RIP: Tipperary crash victim remembered as kind, hardworking and devoted to his family

The community of Portroe and the surrounding areas is in deep mourning following the tragic death of Daniel Cieslar, of the Lookout, Portroe, Co Tipperary. Daniel tragically lost his life after a single-vehicle crash on the R445 in the early hours of Sunday 9 November.

He leaves behind his beloved wife, Magdalena, cherished children Sara and David, his parents Helena and Jan, sisters Lidia, Estera, Miriam and Debora, brother Samuel, as well as a wide circle of relatives, neighbours and friends.

At his funeral mass on Thursday morning, Parish Priest Fr Lorcan Kenny acknowledged the profound shock and sense of loss felt by the family, comparing grief to an unwelcome guest, and describing how kindness and community solidarity act like a

“warm woollen blanket” around those in mourning.

“It nearly takes your breath away… friendship never does. Companionship, never does. It helps us move through it.”

“From all of us here … you are seen, and we are in solidarity with you.”

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In a moving eulogy, he was remembered:

“Daniel was a wonderful son and brother, always there when needed, always with a helping hand, a kind word… He also loved his work. Daniel was a skilled tiler who took great pride and joy in what he did. His work brought him satisfaction and fulfilment, because he loved creating something lasting, something that would remain after him.”

The funeral service in St Mary’s Church, Portroe, was held with dignity and great humility, reflecting the high regard in which Daniel was held.

In the days following his passing, countless messages have poured in online, testifying to the impact Daniel had on the community. Among them:

“My sincere condolences to Daniel's family. Daniel was an incredibly gifted tradesman, an artist in what he did. He was an admirable man. I'm very saddened to hear that he has passed away. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h'anam.”

“I'm sorry to hear of Daniel's passing, I have worked with him over the past 20 years, a gentleman always.”

“Sincere sympathies Magda, David & Sara on such a heartbreaking loss. You will all be in our thoughts and prayers during this unimaginably difficult time. Condolences also to Daniel's parents and siblings. May he rest in peace.”

“So saddened to hear this. Daniel tiled my house last year — such a humble and hardworking man who often spoke so lovingly about his family. May his gentle soul rest in peace. My thoughts are with his family at this very sad time.”

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“The Board of Management, staff and pupils of Scoil Mhuire wish to extend our deepest sympathies to Magda, David and Sara on the heartbreaking loss of their beloved husband and father, Daniel.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this very difficult time.

“May Daniel rest in peace”

These sentiments reflect the breadth of Daniel’s relationships, from trades colleagues and schoolfriends to neighbours and local businesses, and underscore how his loss is felt far beyond his immediate family.

Daniel reposed in Lynch’s Funeral Home, Killaloe, on Wednesday 12 November, his funeral mass took place in St Mary’s Church, Portroe, on Thursday 13 November followed by burial in Garrykennedy Cemetery.

In the wake of the tragedy, friends of the family have launched an online fundraiser to help support Magda and the children as they come to terms with their loss. The campaign aims to ease the immediate financial pressures facing the family, including funeral expenses and daily living costs in the difficult months ahead.

The fundraiser has already drawn support from across the community, with dozens of people sharing messages of sympathy and remembrance online.

Those wishing to contribute can find the campaign at https://www.gofundme.com/f/daniel-cieslar.

May Daniel rest in peace.