RIP: Well-known glassblower killed in Waterford city assault named locally

A Waterford man who died following a serious assault at the weekend has been named locally. 

Pat Fitzgerald, who was aged in his 70s, was found injured and unresponsive at a residential property in Waterford city on Friday afternoon. 

Gardaí and emergency services were called to the incident in St. Catherine's Grange housing estate and arrived shortly after 2pm. Mr Fitzgerald was then brought to Waterford University Hospital where he was pronounced dead on Sunday.

Gardai say a man, aged in his 30s, was arrested at the crime scene and has since been charged in connection with the incident. No further details have been disclosed as the man is currently before Waterford District Court. 

Mr Fitzgerald who worked as a glassblower at Waterford Crystal went on to work as a union convenor for the 3,500 strong workforce.

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According to a notice published on rip.ie, Pat will reposing at Tom Hennessy's Funeral Home, 45A Johnstown, Waterford (X91 FW4A), on Thursday August 7 from 5:30pm to 7pm.

His Funeral will take place at the Sacred Heart Church, The Folly, Waterford at 12midday on Friday. Burial will take place afterwards in St. Mary's Cemetery, Ballygunner, Waterford. 

Investigating gardai say 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 was carried out at the weekend.

"A Senior Investigating Officer 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."

Gardaí are currently appealing to the public to come forward with any information to Waterford garda station on 051305300 or the Garda confidential line on 1800666111. 

Investigations into the crime are still taking place.