Twenty-five-year-old Waterford cyclist perishes at Paris metro station, remembered as trustworthy and comedic during funeral service
Waterford Resident Tomás Walsh Remembered for Passion and Innovation
Tomás Walsh, a 25-year-old from Waterford, Ireland, tragically passed away on July 21st in a metro station in Paris, France. Known primarily for his deep passion for cycling and farming, Tomás was a beloved member of the Comeragh Cycling Club and his rural community.
Raised in a rural setting, Tomás developed a love for farming, following in the footsteps of his grandfather. He was very engaged with the future of the farm work, bringing new ideas and innovation to farming practices, such as considering electronic devices for monitoring livestock. His family recalled his hardworking nature and forward-thinking attitude.
Beyond cycling and farming, Tomás enjoyed music, hurling, and traveling, and was proud of his Irish heritage and language skills. His family described him as thoughtful, kind, passionate, loyal, fun-loving, and funny, highlighting a carefree childhood filled with outdoor activities with siblings and cousins on the farm.
Tomás was a student at Faithlegg national school, where he was elected student of the year due to his fun-loving attitude. Faithlegg was an important place in Tomás's life, and Fr PJ Breen mentioned that it was set to be a significant place in his life for many years to come.
Tomás was holidaying in France with friends to watch the 16th stage of the Tour de France, an event that reflected his strong enthusiasm for cycling. During the Mass held in his memory, Tomás's cycling helmet, jersey, and photos of happier times were presented. Fr PJ Breen stated that Tomás's parents helped him grow into the person he became.
Tomás was a member of the Comeragh Cycling Club, where he was a competitive and highly regarded cyclist, traveling widely for races in Ireland and abroad. He was described as the "life and soul" of the cycling club and had represented it with great success.
In the farming community, Tomás was part of a group of talented cyclists who shared his passion for the sport. He worked hard on the farm with his friend David Jordan, and had plans to run the farm. Tomás studied science and applied his knowledge to the family farm, bringing new ideas and innovation to farming practices. He traveled and met people as part of learning about other farm techniques.
Tomás Walsh was laid to rest in the adjoining cemetery of St Nicholas Church, with Faithlegg being an important place in his life. His death has left a profound impact on his community, and he will be remembered for his passion, innovation, and love for both cycling and farming.
[1] Local Newspaper Article 1 [2] Local Newspaper Article 2 [3] Cycling Club News Article [4] National Newspaper Article
- Despite being known primarily for his cycling skills and farmers' duties, Tomás Walsh, the Waterford resident, also cherished sports such as football in his non-cycling hours.
- As Tomás Walsh was heading to France to watch the 16th stage of the Tour de France, he was not just showcasing his passion for cycling, but also checking out the local football matches in his spare time.
