Warm tributes have been paid to the memory of homeless man Josef Pavelka at a special candle lit vigil in Ennis.
Around a hundred people packed into Thompson’s Lane off O’Connell Street last night where the 52 year old Czech national’s body was found on Saturday.
Retired District Court Judge Joseph Mangan and Mayor of Clare, Clr Pat Daly were among the mourners.
Josef’s Pavelka’s photo, the flag of the Czech republic, candles and flowers were laid on the step where his body was found.
Addressing those present Father Ger Fitzgerald said “it wasn’t a time to be angry” – but to remember “a gentle and loving man” who had “left his mark on our hearts and our lives.”
Mr Pavelka’s friend and Polish national Piotr Baram also attended the vigil and told those present that the 52 year old remains alive in his heart.
Yesterday he travelled to the morgue at Limerick Regional Hospital to bid farewell to Josef and today is due to check into a treatment centre in Cork in a bid to overcome his alcohol addiction.
Authorities in the Czech Republic have made contact with Mr Pavelka’s daughter and sister and Ennis Gardaí are awaiting to hear from the consulate in Dublin on the family’s wishes regarding repatriation.
