South African tradesman who died in accident at former Glass Bottle site remembered as ‘a gentleman’
Tributes have been posted online to Samuel Benjamin Small, in his 40s, with people commenting on his professionalism and thanking him for being a mentor
Samuel Benjamin Small, in his 40s, died at the construction site on Friday, December 12. A photograph of a beaming Mr Small was posted online to remember the popular tradesman.Originally from South Africa, Mr Small was a member of the Poolbeg Yacht Club in south Dublin and had lived in the area for a number of years.Mr Small’s funeral will take place on Monday at 11am at St Matthew’s Church in Irishtown, south Dublin.In his death notice, Mr Small’s loved ones wrote that he had died unexpectedly. He was, it added, the “Beloved son of Rob and Sara-Lea and loving brother of Kirsten, Rupert, Cian and Cierewyn.”Mr Small would be “very sadly missed by his loving family, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, extended family, work colleagues and friends,” the notice read.Today's News in 90 Seconds - Sunday, December 21 The Health and Safety Authority told the Irish Independent it is “aware of the fatal incident and has launched an investigation.”A Garda spokesperson said: “Gardaí and emergency services responded to a fatal workplace accident in Ringsend, Dublin 4 on Friday 12th December 2025.“A male (aged in his 40s) was pronounced deceased at the scene. His body was removed to the Dublin City mortuary for a post-mortem examination. The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) has been notified and will conduct its own investigation. A file will be prepared for the coroner.”A social media post from those representing the Ringsend and Irishtown community, asked for residents to come together to “give this young man a proper Ringsend send-off,” due to most of Mr Small’s family living abroad. The post added: “I know his mum, dad and siblings would truly appreciate it.”One mourner wrote on RIP.ie: “My old pal Sam, what a man, a master of his craft. Will be sadly missed by all who know him. My condolences to his family.”Another wrote: “Rest in peace Samuel, adding value to our country and to pass under those tragic circumstances is very sad. Condolences to your family and may you rest in peace.”Mr Small was also remembered for his “friendly smile and big handshake,” by another mourner. While another simply wrote: “Rest in peace beautiful boy, you were loved.”A friend described how Mr Small had been a “lovely man,” who “was always smiling.” She added: “I always said his name was the opposite of him. He was big in stature but also in personality. I will miss his smile and will remember the great times with him and our mutual friends. He will never be forgotten.”Another friend said he is “thankful that you taught me, mentored me and helped me to progress into the installer I am today.”“I’ll never forget our kind and gentle crew mate,” another added. “Sam, you were a gentleman and a good pal. You always showed up for everyone. We’ll never forget you.”
