Gardaí have referred an investigation into the death of a mother-of-three in Co Limerick to the Health and Safety Authority (HSA).
The woman, who has been named locally as Elizabeth “Liz” Lynch, 44, from the Newcastle West area, died after a trench being dug in preparation for a septic tank collapsed on top of her.
The fatal incident occurred at a site in Kilmeedy, a short distance from Newcastle West town.
Despite the efforts of others at the scene, Ms Lynch was pronounced dead at the scene.
Gardaí attended “a fatal workplace incident at a premises in Kilmeedy, Co Limerick” on Friday, a garda spokesperson said.
“A woman aged in her 40s was pronounced deceased at the scene. This matter has been referred to the HSA for further investigation,” the garda spokesperson said.
When asked for comment, a HSA spokesperson said: “The Health and Safety Authority is aware of the incident and has launched an investigation.”
The mother of three was a keen sportswoman.
She was an accomplished football player and coached in both GAA and soccer in her local community.
Originally from Feenagh in Co Limerick she was living in the Newcastle West area before her death.
“She was a lovely woman who was highly involved in women’s sports,” one person who knew her said.
“She coached girls’ teams and was loved and greatly respected locally. Her death is a terrible tragedy for her family and for the wider community.”
Ms Lynch’s family suffered another sudden bereavement last year when her brother, Timothy Lynch Jnr, from Kilmurry, Feenagh, died on November 22, 2025.
Mr Lynch was working as a builder on his own future home when he died.
His partner, Catriona Brennan from Kilmeedy, said local first responders were the first on the scene and did all they could to save him.
“He is deeply missed every day by myself and all of his family and friends. It’s been extremely hard, because Tim passed away so suddenly,” Ms Brennan said at the time.
Local Fine Gael councillor and publican Adam Teskey said: “It is an awful shock to people here in the locality, the area is in immense mourning.”
“It’s taking a devastating toll on the community and our sympathies are with the family at this time,” Mr Teskey said.
Ms Lynch was involved in coaching young girls in sport and was a member of Monagea Ladies Gaelic Football Club.
The club has suspended all activity this weekend as a mark of respect, as has Newcastle West Town FC.
The Limerick Desmond Soccer League added its condolences online and said: “On behalf of the league we would like to pass on our condolences to Liz’s family & friends at this very sad time, may she RIP.”
A fundraiser in Kilmeedy has also been cancelled following Ms Lynch’s death.
“This evening, our hearts are simply broken,” a post from Kilmeedy Social Farm said.
“Following the heartbreaking news from our parish this evening, we have made the very difficult decision to postpone Sarah’s fundraiser for St. Ita’s Community Hospital, which was due to take place this Sunday.
“This decision wasn’t taken lightly, but at a time like this, we feel it is only right to stand with our neighbours. Our thoughts, prayers and love are with all of the families affected, and we want to give them the space, love and privacy they need as they face the most difficult of circumstances,” the post said.
“Please hug your loved ones a little tighter tonight. Check in on your neighbours. Be kind. And above all, let’s look after one another.”