Man (52) whose body was recovered from Wexford Harbour is named locally

Kenneth Walsh (52) was a Dublin native and had been living in Clonard.

A large-scale search operation began when Kenneth’s phone and bicycle were discovered near the water’s edge at Ferrybank. The Coast Guard, RNLI and gardaí all combed the harbour area looking for any signs of the missing man and a sniffer dog was employed to establish the point at which Mr Walsh entered the river.

Eventually, the Coast Guard Rescue 117 helicopter was summoned and carried out several sweeps of Wexford Harbour, liaising with crews on the ground and Wexford RNLI who were out on the water.

The search eventually had to be stood down on Saturday evening, but began again in earnest on Sunday with the helicopter once again called.

Mr Walsh’s body was recovered from the water shortly before lunchtime.

He was the son of the late James (Seamus) and Elizabeth and the loving brother of Evelyn, Judy, Louise, Aisling, Liam and Seamus.

He is deeply missed by his sisters and brothers, his cherished 13 nieces and nephews and his eight grandnieces and grandnephews, as well as his sister-in-law, brothers-in-law, aunts, cousins, relatives and a large circle of friends.

Those who knew Kenneth described him as “the gentlest giant” and “a warm soul” who “loved the arts.”

A celebration of Kenneth’s life is due to take place for friends and family at Dardistown Cemetery Chapel in Dublin on Sunday (June 15) at 10 am with burial afterwards in Fingal cemetery.

Mr Walsh’s heartbroken family have asked for donations if desired to the RNLI or Wexford K-9 Search and Rescue.