Tributes after Tralee man passes away in NZ

AN ONLINE fundraiser to help cover the costs of bringing the body of a Tralee man home after his sudden passing in New Zealand last week has already raised almost €23,460 as of Tuesday morning.

Bill Lalor passed away suddenly late last week and leaves behind a wife – Castlegregory woman Sinead Lalor – and their one-year-old son, Liam.

Bill and Sinead had been living in New Zealand since 2013 where Liam had been working as a firefighter.

Bill was a former member of the fire service in Tralee – who passed on their thoughts and prayers to Bill’s family on Saturday.

Previously Bill had also been an active member of the sports programme in IT Tralee, who on Monday described him as “a passionate hurling man, a real character and a pure gentleman.”

A memorial service for the popular 41-year-old was held in the Mount Roskill suburb of Auckland on Tuesday, with arrangements still being made to bring Bill’s body home for burial.

Paying a heartfelt tribute to her husband, Sinead had this to say to The Kerryman on Monday about Bill:

“Bill was forever helping people and gave himself in every way to people always. He would be forever thankful for all the support and generosity that everyone has shown to help both Liam and myself.”

“I too want to say that I will never forget the love we have been shown. I do thank you all from the bottom of my heart,” she said.

Finishing up with a message for Bill, she simply said:

“I loved you Bill, I love you still and I always will.”

You can donate to the fundraiser through the link on ‘The Kerryman’ Facebook page.

Photos provided by Sinead Lalor. LEFT: Bill pictured playing with his one-year-old son, Liam, at home in New Zealand and ABOVE: Bill pictured with his beloved wife, Sinead, and son Liam.