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Body of 'gentleman' Irish grandfather Patrick Walsh tragically found in river

Patrick Walsh, 82, was originally from Mayo but had lived with his wife Nellie in Manchester for a number of years. (Picture: Danny Claffey)

TRIBUTES have poured in for tragic Irish grandfather Patrick Walsh after his body was discovered in a river yesterday.

Mr Walsh, 82, was originally from Carnacon, Co. Mayo - between Castlebar and Ballinrobe - but had lived in Manchester since the 1950s.

Married to Nellie for almost 55 years, he and his wife had played a significant part in the Irish community, with Mrs Walsh a member of the Cavan Association.

The alarm was raised yesterday morning, April 16, after the pensioner failed to return to his home.

Police said he had not been in contact with his family when he went missing from his home in North Reddish, Manchester.

Hours later, shortly before 9pm on Sunday evening, Mr Walsh's body was discovered in the River Tame in Reddish Vale – about a 15 minute walk from the Irishman’s home.

Speaking to The Irish Post, Michael Forde of the Irish World Heritage Centre in Manchester said Mr Walsh did "tremendous" work for the Irish in Manchester.

"The whole family did tremendous work for the Irish community, but Patrick always worked hard behind the scenes," Mr Forde said.

"It's obviously a loss to the Irish community in Manchester because the gentleman did tremendous work fundraising for charities, and the family were very much involved with St Wilfrid's Comhaltas and they were involved in the Mayo Youth Group as well during the 1980s.

"They have been involved in the community for a long time," Mr Forde added.

Chair of the Council of Irish Associations Anne Bohan said: "We're all very shocked, he was a lovely quiet man. He was a very witty, a real gentleman and he will be greatly missed by all in the Manchester Irish community.

"On behalf of the Council of Irish Associations, we extend our deepest sympathies to his wife Nellie, and all of his family because it must be a terrible shock for them all."

Mr Walsh is survived by his wife Nellie, children Michael and Mary and grandchildren and extended family.