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Irish Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
Trade Union official who died after assault was a 'champion of the underdog'
A former trade union official with Waterford Crystal who died following an incident at his home in the city has been remembered at his funeral mass as having been a "true champion of the underdog." Widower Pat Fitzgerald, who was in his 70s, passed away at University Hospital Waterford on August 3 last. The father-of-three had been transferred onsite two days earlier following an alleged assault in St Catherine's Grange in Waterford. A man has appeared in court in relation to the alleged assault on the former ATGWU trade official. Wayne Fitzgerald told mourners at the Sacred Heart Church in Waterford that his father had an "inspiring" work ethic and was "passionate about making a difference." "Pat found real purpose and fulfilment in his work. His commitment to his craft (of blower at Waterford Crystal) was unwavering. "He was a fierce negotiator and a passionate advocate for workers' rights. It is hard to believe that 20 years on people still speak about his impact. "Pat did not work a regular nine to five job and our door was always open to those in need. Countless people would come looking for help and advice. "Whether it was about a sick child, a hardship fund or pension advice, Pat was always there to welcome them, listen and to help to the best of his ability." Mr Fitzgerald said that his father had a "sharp mind and quick wit." "No one was immune from it whether they be rich or poor. Sir Tony O'Reilly made international news when he purchased a (40) carat diamond engagement ring once owned by the Onassis family at auction for two and a half million. "That year Pat met Sir Tony at the (Waterford Crystal) AGM and during their brief conversation Pat remarked to him 'Tony could you not have afforded a new engagement ring?' "As his family we are so proud to hear the many sentiments about Pat. That he was generous to a fault, completely non-judgemental and that he always did things his way." Mr Fitzgerald said his father was a family man who cherished every moment he spent with his loved ones. "He would do anything to ensure our happiness and well-being. He was always there for us providing support, guidance and unconditional love. Throughout our youth he was our rock, our confidante and our inspiration." Meanwhile, Fr Gerard Chestnutt said that what happened to Pat was "tragic." "It should not have happened and therefore we should not be here. We know as human beings that death is part of life. It is reality. But if at all possible every human being should leave this earth with dignity and surrounded by love. He was entitled to that." Fr Chestnutt said that the last years of the life of Pat Fitzgerald were not easy for him as he lost his darling wife Kathleen "far too young" in 2007 and "then his beloved Waterford Glass." "He had to carry his crosses. He lost two foundations of his life that could have broken any man or women." Jimmy Kelly, Irish Regional Secretary of the UNITE (former ATGWU) trade union, who also worked at Waterford Crystal said that Pat gave his life to the company and the trade union. "He was a living legend. He had an astute brain. He was great at reading a situation and coming to a solution on the best way forward. Pat had the industrial skills and the people skills to steer the ship through what he often described as 'shark infested waters.' He was committed to resolving matters through a consensus. That was vital." Mr Fitzgerald is survived by his adult children Wayne, Joanne and Karl, his mother Maura, eight siblings, his four grandchildren, in-laws, extended family, neighbours and friends. Offertory gifts at the mass included a deck of cards, a piece of Waterford Crystal and a copy of the Irish Times. The mass concluded with My Way by Frank Sinatra and the Luke Kelly version of Days by Ray Davies. Mr Fitzgerald was buried in St Mary's Cemetery in Ballygunner in Waterford following noon mass. Mr Fitzgerald was a very well-known figure in Waterford. He was the chair of the 364 branch of the UNITE trade union in 2009 when Waterford Crystal workers occupied the plant. The sit-in began on January 30, 2009 after the company's receiver shut down manufacturing after running out of cash. The occupation lasted close to two months and ended after workers agreed to split a payment of €10 million. Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here.
The Journal
6 days ago
- The Journal
Tributes paid to Waterford crystal worker and union official who died after assault
TRIBUTES HAVE BEEN paid to a ''highly respected man'' who died following an incident at a residential property in Waterford City on Friday. Gardaí and emergency services responded to reports of an incident at a residential property in St Catherine's Grange shortly after 2pm on Friday afternoon. A male in his 70s was discovered at the scene with injuries and in an unresponsive condition. He has been named locally as Pat Fitzgerald (74) who was a native of the city. Mr Fitzgerald who was a widower was transported to University Hospital Waterford for treatment and was pronounced deceased on Sunday, 3 August 2025. He was well-known in Waterford city and worked in Waterford Glass as a glass blower for a number of years. He was also heavily involved with the Unite Trade Union at Waterford glass and was involved in several negotiations on behalf of workers. Local councillor Donal Barry who was a former colleague of Pat Fitzgerald at Waterford Glass said he ''was a highly respected man and a great trade unionist'' and offered his condolences to the family''. Advertisement One local said: 'Heartbroken to hear this sad news poor Pat a lovely man condolences to all he's family friends and grandchildren rest in peace Pat.' Mr Fitzgerald was also a former branch chairman of Unite, when Waterford Crystal workers occupied the plant. The sit-in began on 30 January, 2009, after the company's receiver shut down manufacturing after running out of cash. The sit-in lasted close to two months and ended after workers agreed to split a payment of €10 million. A man in his 30s was arrested at the scene during the incident and subsequently detained at a Garda station within the Waterford-Kilkenny Division under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984. He was later charged in relation to the investigation and appeared before Waterford District Court on Sunday, 3rd August 2025. The local Coroner and the Office of the State Pathologist have been notified and a post-mortem examination will be carried out. A technical and forensic examination at the scene has been completed. A Senior Investigating Officer (SIO) is leading the investigation and a Family Liaison Officer (FLO) is providing support to the deceased's family. An incident room has been established at Waterford Garda Station .Investigating Gardaí are appealing for witnesses. Anyone with information is asked to contact Waterford Garda Station 051 305 300 or the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
