Father-of-five killed in Carlow farm accident always had a ‘glint of devilment in his eyes’

Eddie Fitzachary (60s) of Tullow, Co Carlow and formerly of Bunclody, Co Wexford and Rathfarnham, Co Dublin died tragically following a farm accident in Co Carlow on Saturday.

Gardaí were alerted to a fatal workplace incident at a premises in Hacketstown, Co. Carlow on Saturday April 20, 2024.

A male in his 60s was pronounced dead at the scene. His body was taken to the mortuary at University Hospital Waterford where a post-mortem examination took place.

The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) have been notified and attended the scene and a file has been prepared for the Coroner.

Mr. Fitzachary’s eldest son Barry paid to tribute to his dad’s sense of humour, which he said was always accompanied with a “glint of devilment in his eyes".

"I look forward to hearing stories about my dad in the coming days, months and I hope years. He was a devil,” chuckled an emotional Barry.

“We have heard about how my dad was involved in construction and farming, but one thing he also did was restore some tractors. This was something he did meticulously. They looked beautiful leaving the yard.

"When he fixed things he would always puff out his chest and proudly say ‘well what do you think of your old dad?’.

"But to fix things, sometimes you have to break them first which he was very good at. When the car came to collect my dad after the accident, true to dad’s form that car broke down and the guys got a great laugh out of that because it was such an Eddie thing to happen.”

“He gave us a lot over the years,” added Barry. “Three things I can point out in particular is his work ethic, his sense of humour and a surname we’re going to have to spell for the rest of our lives.”

As Barry came to the end of his dad’s eulogy his voice started to crack as he became overwhelmed with emotion.

"I stand here having to honour my dad but I also have to stand here and honour my family, people who I am very proud to call my family, every single one of them.

“Mam, I won’t say too much but just so you know we are all truly proud of you and we love you so much.

"And finally, I just want to say, I love you dad,” concluded Barry as he tearfully paused with his hand on his dad’s coffin as father and son shared one final moment together.

Along with flowers and a photo of Mr. Fitzachary, a tractor and Eddie's favourite mug were placed on his coffin.

The tractor represented Mr. Fitzachary’s love for tractors. He was never far from the tractor, whether on his way to or from a job, he was always seen in his tractor.

Next to the tractor sat Mr. Fitzachary's favourite mug which symbolised a hot mug of tea. Mr. Fitzachary always had to have a big mug for his tea and usually had about five mugs of tea before he had even left the house.

“Death whenever it comes is never welcome but a sudden death by accident is an enormous shock to the immediate family,” sympathised parish priest of the Church of the Most Holy Trinity Bunclody, Fr Laurence O’Connor as he addressed the congregation.

"It is difficult to come to terms with a sudden death. It shakes our faith and belief and challenges our understanding of life and life’s purpose.

"We lose someone who is always there for us as things that were normal for us are no longer possible such as conversation, good fun and laughter with that person.”

He added: “Eddie was a good man. Work was the main feature of his life and he worked energetically over the years as a mechanic, as a contractor and as a farmer. A farm accident was the cause of his death.

"He loved to have a laugh and was renowned for his jokes and funny stories and causing trouble. He had a marvellous sense of humour.

"On Saturday Eddie took his sudden, unexpected leave from us. We now take the opportunity to thank Eddie for the many ways he was a blessing to many people during his time with us.”

Mr. Fitzachary is the “beloved husband of Audrey, loving father of Nikki, Alex, Barry, David and Evan, and loving son of Mai, brother of Paddy, Paul, Philip, Marie, Annette and Bridget,” read his death notice on RIP.ie.

“Deeply regretted by his loving wife, sons, daughters, mother, brothers, sisters, grandchildren, close friend Mick Gahan, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, neighbours, relatives and friends".