedroom was particularly ransacked with his possessions thrown everywhere and broken with no regard. This was very distressing as this was the room in which he had passed away. The family upon seeing this unreal destruction and violation of there home were literally on there knees in anguish and heartache,” he said.
The Walsh family is urging other people to be more security conscious, particularly at times of grief.
“We have decided to highlight this because we want to warn other people if they are putting up a death notice outside their home or business to make sure there is extra security in place while you are away,” said Ms Walsh.