THE MAN who tragically lost his life after falling from a cliff head in a coastal town in County Kerry earlier this week has been named locally as a former Limerick businessman.
Joseph (Joe) O’Mara, of Strandville Gardens, O’Callaghan Strand, died after falling from a cliff head between Ladies’ Beach and Nun’s Beach in Ballybunion, County Kerry, this past Tuesday (August 8).
The well-known local businessman, formerly of Fairgreen, Ballysimon, previously owned the popular Joe O’Mara Office Supplies store on Catherine Street in Limerick City.
Mr O’Mara’s body was removed from the water at Ballybunion following a rescue response from Ballybunion Sea and Cliff Rescue, who were reporting to a call received at around 6pm on Tuesday evening.
The tragic incident was also attended by the Shannon-based Rescue 115 helicopter, the National Ambulance Service operating out of Tralee, the Ballybunion Unit of the Irish Coast Guard, and Gardaí from Listowel.
According to a statement from An Garda Síochana, Mr O’Mara’s body was removed from the scene and taken to University Hospital Limerick, where a post mortem was to take place. No foul play is suspected.
Mr O’Mara’s death has come as a great shock to the Limerick community, with many already paying tribute and respects to the former stationary and office supply shop owner.
Speaking to Limerick’s Live 95, Labour councillor Joe Leddin said: “I knew Joe for well over 30 years, when I started out in my own professional life I would have had many dealings with Joe calling in and out to his own successful business.”
Cllr Leddin described the late Limerick businessman as “a very affable, engaging, and pleasant man to deal with” and a “central figure in the economic and business life of Limerick for many, many years”.
Others paying tribute online described him as a “gentleman” who worked hard and was always helpful to his customers and clients.
Mr O’Mara is deeply regretted by his children Jen, Mike, and Lloyd, grandchildren Leon, Savero, Amelia, Jake, Aleks, Matthew, and Amiee, sisters Ann and Catherine, brother Martin, children-in-law, nephews and nieces, as well as his large family and wide network of friends. He is predeceased by his beloved wife Sylvia.
Mr O’Mara will be reposing at Cross’ Funeral Home on Lower Gerald Griffin Street between 3.30pm and 5pm on Tuesday August 15, followed by removal to St Saviour’s Church on Glentworth Street.
Requiem Mass for the late Limerick businessman will take place on Wednesday August 16 at 10am, after which a cremation service will be held in Shannon Crematorium at 12pm.
Mr O’Mara’s family have requested no flowers and that their home remain private, but have suggested a donation in his name to Ballybunion Sea and Cliff Rescue.
