Wicklow community ‘devastated' following death of dad (40s) in workplace accident
Tributes have been paid to a man who was killed in a workplace accident in Rathdrum, County Wicklow.
The victim died from his injuries following a fatal workplace accident at a building site which occurred on Wednesday afternoon at approximately 3.30pm.
He has been named locally as John Maher who was in his late forties and was living at Kilmoeny North in Rathangan in County Kildare but who was originally from Rathevan, Portlaoise in County Laois.
John Maher
News in 90 Seconds - Thursday, July 3
An Irish Coast Guard helicopter was tasked to a building site. It did not land as the man had died from his injuries at the scene.
His body was removed to St. Columcille's Hospital in Loughlinstown where a post-mortem exam is due to take place on Thursday.
Locals said that John was a ''through gentleman and a very hard worker''.
Paying tribute the Fine Gael TD for Wicklow-Wexford Brian Brennan said 'I spoke to a number of people in the Rathdrum area and people are absolutely devastated.'
"To say there is a cloud over Rathdrum this morning is putting it mildly.'' 'You know, it's horrific for any family to deal with such a sudden death. It's just horrific and our thoughts and prayers are with the family obviously of this man and with the people of Rathdrum. As I say they're absolutely devastated.''
John is survived by his wife Tracey, sons Seán and Fionn, parents Pat and Mary, brother Liam, sisters Patricia and Eileen. No funeral arrangements have been made as yet.
Gardaí and the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) have each launched separate investigations following the death of a man in Rathdrum, County
Wicklow on Wednesday July 2nd His death comes just a day after a man lost his life in a workplace fatality in County Kilkenny. The man who has not been named was hit with a lorry during road works close to Kilkenny city.
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