The family of Piotr Bedzlowicz is still waiting for his body to be returned to Poland, nearly two months after he drowned off the coast of Clare.
The body, which is believed to be that of the 40-year-old Polish man, will remain in the morgue at Limerick Regional Hospital until such time as DNA experts are satisfied it is Mr Bedzlowicz.
"The family hoped the ashes would be flown back by Christmas at the latest. They need some closure now," said Terence Mangan of Lions Club International, a humanitarian organisation based in Limerick and Clare.
The hospital's mortician, Dr John Doyle, explained the delay was due to difficulties confirming the identity of the deceased.
"It is very unfortunate and to be honest I am not certain what is causing the delay in matching DNA samples. The samples have been sent off and I am awaiting instructions from the Garda. It is very unfortunate."
Mr Bedzlowicz's wife, Lucyna, who earns €100 a week as a primary school teacher in Laskowice, northern Poland, has four children, aged from 18 months to 17 years.
To date the Polish Drowning Tragedy Appeal has raised €12,000 but hopes to raise at least €25,000 through the sale of an Irish/English/Polish phrase guide.
Phrases for Piotr, in aid of the Bedzlowicz family, will be officially launched in January in the Limerick/Ennis region by the Lions Club International.
The A4 folded laminated card will be on sale for €2 and contains 35 key phrases. "It's a very simple thing but I believe it will enable us to put the final figure together," said Mr Mangan.
The timing of Mr Bedzlowicz's disappearance on October 29th compounded the family's grief, as he was due to return home for a holiday four days later.
"I believe [Mrs Bedzlowicz] is finding it very tough, especially when she is thousands of miles away. But we can't put pressure on the people who are doing the identification - it has to be 100 per cent accurate," said Mr Mangan.
Mr Bedzlowicz was swept out to sea by a freak wave at Tullig Point, Co Clare, while fishing.
• Donations to the Bedzlowicz family can be made at AIB Ennis, account number 42605021, sort code 93 53 87.