Martin Irish, a father of two and a dear friend to many, was found dead in his flat in Bryanston on Wednesday.
According to Lieutenant Colonel Andre de Klerk of the Sandton Police Station, a case of murder is being investigated. “There are no suspects at the moment and the motive is still unknown.” However, De Klerk told the Sandton Chronicle that Irish’s car had been stolen.
It is alleged that Irish was badly assaulted during the incident. His body was found with stab wounds and he had been strangled.
A close friend of Irish for many years started to worry when he didn’t arrive for his daily meeting at their work place. “Martin would come in every morning to have tea with us,” explained the friend. “We saw him last on Monday evening when he returned from a trip to Knysna. I replied to one of his emails on Tuesday morning and then when he didn’t arrive later that morning started to worry. We thought maybe he was tired from his trip.”
She said when Wednesday came around and they had still not heard from Irish, they went to check on him.”
Long time friends, Peter and Clair McLean said they were devastated by the news. “We have known Martin for some 55 years. We have shared many meals over the years. He was a wonderful and generous man.”
“I can remember when he was still in school, Martin would sneak into the Bryanston Country Club to have a beer with me and another friend.”
McLean told the Sandton Chronicle that Irish was a wonderful family man, who was loyal to his friends. “I can’t say enough nice things about him,” said McLean.
Irish leaves behind two beautiful daughters, who will miss him dearly.
