Body found in Wicklow confirmed as missing walker

The Dublin Wicklow Mountain Rescue Team has confirmed that the body of a man discovered in the Wicklow mountains this afternoon is that of a missing hill-walker.

The man, 71-year-old Walter Hammond from Blessington in Co Wicklow, had been missing since Thursday.

The remains were discovered in the mountains at about 3pm.

He was reported missing on Thursday after he failed to return from a walking trip.

The former Guinness brewery worker living in the area for at least 13 years having moved from Dublin.

The father of three helped his wife Margaret run a bed and breakfast in Blessington.

One local resident said: “I think, really, people are glad that he was found but the rest of it has not sunk in yet, it will be a big loss.”

She said the victim regularly walked in the area.

“He loved the Wicklow Mountains,” she added. “He loved it out walking and he loved the garden; he was a great man.”