A Co Cavan man has died as a result of an underground explosion at a mine in Australia.
Former Cootehill footballer Ambrose ‘Ambie’ McMullen was confirmed dead at the scene after emergency services were called to the Endeavor mine at Cobar.
Police said a man, in his 60s, was confirmed dead at the scene and two women, both in their 20s, were brought to the surface, but one later died. The second woman was airlifted to hospital for minor injuries and shock.
Paying tribute to her former classmate, Cllr Carmel Brady described Mr McMullen as a “great sports man” and someone who was always “nice to be around.” She told Northern Sound: “His sister Mary and Kevin still live in Cootehill. It’s just devasting news to be such a young man taken in this way. We’re all absolutely heartbroken and I want to extend my sympathies and condolences to all of his family at this time.”
The incident which occurred in the state of New South Wales is reported to be the first such incident of its kind since 2015.