Widow returned from cremation to find home ransacked

A widow returning from the cremation of her husband fell to her knees when she saw the damage done to her home by heartless thieves who not only burgled their house, but destroyed many of their possessions as well.

The family of wealthy Limerick businessman Joseph (Josie) Walsh, who died aged 84, are now trying to warn other families of the dangers of burglary during funerals.

Mr Walsh was well known in the motor trade and ran one of the oldest garages in Munster.

His wife, Geraldine, and their children, Adam, 18, daughter Rose, 26, along with her partner, Patrick Dundon, travelled to Dublin on Friday, March 7 for his cremation with a large group of relatives and friends.

On their return to the family home in the city they found the interior of the home torn asunder and valuable jewellery and a large sum of cash missing.

Mr Dundon said last night: “When Geraldine went in the front door and realised what had been done to their lovely home, she fell on her knees, such was her compounded grief and anguish.

“All her jewellery was stolen and jewellery which Josie kept in a cigar box was also taken. The items included some very valuable pieces and other pieces of gold of enormous sentimental value.

“They ripped up mattresses and even the teddy bears he had bought Adam and Rose as children. But not alone that, they even smashed in wall panels, doors and furniture. It was as though they carried out wanton vandalism in a fit of rage. Gardaí reckon they must have been in the house for hours.”

Before leaving for the cremation in Dublin, Mr Dundon secured the family home. “I even went so far as to change locks and remotes on the gates. On getting back to Limerick, we noticed something was wrong as there were ladders moved in the yard. I found a window forced open. We called the gardaí and on going in we were met by a scene of absolute destruction.

“Doors smashed to pieces, contents of drawers and cabinets strewn everywhere, mattresses slashed and wanton destruction of items all over the house, even the attic was trashed and a huge amount of possessions and any cash they could find were stolen.

“Josie’s bedroom was particularity ransacked with his possessions thrown everywhere and broken with no regard. This was very distressing as this was the room in which he had passed away.

“I am sure the thieves knew we would be out of the city as a sign had been put up outside his garage business to state the funeral arrangements and they waited to target our home. This information was also on the website RIP.ie.”

Mr Dundon said the family wanted to make people aware of this danger as “dealing with the loss of your loved ones is enough without having to lose your home too.”

Gardaí at Roxboro Rd station have appealed to any persons who may have seen anything suspicious near the house to contact them.