A man who was involved in a mining accident at Galmoy Mines in Co Kilkenny on Friday has died from his injuries.
Michael Joyce (43) fell through a safety railing while working underground. He sustained serious head injuries and died at the Midlands Regional Hospital, Tullamore, yesterday afternoon.
He is survived by his wife Eileen and two young children.
Mr Joyce was a mine fitter and had been working at the lead and zinc mine for almost seven years.
Lundin Mining, the Swedish company that owns Galmoy Mines, said the company "deeply regretted" the fatality. Managing director Stefan Mansson said Mr Joyce was a well-respected colleague. "The accident is foremost a tragedy for Michael's family," he said. "The loss of Michael is deeply regretted by the management and staff at the mine.
"We will thoroughly investigate the cause of this accident in conjunction with the Health and Safety Authority. On this day our thoughts are with Michael's wife Eileen and their two small children, as well as the family circle."
The mine is closed and will not reopen until after Mr Joyce's funeral.
Some 245 people are employed at the mine, which opened in 1997.
