Irish tradie Alan Walsh dies suddenly while working at a Perth mine as family and friends rally to return his body home to Limerick

A young Irish tradie has died unexpectedly while working in an Australian mine, sparking an outpouring of grief on both sides of the world.

Alan Walsh, 26, was working at a mining site in Perth on September 28 when he suffered a sudden medical episode and could not be revived.

Local construction workers and friends from Limerick, Ireland have rallied around Mr Walsh’s family and paid tribute to the beloved son, brother, uncle and partner.

Funeral plans have been put on hold as loved ones await news on when his body can be repatriated to Ireland.

Australian colleagues have set up an online fundraising campaign and will split the proceeds three-way, at the wishes of Mr Walsh’s mother, Anne.

Alan Walsh was working in a mine in Perth a week ago when he suffered a medical episode

‘He was 26 years old, surrounded by the best friends locally, living his best life, with the world at his feet. Everyone who knew him thought so highly of Alan, he just had that infectious positive attitude,” the crowdfunding page said.

‘As is standard across the construction industry here in Australia and the collective community, we have had many kind offers from individuals wanting to help in some way, so we have set up this fund to enable us to contribute to making the difficult weeks ahead. A little bit easier for Alan’s family.’

Mr Walsh had been living in Australia since 2020, according to his mother.

‘My dear, kind-hearted son, no words can describe how we feel today. He was living and enjoying his time in Australia, three years since March when he and his good friends set out on their great adventure. Too young and too early,” she wrote online.

‘He lived a happy life and made many friends through his sport. He will be greatly missed. RIP Alan, until we meet again.’

Alan Walsh (pictured) had been living his best life in Australia before disaster struck

Mr Walsh, who was affectionately known as ‘Buller’, is remembered as a keen footballer, with several former clubs paying tribute online.

“Alan was without a doubt a manager’s dream as he had no problem playing in goal or out of the field as he excelled in both positions,” wrote Geraldines AFC Limerick.

“Alan had a great love for all sports, and he will be missed.”

According to St Patricks Gaa Limerick, Mr Walsh put a smile on everyone’s faces with his humorous nature and goodwill.

“Alan or ‘Buller’ as he was affectionately known played at the club from an early age, playing both on the field and as Mr Dependable in goals or when supporting the Saints, he was a much loved player and friend,” wrote the club.

‘You would always feel much better if you met Alan, whether it was in the dressing room before the match or just for a chat. You couldn’t meet a nicer, more outgoing person who was so full of life.”

The crowdfunding page raised more than $40,000 within hours.

Mr Walsh’s family want some of the proceeds to be donated to the Cladagh Association, a Western Australia-based group that supports Irish expats.

They are also keen to support the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust, which helps alleviate the financial difficulties of bereaved families by repatriating the bodies of loved ones who have died abroad back to Ireland.

The remaining proceeds will go towards repatriation costs and supporting Mr Walsh’s family in the difficult months ahead.

Alan Walsh’s body will be repatriated to his family in Limerick, Ireland