A tragic discovery was made this week when the body of William Frederick Balmer, a 52-year-old engineer from Grove Park, Rathmines, was found in the Ramparts Quarry pond near Sundrive Road, Kimmage. Balmer, dressed in deep mourning attire, had been reported missing since October 6.

The body was discovered on Monday by a youth, Peter Doyle, of Lismore Road, Kimmage. Doyle noticed the body floating in the quarry while attempting to pull a piece of wire from the water. He immediately alerted men working nearby, who called the authorities.

Discovery and Examination

Sergt. O’Donnell, accompanied by Guards Power and Hanley from Terenure Garda Station, responded to the scene. The body, which was floating near the shore, was recovered without much difficulty and transported to Londonbridge Road Morgue for examination.

The deceased was dressed in a black suit, black mourning tie, and freshly soled black boots. His laundry mark, B 729, was identified on a size 15 collar. Personal belongings included 8s. 2d. in cash, a black purse, a bunch of keys, and a cigarette lighter, but no papers were found to help establish his identity at the time.

Cause of Death

At an inquest conducted by Dr. J. P. Brennan, South Co. Dublin Coroner, medical evidence indicated that Balmer’s body had been in the water for six to seven days. There were no signs of violence, aside from a minor contusion above his left eye, which was determined to have occurred before death, likely from striking his head during a fall.

The coroner returned a verdict of death by asphyxia due to drowning, ruling the incident an accidental death. It was noted that an unprotected path around the quarry could have led to Balmer falling into the water inadvertently.

A Troubled Site

This is not the first tragedy associated with the Ramparts Quarry pond. Local residents recall that two other bodies were discovered in the same quarry some months prior, raising concerns about safety in the area.

Balmer, a skilled engineer, leaves behind a grieving community. The circumstances of his fall remain unclear, but the inquest has provided some closure for those close to him.

Efforts may now turn to improving safety measures at the quarry to prevent further accidents in this dangerous and unprotected area.