RIP: Tributes paid to Will Nugent in Tipperary 'who brought the River Suir to life'

Tributes have been paid after the sad passing of Will Nugent in Cahir. 

Will passed away peacefully on the afternoon of March 29 in Tipperary University Hospital surrounded by his family.

He will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered by his partner Diane, daughter Asha, sons Fergus, Colum and Ciaran their mother Helen, his adoring brothers and sisters as well as his nieces and nephews.

His grandson Rían and grand-daughter Rosanna carry his legacy into a new generation of Nugents.

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Will dedicated his life to community and touched the lives of many through his selfless volunteering, art, drama and kayaking.

He was at total peace and contentment kayaking on the River Suir and was a true ambassador for the beauty of nature in south Tipperary.

Reposing at Costigan's Funeral Home, Cahir on Monday evening from 5pm to 7pm where all are welcome to come and pay respect to Will and his family.

A private ceremony will take place for family at The Island Crematorium Cork on Tuesday at 12 noon. Following the ceremony, it is Will's wishes that a celebration of life is held in Cahir House Hotel.

The Nugent family would love for everybody to join them at 2.30pm for an afternoon filled with storytelling, nostalgia and loving memories. 

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The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the staff of Tipperary University Hospital, University Hospital Waterford and Dr Lyons of Market Yard Surgery, Cahir.

In a touching tribute, Cllr Andy Moloney said: "RIP Will Nugent, he brought the River Suir to life with his good friend Ted and continued to do so for years after Ted’s passing.

"Teaching the skills and encouraging younger ones in his own unique way to get paddling and rise above their fears.

"He took many tours along the river and his summer camps filled quickly and were always affordable.

"Those who paddled with Will loved him dearly and his reassurance settled the weaker paddlers.

"On quieter days or when a group cancelled he would be seen heading along the river bank in his canoe picking litter and bringing it to the boat slip for collection followed by a quick text to say bag full, leave it with you.

"He loved nature and the peace of the water, he may now rest in peace and himself and Ted may paddle on again (but maybe without the hardship of hauling that longboat they started with)

"Rest in Peace Will, your loss will be huge as a friend to Cahir and the district and condolences to your family and many friends."