Former MEP Mick Wallace trying to find stolen phone with images of late son

Former MEP Mick Wallace is attempting to trace a stolen phone which contains photographs, texts and voice mails from his late son, who died during the summer aged 30.

Joseph Barry Wallace died of a brain haemorrhage in hospital after falling ill while attending the Beyond the Pale festival in June.

He had successful surgery for a brain tumour last year and had made a good recovery. However, a second tumour was detected in the weeks leading up to his death.

In a post on social media, Mr Wallace said his family were hoping to get the phone back as it contains precious memories.

“Appeal to the good people of Wexford. My son had his phone stolen and it has all the voice messages with his brother Joseph who has recently passed away.

“Any information on finding the phone can be offered to Cllr Aoife Rose O'Brien.”

Cllr O’Brien posted on Facebook that the black Samsung S23 Ultra was stolen yesterday and that a reward was being offered for its safe return.

“A phone was robbed in the Whitford gym men's changing rooms. There was a combination lock on the locker. It's a black Samsung S23 Ultra.

“Sadly, my friend lost his younger brother unexpectedly a couple of months ago. The images, messages, videos and voice notes on this phone are irreplaceable

“There is a reward ready for the person who hands this phone back into the gym. Please, do the right thing and give this family back the memories they will forever cherish.

“Unfortunately CCTV won't indicate anything aside from the people who left the gym, with there being a pool entrance at the other side too. Hoping for a witness to come forward or the phone to be handed in.”

Joseph's death took place just two weeks after Mick Wallace lost his European Parliament seat, having represented the constituency of Ireland South for five years.

Anyone with information on the phone should contact Cllr Aoife Rose O’Brien on social media, the Whitford gym in Wexford or any Garda station.